Giveaway: Win a Signed Copy of How to Be Everything

Hi Emilie! I believe a copy of HTBE is what I need in my life right now because I just discovered your blog a couple of weeks ago and it has a relief for me. I am 27 years old and for many years I have been wanting to do so many things, getting bored easily, thinking that having an 8 hour job was keeping me from doing other things but then blocking myself again. I have been desperate for a long time, believing it was so rare to have this mixed feelings (everyone who I talk to about this just kept saying I am not able to commit and other stuff that just kept making me feel worse instead of helping me find an answer).
My sister showed me your TedTalk and it was so inspiring that I needed to find out more and that’s how I got to your blog.., you had just published your book so I can tell you it could be DESTINY!! I am in an exploring phase right now, doing research about the subject, I admire you for wanting to help people and I can assure you you have helped me, but I still have a long way to go so getting a copy of your book would be AMAZING!!! (If you ask me why I want it so bad but haven;t bought it yet it’s because I live in Peru and its not available here and shipping fees are a bit high). Thank you once again for introducing the term multipotential to me, thank you for helping me cope with it and inspiring me to research and get my life in order, and who knows maybe helping people some time as well!!! Take care!

Why is How to Be Everything exactly what I need in my life right now?

Because I’m a 20-year-old who has just discovered that I’m a multipotentialite and I’m about to enter my 3rd year of undergraduate music studies, which means I’m again having to answer the question of “So what exactly are you going to do after graduating?” I find myself in the process of giving up my chemistry minor program (because that was never a viable end-goal in the first place), picking up and gigging on whatever instrument I feel like practicing at the moment, choosing my courses for the next two years (because apparently taking every single course offered is not an option), and trying to think of what grad school and program I should apply to (or *gasp* maybe do something other than immediately jumping into graduate studies). And then there’s the question of how I’m going to make a living doing any of this. I’m hoping that this book will help me open my mind to the possibilities of doing it all — or at least doing whatever I feel like right now.

Hey 🙂 Well, let’s just say after an interesting 12 months of taking a good look at myself (and blessed to have had the support of others) – I have largely been taking a step back from blogs/non-fictiony stuff, as I try to tune more inwards, rather than fill my head with stuff. Puttylike is one of, I think, 4 blogs I currently follow (there were a lot more at one point!), as the Chief Putty-er (hey Emilie) and Puttylike crowd are, of course, awesome. As I shift towards a new “career”, plus new side projects and interests (from taking up new+old sports plus learning Spanish), I reckon I could do with a copy 🙂 Thanks! Jasraj

Hello Emilie and my name is Canopus, I first stumbled upon your website shortly after I graduated high school in 2015 and I must say that your work has had a profound impact on me. Honestly I don’t think I “need” your book in my life for the fact that just reading your articles has greatly given me perspective. But if I were to ever need it it’d be because I’m undergoing a project that will take up my whole life in which I can’t tread alone.Your book would greatly help in creating structure to this project.

My project is about crafting an idiosyncratic worldview that life isn’t only like a game but the “original ‘game'” hence why I dub it “Life Online”. My interests were always illustration, game design, philosophy, anime, worldbuilding, storytelling, and science and I’d like to culminate all these interests into expressing this worldview. It will require that I study up on subjects such as world religion, politics, psychology, myth and many other subjects when deemed necessary.

The first step I’ve taken in unfolding this project was launching my website NewGameInfinity.com which I recommend you check out. Sometimes it has been hard for me since graduating high school financially while still pursuing my interests. I want to be able to build my life around my interests so that I won’t have to fret about money. All in all that’s the reason for why your book would be needed in my life and I’m grateful to God that you followed through with your vision.

Peace!

Sincerely,

Canopus

NewGameInfinity.com

just the title of the book helps me to change my bad feeling of beeing everything and get me enthusiastic of my multipotentialities. I can’t immagine what power could give me the entire book!

My answer is simple… when I came across you on TEDTalks a few weeks ago, I began crying like a baby. For real! I am 58 years old and always just assumed that I was a talentless, focus-lacking, idiot that really messed up my life by never finding my “one true passion.” Shoot! I had NO idea that I was/am just one among many!!! What???!!??? Anyway, if I don’t win your book, signed by wonderful you, I promise I’ll buy one 🙂

Sincerely,
Melody

Because my biggest stumbling block is having too many interests and I’d like to somehow combine most or all of them into a more cohesive product and/or service offering. I’d also like to become more active on YouTube but everything I’ve read and seen about YouTube effectiveness is about niching down. Newsflash: niching down is hard for someone with a lot of varied interests! So, maybe HTBE will have some insights on how to make all of this work out. Thanks!!

Hi Emilie, I love your site and have found your words so helpful and comforting over the past couple of months.

I have always struggled with figuring out “what I want to do” with my life, and have never truly been able to pin down that one thing that I love more than others. Deep down I always blamed my inability to make decisions on my anxiety and a fear of the unknown. But reading through your blogs has really helped me to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. In my head, I’ve always seen my life heading in multiple directions and even when I make a decision to move forward, I still feel the pull to do something else at the same time. I would really love some insight on how to navigate through such indecisive mindsets and how to overcome obstacles, like getting in my own way and feeling like a failure when I am jumping from one thing to the next without seeing things through to the absolute end.

So excited to hear more from you and thank you so much for creating such a helpful space!

Hi Emilie, I love your site and have found your words so helpful and comforting over the past couple of months.

I have always struggled with figuring out “what I want to do” with my life, and have never truly been able to pin down that one thing that I love more than others. Deep down I always chalked up my inability to make decisions to my anxiety and the fear of the unknown. But reading through your blogs has really helped me to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. In my head, I’ve always seen my life heading in multiple directions and even when I make a decision to move forward with something, I still feel the pull to do something else at the same time. I would really love some insight on how to navigate through such indecisive mindsets and how to overcome obstacles, like getting in my own way and feeling like a failure when I am jumping from one thing to the next.

So excited to hear more from you! Thank you so much for creating such a helpful space!

For the first time in my life I am at a complete standstill. I have a hundred projects (well, 20 or 30 or more anyway 🙂 in so many different areas, but am losing the ability to work on my main fall back, or default work. I need to reinvent myself, and somehow this has thrown everything into a gridlock. Not sure what the answer is, but this seems serendipitous.

I’m a cancers survivor and am currently in recovery after five years of treatment and a bone marrow transplant. Needless to say, my main focus has been staying alive and healing. I’ve since lost myself. I’m hoping your book will help give me the guidance and permission to explore my passion and curiosity again. I was so grateful to find your website. It was the first time I had ever felt like it was okay to have multiple interests as I was taught to find one thing to focus on and my multiple interests were wasteful and flaky.Even if I don’t win the book, I still want you to know that your site and TED talk helped me see that my way was okay and that I wasn’t alone. Thank you.

I’d love to read your book, but I have too many things going on right now.

Enough said.

When I saw your Ted Talk and looked your blog up, I knew I had found my people. For decades I had felt like there was something seriously wrong with me. I actually don’t speak to my family about my new projects because I fear hearing the same old response; “When are you going to stick to one thing?” I was actually ashamed of talking about my new passions. Now I feel proud of the all of my different interests. And I’m confident that I do have a purpose. I have been wanting to pick up a copy of your book so I can proudly display it on my coffee table for when I have family and friends over.
Thank you for sharing your story.

Since i was in college and i was constantly worried about what field i should be specialized at, i knew i will be studying computer engineering but I wasn’t able to settle even on my graduation project. After graduation i was also worried about what should i be working at, and that i have to narrow my filed, go for networks or development, but i couldn’t, i worked in IT, after that i started focusing on software development. When i saw the lecture on TED, it opened my eyes to the fact that i don’t have to be like what people say or narrow my filed, but i still have a small doubt about my career in the future and how to get the most out of my time, specially when i start something new, and i hope that i can get that from HTBE book.

Hey Emilie! How To Be Everything is exactly what I need in my life right now because, quite frankly, I am at a time in my life where I have to start being everything! I am starting my own blog/business (with more than focus because, well, duh), entering into my last year of undergrad studying political science and Spanish, and doing a lot of volunteer ministry! I don’t want to graduate in May and be forced into choosing one job because I need to pay the bills… I want to graduate and be everything! I want to be a solopreneur, a good friend, a good fiance or wife (hopefully), a stand out volunteer… And so much more! I need your help to get this all organized and under control so I can pursue my many passions and be everything when I “grow up” (graduate). So excited!

I will love to have a print copy of the book, because I love books (in fact I’m a publisher). Your book is helping me a lot to be able to start creating my own material about multipotentialites to help others multipotentialiates in spanish (my proyect is for LATAM and Spain), and as your Tedx talk you have being an inspiration to go for it… It so important that everyone knows what is be one of us, knowing that is not alone and there’s nothing wrong with them… Now I’m trying to come up with my own system to help the community and don’t let my many projetcs to stop me from keeping with this one that is so challenging and amazing… I wanna be able to keep going outside me confort zone, keep learning new things for this “crazy” idea of helping others and be able to be paid for it…
I already told you by email this, but thank you so much for helping me to know about this awesome community of awesome people and helping us so much…
Have a great time with your mom!

