Understanding Your Multipassionate Needs - What Type of Multipassionate Are You?

Introduction

Understanding your multipassionate nature can lead to a more fulfilling career and lifestyle. Everyone has unique needs, especially when it comes to balancing various interests and responsibilities. This blog will explore the two main types of multipassionates—simultaneous and sequential—and how knowing your type can help you thrive. Let's dive in!

What Is a Simultaneous Type of Multipassionate?

The simultaneous type of multipassionate thrives on engaging in multiple activities at once. This approach allows them to explore various interests simultaneously, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. For instance, someone in this category might juggle a full-time job while pursuing side-projects like painting, writing or volunteering. It can also mean combining multiple parttime jobs or businesses, freelancing multiple projects or combining multiple of your passions in one job or business.

This type often seeks stimulation and variety in their daily life. They enjoy the thrill of doing many things at the same time, which keeps their energy levels high and their creativity flowing. It is not uncommon for this type to be a world traveller or even live abroad, seeking novelty in day to day experiences. However, this lifestyle can be overwhelming if not managed properly. It's crucial for simultaneous multipassionates to recognize when they need to slow down or prioritize certain activities over others.

What Is a Sequential Type of Multipassionate?

On the other hand, the sequential type prefers to engage in activities one at a time, focusing deeply on each interest before moving on to the next. This approach allows for a more structured and organized exploration of passions. For example, a sequential multipassionate might dedicate a few months or even years to learning photography before shifting their focus to writing or cooking. We also see larger career-shifts amongst this type, resulting in questions like: "I thought you loved being a researcher, and now you became a musician?!" Others easily assume that you did not like what you did before and therefore need to shift your focus. While if you relate to this type, your passion simply shifts from one to the other. During the period you followed that single passion, you actually really enjoyed it. But you came to the point where it is no longer interesting and challenging to you and it is time to explore another interest of yours.

This type values depth over breadth. They find satisfaction in fully immersing themselves in one - or a limited amount of - interest(s) at a time, which can lead to mastery and expertise. However, it's essential for sequential multipassionates to remain open to new opportunities, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone and exploring multiple interests simultaneously at times.

Why It's a Completely Personal Matter

Your multipassionate needs are entirely individual, influenced by various factors, including life stage, personal responsibilities, and emotional capacity. If you find yourself balancing several stimulating activities in your personal life—like family commitments, home projects, or travel—you may require a more focused approach in your professional life. Conversely, if your personal life feels stagnant, you may crave more excitement and variety at work. 

The need for novelty and variety can be created in both our professional and personal lives. Changing something in one of the two can make the other more interesting again too. As an example, I've worked with a multipassionate who found out that travelling with her campervan every few weeks ignited her sense of adventure and freedom, making her feel less demotived in her freelance job. Because her freelance job actually made it possible for her to create this flexible lifestyle, which made her change her perspective on her professional life.

This shows that it's mostly a matter of assessing what is most important to you at this moment in time. Once that is clear, you can explore what simple ways are available to obey those needs in your current situation already. The solution to your restlessness or demotivation isn't always necessarily about changing jobs or starting your own business. It can also simply mean adding more novelty and variety to your private life. 

It's essential to assess your current situation and recognize what combination of activities helps you thrive. Understanding your unique preferences allows you to create a customized blueprint for your career and lifestyle.

How to Use This Knowledge for Career and Lifestyle Clarity

Once you identify whether you lean more towards being a simultaneous or sequential multipassionate, you can make informed decisions about your career and lifestyle choices. Here are some steps to leverage your unique multipassionate nature:

• Self-Reflection: Take time to evaluate your interests and how they align with your current lifestyle. What activities bring you joy and fulfillment?
• Set Boundaries: Establish limits on how many projects or activities you can manage simultaneously to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Prioritize: Decide which passions are most important to you right now and focus on those. This can help you achieve a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
• Explore Flexibility: Allow yourself the freedom to switch between interests as your needs and circumstances change. Embrace the fluidity of being multipassionate.
• Seek Support: Consider joining communities or programs that understand and support multipassionates, like The Flow Community or the Live & Work in Flow 1:1 Coaching Program.

Which of the Two Main Types Do You Relate to Most?

Understanding whether you are more of a simultaneous or sequential multipassionate can provide clarity and direction in your life. Reflect on your past experiences and current interests to see which type resonates with you. Do you feel energized by juggling multiple projects, or do you prefer diving deep into one passion at a time?

It's essential to recognize that these types are not rigid categories but rather a spectrum. Many multipassionates find themselves embodying traits from both types at different stages of their lives. Embrace this complexity and allow it to guide you toward a fulfilling career and lifestyle that aligns with your unique multipassionate needs.

In conclusion

Your multipassionate needs are entirely individual, shaped by your experiences, preferences, and life circumstances. By understanding whether you lean towards being a simultaneous or sequential multipassionate, you can make empowered choices that lead to a more fulfilling life. If you're interested in further exploring your multipassionate nature, consider doing the Free Flow Scan or schedule a Free Discovery Call to find out how I can help you fully thrive as a multipassionate. 

Remember, the journey to embracing your diverse interests is a personal one, and it's never too late to start! 

Free Flow Scan

Overcome feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, doubtful or insecure. Discover your growth opportunities as a multipassionate today 👇

Start the scan