The term multipotentialite has been gaining traction in recent years. It describes individuals with a wide range of interests and abilities, who are not satisfied with focusing on just one field or career path. This concept is relatively new, but it has been helping many people understand their unique profile, with their strengths and challenges.
I want to be clear that I’m not writing about multipotentiality to fit people who may relate into yet another category or box. However, understanding yourself better can sometimes be powerful! If you relate to what I describe below, don’t take it as an absolute reflection of yourself. Instead, pick and choose what resonates with you as a tool to support your self-work.
Multipotentiality Is Not ADHD
One of the common misconceptions is confusing multipotentiality with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While there can be some overlap, they are fundamentally different. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Multipotentiality, however, is about having multiple interests and thriving in various fields. As multipotentialites, we do not necessarily have difficulties with attention or hyperactivity; instead, we are driven by a passion for exploring different disciplines and acquiring a range of skills.
Different Multipotentialite Profiles
As I mentioned previously, the multipotentiality terminology is fairly recent. This means that there are still discussions about and variations in the information you will find about it. Several creators seem to use different classifications of the multipotentialite profiles. Although there may be many changes to come, here are the different profiles that come up most often when doing research and that you may identify with. It includes:
The Polymath
Someone who excels in multiple fields and actively seeks to gain expertise in diverse areas. These individuals often have a multidisciplinary mindset, meaning they enjoy exploring how different fields overlap and influence one another. For example, a polymath might delve into science while also pursuing art or literature, discovering how creative thinking can enhance scientific innovation or how analytical skills can enrich artistic endeavors.
Historically, the polymath profile was revered during periods like the Renaissance, where well-rounded individuals were seen as the ideal. This was a time when knowledge itself was less compartmentalized, and intellectuals were encouraged to study multiple disciplines. Leonardo da Vinci is the best example. He excelled in painting, engineering, anatomy, and more. His life epitomized the polymath’s philosophy: that curiosity has no limits and that learning is for a lifetime.
The Scanner
This is the broadest category, if you will. The scanner profile describes individuals who thrive on variety, constantly exploring a broad range of interests, skills, and subjects. They are curious by nature, driven by a desire to try new things and experience as much as they can. Unlike those who focus deeply on a single discipline, scanners are often more interested in breadth than depth, savoring the thrill of discovery and the process of learning itself.
Scanners tend to dive headfirst into new hobbies or subjects with enthusiasm, quickly gaining a working knowledge or basic proficiency before their attention shifts to the next captivating pursuit. They may not aim to master every skill or topic they encounter; instead, they value the experience of exploration and the connections they make along the way.
In many ways, scanners embody a spirit of playfulness and experimentation. They often thrive in environments that reward creativity, adaptability, and cross-disciplinary thinking. For them, the joy is in the journey—not necessarily the destination. While it can sometimes be challenging for scanners to reconcile their love of novelty with societal pressures to specialize, their unique perspective allows them to connect dots others might miss, bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the table.
As the concept of multipotentialites is relatively new, various sources have proposed additional profiles, each attempting to define and refine these categories more accurately; however, the polymath and scanner profiles consistently appear across all categorizations, making them essential to understand.
You can find an interesting infographic of these different profiles in this blog by Mo Mentda
Let me say again that these profiles aren’t meant to be rigid boxes you must fit into. It’s about balance. You’ll likely have a dominant profile, with other traits mixed in. And remember, people change. A few years ago, I was convinced I fit the “scanner profile” because I couldn’t stick to anything for more than a few months— and I mean anything. But as I got to know myself better, I discovered passions that have lasted for years. That’s why it’s so important to keep a beginner’s mindset and always keep learning. Your profile evolves as you grow and understand yourself more deeply.
Understanding these profiles can help multipotentialites find their way and make better decisions about their careers and personal growth.
Qualities and Challenges of a Multipotentialite
Multipotentialites possess some qualities which combined together and with an above average level of each of them will tell you whether you are a multipotentialite. I insist on it being above average. A lot of people on this planet have several of the below qualities within reasons, and want variety in their lives. However, Emilie Wapnick, who is one of the major references in regards to multipotentiality, explains that while most people like variety, “only some need it”. Some of the key qualities include:
Adaptability
We have the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new situations and environments. While some people are habit creatures that need time to adapt to a new environment or a new topic (and I know many), multipotentialites feel a need to change places, industries, or activities and start everything from scratch over and over again. The opposite would actually mean getting bored quickly. If you feel this need but you’re not sure where to start, I provide 10 tips to take the first step in learning anything new.
Creative Thinking
We are the typical out-of-the-box thinkers and we always come up with innovative solutions. Multipotentialites have a constant flow of ideas for new projects to implement or new things to try.
Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge
We build broad understanding of various fields, which can lead to unique insights and approaches. This, of course, varies depending on what type of multipotentialite you are. A polymath will have more in-depth knowledge of each field than a scanner would have.
However, these qualities come with their own set of challenges, such as:
Decision Paralysis
We struggle to choose a single path or project due to the abundance of interests. The sad part is that many people who have a lot of different interests end up not engaging in any of them because they cannot prioritie one over the other.
Overwhelm
We often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities and tasks. How could it not be overwhelming when opportunities seem infinite, yet we struggle to prioritize our interests naturally? It can feel like we’re drowning in exciting ideas of potential futures.
Perceived Lack of Focus
Others may view multipotentialites as unfocused or non-committal, which can impact professional relationships and career opportunities.
And this is exactly why we are even talking about multipotentiality these days. Multipotialite often feel like they don’t belong in the societal norm that others are putting on them. Why is that?
Why Is Being Multipotentialite Even a Thing?
Using the term “multipotentialite” can make it seem like we’re describing a minority of people that need to be defined, contrasting with the majority. However, this label arose because it describes a profile that defies the norm of specialization, which most of our societies emphasize. From a young age, we’re pushed to pick one path, one field of study, and one career—and it’s even more rigid, with certain fields being seen as more prestigious.
I recall doing an apprenticeship during my university years in France, where I worked part-time while studying. Oddly, this was considered less prestigious than full-time university, perhaps because it seemed less academic. The pressure isn’t just to choose but to “choose right.”
Multipotentialites are generalists, contrasting with the specialists society expects us to become. But this doesn’t mean we are a minority. Vanessa – On My Mind’s blog highlights this well.
My Experience as a Multipotentialite
Like many multipotentialites, I’ve experienced both the highs and lows of this lifestyle. Now in my early thirties, I’ve had the privilege of living in various countries, learning several languages, working in diverse industries, and exploring countless hobbies.
What's the Cost?
Feeling inadequate or like a fraud is a constant struggle. No matter how deeply you dive into a topic or how much expertise you gain, someone will always remind you that you’re not credible because you lack formal training or 15 years of experience. Specialists eventually gain respect, but multipotentialites often face this doubt repeatedly throughout their lives.
Still, I wouldn’t change my path. I believe that our ability to connect varied experiences will eventually be recognized as the valuable skill it is.
Finding out I was a multipotentialite has lifted the guilt of not sticking to one job or field. Naming this concept brings recognition to generalists, and it helps others better understand our diverse and unconventional paths.
Have you faced similar challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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