When you get a bunch of multipotentialites together in a room—even a virtual room—the possibilities are pretty much endless. A few days ago, I got to witness a tune on the banjo, a poem about social justice, a dramatic reenactment of a scene from The Godfather, and a gorgeous rendition of Hallelujah…in Esperanza. There were a bunch more performances too, each more surprising than the last, at a recent Puttyverse Open Mic night we held on Zoom.
Imagine it! Dozens of multipotentialites from all over the world coming together virtually to share their skills and cheer each other on.
It’s one of the great privileges of my life to witness all the diverse talent in our community, but what’s even better is how unbelievably supportive everybody is! In the sometimes cold, cruel internet, the ‘verse is a space of warmth and kindness. I feel so proud of what we’ve built.
The Puttyverse community turns 10 this week!
Yes, our online community for multipods has been growing and flourishing for 10 WHOLE YEARS. That’s like 100 years in internet time! It’s a big deal.
We’ve been celebrating our multipotentialite decade all month with various events and activities. However, this is such a major milestone that I thought I’d publish a piece here to honour the magic that happens when multipotentialites come together in community. I asked our members to share a bit about how the ‘verse has changed them.
Whether or not you join us in the Puttyverse, here are three reasons you should get into community with other multipods who just GET IT:
1. You don’t have to explain yourself, yet you feel instantly understood
In a multipotentialite community, no one pigeonholes you, judges you by your job title or even blinks when you dive into something totally new. In fact, people cheer you on and genuinely want to help you reach your goals. In a space like this, you are free to explore, leave things behind and redefine yourself again and again.
As Diana puts it,
“Here, people get me. I am free to have a conversation about my work or projects without needing to explain that I have multiple interests and skills over various fields. People appreciate my curiosity and creativity without trying to box me into a limited definition of who I am. We all understand and can talk about the benefits and challenges of being a multipotentialite.”
Even when you’re shy or introverted, multipods in community welcome you and make sure you feel accepted:
“This is the first time in my life where I don’t have to filter my questions, my makeup, my interests. There is always a smile, a kind comment, a hug, a suggestion, a sharing of experiences, vulnerability, warmth…room to create, gather people for a project, talk about a topic. It took a few weeks to relax into this parallel universe, months to add a photo to my profile, but even when I didn’t have a profile photo, it didn’t matter. I was received, heard, valued, cheered. I mattered, my input was welcomed.”
—Kati
2. You make friends & connect with people on a deep level
Since we’re all multipotentialites, we have a shared understanding of our unique gifts and challenges. Growing up in a specialist-oriented culture, many of us have been through similar experiences.
As puttypeep Ryan explains, this shared understanding of the multipod experience fosters genuine connection:
“I am more open with people because I have found more people I can trust. I have found and made new friends and even casual acquaintances who I open up to—with some limits and boundaries—better than most of my in-person friends and family. I have shared more personal stories and even some vulnerabilities with the accountability huddle group that I thought I’d hold inside forever.”
There’s also something really special about meeting people across our many differences. The Puttyverse is an international community, and meeting other multipods from different countries is phenomenal:
“I love having Puttyverse friends from all over the world, especially ones who are one nationality (or more) and who live in a country other than their own, just like me. The diversity of people here is just so inspiring. Also, the acceptance of each person, just as they are, is very heart-warming.”
—Cat
3. It builds your confidence to be your authentic multipotentialite self out in the world
When you’re around other multipotentialites, you get more comfortable sharing your many passions and projects with non-multipods. This can translate to being more confident in the workplace, with family or even when answering the dreaded question: So, what do you do?
I love what Kati has to say about this:
“I feel better in society. I stepped fully into my identity and I don’t feel the need to justify to others what I like and what I do. I decide how much, what and when to share some parts when relevant, like a diamond highlights a facet when hit by light.”
This inner confidence can translate into professional opportunities, too:
“I‘m now so used to being a multipod, and that this is okay, that I don‘t question myself anymore and I can’t even remember how it was to do that. I go directly to thinking: “and how can you accommodate my needs as a multipod?” when scrolling through job opportunities, instead of trying to fit myself in the employer’s mold.”
—Vero
Find yourself some multipotentialites!
It’s in every multipotentialite’s interest to get around other multipods. It can make you feel so accepted, increase your confidence and mental health, and help you bring your multipotentialite gifts to the world. It’s certainly changed my life!
If you would like to experience the magic for yourself, and join our community of over 600 multipotentialites from all corners of the world, head right over here and sign up by Friday, April 29 at 8am EDT.
A special gift for you
In celebration of our 10 year Puttyversary, I’m giving a copy of my workshop, Multipod Productivity, to anyone who signs up for our annual membership by Friday.
And if you’re already a puttypeep and would like to upgrade from monthly to annual or add another year to your annual membership, we’re happy to send you the workshop, too. Just email Joel or message him in the ‘verse. 🙂
Happy 10-year anniversary, my multipotentialite friends!!! I’m so proud of what we’ve built. I may have started the community back in 2012, but it wouldn’t be what it is today without each and every one of you.
Here’s to another 10 years, and beyond!
Love,
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