Dear Friends,
It is with great pleasure that I present to you my very first ebook, The ‘Undeclared for Life’ Manifesto: A Plan of Attack for the Person with Many Interests and Creative Pursuits in Life.
–> Click here to Download the Manifesto
(Free PDF – be sure to update to the most recent version of Adobe Reader)
This manifesto is meant to be a starting point for people who have many grand dreams, but don’t quite know how to structure their lives in a way that incorporates all of them.
It’s the sort of guide I wish I had had back when I was struggling with the impossible task of figuring out what to do with my life.
I have released The ‘Undeclared for Life’ Manifesto under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license, which means that you are free to quote from it, share it with friends and re-post it as long as you cite me (Emilie Wapnick) and link back to Puttylike.
What Will You Find Inside?
Among other things, you will learn about:
- Defining your dreams
- Financing your dreams
- Dealing with obstacles such as nay-sayers, gate-keepers and critics
- Overcoming your fears
- Developing confidence
- Adopting systems of productivity
Who is this Guide NOT For?
If you’re happy with your life exactly as it is and you have no real urge to fight for freedom, quit your job or question the status quo, then this book is probably not for you.
It’s Free? What’s the Catch?
I’m giving this ebook out for free because I’m really passionate about this stuff and I want to share my knowledge with as many people as possible. However, I worked hard on this manifesto, so if you read it and it means anything at all to you, please help me out in one or more of the following ways:
Share It!
- Retweet this post
- Post it on Facebook
- Email it to a friend
- Post it on your website
Please send people to this URL to get the manifesto:
http://puttylike.com/undeclared-for-life-manifesto/
Feedback
I would love to know what you think, so please post a comment. You can do it anonymously if you like, but I worked really hard on this and a bit of feedback would mean the world to me. You can also email me at emilie@puttylike.com if you prefer.
Thanks so much for all the support! I wish you the best in all your amazing adventures and creative pursuits,
Congrats on your first ebook Emilie! That is such a big accomplishment. I am trying to get one done too, and it’s a bit daunting. Great work!
Thanks Marcy! Oh I know what you mean. My head is spinning from all the hours I put in this last weekend alone. It feels really nice once it’s out there though. :) Good luck with yours. Let me know when it’s up.
So cool, Emilie, just gave a shout-out.
The creativity you put out is amazing, you rock…hard.
Right back atcha Mars!!
Hey Emilie – I heard about this when Mars tweeted it yesterday. Congrats on putting the e-book together. That’s a pretty monumental accomplishment. I attribute the fact that it took me 12 years to graduate from college to having so many interests and avenues that I wanted to follow.
I’ve pretty much figured out a path for myself now, at the age of 30. I’m reading through the book anyway, though, since I’m sure that I’ll still find some things that I can use. I wish I had been able to read it 10 years ago.
Cheers, Emilie!
Thanks Trever! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. In terms of completing an ebook, Sometimes I just get tunnel vision and can’t come up for air till I finish a project. Does that happen to you? It was a pretty intense process, but definitely worthwhile.
Ah yes, puttylike people tend to love school. Getting to pick random classes from different departments is the best! Sounds like the path you finally chose was an unconventional one as well. That’s my favourite path. :) Leaves lots of room to pursue different endeavors.
Hi Emilie,
thank you for this inspired ebook. At 52, with the children grown up and flown, I’ve got big changes going on. I’m exploring my passions and looking for a sense of direction. Your ebook has come at just the right time – having done so many different things in my life, I am rejoicing in my creativity and ‘multipotentialism’… wow!
Blessings Anita
Wow, thank you Anita for the kind words. It means so much to me to hear that my writing is having a positive impact on others. It’s also really cool to see that so many people of different ages and from different backgrounds can relate! Multipotentiality is really a fantastic trait to have, isn’t it? Once you embrace it, it makes life so much more fun.
Good luck with everything Anita. Make sure to drop by the blog again sometime. :)
Hi Emilie,
You rock!
I’ve never been able to make choices (of any kind) and definitely thought I was a failure for not sticking with the choices I eventually hád to make. I’m so glad to hear I’m not alone! You’ve inspired me to embrace all of my interests, instead of just one. So: thanks a lot and keep up the good work!
XOXO
That is awesome Inge!!! I love getting comments like this. They just make me so happy.
Good luck with all your pursuits! Feel free to share them on Puttylike in the comments or via twitter. I’d love to hear about how things are developing. Thanks Inge!