Why is How to Be Everything exactly what you need in your life right now?

Because I generally have six different ideas in my head at any one time. Because I’m curious about everything and haven’t worked out yet how to turn it into a career. Because I launched my new blog to follow my journey of understanding me and how I can managed the myriad of concurrent fun projects and make money to support myself.

How to Be Everything is exactly what I need in my life right now! When I saw your Ted Talk, I jumped out of my seat with excitement and immediately shared it on facebook. “This is me!” I told everyone. Now there’s a term for my many interests! I’m not ADD or indecisive… I’m a multipotentialite! I’ve felt judged my whole life for not sticking with one career, but all my friends who’ve climbed the corporate ladder are completely miserable. Why suffer in a job you hate? Maybe I’m not as wealthy or as successful as they are, but at least I’m happy doing what I love, which is many different things! Right now I’m a personal trainer and relationship coach, and when people ask the dreaded question, “What do you do?” I always get a weird reaction when I respond with more than one thing. I used to live in Washington, DC where everyone is very judgmental about career paths. If I say I’m a coach, they’ll say, “Yeah, but how do you support yourself? What’s your day job?” Everyone is so money-oriented there, but they don’t understand the meaning of happiness. I recently decided to be a life coach so I could have many different specialties. Now I’m doing relationship coaching, but what if I change my mind in a few months? I also feel connected to you because I used to live in Portland (I move as often as I change jobs), so having this book will be a confidence-booster to my chaotic, always-changing life.

Who doesn’t need this book?!
One of my current roles is lecturer of Career Development. So many of my students feel that they have to choose one path.
I want to help those who are heading along a multipotentialite path that this is to be encouraged.
Plus, it’ll help with my own path which, until finding your blog has always felt lonely. Many thanks, Sarah

Hi Emilie, my name is Rocío, and I’m a multipotentialite from Chile. I’ve always been passionate for arts and music, but since “I couldn’t” do both I decided to study architecture. I started to die slowly since I had to give all my time to my architecture studies, and couldnt’t draw, or sing, or whatever. Last year I had a vocational crisis and I wanted to be an architect, an illustrator, a dj, a singer and a fashion designer, all things that I really love. I assumed I couldn’t until I read your articles, and they literally changed my life perspective. Cause why not? I figured it was all about being authentic, and try seeking my own happiness, embracing the fact that I love doing multiple things not just architecture. Since then I’ve started sewing lessons, selling my illustrations and guitar classes. Now I can’t wait to start with some singing! I’m about to get my degree now and finally be free in life! So your book would be a really great start for this new chapter of my life, where I really want to do, and to be everything. Thank you so much!!

Emilie,

How to Be Everything is EXACTLY what I need in my life right now because I am in a huge transition period. I graduated college a little over a year ago and I have been exploring different careers. The puttylike community has allowed me to realize I am not alone. I have realized it is ok to be interested in many different things. I have had my ups and downs throughout this adventure, and trust me, it has not been easy. I am a work in progress and this book can potentially change my life and the way I look at things… I just need some good reads to get my multipod brain going 🙂

Because I’m 52 & still can’t figure out what I want to be when I grow up! Hoping a conglomerate of my interests will prove satisfying & bring in a little $$? to boot!

I need How to Be Everything in my life because I just made the huge decision to move back to Chicago from LA and head out in two weeks! I’ve been in LA for five years working in the entertainment industry and am terrified to leave it all behind to change paths. I know it’s something I need to do, though, but it’s still scary. It would be awesome to have some guidance as I take this leap!

How to Be Everything is exactly what I need in my life right now because I am making a shift from coaching other people on how to find and follow their passions, to also doing so myself. In college I couldn’t settle on a major because I wasn’t sure which path & talent to follow – too many options! So I found my way to Psychology which gave me the flexibility to learn, grow, do, and hone all the skills I needed to help other people figure it out for themselves (all the while avoiding/ignoring my own paths).

It would be fantastic to receive a copy and if it’s as good as I’m anticipating, I’ll purchase a copy for someone else as well.

To help me help myself be at peace with what I always saw as a flaw – not able to stick with any one thing for long and to see the potential of having such varied interests. And to help me help guide my kids so they don’t fall into the same pitfalls – to see themselves as the amazing beings they are, quirks and all! 🙂

Because in my whole life I’ve always struggled between my multiple interests, thinking I was weak because I couldn’t figure out how to stick with one only. Until when I’ve stumbled in your TED speak first, and your book then <3

Hi Emilie, I am a 27 year old guy from a city North of Mexico. Here is why I would LOVE to get a copy of your book:

Since I was young I decided myself to outstand in this world, shortly after defeating a 3 year long therapy for cancer (Leukemia diagnosed at 4 years old). What started as a childish desire to be a “Hero” or “Champion” to make this world a better place matured after looking at all the pain and wrongdoings that my people -the mexican people- silently witness every day. Because of many and various circumstances I never had a platform or a mentor or anything to support my great will to grow into a person capable of helping an incredible amount of people. Not being able to be the person that I wanted caused a depression that lasted until a couple of years ago. I feel like a new me…but I still don’t know how to be this great person that I intend to be. While in college I studied and became interested in many subjects (Journalism, Human Rights, Psychology, Economy, Politics,etc) but only went through the surface of anything outside of Business Management.

I intend to help a lot of people -the most I can before I die- and I believe this book will inspire me and teach me how to manage the many interests and fields I need to succesfully become a sort of “Wonder Entrepreneur and Humanist”. While I consider myself to be a fast learner, I learn the most through others and your book precisely gathers and shares a common ground on people that -because one or another reason- are in a constant growing and acting environment.

At the moment I am a small Restaurant owner (not exactly a MP), but I want to be and do so much more. Even if you dont choose my answer, I wanted to take this one-time opportunity to thank you for your work, you personally have inspired me and not many people do that lately.

Greetings from Monclova, Mexico.

Firstly…I’ve only just realised that I am indeed a multipotentialite, and I was so incredibly happy and overwhelmed (there were tears) that I’m not alone …it all makes sense now.

Over the years I’ve poured drinks in bars, been a DJ in a nightclub, worked in a bottlestore, a material shop, supermarket, I’ve sat in the sun all day for a bungee jump company, worked as a temp, receptionist, administration, worked in a graphics company, several government departments, retail, I’ve been a PA, an events coordinator, convention centre coordinator, worked in mental health, a teacher aide, a school librarian, an ESOL teacher, ive imported goods to sell , I’ve studied at Vic University, I’ve been singing in bands for years, taught kids how to draw cartoons in a school setting, a relief teacher in early childhood and an art student AND I STILL DONT KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO WHEN I GROW UP……

NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY

I am currently producing an art book for teachers (which will be ready in a matter of just a few months). I’m a part time art student who is learning computer graphics one day, screen printing for another project another day, clay the next and in between I’m a relief teacher……I sew (I recently completed 100 products for an up coming market and 60 more yesterday, I restore (recover footstools), paint (I even have commissioned work), I draw ……i dream creativity….every waking moment is consumed by a potential new project……I really think I need a copy of your book.

I am intrigued and love the idea of finally having something solid that explains – not justifies – my multipotentializing-being-life-character to my kids. Choose me please! Best!

A friend showed me puttylike.com when i was doing my annual “I can’t do this job anymore, i need to be free” deliberations (other than when i used to work only in the summer, I’ve never continued working through the summer). I was enthralled at once, in this world of validation and greater self-understanding. Even just finding this community of people who describe the internal and external struggles that i am so paralyzed by has given me the courage to stop being so stuck. It’s feeling pretty scary right now, finally moving forward with projects that I’ve had in my mind for years, putting them out into the world – what if I don’t succeed? What if i don’t follow through? What if I can’t get them to a point of income producing by the time I’m out of my limited savings? What if my depression zonks all my energy? What if i give up and get stuck again?

Fears come in the form of questions that don’t need answering, but skills and strategies for making my projects and passions work for me and my life come in the form of your book!

How DOES one be everything?

Or, as my brain likes to envision – how does one do everything?

Coming one day in the future to a city near you: the everything cafe. Coffee, creative baking/food, pottery studio, art gallery, activist space, live shows, drop-in childcare for marginalized families, feminist book shop, dance studio for Folks with disabilities, for queer prenatal classes, for low-barrier kids martial arts/dance, office space for grassroots social justice groups.

I had a good laugh when i read the post about different ways people bring their multipotentiality into their work. Can you tell i’m one of the ones who tries to put all my passions/interests into one thing? 🙂 Currently at the stage of lying on my couch being simultaneously inspired and petrified by my intensely desired dreams. Help?

A friend showed me puttylike.com when i was doing my annual “I can’t do this job anymore, i need to be free” deliberations (other than when i used to work only in the summer, I’ve never continued working through the summer). I was enthralled at once, in this world of validation and greater self-understanding. Even just finding this community of people who describe the internal and external struggles that i am so paralyzed by has given me the courage to stop being so stuck. It’s feeling pretty scary right now, finally moving forward with projects that I’ve had in my mind for years, putting them out into the world – what if I don’t succeed? What if i don’t follow through? What if I can’t get them to a point of income producing by the time I’m out of my limited savings? What if my depression zonks all my energy? What if i give up and get stuck again?

