Some people seem to know from an early age what they were born to do. They become musicians, doctors, artists, entrepreneurs—and they follow that one burning passion with laser focus. I have a son like this, and it has been fascinating to watch him put his whole life into his passion. And it is fun to be a part of it.
But for the rest of us?
That whole “find your passion” advice can feel like a lot of pressure. What if you don’t have one big passion? What if you’re curious about many different things, or your interests seem to change every few years? This is me and I get frustrated. I love so many things, how can I choose?
Here’s the truth that doesn’t get talked about enough: you don’t need one grand passion to live a happy, fulfilling life. In fact, embracing a life filled with many interests can be just as (if not more) exciting, rich, and rewarding.
Let’s explore why having multiple interests is more than okay—and how to lean into a life that reflects your true, multifaceted self.
The Myth of the “One True Passion”
We’ve all heard the message: find your passion, follow it, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Sounds dreamy, right? But this advice assumes a few things:
- That everyone has one clear, burning passion.
- That we can and should turn that passion into a career.
- That once we find it, we’ll be fulfilled forever.
In reality, most people are interested in lots of things. And even if we do find something we’re passionate about, it can change over time. Life stages, personal growth, new experiences—these all shift our interests and priorities.
So instead of chasing a single passion, what if we allowed ourselves to be joyfully curious, open to change, and free to explore?
Multipotentiality: A Superpower, Not a Problem
There’s a name for people who thrive on learning, exploring, and doing many different things: multipotentialites. These are the people who might be artists and scientists, gardeners and writers, volunteers and lifelong learners. Think of people like Leonardo Davinci. In his day he was looked up to as a Renaissance man. We can be renaissance women.
Being a multipotentialite means:
- You learn quickly and adapt easily
- You bring fresh perspectives to problems
- You’re never bored
- You have a wide range of skills and knowledge to draw from
In a world that values specialisation, being multi-passionate might feel like a weakness. But it’s actually a gift. You have the freedom to shape a life that fits you, not one dictated by a single path.
Why Having Many Interests is a Strength
- You Stay Engaged and Curious
When you’re constantly learning and trying new things, life feels full of possibilities. You never stop growing. - You Bounce Back from Burnout
Focusing on just one thing for too long can lead to burnout. Having other interests lets you shift gears and recharge. - You Can Adapt to Life’s Changes
When life throws you a curveball (career change, retirement, major life transition), having a broad set of interests gives you more options and flexibility. - You Bring Depth to Everything You Do
Your varied experiences allow you to connect dots others might not see. This makes you innovative, insightful, and valuable in any setting. - Stay healthy and active longer
All the research on aging and longevity show that continuous learning, staying involved, having new friends and keeping active all keep us younger and healthy.
How to Embrace Your Many Interests
If you relate to this idea of having lots of interests but aren’t sure how to embrace it fully, here are some gentle, encouraging steps:
- Let Go of the Pressure to Choose Just One
You don’t have to pick one thing and stick with it forever. Give yourself permission to follow your curiosity wherever it leads, even if it seems random. - Create a Curiosity List
Jot down everything that intrigues or excites you—no matter how small. Want to learn Spanish? Try pottery? Study astrology? Add it to the list. You might start seeing patterns or themes over time. - Explore Without Expectations
Try new things simply because they interest you. Take a class, read a book, start a project—just for the joy of it. You don’t need to monetize it or master it. - Blend Interests in Creative Ways
See if you can combine your interests into unique projects or experiences. Love photography and travel? Start a photo journal. Interested in cooking and writing? Try blogging your recipes. - Schedule Time for Passion Projects
Even 30 minutes a week can go a long way toward fuelling your joy. Make space in your calendar for the things that light you up. - Redefine Success on Your Own Terms
Success doesn’t have to mean climbing a career ladder or building a business around your passion. It can mean waking up excited about your day, feeling fulfilled by your hobbies, and living in alignment with your true self.
Final Thoughts: Your Joy Is Valid
If you’ve ever felt behind or broken because you haven’t found your “one thing,” take a deep breath and let that go. You’re not behind. You’re not lost. You’re just someone who finds life interesting in lots of ways—and that’s something to celebrate. A true Renaissance women!!
A life full of curiosity, creativity, and exploration isn’t a consolation prize. It’s a beautiful, intentional way to live.
So follow your whims. Embrace your inner explorer. Your many interests are not a distraction—they’re your roadmap to a life that’s uniquely and joyfully yours.
What’s something new you’ve been curious about lately? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Kay x