Great book, I live my life like described in the book. It took me a few years to truly realize I can do all the things I want in my life, and I don’t have to choose one thing at all. It took me a few years however, which is stunning since I am about the craziest diverse set of passion you could come up with coupled with crazy ambition. This makes me realize just how strong society indoctrination is – how much a book like this is needed. Rock on, you’ll go far. :)
That’s awesome! Thanks Pawelotti!
Hey Em, I read your ebook a few weeks ago. A fantastic read with some great techniques included. I find having many interests to be more productive than just having one, as if I only worked on 1 thing at a time, and woke up one morning and didn’t feel like working on that thing, I’d have a damn unproductive day, but if you’re working on a few things, usually at least one of those things should interest you in the morning and therefore will keep you moving forward toward that end-goal, whatever it may be :)
Hey Rob,
I totally agree. I’ll even switch gears during the day- write for an hour and then when my brain gets tired, do something visual and then when I get bored of that, switch to some marketing actions. Having many things on the go allows you to refresh between periods of work, while still getting stuff done. It’s a cool method.
Thanks for the feedback.
Despite a zillion projects due, I made time (funny how there’s always time for what interests us) to download and read your book. I figured I’m writing a book, and you can learn a lot about a person from their book. Originally I was on here for productivity for scanners sort of tips…. that’s what my friend sent me here for. So now I read your ebook, and I feel I know you a little better.
I think it’s great advice that you give in there. It can be a life changing book for sure. It’s simple, it’s powerful, it’s easy to read, and it makes sense.
I’ve already read most of those authors you’ve mentioned, and I’m always learning new stuff…. Godin and Ferriss are some of my favorites. So, I’ve come up with many of the same conclusions through a different route, ain’t that the grand thing about life?
I’d love to connect with you on other social media… I’ve gotten rid of the naysayers, and have surrounded myself with positive creative folk, mostly entrepreneurs… but it hadn’t crossed my mind to check with other scanners. When I meet with other ENTPs there’s definite fireworks.
Very cool. Yes, lets do connect on social media! I’m @emiliewapnick on Twitter.
Thanks Ori. I’m going to keep an eye on your blog as well. :)
And here this multipotential thought he already had plenty to do tonight! Turns out, moving everything aside and reading your eguide was on the docket! (wait, did i just make a legal pun? :-)
really loved this Emilie – excellent work! i feel fortunate to be in a better place mentally these days, though i still feel that stuck quality. i’m excited to answer a few of the questions you posed and even have a few ideas of how to make money. THANK YOU for the “non-expert” expert reminder!
i’m also a HUGE fan of Guillebeau – while i was in Hawaii (thanks to travel hacking), i hopped over to Oahu to meet him during his book tour. Godin, Feirriss, and Sher are fantastic too.
i think we’ll have much more to talk about, and i look forward to those conversations. yay for random blog discoveries! :-)
Aw this comment made my day! Thanks Nathan. :D
I feel like I wrote this manifesto so long ago now (it’s only been a few months, but in blog time, that’s like decades! lol), but I’m glad it’s still relevant and helpful. Definitely looking forward to writing a new book though. Already started working on somethin’. :)
You’re awesome Nathan!
OMG, ‘The Question’! Sometime in the past year, I started muttering to myself ‘why the hell do we ask kids what they want to be when they grow up?’ and here you are, echoing my very thoughts.
I went from science/tech hs to art institution, from intended english major to fashion design. For all my ambition growing up, I realize now that I never could make up my panicked mind about ‘what to be’. I secretly pined to write a bestselling novel by the time I was 18 and catapult myself to fame that way. When I turned 18, I turned my attention to clawing my way up the catty fashion ladder. And then halfway through that dream, the Internet caught me. Now I’m a…who knows? Truth chaser? Creative revolutionary? Mykel Dixon called me an arsonist the other day, lighting fires in people’s hearts. Now THAT’s an ideal job description if I ever heard of one :)
Also, would love to chat with you about creative boundaries sometimes.”Having boundaries placed on your project can actually make you more creative.” << Agree completely. Reminded me of your latest post- seems like we're on a similar wavelength with experimenting with our work + routines to see what triggers more success!
Thanks for putting this out into the universe, Emilie! Both the manifesto and the website. Ex law student meets ex fashion student on paths to world domination. Where-else could this kind of serendipity occur?
Wow, thank you so much Tessa! We definitely have to hang out and chat about this stuff in Portland. Also, Abe and I have started working on our project to help starving artists build digital empires. Would LOVE to talk to you about that some time. Shoot me a tweet or email with your Portland plans. Are you sticking around after #WDS at all?