Fears come in the form of questions that don’t need answering, but skills and strategies for making my projects and passions work for me and my life come in the form of your book!

How DOES one be everything?

Or, how does one DO everything. My brain thinks like this – coming one day in the future to a city near you: the everything cafe. Coffee, creative baking/food, pottery studio, art gallery, activist space, live shows, drop-in childcare for marginalized families, feminist book shop, dance studio for Folks with disabilities, for queer prenatal classes, for low-barrier kids martial arts/dance, office space for grassroots social justice groups.

I had a good laugh when i read the post about different ways people bring their multipotentiality into their work. Can you tell i’m one of the ones who tries to put all my passions/interests into the same place? 🙂 Currently at the stage of lying on my couch being simultaneously inspired and petrified by my intensely desired dreams. Help?

I love your blog! It’s the only blog I read religiously. Every time I read a post I think, wow this was written just for me! I’d imagine your book is the same. I’d love a copy to share with friends!

Hi Emilie,

I am a 23years old university student studying Sociology. Before that I had started to study mathematics, but realized that it was far too narrow and abstract – but I find the real world quite interesting (and think that there are so many issues to tackle).
Now, I definitively like Sociology, but I don’t like the university setting. I feel there are so many restrictions and that I don’t have the space to learn the way that I can learn best. I want to explore so many topics, but the format doesn’t leave me the time. Usually I am thinking that it is just something that I have to deal with and get through with. But whenever I am reading your blog, it pulls me out of my daily, routine-laden life and I get a glimpse of how much more exciting life could be. There are also so many things outside of university that I would want to learn: how to play the piano, how to dance, finally take up writing and drawing again, learn how to program, … I also want to deepen the network of loving and kind and amazing people that I am so grateful to have.
Why I am planning to aquire a copy of your book?
I want to get into that more open and excited mindset for when I decide upon my future course, escpecially whether I will go for a master degree – or if I do something crazy and find out that this might be what constantly makes the world a bright place for me.

Thank you so much for your inspiration
Aline 🙂

Hey Emilie,
Thanks for this opportunity to tell you about how your book would help me out! I’m 27 and usually refer to myself as an “independent artist” as I spent a lot of blood, sweat and tears achieving my degree in dance and I guess that’s my ideal self, however I feel like I spend more time teaching and at my reception and hospo jobs than I do dancing myself. I love facilitating community arts projects, but I miss performing and feel my elite dance ability slipping as time goes by. I am on the brink of upgrading my qualification as a Pilates instructor but I am hesitating because it is a huge investment of time and money and I’m worried that it will take too much time away from my dance/art projects, not to mention the little voice telling me I’m not passionate enough about teaching Pilates to justify the investment. I did a dance writing workshops earlier this year and would love to try being an arts writer/reviewer and I’ve also embarked on a goal of selling handmade origami jewellery on Etsy. I also have a secret dream of taking up singing lessons and getting into music theatre (even at an amateur level) to satisfy my childhood dreams. Basically I feel like I want to do everything and am not achieving much at all, but your Ted talk switched on a lightbulb for me, and that along with your website has made me feel a bit less overwhelmed. I think your book would help even more to ease my confusion and fear! Thanks again for your work, what a fantastic community!
Ashlee
(Melbourne, Aus)
(Melbourne, Aus)

Hello Emily!
I would absolutely LOVE to have a copy of your book, both for myself and to later pass it on to someone! Why I need a copy? I’m at that place in my young life that is full of inspiration and dreams, and because I am multifacted, multitalented, a MULTIPOTENTIALITE…Im trying to learn HOW I *CAN* be *EVERYTHING* that I dream of being! Im currently working part-time as postal clerk, learning my way through the film industry as an aspiring actress, studying energy-healing methods, and figuring out how to put together 2 small businesses (dogwalking, and selling art that my mother and I have created). As someone who has so many varied interests, talents, and skills, I think your book would be a vastly inspirational and educational read, and a stepping stone toward manifesting my full and joyful multi-potentialized life! Thanks for creating your blog and your book, and helping people who are just like us! 🙂
Have a wonderful day!

Hi everyone! Hi everything you are!
I’d like to receive this book because Puttylike gave me a big hand with myself when I discover it surfing the web and now i’m at a turning point of my life. Will this book give me the right direction on my path? Come on take the challenge and send me a signed copy. Let’s see what happens. I will be grateful.

Dear Emilie, I literally cried when I saw you TED talk, everything fell in place… there was nothing wrong with me! I was instead something amazing: a multipotentialite! ? Your message really has changed the way I look at my unusual resume and path, where I used to see “unfocused” I now see “interesting and different”. And although I am lucky enough to have a job that keeps me away from monotony and boredom, I still want to do so many other things… but no idea how to find the time and energy… I’m sure your book will help!

Hey, thanks for being the mirror of my dreams. Your thoughts and messages have confirmed me that I was doing right. If you think I make sense read on the following brief note:

Since my childhood I’ve been the one doing multitude of things. Besides studies Painting, Sports, Reading, Science Models and then went on to be a Tutor, Trainer, Assembed Computers then sold Soaps, Mobile Connections and then did my MBA, etc. My parents didn’t like my spread of things. They said one day I will end up nowhere. Basically they wanted to say I will be a failure.

Today as I stand in the middle of my life, 35 years old. I feel my profile has lot to say. Yes, I didn’t be a master – a scientist, an auditor (left entrance exam in middle because I felt I would get bored), didn’t work very hard for GMAT exam (went to average college) but I worked very very hard throughout my career to do everything honestly. I Think, honesty, I could have achieved more.

At times, I feel guilty. I feel, were my parents correct. Was I wrong? But one day at the Airport I came across this blog and this changed lot of my thoughts. But r ur words practical, can it transform me, NOW! When my career is made.

I wish to read and live a peaceful and committed life way forward. Commitment to my dreams and my intelligent that Almighty has bestowed upon me. I m a Multipotentialite and want to harness it.

Seek your guidance. And your book with your message will have that aroma of confidence that will always stay with me.

Sorry I got carried away. But spoke my heart out. Love and Regards.

Talk about timing!! I was just telling my friend Jenn about HTBE today and told her she could borrow it when I was done the exercises…she’s never heard of “multipotentialites” but she works in marketing, is a breastfeeding coach, is former roller derby, and just joined a ukulele ensemble. Now she is trying to figure out how to use her talents to help new businesses learn how to leverage social media in their marketing. As she said, she “likes her job, but wants to find more meaning.”

I sure can use a little guidance into getting my brain and life in order and to start proccesing the chaos I feel.

Hello Emily.I need the book right now because i want to know how to be master at everything you do and after that I be much better at helping people in various ways. I want to help as many people as I can and if they have any problem they can come to me. After reading the book I may be able to help everyone irrespective of what the problem is because I would be the master of everything.

I need your book to highlight and underline (I have an e-copy which I can’t do that with), so I can lend it to my multipotentialite kids and friends and so I can be saved from agreeing to do one more administration job when my skills are better placed in the arts and healing!!

Pick me! Pick me! ?? Mainly because I’ve been working on my personal website for a long time – it has been a struggle mostly due to the variety of interests and pursuits I’m currently employed and engaged in. In my very first blog post – which will go live as soon as the website does next week – I talk about exactly this, I share your Ted talk, and I discuss why multipotentiality is actually something we should encourage more in schools. I am a secondary school French and Music teacher, yoga teacher, teacher trainer, writer, and musician. I’m so happy I stumbled on your talk some time ago – it opened my eyes! ??????

Juggling between Slash and Einstein I found How to Be Everything an excellent starting point to take control of myself and stop blaming me for not being a poster guy. Having read the book in kindle I find a hardcopy useful to go back and find references quickly (not to mention the added value of the autograph). Good job Emilie!!!

Hi Emilie! Thank you for this giveaway!

Since I discovered Puttylike, I feel less alone as a multipotentialite. It’s a great job you do with this blog.

So why is “How to Be Everything” exactly what I need in my life right now? Because at 28 and after many (MANY) changes in direction, I still wonder what to do with my life. You see, since high school, I have gone through all these fields of study: presentation design, cinema, visual arts and humanities at CEGEP (I live in Quebec, and CEGEP is the school where you go after high school, usually for 2 years if you want to go to university, or for 3 years if you want to graduate in a more technical discipline and enter the labor market thereafter).

At university, I then graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies (which is itself multidisciplinary: anthropology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, history, etc.), a master’s degree in public relations and a certificate in sustainable development (another multidisciplinary). Next to all of this, I held a vegetarian cooking blog and collaborated on another eco-responsible blog.

I now work in urban agriculture. And even if it is a cool working environment, I do not feel that I develop to my full potential. I feel like the only place I belong is on school benches. I lack confidence, I lack motivation, and I wouldn’t mind a little help with my “career”. “How to Be Everything” seems like just the book I need to help me find some way towards my fully grown multipotentialite self.

