Listen, I get it. If you're on this list, you probably own the domains for at least 6 different business ideas. And while I love that about us, it makes focusing and executing ideas kinda difficult. Because I live the life of a multi-passionate entrepreneur every single day, I wanted to share what I've learned.
And there are more lessons coming, I'm sure of it.
Here's what I know so far about being multi-passionate:
My first question I ask myself when I think about pursuing something new: am I doing my current job well?
I can't add a branch of my business or an entirely new venture until the one I have feels like it's going as good as possible, with margins. What I mean by that: I need to have real time on my hands before I say yes to something. I need to hire people, set up systems, have consistent childcare, etc. I need to feel almost bored before I can add something new. If I don't have that margin, the new stuff is never going to work and then I'll fail at two things instead of one.
I have a “one day” list. It's a list of all my ideas that I would like to do one day, mostly business. Some of them for sure never going to happen. A few are extensions of my current business. One is a full career changes that could make me a millionaire. Another is vending machines.
It's not fancy, it's not perfect, but it gives me comfort knowing that I can come back to this list at any time. Specifically, a time when my kids can both wipe their own butts.
I see business owners refuse to pick a passion, even for a season, because they are “just interested in too many things to choose.” But when it comes to running a business or businesses, the more specific you can be, the better. Rather than throwing everything you love into one idea or business, get specific about something that you actually want to do or that will actually make you money.
People wear “multi-hyphenate business owner” like a badge of honor, but I truly see it as a weakness from a messaging standpoint. If you try to do everything, people won't trust you that you're a real expert in anything. Be hesitant to brand yourself as a jill of all trades, especially when you're just starting out.
A short list of my hobbies that I will never try to monetize: - Cross stitching - Baking - Watching reality TV - Exercising
I could go on, but my point is: sometimes you just need to do stuff because you like it. You don't need to tell the world or incorporate it into your business or even talk about it ever. You can just do stuff that makes you happy without anyone knowing. If you make a cake on a Monday for no reason and it brings you joy, that's worthy of doing. Full stop.
For me, the most energy I will ever have around an idea is the second it comes into my brain. That spark can carry me through weeks, months, even years. But at some point, that excitement will fade and I will just need to do a lot of busywork around it. And some of that busywork will be NOT fun and hard and make me wonder if this was all worth it. So before I give my time, attention, and money to an idea, I ask myself the same three questions:
- Is there a way for this to actually make me money? If no, does it align with my core beliefs enough to do all of this work for free, forever? - How will I feel if I don't do this?
- Is this time sensitive or can it go on the “one day” list?
Give yourself a month after that first spark. Don't do anything too crazy before you sleep 30 times.
I used to hoard my ideas. See point #2 about my list. But now? I give them away like candy. I believe in the abundance of thoughts and businesses. Just because an idea is kinda interesting to me doesn't mean I'm the best person to execute it. I love giving away ideas to the right people. It's like playing matchmaker, but with talent.
Give your ideas away. I promise you have more coming.
I think the worst thing about being multi-passionate is not having enough time to explore everything I'm interested in.
I think the best thing about being multi-passionate is not having enough time to explore everything I'm interested in.
You know what I'm not? Bored. Ever. I love that my brain gifts me creative, fun ideas, even if they never lead anywhere. I love the excitement of brainstorming, thinking about possibilities, talking to other people and getting them on board with the vision — ideas are maybe my favorite part about being a human.
Sure, it can be frustrating to be bombarded by possibility all the time and feel stretched thin and like you never have the time to do what you want. But overall? I love it. I love seeing what I can incorporate into my life and what I can give to other people.
Being multi-passionate and being able to breathe life into an idea is a reminder that there's enough to go around. We are never going to run out of things to do or possibilities to explore. On days when I struggle with disappointment, I find comfort in my curiosity and I hope you can too.
What have you learned about being multi-passionate and how to harness it for good? Hit Reply and tell me.
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