I totally believe in serendipity, or the collective unconscious! Perfect timing that my Tweet Old Post widget should happen to tweet out this post, you should see it, and we should connect. It’s all happening the way it’s supposed to. :)
xo.
This is pure awesomeness!!!! I am so glad I followed a tweet from Michelle Ward today and found your site & then this book. I really connected with so much of it and have always laughed at The Question. Life is for living, talents are for using, dreams are for chasing-why does that somehow equal flightiness to people? I used to 1/2 envy people who could so easily focus on one task/passion when I have so many things I want to do. Now I realize that it is a huge benefit and has taken me in so many directions and helped me achieve so many goals! They might not have all been in one field but it doesn’t make it any less of a triumph! I love that you have created a community just for people like us and will definitely be checking back & sharing your site with my wonderful community! Thank you & best of luck with all your diverse dreams: )
Yey! Thank you, Jessika!! You’re right, multipotentiality is absolutely a gift. Good for you for embracing yours.
I’m glad we connected. Really looking forward to reading more of your lovely site as well. :)
Great work Emilie!
Your manifesto is the story of my life. My ears still ring with people telling me to focus! If only Geoff would focus on one thing!
Plus, I’ve just added a link to your manifesto as #115 on the ManifestoProject.com.au – let me know if you’d like to add or edit any of it.
Thanks, Geoff
Love your E-book, Emily! Very inspiring and supportive in my quest to get the hell out of my boring 9-5 PR job. Like you and so many here, I’ve got lots of passions and interests. I wrote them all down on a list the other day and boy, I love looking at the list. That list is me, it’s who I am. Everyone should carry around a list like that. I’m slowly outing myself to friends and family too, about wanting to quit my job and looking for alternatives, and what my ultimate goal is. It feels awesome and makes it more real I find.
I compiled a list of blogs that rock, and you’re in it ;)
http://myblogproject.tumblr.com/post/10033278710/blogs-that-rock
Anyway, thanks so much for all the work you put into your website. It’s just awesome to find like-minded people, and someone who verbalizes things you’ve only been able to feel, but not been able to put into words.
So cheers and all the best! You’re puttyliketastic!
This site is great! I have been picking up so many tips, and cannot wait to read the ‘Manifesto.’
Thank you for all the work you do for the creative community around the world!
Wow! I haven’t read all of the book yet but read a couple of other things after getting Michael Martine’s email with your info. I read a few weeks ago that we do a great dis-service to children by asking what they want to be WHEN they grow up … implies one has to grow up (become un-fun) in order to BE something. And what about all those kids who are entreprenuers before they get out of high school??? I’ve had MANY interests all my life and still love learning. Never finished college as I couldn’t decide what one thing to do. I firmly believe the right people and information come along at just the right time — when the student is ready, the teacher seems to materialize. I’ve been working on my overarching theme for the past few months and just re-vamped my whole idea of a business and the way I would present it on my website (am still working on getting it all in order and completed, but will have it done soon). Am looking forward to learning more about multipotentiality and how I can help others while being completely “me”. At 53 and recently divorced, it’s exciting to know I can expand my vision rather than narrowing it.
I think the following lyrical verse fits well here:
Well, you wore out your welcome
With random precision
Rode on the steel breeze
Come on you raver, you seer of visions
Come on you painter
You piper, you prisoner and shine
From Shine on You Crazy Diamond
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd
Lisa
Emilie,
Cannot believe how powerful your words are within the Manifesto! I see that
I am belated in downloading this wonderful gift, but I am sure that this is the
Universe’s way of telling me that being tardy is ok, and that I received this
when I needed it at the right time. I am looking forward to following your blog
and your future words of wisdom! I am happy to share this with other creatives
who may be struggling with the detours and roadblocks along the path of the
journey. Thank you again!
Just found your site (via an Etsy email). This e-book has lifted my spirits – lately I’ve been struggling to decide which of my many creative interests I should focus on, and feeling like a failure for not being able to pick just one.
All my life I’ve thought of myself as a magpie, a “jack of all trades” who doesn’t enjoy sticking to one thing – never thinking that this could actually be a good thing!
I feel a whole lot better for reading this – like a cloud has lifted!
Thanks so much!
Loved the manifesto!!! I’m 27 and on my 3rd career in completely unrelated areas (chemist –> digital communications specialist –> English teacher and translator).
While in college, I got a substantial scholarship specifically for people who planned to launch a career in math or science. I still feel kinda guilty that I ended up leaving that area 10 months after graduating!
I’m also moving towards location independence – in 2007 I had a “traditional” job, in 2009 I changed to freelancing, and this is the year I’m building my online business :-)
Keep up the inspiring work!