Thanks again and have fun DJing 😉

Hello Emilie,

I stumbled across your TedTalk by searching for a speech to perform for my Speech and Debate tournaments, and as soon as I began to listen it hit me. This was exactly what I had been looking for, this term to help me with what I’ve done and am currently doing.

Over the years, I’ve played chess, checkers, violin, soccer, softball, competitive swimming, track, and cross country. I’ve dabbled in writing, drawing, sewing, crocheting, public speaking, hair styling, calligraphy, and making stuffed animals. Something that really bothered me is that nothing held my interest for too long, and I’d always move onto something new.

No one I knew was like that, and whenever I heard someone say they’d been doing a hobby for years upon end, it made me feel like it was wrong I gave up a hobby before. But when I found your speech, I realised there were more people like me out there.

There were people who did everything their heart desired and went on adventures, people who were like me. I eventually chose your speech and performed it, and I had one person come up to me after and say that it felt like I really connected with it.

I did, I truly did, since I had some way to define myself. For years I would say the name of my latest hobby, but now I can look people in the eye and say “I’m a multipotentialite.” It’s something I’m really proud of too.

I’d love to receive the book so I can figure out where to go next with my life, whether it be diving back into one of my old hobbies or trying something completely new. For me, it’s just an amazing experience to know that I am not alone as a multipotentialite and know that there’s others like me.

Thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. I hope if I receive the book it helps me find direction and maybe a bit of peace in my life.

Sincerely,
Payton F.

Why do I need your book now? Let me count the reasons:

1) when I first saw your Ted talk, I burst into tears because finally, someone else understood me.

2) I’m 55 years old and am on career #6. Will I EVER be able to retire?

3) Maybe you can help me figure out how to finish my dozens of varied craft projects that I got bored with before completing them.

4) I’d love to be able to give my daughters an answer to the question, “how do you figure out what you want to be when you grow up.” I sure never did.

5) I’d love to be a good role model for my children, but how does a multipotentialite measure success? I don’t have a clue.

6) In this day and age where being a multipotentialite (or Renaissance person as I always thought of it) is disparaged by society, how do you reconcile your feelings (or lack thereof) of self worth with society’s assessment of you?

So yes, I could really use your words of wisdom and sense of clarity.

I’m about to become a young adult and I’m at a turning point in my life. I came at the turning point of the years when everyone was being taught to find a job and settle down. When I approached this website for the first time I felt understood. I am interested in winning this book because I am planning to found a ground breaking rennassaince company that will change everything. I feel as though this book will set me on a path that fits who I’ve been since birth. A person who is passionate about anything he sets his mind to. Thank you for reading, and God bless you all.

So, here we go. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor, then I grew up and entered in some rock bands, and in high school I studied electrical engineering. After some time I went to college to study nursery and gave up the medschool, by this time I’d win money by selling some candies I made and fixing computers. Then I started on sales, dropped the candies and started selling colognes and parfums, after some months I dropped it too and decided to try to work as a nurse, then I started another graduation at health services management, this time I’d win my money by selling some handcrafted bracelets and necklaces, after a couple years I drop it all out to study psychology (this was just last month). Nowadays I’m working as a graphical designer and I’ll start the psychology graduation in a couple months. Any doubts I’m a multipotentialite? How to deal with this? That’s what I’ll learn with the copy I’ll win.

Hello!

I am a newbie to the community after stumbling upon your TED talk. I’m a 31 year old multipotentialite who is currently spinning about 3 different plates while dreaming of more. I’m a mom, full time employee, part time children’s race series coordinator, part time book seller and want to be student. For SO long no matter what job I’ve held I’ve found myself bored after a while and frustrated with myself for not being like most of my other friends: 10 years into a career, making a good amount of money and seemingly happy with the direction they are taking. I’ve always preferred to be busy, but Iike diversity and hate my desk job – I’m just lacking some guidance so I would LOVE a copy of How to Be Everything. It’s like I’ve finally found my community!

As I enter college I will get a lot of advice on how to be successful by specializing in something. What I really need is advice on how to be what I truly am: a hydra. You may be the only guidance available for me.

I had grown tired of the world that so delighted me. I had for so long felt and endured the mixture of horror then pity as I routinely drew down disparate elements to solve problems. Now in the twilight of my life I discover there are others like me. I discover this burden of gender and passion of potential is ok.

I need to know everything, I need to belong. Is, How to be Everything, what I need in my life right now? Will, How to be Everything, be the everything I need to tell my children about their gift of potential upon potential.

I am constantly torn in a million different directions, so many different ideas and plans and inspirations and projects, and rarely making more than tiny incremental progress on any of them.

Because at the age of 62 (Thursday), I still haven’t figured out just how to be everything! I will be getting my lifetime national parks pass, and the book may enlighten me during my breaks on the trails and as I continue to figure out my life when off trail.

I have finally kicked my internet addiction. I’m reading and finishing my side hobbies more than ever. I’m cranking through productivity books and improving my productivity at a really fast rate. I’m excited about where I’m going. I have ADD and a few of these books touch upon it (secretly may be written by people with it.) Your multipod talk really touched me and I’m at a great point in my life to dive deeper in to what you think about what it is to be a person.

I first watched your TEDtalk on a whim one evening while I was doing research for a work side-project and I remember thinking, “Holy crap. I’m not alone!?” That video helped me find the confidence and comfortability I needed to quit my engineering job to go teach overseas. When I watched it again, it helped me to discover my “overarching theme.” A week later, during a business school interview, I referenced the video and my interviewer laughed and said, “Yeah, this whole interview I’ve been thinking about how you’re the perfect example of a multipotentialite.” Not only did I get in to that school, I got a half-ride scholarship. Exposure to your video and the puttylike community propelled me to understand myself, find my path, and pursue the dream I was too distracted to realize I had. Granted, I’ve been alright with just watching the video over and over, but I would love nothing more than to win a copy of HTBE so I can dive further into the multipotentialite world.

Hey Emilie!
I discovered your TED Talk on the plane on the way to a volunteering trip in Kenya (my first time in Africa; and I was flying from Melbourne, Australia). Your talk was the start of many personal epiphanys to follow with the many beautiful experiences I had working with the slum children in Limuru, Kenya.

Since returning to Australia I have joined your community, shared your video to my friends, and buried myself in university and scholarship research, as I am seriously considering dropping my high-paying job with one of the biggest FMCG global multinationals to go back to university and study medicine/public policy.

Being part musician, part scientist, part teacher, and part commercial marketing manager; and overall a passionate advocate and regular volunteer amongst the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society, I know where I want to end up and bring my skills to, i just don’t know how to do so in a cost effective way (uni fees are expensive).

I feel like I am only at the beginning of this new chapter of unrealised potential, now that I know it’s OKAY to be me. And your book would be a great asset in this exciting new journey of self-discovery. 🙂

Marianne

p.s. come visit australia!

I know I can do anything, so I try to everything. Except when I do nothing because I can’t decide what to do or I don’t think that I should be spending small amounts of time on so many different things.

I’d love to read your insights on getting all your stuff more organized, as I suffer from startitis. Loads of good ideas, can’t seem to bring them past the hobby stage. Having lived half my life already I think it’s time to take the next step!

Also, I’d lend it to all my family so they can see I’m not just a nutcase. 😉

All my life I have been drawn to so many different interests. I would begin one, throughly enjoy it, but then get drawn into something else. I have battled with myself, thinking that there was something wrong with me or that I was lazy, not fully understanding why I was capable of doing so man things without doing or choosing just one. Then, I found your TedTalk. I never knew that there was a good reason why I am the way I am and there were benefits to it. Your book would be amazing to have and read as the next part of understanding how to hone my uniqueness as a multipotentialite!

I’ve just met someone(okay, someone i like…:-)) who pass though things that hurt and he seems so lost and so questionning his life righ now, i recognize me, one year ago, before i found all this articles, and all your fantastic testimonies all around the World. That helped me, in a way i could never thank you all enough. I didnt read your Book, but i’d like to give it to him . We all need positive energy to fill our mind and body. You, all,this book make a part of the job. So thanks for that .

I hear you! Between taking coding classes, setting up my portfolio, redecorating our living room, watching makeup tutorials and writing my fantasy novel, there usually isnt much time left. Except daydreaming of course. And currently I’m daydreaming about owning your book. I know I will benefit from it. I will even settle for an eBook.
I need this book because my above mentioned hobbies some times are difficult to manage and there is ton of other stuff I want to do, but if I pursue another hobby besides working, the guilt attacks me and I worry if I’m wasting time.
I need to find a perfect balance of working, creating art just for my enjoyment and still have time for being social.(creativity list is too much and I haven’t even started on half of these: Finish my novel. Get started on my game app. Get started on my portfolio website. Get started on oil paintings for every room. Finally make that awesome fondant cake design that has been swirling in my mind. Become internet famous). Along with becoming a full stack developer and work at google.
Yes, I need that book very much. Plus I will even review it for my book blog too. Did I mention I’m a blogger too?

