How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick

Last updated: Jul 11, 2023

Summary of How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick

How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick is a comprehensive guide that challenges the traditional notion of having a single career path and encourages individuals to embrace their diverse interests and skills. Wapnick introduces the concept of "multipotentialites," people who have a range of passions and talents, and provides practical advice on how to navigate a fulfilling and successful life as a multipotentialite.

The book begins by debunking the societal pressure to choose a single career and emphasizes the importance of embracing one's multiple passions. Wapnick argues that multipotentialites have unique strengths, such as adaptability, creativity, and the ability to connect ideas from different fields. She encourages readers to view their diverse interests as assets rather than liabilities.

Wapnick then guides readers through the process of identifying their core values, interests, and skills. She provides exercises and strategies to help readers explore their passions and determine how they can integrate them into their lives. By understanding their strengths and values, multipotentialites can create a fulfilling and purposeful career that aligns with their unique combination of skills.

The book also addresses the challenges that multipotentialites may face, such as societal expectations, fear of judgment, and the pressure to specialize. Wapnick offers practical advice on how to overcome these obstacles and build a support network of like-minded individuals. She emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and taking small steps towards exploring different interests and career paths.

Furthermore, Wapnick provides guidance on how to structure one's time and energy as a multipotentialite. She introduces the concept of "work-life integration" rather than "work-life balance," encouraging readers to find ways to incorporate their various interests into their daily lives. She also discusses strategies for managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks effectively.

In the final section of the book, Wapnick explores the concept of "Renaissance business," which involves creating a career that combines multiple passions and skills. She provides examples of successful multipotentialite entrepreneurs and offers practical advice on how to start and grow a business that reflects one's diverse interests.

Overall, How to Be Everything is a comprehensive guide that empowers multipotentialites to embrace their diverse passions and create a fulfilling and successful life. Wapnick's practical advice, exercises, and real-life examples make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate a non-traditional career path and embrace their multipotentiality.

1. Embrace your multipotentiality

In her book, Emilie Wapnick encourages readers to embrace their multipotentiality, which refers to having multiple interests and passions. She argues that society often pressures individuals to specialize in one area and choose a single career path. However, Wapnick believes that being a "multipotentialite" can be a strength rather than a weakness.

By embracing their diverse interests, multipotentialites can bring a unique perspective to their work and find innovative solutions to problems. Wapnick suggests that instead of feeling pressured to choose one path, individuals should explore and combine their various interests to create a fulfilling and meaningful career.

2. The power of being a "hybrid"

Wapnick introduces the concept of being a "hybrid," which involves combining different skills and interests to create a unique career path. She argues that being a hybrid can be advantageous in today's rapidly changing job market, as it allows individuals to adapt and thrive in various industries.

By combining skills from different fields, hybrids can bring a fresh perspective and offer unique solutions to complex problems. Wapnick encourages readers to embrace their diverse skill set and explore opportunities to create their own hybrid career, rather than feeling limited by traditional job roles.

3. The importance of exploration

Wapnick emphasizes the importance of exploration in finding a fulfilling career as a multipotentialite. She encourages readers to experiment with different interests and pursue a variety of experiences to discover what truly resonates with them.

Through exploration, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their passions and strengths, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their career paths. Wapnick suggests that instead of feeling pressured to have a linear career trajectory, individuals should embrace the journey of exploration and trust that each experience contributes to their personal and professional growth.

4. Overcoming societal expectations

One of the key takeaways from Wapnick's book is the importance of overcoming societal expectations and embracing one's unique path. She challenges the notion that success can only be achieved through specialization and argues that multipotentialites can thrive by embracing their diverse interests.

Wapnick encourages readers to question societal norms and redefine success on their own terms. By embracing their multipotentiality and pursuing a career that aligns with their passions and values, individuals can find fulfillment and create a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

5. Building a support network

Wapnick emphasizes the importance of building a support network as a multipotentialite. She suggests seeking out like-minded individuals who understand and appreciate the diverse interests and passions of multipotentialites.

By surrounding themselves with a supportive community, individuals can find encouragement, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities. Wapnick encourages readers to connect with others through online communities, networking events, and professional organizations to build a strong support system that can help them navigate their multipotentialite journey.

6. Embracing uncertainty

Wapnick acknowledges that embracing uncertainty can be challenging for multipotentialites, as their diverse interests may lead to a non-linear career path. However, she argues that embracing uncertainty can lead to personal and professional growth.

By embracing the unknown, individuals can open themselves up to new opportunities and experiences that they may not have considered otherwise. Wapnick encourages readers to trust their instincts, take calculated risks, and embrace the uncertainty that comes with being a multipotentialite.

7. Creating a portfolio career

Wapnick introduces the concept of a portfolio career, which involves combining multiple part-time or freelance roles to create a diverse and fulfilling career. She suggests that a portfolio career can be an ideal option for multipotentialites, as it allows them to pursue their various interests simultaneously.

By creating a portfolio career, individuals can have the flexibility to explore different passions, gain diverse experiences, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Wapnick encourages readers to consider the benefits of a portfolio career and explore opportunities to create their own unique blend of work.

8. Embracing the joy of learning

Wapnick highlights the joy of learning as a key aspect of being a multipotentialite. She encourages readers to embrace their curiosity and never stop learning, regardless of their chosen career path.

By continuously seeking knowledge and expanding their skill set, multipotentialites can adapt to new challenges and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. Wapnick suggests that the joy of learning should be celebrated and integrated into every aspect of a multipotentialite's life, allowing them to continually grow and evolve.