💌IL # 33: How Multipotentialites Learn (Part 1)
This is for the polymaths, multihyphenates, and generalists.
I am often asked the question, "I have a lot of things that I want to do, but where do I start? How do I go about it?" Usually, I get this from people who are smart and talented but can't seem to hold a "traditional" job or position.
They often also identify themselves as multipotentialites.
Related read: On maximizing your potential during uncertain times
What is a multipotentialite
Multipotentialites. Polymaths. Generalists. Renaissance (wo)men. They have a breadth of knowledge and experience in different fields. They show competence and skills in various disciplines.
Before, being a multipotentialite/polymath is a tough identity to have. Here are some reasons why:
Explaining what you do takes a lot of time because your job title doesn't exactly describe what you do.
You're called fickle-minded because you cannot stick to one thing/career path.
It gets overwhelming whenever you want to pursue something new.
You can feel isolated because there's not enough available support.
Now, being a Jack/Jill of all trades gives you an edge. It lets you become more flexible and adaptable. You're not stuck with one specific label. You're embracing your true, multidimensional self.
There are two terms you should know: integrative complexity and double-loop learning.
Integrative Complexity
Having an interdisciplinary perspective means you consider a lot of angles and perspectives. You view yourself and the world not as black or white, but in a whole spectrum of hues.
Integrative complexity is being able to view contradictory beliefs and make sense of them. It's like having a basic set of crayons in front of you and being able to combine colors to create new ones. Green can be green, but it can also come from yellow and blue. When you add more white to red, it can lighten even more.
You know when to relate thoughts and beliefs to the proper context.
Intelligence is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing that it doesn't belong in a fruit salad.
Further reading: Studies show that people who have high integrative complexity are more likely to be successful
Double Loop Learning
We're all used to single-loop learning whenever we follow set rules, get trained, or pursue a goal. When we get it right, we're awarded, praised, or given high grades. If done wrong, we failed.
If we want to get and know better, we must engage in double-loop learning. Sometimes we forgo the part where we assess and reflect on what we have done.
Failing fast entails thinking about what were the errors made and correcting them. It's also communicating your findings so that others might get to use them. This is double-loop learning.
Even smart, well-educated people can struggle to learn from experience. We all know someone who’s been at the office for 20 years and claims to have 20 years of experience, but they really have one year repeated 20 times.
In the next issue, I'll share a framework and a guide for learning that enables both.
‘til next week!
Bituin 💫