Hi Emilie,
Thx for writing the book. Here’s a bit of feedback ;). I recognize myself in the sort of people you write for. I’m sure going to use your community as an inspiration to design my life now that I am almost finished studying.
Good luck and lot of fun!
Hi, Emilie…
I love your website! And I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far in the manifesto. Especially the part about the storyboard of what I want my life to look at (you’ve given me a good reason to cull some of my growing pile of magazines!).
It’s nice to know I’m not alone here. I often joke about having adult-onset ADD because my interests are varied and I need to do a variety of things in my every day life. :)
I’m still on page 3 but I just wanna send you now a big THANK YOU and a hug! This is the line that made me stop reading: “I’m a non-expert expert!”. It’s perfect!
Back to your book. =)
…Okay, I’m almost crying here. Just in a tearing up way, and mind you I’m easily moved to tears, but still. I feel like this manifesto was written for me. I have so many interests, and I’ve always read/been told that I should choose just one and focus on that.
“How can I?” I wanted to say (or yell), “When I have so many interests and they even change from time to time?”
I’ve always felt weird/scatterbrained/unfocused/like something was wrong with me because I couldn’t settle on just ONE thing, ONE interest, for a career or maybe even the next year. Now I feel free, in a way, to explore starting my own business in a totally new light.
I’m off to read the rest of your blog. I feel like I really need this. THIS. This idea. Your idea, your words and experience. Thank you so much for sharing.
Gosh. I’m actually in the midst of writing a new manifesto on being a multipotentialite, but it’s so touching to hear that even a year and a half later, my words are still having such a profound impact. Thank you all so much for your comments. It means the world to me.
xo Emilie
Thank you so, so much for writing this manifesto, Emilie. Even if it was written years ago (2010 omg soooo far away! :P), it still resonates and is extremely useful.
I wish I could have found it earlier in life. My parents still hate me for having to buy a bass for an extracurricular class that lasted one term twelve years ago. Same with the guitar. And for not finishing film courses. And I guess my former teachers may take the piss out of me for having done a BA and MA in History of Art, yet now devoting myself to writing! Life is both too long and too short to do just one thing.
A couple of questions:
* How do you bring yourself up confidence-wise when you have a case of social anxiety or any other chemical and psychological imbalances?
* How do you take yourself out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to smile and talk to strangers when you’re part of a systematically oppressed group and have been a victim of attacks and discrimination? I like being friendly, but not every day I feel like being a potential martyr.
Of course, bearing in mind that your words – although really REALLY helpful – are no substitute for medical or counselling treatment.
Anyway, thank you so much for this amazing manifesto. Will invest in the book at some point (any chances of a printed version for us ol’skool ones?), and I cannot wait for the next manifesto! :D
Thanks Cyn! 2010 does feel like a million years ago in the internets. :)
You’re right, I’m not a doctor or psychologist so take this with the grain of salt it deserves. I would say to start small. Take mini-risks, like smiling at a stranger on the street, and work your way up. Make an effort to notice your negative thoughts, and replace them with positive ones (use a rubber band on your wrist and snap it when you think something bad about yourself. That used to help me a lot). And then there’s just a matter of getting around positive influences. Listen to some Tony Robbins, or find someone else who’s voice resonates with you. Find some friends who will lift you up (there are a bunch of cool peeps hanging around Puttylike, if you’re looking for somewhere to start).
Happiness is definitely a choice. It’s also a practice, and it takes time to build up.
Just my thoughts on the matter. xo.
Just discovered you…I can’t stop smiling :) on the inside too! :) Thank you.
Hi Emilie,
My friend that stays in the US sent a link to your site to me and I am stoked!! She is that buddy that you talk about, even though we live continents away from each other!! She is my person. I don’t know what I would have done without her.
I just want to say thanks so much for your free book, I have forwarded onto some of my friends too. It feels great to feel that I fit in and that being a jack of all trades is ok! I just spoke to my dad about reading your book a few minutes ago and he said that he must be multipotentiliate too, so I am printing your book out for him on Monday morning!!!
You are doing a great job and I am so happy to have crossed paths with you. Will follow your blog and subscribe to keep updated.
Thanks again and good luck on your journey!
Natalie
Hi Emilie, your ebook was a breath of fresh air and the highlight of my day.
I just tweeted it. Thank you. Shine on!
Emilie, this book was awesome. I am so glad that I found your site and I finally realize that I am not a failure and there is nothing wrong with me. I am on my way to purchase Renaissance Business and look forward to getting started on my new multipod life, feeling confident all the way.