Name: Why some of us don't have one true calling
Uploaded: 2015-10-02T15:44:26Z
Duration: 12 min 16 s
Description: What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, if you're not sure you want to do just one thing for the rest of your life, you're not alone. In this illuminating talk, writer and artist Emilie Wapnick describes the kind of people they call "multipotentialites" -- who have a range of interests and jobs over one lifetime. Are you one?

Emilie Wapnick: Why some of us don't have one true calling

Why some of us don't have one true calling

What do you want to be when you grow up? Well, if you're not sure you want to do just one thing for the rest of your life, you're not alone. In this illuminating talk, writer and artist Emilie Wapnick describes the kind of people they call "multipotentialites" -- who have a range of interests and jobs over one lifetime. Are you one?

The belief that everyone must choose a single lifelong calling leaves many feeling anxious or unfulfilled. Some people, called multipotentialites, chase diverse interests with passion and regularly reinvent themselves, from playing guitar in a punk band to building websites. While society often pressures individuals to specialize, those with many pursuits possess unique strengths like rapid learning, adaptability, and idea synthesis. Encouraging these skills is vital for solving today’s complex, multidimensional problems.