“Jack of all trades, master of none.”
I first learned that quote from a
college friend. I cannot forget that line because I am quite affected by it.
Truly, I have interest in a number of things. I cannot imagine myself focusing
on one thing in my lifetime. Even if I focus on one thing, for example, a
hobby, my mind constantly travels and thinks of things that I can also do. Since
I began working, I have been fond of reading blog posts about investing,
entrepreneurship and personal finance. Right now, I am fond of reading recipe
books and cooking new dishes. When I woke up at the right side of the bed, I
browse blogs on designing and graphic arts. When I feel inspired, I delve
myself into writing and reading some writing manuals. Just recently, I got
myself into researching more about indoor planting and subsistence farming. Those
are apart from what I really do, which is translation and reading on
international affairs. I can identify with Leonardo Da Vinci and Jose Rizal –
the difference is they were good in all things they did.
This condition made me a bit
miserable. A professor once told a story about this Anthropology scholar, who
later in life became a geography scholar. This person was criticized and his
credibility was somehow attacked. Some people say that to truly know your
passion – or maybe your place in this world – one should only focus on one
thing. So that would mean that I have to shut out my other interests and just
focus on one. But that would make life more boring, isn’t it?
So one day I decided to subscribe
to the motto that is “misery loves company”. I searched on the internet if
having multiple interests is normal and if it is ok. I found numerous articles
about people having multiple passions and interests and they are maximizing it.
I was happy. After all, I am not an outcast. However, our time on earth is very
limited to be really good in the areas of your interest. Thus, time management
is essential, and that is what Adam Singer of Future Buzz was trying to tell.
For Singer, to be able to succeed in your multiple interests, you have to allot
enough time for them, and work all day, if possible, to hone them. He
emphasized that even though it is tough, one has to remove other things that
does not help with succeeding in your multiple interests, e.g. the TV and
simple chores like mailing a bill.
What strikes me most about his
article was his advice about ignoring other people who tells you that you
should focus on one thing. It reminds me of an office colleague who criticizes
another colleague for having too many interests. The critic thinks that the
multiple-interest colleague will never achieve anything significant if he
continues on with his multiple passions.
I understand that there is a
common belief that if you don’t focus on one, you will never accomplish
anything. But as Singer says, it’s all about balance and correct management.
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