The definition of Multipotentiality:

 Multipotentiality is an educational and psychological term referring to the ability of a person, particularly one of intellectual or artistic curiosity, to excel in two or more different fields. It can also refer to an individual whose interests span multiple fields or areas, rather than being strong in just one. These individuals are called "multipotentialites."

As a clinician whom specializes in giftedness, I can attest to seeing many of my clients challenged to figure out “their thing”.  In fact, they struggle to name what they are solely interested in because they are exceptionally talented in many things.  Infact, for many of my clients the choice of choosing a major or thinking about a future career is overwhelming and stress provoking.  How does one scale it down to one thing when their whole life they have been good at several things?  

Below are a list of some overlooked complexities of being a multipotentialite:

• If an individual does not have a strong sense of their authentic self than they are easily persuaded into careers they may not want to pursue

• Others may minimize the unique challenge and ignore the individuals suffering in the process, example “oh, it must be so hard to be good at everything” or “I wish I had that problem”.

• They can change their major several times which may look indecisive and chaotic

• They may jump from job to job or industry to industry out of boredom

• Too many options can create paralysis and they may become frozen, unable to make a decision and move forward

• Hiring managers or recruiters may review their resumes and think they are not reliable since they have not stayed in a role for a long period of time

• Individuals can feel like a rubber band being pulled into many directions given outsiders yearnings for their future.  For example, their science professor may recommend they look into research or their english professor may encourage them to pursue creative writing. The reality is, they could do all of these things-but the importance is focusing on what they want and not what the outside world pushes them to do.

“Multipotentialites don't quit when something becomes too hard; we quit because something becomes too easy.”
― Emilie Wapnick

When working with clients, I validate their experience (share some of my own journey). Additionally, I stress the concept of impermanence.  Your first major doesn’t have to be your major and you can always switch careers down the road.   In fact, my friends father went back to med school in his 40’s!

 My suggestion is to lean into your creativity to think outside the box, like becoming an entrepreneur, where one can creatively incorporate all of their talents in a way that suits them.  

Want to learn more about Multipotentiality?

Check out this TED Talk

Link