Chapter 1: Understanding Multi-Passionate Individuals

The term "multi-passionate" is one I often use to describe both myself and my clients, and it’s a very tangible concept. If you’re unfamiliar with it, you might want to explore the explanation I provided in a prior article:

Multi-passionate individuals, also known as scanners, Renaissance people, generalists, or multipotentialites, embody a rich tapestry of interests.

While there’s no singular way to identify as multi-passionate, I believe it fundamentally hinges on an awareness of the unique rhythm that shapes each of our lives. This understanding connects us through shared experiences while highlighting our distinct paths. Simply put, every multi-passionate person expresses their passions in their own unique way.

However, some common threads exist, and Emilie Wapnick, in her book “How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don’t Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up,” categorizes these variations effectively. If you're unsure about your own multi-passionate nature, I have a fun, free quiz that can provide insight. You can find it here. Additionally, I highly recommend reading Emilie’s work along with some other titles I mention below:

• My Ultimate List of Books to Kickstart Your Multi-Passionate Life
• “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

I thought it would be enjoyable to share my interpretation of the various categories of multi-passionate individuals, sparing you the need to read an entire book! Emilie emphasizes how different types of multi-passionate people can tailor their work lives to fit their operating style. While I find this focus important, I’m more intrigued by their core identities, which I’ve categorized in my own way.

Consider being multi-passionate as a menu filled with diverse dishes, all united under the concept of multi-passionate living. My love for culinary delights inspired the names I’ve chosen for these categories.

Let’s dive into the first category: The Trifle.

Chapter 2: The Trifle - A Layered Approach to Passion

Have you ever savored a delightful trifle? It was one of my favorite desserts growing up, and even now, I whip one up whenever I want to relive those memories. The ideal trifle features distinct layers of cake, fruit, jelly, custard, and cream.

Achieving true excellence in a trifle requires each layer to be crafted to perfection. You need light, fluffy sponge cake, fruit cut into ideal bite-sized pieces, and decadent vanilla custard made from scratch. A raspberry or blueberry jelly (preferably homemade) complements the layers, topped off with perfectly whipped cream and a dusting of icing sugar. Presented in a clear dish, the trifle showcases its beautiful layers.

So, what connection does this delightful dessert have with being multi-passionate?

The multi-passionate Trifle, much like the dessert itself, enjoys exploring various interests simultaneously. While one could consume each component of a trifle separately, it’s the combination that creates the complete experience. Multi-passionate individuals intentionally select and cultivate their interests, integrating them into a cohesive life where they can shine in multiple arenas at once.

For instance, I’m a lifelong learner with backgrounds in law and banking who also loves cooking, traveling, and coaching. If I were a Trifle, I’d create an organization that teaches young people essential entrepreneurial and life skills through global cooking, financial planning, and basic business classes, with a focus on governance, risk management, and compliance.

The Trifle thrives when it can embrace all its passions simultaneously. They excel at various pursuits and prefer to showcase them all at once. For example, consider an accountant who is also a passionate sports dad, coaching his daughter’s team while managing the finances for his church. You get the picture, right?

For clarity, I’m not a Trifle myself. What about you, dear friend?