Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick | TED

Summary

The speaker addresses the anxiety caused by the question 'What do you want to be when you grow up?', highlighting the issue of having multiple interests. They introduce the term 'multipotentialite' to describe individuals with diverse passions and creative pursuits. The talk emphasizes the unique strengths of multipotentialites, such as idea synthesis, rapid learning, and adaptability, and encourages embracing one's inner wiring, whether a specialist or a multipotentialite, to lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• 🖐️ The question 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' is commonly asked from a young age, but it can cause anxiety as we grow older.
• 🤔 The speaker struggled with this question due to having too many interests rather than a lack of them.
• 🎸 The speaker's diverse interests included English, math, art, web design, and playing in a punk band, showcasing a pattern of intense involvement followed by boredom.
• 😟 This pattern of rapidly shifting interests caused anxiety, as the speaker worried about career prospects and feared there was something wrong with them.
• 🌍 Society often pushes the idea that people need to choose one career path, which can make those with multiple interests feel isolated or abnormal.
• 👩‍🎨 The speaker introduces the term 'multipotentialite,' referring to people with many interests and creative pursuits, and argues that there's nothing wrong with this way of being.
• 💡 Multipotentialites have unique strengths, including idea synthesis, which involves combining different fields to create something new.
• 📚 Rapid learning is another superpower of multipotentialites, who quickly absorb information and are unafraid to be beginners in new fields.
• 🔄 Adaptability is a key strength, allowing multipotentialites to morph into different roles as needed, which is crucial in today’s fast-changing world.
• 💪 The speaker encourages multipotentialites to embrace their diverse interests and contributions, highlighting the importance of following one's curiosity and wiring.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speech?

The main topic of the speech is the concept of being a 'multipotentialite,' which refers to a person with many interests and creative pursuits, and how this identity can be both challenging and empowering.

Why did the speaker feel anxiety about the question, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?'

The speaker felt anxiety because they had many interests and couldn't commit to just one career path, leading to a fear of being scattered, afraid of commitment, or unable to stick with anything.

What is a 'multipotentialite'?

A 'multipotentialite' is someone with many interests and creative pursuits. They often have a wide range of passions and skills across different fields.

How does the speaker suggest society views people with many interests?

The speaker suggests that society often pressures people to specialize in one area and may view those with many interests as unfocused or unable to commit.

What are the three 'multipotentialite superpowers' mentioned in the speech?

The three multipotentialite superpowers are idea synthesis (combining fields to create something new), rapid learning (quickly mastering new skills), and adaptability (being able to take on various roles as needed).

Can you give an example of someone who has successfully combined multiple interests in their career?

Yes, the speaker mentions Sha Hwang and Rachel Binx, who combined their interests in cartography, data visualization, travel, mathematics, and design to create Meshu, a company that makes custom geographically-inspired jewelry.

What advice does the speaker give to those who identify as multipotentialites?

The speaker advises multipotentialites to embrace their many passions, follow their curiosity, explore intersections of their interests, and design lives and careers that align with their natural wiring.

How does the speaker view the relationship between specialists and multipotentialites?

The speaker views specialists and multipotentialites as complementary, suggesting that the best teams often consist of both, with specialists diving deep into specific areas and multipotentialites bringing a breadth of knowledge and creativity.

What cultural belief does the speaker challenge regarding career choices?

The speaker challenges the cultural belief that everyone must find one true calling or destiny, arguing instead that people with many interests (multipotentialites) should be encouraged to explore all of their passions.

Why does the speaker believe the world needs multipotentialites?

The speaker believes the world needs multipotentialites because they bring creativity, innovation, and adaptability, which are essential for solving complex, multidimensional problems in today's rapidly changing world.