Hi Emilie ! Nice contest, thanks ! I would love to get the copy of your book because this is exactly what I need at the moment ! Some of the many reasons : 1/ I love what you do and I am very curious about that book 2/ I have too many projects and ideas at the moment so it gets difficult to prioritize or make room to do and be everything 3/ I might need some motivation not to get depressed regarding one of my project (my company that I launched last year… I could keep on but you won’t have time to read them all 😉 Best.

Hi Emily,

Why I need HTBE in my life right now? Because I don’t truly believe I Can Be Everything at the moment… I’ve always known myself to be a multipotentialite but when it comes to becoming a professional one at that, it paralyses me. I’m finishing a music degree and I feel like this diploma will never allow for any opportunities I want outside of music. Also, I see friends, old classmates struggle so much to find jobs and settle into stable positions (alright to be honest a stable position sounds like a nightmare to me…), I fear I’ll become just like them.

Your book would bring me inspiration, guidance and courage to go through my fears and truly be faithful to my true multipotential self…

Hope to win this! Cheers!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a copy of HTBE!
Why do I need it so much in my life right now? I think it’s because I feel I’m at a crossroads of so many different options/possibilities and I’m a bit stuck, not wanting to give in to chaos and keep it small, and I have a feeling this is the perfect book that will help me get some much-needed clarity :)…or maybe not, but having been reading your blog consistently for a good while now, I’m very excited to get to read the book !
Thank you!

Hi Emilie,

I hope I can convince you with my words here. All my life, I’ve seen by roads instead of a single path.I could never pick just one thing to do and as a result I have ended up having various degrees including one in business administration, another in law and yet another in linguistics. But you know what the sad part is? Even now, I feel like I belong elsewhere or probably I belong everywhere! I still wish to pursue other interests such as sociology and writing with a burning fire which most others don’t understand

While my parents and friends have tried to be supportive, they have certainly discarded me as a ‘confused case’ in their minds. My journey is also doubly challenging as I am from India. While my country is wonderful in its own way, we are taught and conditioned to pick traditional careers such as engineering and medicine our whole lives, and any deviation from these is almost taboo.

I know there are probably many multipotentialiats like me in India who don’t even know that they are awesome! I know there are many like me here who think of them as ‘useless’ and probably on the verge of giving up.

But I want to be their hope. I want to bring the change back home. I want to inculcate the power of multi potentiality and that why I would love to win your book.

I for some very strong reason feel like your book could turn everything around for me and for many others like me in India.

Whether I win or not, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me realize I am not wrong just because I am different:)

Thank you!

Hi Emily! I’ve been stalking you for a bit now; after my cousin sent me the link to your TedTalk. I’d like to win this book because in the part of the world where I’m at (Ghana, that is) it is almost impossible to be a multipotentialite. Literally. I just completed an LL.B programme and as you may have guessed, I’m looking at not taking the bar. This has brought so much frustration to my family/friends; and even myself because I really can’t stand the pressure! Sometimes I get that imposter syndrome and am tempted to go back to a ‘simple’ life of having an actual career. But I have since embraced my multipotentialiteness; I just want to learn how to be everything now, because I have very limited sources on learning about eho I am.

I recently discovered your TED talk and watched it while realising that I am a multipotentialite. I have so many different passions and asked everyone I know about if there is a way for me to combine everything I love or a way for all my different passions to fit into my life and no one seems to have any sort of answer for me. I have been searching for an answer before I even realised the word multipotentialite was a thing because I knew I was a little different and just couldn’t fit the standard format of loving one thing completely and only that. I have been choosing a levels and university courses and jobs even recently, being pushed to do so by my school, and I just can never decide and keep thinking there must be a better course for me out there which would include something of everything I love. I hope your book may hold some of these answers because at this point I just want even the smallest amount of guidance to show that my life can be lived successfully as a multipotentialite. Thank you for holding this giveaway and dedicating yourself to helping people just like you. I hope I can be someone who is of this amount of value to someone as you are to me.

Buongiorno Emily and everyone, I’d like to have a signed copy next to my bed to remind me I’m not alone, that I can be whatever I want and change my life as many times as I feel to and that I must learn to live without feeling insecure, guilty or fear of not being the best

Hi Emilie!

Thanks for the opportunity and congrats on your book! I don’t know if I NEED your book, even though I’ll probably end up buying it anyway, because need is a strong word. But I’m at a turning point in my life, between a job in finance I’ve been doing for many years and I quit yesterday (yayayayay!) and my new life doing everything starting now. Thanks for sharing with the world that it’s ok to want to do everything, and might even be good!
If I get your book, I’ll read it voraciously (while finishing the other 4 books I’m currently reading) and proudly share my signed copy with all the MP (MultiPotentialites, aka aMazing People) around me.
Thanks again!
Capucine (Paris, France)

Dear Emilie, in addition to all my other activities… 🙂 … I am writing a book myself right now. It’s not about multipotentialites, but I think your book could inspire me a lot (just as your website does). So I would like to read it anyway!

Hey Emilie,
Scanning all the other wonderful comments on here already, I don’t know how you’ll pick a winner, I know I wouldn’t know how. I thought I’d still give it a shot and chime in, as well as say a word of thanks to you and tell you a bit of my story in the process 🙂
I just wanted to thank you for writing your blog and your book. For the longest time in my life I felt like I was different from other people. Everyone around me was known for being into one subject or another, loving this hobby or that, getting boyfriends or girlfriends, while I was just in my little corner alone drawing, writing, learning Japanese, French, Swedish, Korean, and dabbling in basically every form of handicrafts under the sun. What was wrong with me?
While my peers went onto college and university to study their “of course” subjects that they’d been interested in all their lives, I was left in a bit of a eddy: what was my thing? I seemed to be able to become equally passionate about almost anything yet the idea of devoting myself to any one subject to the exclusion of the rest felt suffocating. I couldn’t come up with any correct phrase: I was artistic; I was active; I liked telling stories in different mediums…but mostly I just felt like I didn’t fit in. Lacking any better wording for it, I settled for being weird—“normal but broken.”
Then recently I found your blog due to a friend who told me about it. I was immediately interested, and after watching your Ted Talk and trawling through your website, I finally realised that I was a multipotentialite. I can’t fully express what a relief it was to find out that I wasn’t even the only one! Having gone so long thinking I was the odd one out had only made me wonder why, and would it have been better if I’d been born somehow “programmed correctly” to focus only on subject rather than tens. I even gave this method of existence a try for 8 months: focussing on one job to the exclusion of other hobbies and activities. By the end of it I was so unhappy and depressed I knew that I wasn’t made for that lifestyle.
I’ve struggled a great deal to figure out what to “make of myself” and what career to build—I haven’t seemed able to get too far into building anything before switching and “resetting” all my progress. I finally settled on becoming an entrepreneur, which would allow the greatest amount of freedom for what I want to do as well as actually being able to support myself.
The reason I would love to win HTBE is to help with this, to help with organising myself and figuring out how exactly to be everything which is the one thing I’ve been trying to work out with sporadic and limited success.
Thank you for all the word you do and for being such an inspiration. I’m really happy to know there is a community for us and that other people have gone through the same things I have experienced.

Many well wishes from Finland! 🙂

Hello! My dreams and skills are all over the place, and I keep running behind them and cannot catch them. Like Alice and the rabbit, and your book screams ‘read me’. I have recenty discovered that a few of my quirks resemble ASS, a blow to an already low self esteem; though at this point I feel worthy enough for a better life. I also feel that I already know enough, just not on how to start and how to push through, those rabbit holes are damn narrow. Kind regards, greetings from Belgium, Kristel

I am on the cusp of finishing my General Studies degree (with minor in Digital Media and Musical The) and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up! I need you book in my life to give me the tools to bring my passions together and/or just give me some peace of mind.

Why is “How to Be Everything” exactly what I need in my life right now?
Simple: because, at age 41, I’m still strugling to juggle all the various and different interests in my life and, as a mother of 3, I keep tell my kids they can do whatever they want and I’m still trying to get to the point that I actually can be an example on that.
I know I will get there… eventually… somewhere just before age 50! 😛 Having your book, Emilie, would help speed up the process so much that I might actually get everything more in balance before even turning 42 next year! 😉
Thank you for spreading the word on how being multifaceted is awesome and I hope I can get that word on my hands with your autograph soon. 🙂
All the best! 😀

I would love a free copy of your book! Renaissance Business was excellent and I’m sure this will be the same.

When I was 12, I had class in school called moral instructions where we would learn about different values. After each lesson in our books, there would be a paragraph about a famous personality who showed that particular value from the lesson. After one such lesson, the famous personality talked about was Leonardo Di Vinci. The paragraph talked about the numerous professions he practiced among other things.

As a kid who changed career choices year after year, his story offered me the perfect solution. I could be everything I wanted to be. I didn’t have to choose. My 12 year old mind did not realize that Leonardo Di Vinci lived a very long time ago and times have definitely changed.

It’s only once I reached high school and started looking for college courses and discussed with my parents about my career that I realized people like Leonardo Di Vinci don’t exist today. Yet, that didn’t change the fact that I still wanted to do more than just one thing.

