your versatility is your strength
Since age 9, my aunt has referred to me as “doctor teacher plaiting hair”. I’ve always been the kind to pick new interests really quickly. When something interests me, the question that follows is “how can I fit into this?”
My mum used to call me Jackie as a reference to the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none.” For many years, this quote instilled shame in me because I feared I wouldn’t ever be the best at anything (because I was good at everything).
When I joined Twitter, that internalised shame that had built over the years grew into fear - an ever-recurring theme in my life. I had read so many thought pieces on how “generalists” were not so great to work with because they had no “mastery”. Seeing these scared me so much because I was in the early part of my career, and I began to feel unhireable.
Then I discovered the full quote from William Shakespeare:
Jack of all trades is master of none,
but oftentimes is better than a master of one.
Those words resonated deeply with me. They helped me realise that my diverse skills and interests weren’t a liability but a strength.
To be honest with you, there are days when I still feel like my chances are low and I don’t know what I’m doing. But on those days, I remind myself of what my skills are and how far I’ve come.
Normally, I would say that making bold decisions have never been my strong suit. Now, looking back? I think I’ve made a lot of bold decisions. So many times I’ve tried to rediscover myself, and every time I learn a new thing. Most times I realise there’s a new activity making me feel alive again. I start asking myself why I’m so interested in this activity. I’m trying to figure out how to fit this into my everyday life, and if possible, my career.
Each new interest or skill I pick up adds to the tapestry of who I am. I’ve come to see my journey not as a series of disparate pursuits, but as a continuous evolution of learning and growth. Embracing my identity as a multidisciplinary human has given me the confidence to pursue my passions without the fear of not being the best. It’s about being the best version of myself, no matter what path I choose to explore next.
So if you’ve ever felt like your diverse interests are holding you back, stop letting them. Growth is continuous. Embrace the journey. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Recognise how your skills and interests interconnect and complement each other. Share your experiences and learn from others.
And remember, your versatility is your strength.
lulu’s recs for the week
A few things to check out in your free time…
BOOK: Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie
MOVIE: Downsizing (available on Netflix)
DOCUMENTARY: Dumb Money (available on Netflix)
wanna try my new Notion template? (it’s free)
I’m working on a Notion template for creators to manage everything in on place. If you’re a content creator and you’d like to test it out for free, you can reach out to me via email.