You know that feeling when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” and your mind races through the dozen different answers you could give? Yeah, that’s been my entire life.
For years, I fought against my multi-passionate nature. I tried to pick a lane. To specialize. To be the person with one clear identity that fits neatly on a business card. But here’s what I’ve learned: trying to suppress your many passions is like trying to hold a beach ball underwater – exhausting and ultimately futile.
Embracing the “And”
I’m not just a writer AND a coach AND a creative entrepreneur AND a community builder. I’m all of these things BECAUSE I’m all of these things. Each passion feeds the others in ways I couldn’t have predicted. My coaching informs my writing. My creative projects fuel my coaching examples. My community building creates content opportunities.
What society calls “scattered,” I now recognize as my superpower.
The Multi-Passionate Advantage
When you embrace your diverse interests, magical things happen:
- You see connections others miss
- You bring fresh perspectives to “old” problems
- You adapt quickly in changing situations
- You never get bored (well, rarely)
- You build a unique, uncopyable personal brand
In a world obsessed with specialization, being multi-passionate actually makes you stand out.
From Shame to Strategy
I used to feel shame about my inability to “just pick something.” Now I’ve developed systems that allow my various passions to coexist and complement each other.
Instead of compartmentalizing my interests, I look for the through-line – the common thread that weaves through everything I love. For me, it’s helping people express their authentic selves, whether through writing, coaching, creating, or community.
Finding that core theme doesn’t diminish any of my passions. Instead, it gives them context and creates a framework where they can all thrive.
You Can Do All The Things (Just Not All At Once)
The secret isn’t doing everything simultaneously – that’s the fast track to burnout. It’s about creating seasons and systems:
- Setting quarterly focus areas while keeping smaller projects alive
- Batch-creating content across platforms
- Finding clients and communities who appreciate your multifaceted approach
- Building a flexible schedule that honors your energy and creative cycles
Some weeks I’m deep in writing mode. Other times, I’m fully present with coaching clients. Sometimes I’m neck-deep in a creative project. The beauty is in the ebb and flow.
Permission Granted
If you’re still waiting for someone to tell you it’s okay to pursue multiple passions, consider this your permission slip. You don’t have to choose. You can be a photographer AND a data analyst AND a pottery enthusiast AND whatever else lights you up.
The world needs more multi-passionate people who refuse to be boxed in by conventional expectations. People who bring their whole, complex, beautiful selves to everything they do.
So the next time someone asks, “What do you do?” take a deep breath and tell them, “Well, that depends on the day… let me tell you about all of it.”
Because you can do all the things. You already are.
What are your multiple passions? How do you balance them? Share in the comments below!