Somehow, on more than a few occasions, when I’m thinking a lot about something, a TED video is released related to my thoughts. It’s crazy, but amazing.

One evening, in 2015, my parents and I were having another one of our career discussions. It didn’t end nicely. I was upset because I knew I was expected to choose just one thing. That same evening, your TED talk came out. It was the first time that I heard someone speak that way; someone who was like me. I was introduced to the word multipotentialite and I loved it!

Now, I’m a high school graduate and I still don’t know what to do. For the past few months I’ve been questioning myself and doubting myself. It’s not the best place to be in.

After numerous discussions with my parents, they have come to understand me. They realize that I have varied interests. But they are not multipotentialites. They support me and try to give me all the help I need, but they cannot guide me in this case.

Your book could be the perfect guide, not for making all my decisions and sorting out my life, but to give me the right push and motivation I need so I can have some clarity and make better choices.

I loved listening to your thoughts when I watched your TED talk. So I know your book will inspire me the same way and with it I can start my multipotentialite journey right away.

I know time is precious and I don’t want to lose any more of it by thinking and worrying about what I want to do. I think your book will give me a kick of inspiration to take that first step and pave a path for everything that I want to do.

Because I am sitting here, in my pyjamas, at almost mid-day, jobhunting, having been out of work since mid-June after losing a job that, once again, became mind-numbingly boring because doing the same thing day in, day out was driving me insane. Not knowing where to go next now the job I thought would be fulfilling, because it should have been varied, turned out it isn’t when you’re just a small cog in a drudgingly large, sluggish organisation. Actually happier sitting in my pyjamas, listening to podcasts on the history of Rome, discovering new art I’d never heard of and learning philosophy, whilst memorising lines for a new play and rediscovering drawing and trying to find what I fancy having a go at next, now my plans seems to have hit a wall of banal.

No one ever asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I never thought about my future because I was too busy struggling to cope with the present. I’ve always had too many interests and dreams, and became a self taught expert in so many fields it became overwhelming. when I finished Uni I still had no idea what to do with my life, and after 6 years of being a self employed entrepreneur I am still stuck in a rut, constantly questioning my choices and my direction. I would be so grateful to win a copy of your book, and hopefully learn to put my many and varied skills to better use.

Hi,

I’ve been a multipotentialite all my life (not knowing that I’m such),
and I believe I managed myself pretty well.

I have a son in his early 20th, who is also a multipotentialite, and is currently struggling with his multipotentialite characteristics.

I’d like to give him the book (actually, you will give it to him !!),
hoping it will help him with his plans for life.

Hi Emilie,
I started following you and all your articles after watching the TED talk 2 years ago. Really inspiring talk! It was the 1st time I realized that there are more people like me in the world. I am writing from India, quite across the world from you. My mom always tells that I can’t decide on what I really want to do at any one time. She’s quite right of course. My best days are those when I can accomplish a lot of things in completely diverse areas. I really don’t like doing things systematically and always relish a good surprise any day. While typing this, I am also parallel y working on my office project doing some document update. I work as a Senior Embedded Engineer at an automotive company. I have also recently started out as a writing intern at a Non-profit organization. At the same time I am also learning as much as I can about copy writing and digital marketing so that I can foray into that area as soon as possible. I love reading books, listening to music, movies, blogs, learning about new technologies. I have a deep interest for various dance forms and want to get back to learning dance as soon as I can. I also am passionate about traveling to new places and want to explore the world and create a blog to recount all my experiences. Oh and yes! I really want to write a few novels sometime in the future. And so the list goes on.
I am mother to a 10-month old and you can imagine that time is really hard pressed for me right now to do all that I want to do. Now you know why I really need your book!
Right now, I am hoping that you will find time to read my comment and consider giving your signed copy to me 🙂
But I have to say this Emilie, since I started out my putty-like subscription, I always look forward to your mails as it makes me happy knowing that its normal to want to do so many things. I don’t mind being the jack of all trades. You have been a true source of inspiration for me and I would like to meet you someday and thank you in person for that.

Hello Emilie,

I first came across you on your TED talk and I have to say it just clicked. I’d always been the indecisive kid, the kid that still didn’t know what they wanted to do. It gave me the courage to apply for a university course I really love, that lets me study all things I love and allows me to link them together.

Currently I want to be a poet/playwright/filmmaker/astronaut/archaeologist/explorer. I know to some people that may sound eccentric but I love doing everything. I find your weekly emails so timely and always what I need, from imposter syndrome to being okay with moving on to new things. I’ve been so inspired I’ve found myself advocating for multipotentiality wherever I go, family, friends. However, I think I lack knowing how to go about’being everything’. I’d like the book so it can help me take some more useful steps towards this.

Thanks a million, keep inspiring!

Why is How to Be Everything exactly what you need in your life right now?

Because I don’t know and want to find out.

Why do I need a copy of HTBE? Well, maybe I don’t need it, but I really do want it!! I am almost forty years old and I have drifted from one job to the next and from one interest to another, I have started I don’t know how many courses and have finished maybe three of them. I have had several different answers to the glorious question “what do you want to do with your life?” and I can guarantee that the answer has never been the same each time it is asked (well actually that may not be true, I think I recycle my answers and come back to something I have thought about before, but have never followed through with).
It would be nice to learn how to follow through and complete things and interests. I am raising a spirited young lady and would like to know that I will be able to support her through her life and myself and not keep just drifting through the minimum wage sector.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
All the best,
Nyree 🙂

I’m just… really struggling.

I want to do SO MANY THINGS and I’m interested in so many things and I feel like life is just slipping away.

I really want to do more and make the most of life.

Em,

Every morning when I wake up and see my new born daughter sleeping it pains me to decide to either wake her up for 5 minutes so she can see me or let her continue to dream and grow. My commute takes me far from home where my heart truly is to work a job to pay the bills. Knowing that my real legacy path can either follow the typical grind of a big tech city or be one that I lay for others to follow. My dream of solving the work life balance and helping people live happier and healthier lives is where your book comes in. The only way that tomorrow becomes the reality of my dreams is when I learn how to be everything including a #mellenialdad.

I feel like I’m already trying to be evrerything and do everything! But this desire is filled with so much guilt because I’ve been told my whole life I should choose only one thing! I want the encouragement and support to fully embrace my multipotentiality!

Hi Em!
A few months ago I discovered I’m a multipod and I’m struggling with it. I’m very excited and thrilled about it but I don’t know what to do, where to go and how to organise my life around it… I’m kind of lost (LOL getting used to it)
The thing is I’m from Argentina and I don’t have a credit card to buy it from Amazon, this giveaway is a great chance to get it.
Thank you for this opportunity.
XOXO

Discovering that I’m a multipod as created a sense of self-acceptance I have never felt before. I’ve read Refuse to Choose, but it was your TED talk that really brought a face to this mindset and a voice to my experience of life. I’d love to read more about your thoughts on the multipod life.

I actually finished reading a copy from the library last night! And to answer your question: I am in the process of starting over again with my career and making a change to something that will fulfill me more (and give me more variety!) than my current career. Starting over is scary, but your book helped me feel like this was normal and okay to do. I would love a copy of How to be Everything to have on-hand for when I start to doubt myself in this new path I’ve forged, so I can easily revisit and reread sections that can help me feel more confident. Thanks so much for your guidance in this journey 🙂

Hi Emilie! I would really hope to be able to win this signed copy of your book! Even though I may be one of the younger ones here, (I’m 20), I’d always feel that I never had a definite interest in my life. Looking at all my friends and family members, who seem to know it all as to what they want to do / things they are passionate about, I feel so lost and blind in this world. Then I went to google on “what to do if I don’t know what I am interested in”, and I found this website! Seeing that I am not the abnormal one was really such a relieve. Thus, I would love to read more about how can I go about in life – when I do not have a definite passion / specific subject I am interested in. I have so many big plans in life (to travel around the world, to be a designer, to be a beautician, to be a life coach, to be a nutritionist etc. etc.), but I really do not know how to go about doing it. I really do not wish to live a life that’s mundane, just because I do not how to start creating things and actually live a life, hence I feel that this book can aid me in taking my feet out of the box. So I really hope I could get hold of this book (crossing my fingers), and get out of the dump I got myself into by having so many ideas, yet not knowing how to work on them. xx, Bianca

Hi Emilie!

This is my first time writing to Puttylike or any website. I’m stepping up because “How to Be Everything” would give me the courage, strength, and support of this amazing community to help figure out what my unique path in life will be. I graduated from college last year with a double major in my two loves, Russian and International Relations. Although I spent thousands of dollars on my degree, I could not find a career that resonated with me. I completed a year of AmeriCorps VISTA which I LOVED because I could combine my passion for social justice and education in creative and practical outlets. Now that my year of service is over, I wonder what my next steps should be. When a friend shared an article about multipotentialites I felt like someone finally understood me! Your TED talk gave me a sense of comfort in knowing that there are people like me, who are passionate about many things and can do them well, and they are NOT failures for exploring more in the world. I am excited to begin a meaningful, diverse career path that will allow me to explore and live in a way that brings me happiness. I would be thrilled to have a signed copy of your book to help guide me during this journey! Thank you for all that you do!

