How to Be Everything

What's "How to Be Everything" by Emilie Wapnick about?

• Multipotentialite Concept: The book is a guide for people who have multiple interests and don't want to choose just one career path. It introduces the concept of "multipotentialites," individuals with diverse passions and skills.
• Career and Life Design: It offers strategies for building a sustainable and fulfilling career that accommodates various interests, rather than forcing a single focus.
• Embracing Plurality: The book encourages readers to embrace their multifaceted nature and provides practical advice on how to integrate multiple interests into their lives.
• Overcoming Challenges: It addresses common challenges faced by multipotentialites, such as productivity issues and societal pressures to specialize.

Why should I read "How to Be Everything"?

• For Multipotentialites: If you struggle with choosing a single career path and have diverse interests, this book provides validation and practical guidance.
• Career Flexibility: It offers innovative work models that allow for flexibility and variety, which can be beneficial in today's rapidly changing job market.
• Self-Understanding: The book helps readers understand their unique strengths and how to leverage them for personal and professional success.
• Inspiration and Support: It provides inspiration and support for those who feel out of place in a world that often values specialization.

What are the key takeaways of "How to Be Everything"?

• Embrace Multipotentiality: Accept and celebrate your diverse interests and skills as strengths rather than weaknesses.
• Work Models: Explore the four work models—Group Hug, Slash, Einstein, and Phoenix—to find a career structure that suits your multipotentialite nature.
• Balance and Integration: Learn how to balance multiple interests and integrate them into a cohesive and fulfilling life.
• Overcome Challenges: Gain strategies to overcome common multipotentialite challenges, such as productivity issues and societal pressures.

What is a "multipotentialite" according to Emilie Wapnick?

• Definition: A multipotentialite is someone with many interests and creative pursuits, who doesn't want to limit themselves to a single career path.
• Synonyms: Other terms include polymath, Renaissance person, jack-of-all-trades, and generalist, each with slight variations in meaning.
• Strengths: Multipotentialites are often excellent at idea synthesis, rapid learning, adaptability, big-picture thinking, and relating and translating between disciplines.
• Challenges: They may face challenges such as finding meaningful work, managing productivity, and dealing with self-doubt or societal pressures.

What are the four work models in "How to Be Everything"?

• Group Hug Approach: Involves having one multifaceted job or business that allows you to wear many hats and shift between several domains at work.
• Slash Approach: Consists of having two or more part-time jobs or businesses that you flit between regularly, allowing for variety and flexibility.
• Einstein Approach: Entails having one full-time job or business that supports you financially while leaving time and energy for other passions.
• Phoenix Approach: Involves working in a single industry for several months or years and then shifting gears to start a new career in a different field.

How does Emilie Wapnick suggest overcoming productivity challenges?

• Customized System: Create a personalized productivity system that accommodates your need for variety and flexibility.
• Choosing Focus: Prioritize projects by categorizing them into "priority projects" and "projects waiting in the wings."
• Time Management: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, dedicated tinkering time, and structured schedules to manage time effectively.
• Overcoming Resistance: Recognize and combat resistance by setting small, achievable goals and using tools like timers and accountability buddies.

What is the "Group Hug Approach" in "How to Be Everything"?

• Multifaceted Job: This approach involves having one job or business that allows you to engage in multiple roles and interests.
• Interdisciplinary Fields: It often involves working in naturally interdisciplinary fields or creating a role that combines various interests.
• Smooshing Interests: The strategy of "smooshing" involves blending different interests into a cohesive career path.
• External Exploration: While the job is multifaceted, many still explore additional interests outside of work for personal fulfillment.

What is the "Slash Approach" in "How to Be Everything"?

• Multiple Part-Time Roles: This approach involves having several part-time jobs or businesses, each fulfilling different interests and skills.
• Intentional Variety: It is a deliberate choice to pursue multiple careers simultaneously, rather than out of necessity.
• Flexibility and Freedom: Offers flexibility in scheduling and the freedom to explore niche interests without full-time commitment.
• Self-Directed: Requires a high degree of self-direction and independence, making it suitable for those who thrive on variety.

What is the "Einstein Approach" in "How to Be Everything"?

• Full-Time Stability: Involves having one full-time job or business that provides financial stability while allowing time for other passions.
• Good Enough Job: The job should be enjoyable, provide sufficient income, and leave time and energy for outside interests.
• Balance: Offers a balance between stability and the freedom to explore diverse interests without financial pressure.
• Different Skills: Encourages choosing a job that uses different skills from those used in personal projects to maintain energy and interest.

What is the "Phoenix Approach" in "How to Be Everything"?

• Sequential Careers: Involves working deeply in one field for a period before transitioning to a new career in a different field.
• Depth and Breadth: Balances the desire for depth in a single area with the need for diverse experiences over time.
• Intentional Transitions: Encourages exploring new fields on the side before making a career switch to ensure a smooth transition.
• Underlying Whys: Often driven by underlying "Whys" or motivations that connect different career phases.

How does Emilie Wapnick address self-doubt and external criticism?

• Internal Critic: Recognize and address common insecurities like guilt, shame, and imposter syndrome by reframing them positively.
• External Critics: Deal with external criticism by explaining your multipotentiality, conveying confidence, and seeking supportive communities.
• Confidence Building: Focus on your unique strengths and contributions, and use them to build confidence in your career choices.
• Community Support: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand and support your multipotentialite nature.

What are the best quotes from "How to Be Everything" and what do they mean?

• "Feature the things that make you unique": Encourages embracing and leading with your unique multipotentialite traits rather than hiding them.
• "You are not what you do": Reminds readers that their identity is not tied to a single job or title, but is multifaceted and dynamic.
• "Choices are plastic": Suggests that career choices are flexible and can change, reducing the fear of making the wrong decision.
• "The more you allow yourself to explore, the stronger your superpowers will become": Highlights the importance of exploration in developing and leveraging multipotentialite strengths.