MASTERY!

Understanding what Mastery means to US!

A friend, Wale, once asked,

"Dude, how many skills are you even juggling at this point?"

"Let's see," I counted, ticking them off on my fingers. "Public speaking, coding, graphic design, a little piano... oh, and I might take up Machine Learning next month."

Wale grinned. "Jack of all trades, master of none, right?"

A playful comment, but it struck a chord.

"Actually," I countered, "the full quote is "Jack of all trades, MASTER of none, but is still better than the master of one!" I winked. "So, what exactly does 'master' mean to you?"

He shrugged. "Being the best, I guess. Like a black belt in karate or something."

"Exactly!" I exclaimed, a light bulb flickering on in my head.

"But what if mastery for someone like me, someone with a million interests, isn't about being the ultimate coder or the world's best baker? What if it's about..." I paused, searching for the words.

“Exploring each skill to a fulfilling level?" Wale offered, a thoughtful look on his face.

"Yes!" I said, snapping my fingers. "What if mastery for us is a journey of continuous learning, becoming a master of exploration itself? Each skill adds a new thread to the tapestry of who we are."

Wale leaned back, considering. "Hmm, a master of exploration. I kind of like that. Maybe I shouldn't just stick to basketball and try that photography class I've been eyeing."

We bumped fists, a newfound Multipotentialite sparked by this reimagined definition of mastery.

No longer a lonely pursuit of singular perfection, but a vibrant exploration of the multitude within.

---

Hi there Multipotentialite,

You and I know that, if there's one concept about Multipotentiality that's often overlooked or misunderstood, it'll be the concept of MASTERY.

People often assume that we can't achieve deep knowledge or mastery in any field because we have so many interests and involvements.

While that might seem or sound true at the beginning, here's why that's not necessarily true:

Mastery for Multipotentialites can look different.

While some people might achieve traditional mastery through deep dives in specific areas, others (Multipotialites) might focus on acquiring a breadth of knowledge across various connected fields. This "horizontal mastery" allows us to make unique connections and bring fresh perspectives to different subjects.

You also need to understand that Mastery is a Journey, Not a Destination!

Multipotentialites are lifelong learners who enjoy the process of exploration and discovery. They might achieve mastery in stages, focusing on different areas throughout their lives.

Mastery is also multifaceted, for a Multipotentialite it isn't limited to just technical skills or knowledge. We can also master communication, project management, adaptability, and the ability to learn quickly across different domains.

Imagine a traditional specialist as someone who drills a deep well in one specific location. A Multipotentialite, on the other hand, might dig several shallow wells across a broader area. While the specialist might have a deeper well in one spot, the Multipotentialite has access to water from multiple sources and can potentially see the bigger picture by understanding the entire water table.

This is why it's important for Multipotentialites to define what "mastery" means to them, to avoid being put down or thrown around by the uninformed comments of others.

Is it about deep technical knowledge in one area?

Is it about acquiring a broad range of skills across different fields?

Is it about becoming a master learner, adaptable and effective in various situations?

By understanding your own definition of mastery, you can design your learning journey to achieve your goals and leverage your unique strength.

Strength in Diversity!

Here are some links to YouTube videos that discuss mastery for Multipotentialites

The Multipotentialite Myth of "One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick TEDxWilmington

This TED Talk by Emilie Wapnick, who coined the term "Multipotentialite," explores the misconception of needing one true calling and reframes mastery for those with many interests.

How Multipotentialites Can Master More (Without Getting Overwhelmed | Lisa Sonora Beam

Multipotentialites & The Myth of Mastery | Jessica Thiefendes

Jessica Thiefendes explores the concept of "horizontal mastery" for Multipotentialites, where mastery is achieved across various connected fields rather than just one deep dive.

Till we meet again,

Keep discovering!