Thanks to your lecture, I realized that I am a multipotential. The answer to this topic has tormented me the last three years. I did not understand what was happening to me. And now I need your book to understand how to be and what to do. I read a fragment of NTVE on Amazon and I really liked it. And I also learned about your online multipotential club. But there you need to buy a license. And now, now I do not know what to do, buy a book or join a club. Maybe this is my chance to win a book and spend money on a club license. Thank you very much for the book and for the club!

I don’t want a copy of your book because if I get it, it will sit on my shelf forever collecting dust because mostly all the other books i acquire end up in that position! Not that I wouldn’t try to read it, here and there, but as a multipod………ehhh, not happening.
Thanks anyhow,
Helen

Hey Emilie!Here I am: veronik, from France,West of Brittany, just face to the Atlantic Ocean!! HOW TO BE EVERYTHING would be great for me!
… my mother said…(and keeps on saying) to me “you won’t be able to do everything!” I was a child, and now 49!…I just wanted to learn & play music, to have some artistic courses in painting, drawing …but she said ‘You already play basketball!’and later I complet it with athletics, kayak…
I love foreign languages and cultures-speak english, german, italian, and read spanish- I’m also very talkative…I wanted to write a short post :))))
So…very sensitive, and ‘psychologist’ too.
My very curious temperament keeps on going, every day I’m self-educated in many areas … I’m an architecte -because I had to learn a job: I didn’t know what to chose!I took this way,thinking ‘you have to be curious to do this job’,but I’m very found of nature, I could be a lanscape architcte, but I’m only a self-taught botaniste, i know medecinal seeds too 😉 …), but I don’t work anymore in this way (..2 hard experiences for my soul,too big ‘ego’of the boss,and a certain lack of humanity)… involved now in some personnels projects(nature is a big root for my inspiration_i’m a contemplative_and good observer in life) including different mediums, in photography, drawing & painting,sculpture writing poems, or prose, I had a recent experience in reading some of them, during a poetry festival in Belgium (it was the time, and I have realy loved it!!I want to keep on going this way!!) words come to me naturaly …and I take a pen,any peace of paper, or chawk on a wall in my house, or on the memo of my fone…or it is a message I begun to write to a friend! it’s sometime fleeting like a photography, just haiku…or just some words at the begining become a long text at the end…all sensations, all in a throw (some rhythms & rhymes will invites themself spontaneously, surprising me every time, when I read it at the end!!) & I’m making makets of book to show my work now!
I also hear lot of music,all sort of music, lot of jazz and play guitare…I’m multi also in any mean of expression, that’s exponential!!…that makes a happy colorfull basard!!
so…I need to organize my basard!!
A little help by reading others multipods experiences would be a great idea !!

Emilie – July 28! You know very well it will take more than 2 days to draft, edit, edit, re-write, cross-check and re-write the winning response to this competition. Your writing is on point, and a game-changer for all multipods still trying to figure ‘everything’ out. Silvia and Chuck deserve a copy of your book too!

Hi Emilie!

I am an artist/geologist/hiker/technician/tourguide/florist and I am JUST about to leave my summer position as a paleontology tour guide in New Mexico to go back home to New York where I have a month before starting my winter job as a ski/snowboard technician!

I am going to spend that month working on my new project, backpackerbooklist.com, making art, and READING… I really want this book and I was going to get it out of the library because I have no money right now but if I could have a copy that would be not only AMAZING but when I’m done I will pass it on to my brother who is also an incredible multipotentialite (metal sculptor, graffiti artist, writer, musician). Thanks so much for all your awesome work!

Emily!

Hello Emilie!!

My name is Verónica and I’m from México.

You can’t imagine the relief and joy I felt when I saw your TED talk for the first time, 2 months ago. I’ve always been struggling with my identity because there are many things I like and many thing I would like to do. I constantly feel frustrated because I have never quite fit in.

But the worst moment of all was when I graduated. It was absolutely terrible, I had a mind full of ideas that didn’t seem to fit in the “real” world and a sense of no-direction that threaten me to get to nowhere.

How to be Everything will mean a possibility to continue to cultivate and appreciate who I am and to use my skills and knowledge not only for myself but to help others.

I hope you know you have inspired people all over the world, including me, a mexican gal who is willing to learn more about herself and the world.

Emilie! When I first stumbled upon your TED talk, I felt all kinds of warm fluffy beautiful things in my gut. I was just a 17 year-old high school senior about to take the decision that doesn’t just define the rest of my life, but also who I am and what I hold dear enough to stick to for that much time. But here’s the only thing I knew, I AM NOT STICKY. Nothing interests me long enough and if it could, I would have to take serious breaks. So, back to my mind blown senior self, I exhaled all the pressure, hearing you talk about how it never really is the end. I felt like I could finally learn how to be tender to my highly branched mind. I literally grabbed a notebook, studied your ideas, read your posts and started spreading the word about multipotentiality. Many of my friends related and I was so thankful for that moment I clicked on your talk and the other infinite moments that sculpted your mind to be a roadmap for the rest of us. Now, I’m leaving for college in 20 days to study biology and it’s getting increasingly jittery where I’m trying to convince myself that it’s okay and that I can stop wherever I need and follow the rest of my dreams. That’s why I really really need this book especially signed by yourself. All the love and gratitude there is xx

Hey Emilie, thanks for inspiring so many people.
I wish I could have your book because Amazon does not sell signed copies :)))
Any chance for you to come over and give a lecture here in Italy?
With gratitude,
Elisabetta

Why is How to Be Everything exactly what I need in my life right now? Well, where do I start? I’m currently working for two companies, a startup where I wear 19 different hats and a dull, financial based company where I jump from project to project without actually being able to complete anything. I strongly dislike both jobs and I’m trying my darnedest to cut these shackles of fear and start my own business. After a handful of started and abandoned niche-websites, and being just about ready to start YET ANOTHER niche business, I stumbled upon Puttylike and Renaissance Business, and I’ve been reinvigorated and inspired to say “F*ck your niche!” and just do it all and do it my way and connect with others out there that I KNOW are just like me. I literally feel physical exhilaration just thinking about everything my multipotentialite heart can do and how it can continue to grow for the rest of my life. I’ve been in tears of elation pouring over articles on Puttylike. And I am so freaking excited to immerse myself in How to Be Everything.
Winning a free, signed copy of the book would be really, really cool. But let’s be honestly, I might not be able to wait that long and just buy the book within the next hour. XD

I need some direction, I’m in a “standstill” and don’t know which way to go…need help and the book can give me perspective and provide calm. Thank you

Dearest Emily

I need your book.
Because:
I have used too many years of my youth and also adult life-
Feeling guilty about not being able to take a decision.
Get an edjucation. Earn some money.
Grow up. Always thinking that its irresponsible living life my fluttering way with three children.
But im slowly moving away from that idea in my head.
Getting rid of guilt. Stop comparing myself with super women.
I need the last kick in the but. To convince me that Im on the road to the good multiple creative joyous life that is filled with wool and garbage and music and plants and cats and children and love.

I would like to improve my English through your book, it could be a multipotentialite solution. I’m in!

I need this book to help me start my own business or businesses because this most recent jump to a new job has morphed into me being the cleaning crew & while things need cleaned & this may be One’s passion, it is not uniting or forwarding MY passions! ((Though I must say, I have learned a lot about task order & my own concern for a clean space!!))

Hello Emilie!!
Like almost everyone I find you and the puttylike-word by your TED talk, it was like discover my origin, my tribe, finnally someone who understands me and most important, magnifies and recognizes the advantage to have a profile and character to do-like-know-want to be everything.
I´m from México and even when we have a lot of cultural wealth and great schools the educational structure in my country is not the best to empowering the young people and increase their talents even if there is different, so now I´m completly into looking more mexican people to join us and make a difference (puttylike power!!).

When I look for the comments to win the book, I think it´s going to be a tough work to read us and then decide the best (lol), maybe not the best for you being so busy! anyway if I dont win a shining new book (not like the one who I have with so many scratches and notes) just want to thank you the commitment to write your discover and get virtually in touch to all of us. Soon or later we all need a little bit of inspiration to follow our projects and change the paradigms.
Regards from Querétaro, México!!
D

Pleas pick this humble and lost multipotential please.

Greetings from Mexico.

I remember the relief I felt when I discovered you online. Every time I get your newsletter, I am gifted again with being validated.
It’s a movement from low self esteem, of seemingly “undecided”, to “I am ALL that. Wow!”.

Would love to delve further into my present.

So grateful!

Hi Emilie,
I’m currently in high school and wil be applying for colleges this year. I’ve varied interests and it’s getting tough to manage everything. I think I could really use this book .

& Great TED talk!
Keep inspiring
Thanks

I’m a management consultant, a knitter, bushwalker, cook, facilitator, reader, sister, partner and swimmer. In my professional capacity I’ve shared the idea of being a multipotentialite which has been received with with much joy. I have recommended people to your website. I would love to learn more so I am able to contribute to people’s awareness, awakening, freedom and flourishing.
Many thanks
Susan

I would love to win a copy of “How to be Everything” because I’m in the process of exploring what I want to do next. I’m a multipotentialite who has explored science research, education and wellness coaching. I want to create space in my life for astronomy, piloting, screenwriting and inspirational speaking. I want to be everything! This book would be an amazing inspiration for me. I love the puttylike platform and how it brings infinite explorers together!

Because I’m at a crossroads, and lately I’ve been feeling like a confused teenager – except for the fact that I’m 33, and I bet many people would say I know what I’m doing; because the experience I gained myself in life did bring me mindfulness and resilience, but I still can’t say I feel confident about who I am and what’s my purpose; because I always have a hard time describing myself, or understanding how people really see me.

And no, I definitely don’t think the answer is in the book (or in any book at all!), but I feel that’s written by somebody who might have shared similar struggles, and whose work and words are a source of inspiration – which is key, in moments like these 🙂

Emily’s talk made me feel at peace with the idea of the undefined, the incomplete, the unachieved.

And if everything is worth a try, why not try this, too 🙂

Keep up the good work, Emily! A warm hug from Italy

A while ago I was in multipotentialite heaven! Cross disciplinary research is great – my day was biomedical research, computer science, A.I., information management, design, writing and if I got bored I could go and learn something else to bring into the fold. The I got bitten my the evil CFS/ME and had to stop working. I still have the learn all the things urge (thank the internet gods for the MOOC) but have lost the feeling of usefulness and feel like I’m dabbling. A copy of How To Be Everything would be awesome to help me work out how to regain that multi-usefulness again!

Hi Emilie, I’m Giada. I find that what you’re doing with Puttylike is just wonderful.

I’ve seen your TED Talk some months ago and it has been so revealing for me. For the first time in my life someone was talking about something that I have always tried to hide, because it wasn’t so clear even for me what it was. It was my secret, my most hidden shame, I was never able to admit it to myself. In that video you gave me a word to describe myself and made me know that I was not alone.
Being a multipotentialite has always been a struggle for me. For many years I’ve tried to be like people around me, to find my only way, and work on it for all my life, as all successful people have to do, I thought. I‘ve tried a lot to be like that, but I couldn’t. And I can’t. I like almost everything in this world and I can’t focus all of my energies on just few passions. Now, at 28, I know I will be never successful in the way people around me are successful. Not as my friends, who are now doctors, teachers, biologists.

Some months ago, it was a terrible moment for me, but I’ve found that video, I’ve found you and Puttylike. Something began to change in my mind. Maybe even I could be happy and satisfied with my life. I’ve read a lot on Puttylike and I’m trying to accept the idea that being a multipod is not a curse. But it’s a struggle most of the time.
When I hate myself for my incapability to stay focused on the same thing for more than two days, in that moments, I try to remember that you and a lot of people in the Puttytribe are successful and happy with your life, even if you are multipods, maybe because you are multipods. That encourages me a lot. Now I know that, as a multipod, I can have a good life. But how? I feel this enormous empty space in front of me, between me and my happiness, because I don’t know HOW to apply in my own life the wonderful philosophy of successful multipods. I know I’d need a little help in this moment of my life. Your book would be the best present I can imagine right now.
In any case thank you so much for what you are doing

Giada

Hey Emilie.

So, I’d like to start off formally, or slightly sophisticated, atleast.

But I also want to talk really casually as well.

A part of me wants to act all funny to make you laugh.

Another part of me wants to tell you my stupid sob story to make you connect with me.

GOD, I want to be so many things.
I love the idea of being a quirky artist who lives her life by her rules.

But I also like the comfort of a stable office job.

I want to let go and be reckless, travel and become a journalist.

But I’d also love to work in a quiet library.

I am SO CONFUSED. Really. And I feel like you’re the only, ONLY person who can help me sort some shit out.

That’s really all I’d like to say, before I transform into a nondescript cloud of emotions.

Thank you for reading,

Nabiha.

I need it because I am interested in so many things and choosing one thing gives me so much anxiety. Every time I try to move forward with choosing my next move I just feel like I am stuck in quicksand.

Your book would brighten up my sad cubicle

A guy I met today for the first time (during one of my two jobs I have at the moment) recommended me the book, saying “you seem to be exactly the kind of person who likes jumping from a kind of job to another one, you should read this book”. Yes, that’s me. I’ve been a student for the last 10 years (with two finished bachelors, currently doing a master – every one of these in a different field) and I am still thinking about doing something else. Besides this, I have two different jobs and often no time for myself. And my feeling about myself is very often that I am a kind of “jack of all trades, master of none”. I don’t really know how to find my place in the working world and how to deal with my always changing interests. I guess I need some motivation. This guy I met today gave me a glimpse into the book and made me think that maybe it’s not that bad after all that I’m not able to settle. So I just hope that maybe this book would help me feel better with myself and enjoy more what I’m doing, no matter what that is.

I first heard about the word multipotentialite after watching your ted talk video. It really opened my eyes and I came to understand what I have been going through for a long time. It will be an honur to win the book as it will be educational to me to fully grasp the direction of my future

I need “How to Be Everything” so that I can become the awesome person I know I am. Now all fingers crossed!!

Hi Emilie, I first came across you on your TED talk and I must say I loved it! I would be so happy to win this wonderful piece of work as it is just the thing I need at the moment. I am having a very hard time on managing multiple projects in my life right now besides having a full time job and being a mom. I want to do so many things and I feel like I need to do them now or never 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! Keep inspiring!

Hello,
I´ve just discovered this new way of seeing life, the multipotentialite. And i´m struggling because here in Brasil we don´t have no one talking about this, so i need the book in my life to get further in this knowledge, to understand even more how to be everything!
This book will help me in a lot of ways, but the greatest one is that with him i can start talking about this over here!
Hope you choose me 😛

Hey Emilie,

I will keep this short as you have a lot to read 🙂
All I can say is that I need to read that book! Lately, I have really been doubting myself and I feel like I can’t be “good enough” for anything… just lost.
So I need some courage to believe it’s ok to not be an expert at something.
Either ways, I’m glad I found you and the rest of the people I see here. We aren’t alone and that’s a… good feeling.

Thanks to all of you.
– N

Hey Emilie,
I’ve known ever since reading Refuse to Choose that I am most definitely a multipotentialite/scanner/renaissance person/polymath, etc. As much as I felt relieved to know this about myself, I’ve had a hard time figuring out what to do with this information. The reason How to Be Everything is exactly what I need in my life right now, is because I am currently unemployed and I see this time as an amazing opportunity to change my direction in life, but I’m feeling lost. I’m finding myself getting into the familiar patterns of thinking: “What do I want to do with my life?” “What’s the one direction I should choose to go in?” “What is something I can learn to do that I might possibly like to do forever?” I feel How to Be Everything can provide me with the exact type of guidance I currently need. Thanks for the work you do!

Hi, Emilie!

As most here, discovering your website brought me relief! We are not alone!
I always show your TED Talk to my EFL students when they ask me why I studied Nutrition, Chemistry and English Literature in college…
And there is always someone who also identifies him/herself as a multipotentialite. It’s awesome!

Why do I need How to be Everything?
Well, my birthday is next Tuesday, so it would be the perfect gift!
Also, I’m currently unemployed and we’re in a big crisis here in Brazil, so I couldn’t buy the book yet…

Either way, I’d like to thank you a lot for helping me find a place in the world! <3

I’ve been working towards this moment of understanding for a lifetime.
In high school my parents were told I was gifted only to have me fail due to my lack of interest for one thing. My work resume is a mix of great achievements and then halt, new direction, start again… I could go on. Now 40 I’m only beginning to see my true self. That this can be a blessing. That this is why I’ve had an interesting life. With understanding I hope to channel this into different areas of my life.

I am a career Multipotentialite getting ready to launch a book, an oracle deck, and a 12 month course, a unique aromatherapy system, a fun little retail product, a meditation school, getting ready to travel to the UK and the Bali with my 14 year old daughter in tow before we make the big move off grid to save the world. Infact everything I do is tp save the world! I need to get across the line Emilie!!! XOXO

Hello Emilie, I’d discovered you a while back when you first came up with the term “Multi-Potentialite”. I find it so hard to focus on doing just one thing with my illustration art and my writing skills. I’ve spent many years blaming this lack of focus on the fact that I have Attention Deficit issues; this inner critic holds me back, a lot, it prevents me from finishing up projects in an orderly way. I constantly feel I’m not living up to the productive level of others, others who are specialists and not ‘wired’ like me. Revisiting your blog recently made me realize being a square peg isn’t a bad thing after all, and it would be nice to have the opportunity to delve in to a book rich with information on this very fact. Thank you for the opportunity. SU

I read your book last week. It felt like having a paper edition of puttylike.com in a nutshell but still thorough enough. There wasn’t much new stuff to learn because I’ve read almost every blog post here, but it was very inspiring and great to put on my bookshelf. And the book is a nice conversation starter!