World of Polymaths: Psychology behind Multitalented Individuals

India was enthusiastic throughout the Olympics. From the wins of Manu Bhaker, to the collective grieving for Lakshya Sen’s loss; these players did not disappoint but made India proud as ever. Interesting fact about them is that alongside being a shooter, Bhaker also is an avid Horse rider, skater, does Bharatanatyam, a violin practitioner and does karate as well. How are these players so multi-talented? What is the psychology behind it?

Who is Multitalented Person?

Simply put, it is someone who has more than one special talent. They are also called “Polymaths” or “Multipotentiality”. For example, Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, engineer, scientist, and inventor. He created iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but he also conceptualized designs for flying machines, tanks, and studied anatomy, geology, and hydrodynamics. Hedy Lamarr was an actor alongside an inventor and the co-creator of a frequency-hopping technology during World War II.

Psychology behind Multitalented People

Is it some special extra “badam” parents eat during pregnancy? Or some pixie dust that is unknown to the rest of the population? Well, not exactly. Here is what psychology says:

Multitalented folks are like the cats of the human world—curious about everything. This curiosity fuels them. In psychological terms, remember the
big 5 personality traits? Openness to experience is rated highly in these individuals. For example, think of Leonardo da Vinci, who didn’t just stop at painting the Mona Lisa. He wanted to fly (seriously, he designed flying machines), understand the human body, and dissect a few cadavers just for fun.

They are the Optimistic Octopuses. They believe they can grow and stretch into whatever they want- and every mistake is another learning lesson for them. For example, Elon Musk, who always wanted to send a car to space; he’s failed publicly (like that time a rocket exploded), but he just sees it as a blooper in his grand, unscripted epic. Several of his missions have seen the same fate, but it hasn’t stopped him from trying further.

They are mental gymnasts. Their brains are like playgrounds, they wish to do everything and have the eagerness to learn everything as well. They love connecting dots that others can’t even see. For example, a song that was trending everywhere; “This is America” by Childish Gambino, is not just a singer, but also acts, writes scripts, does comedy and a lot more. He has won Grammy’s and has made extremely famous TV series.

Read More: Understanding Neuroplasticity: How Our Brains Adapt, Heal and Thrive

They are motivated… intrinsically. Imagine a puppy chasing its tail, not because someone told it to, but just because it’s so fun to them. That’s
intrinsic motivation. They are not multitalented because they have to be, they do the things because they have fun and love doing it! For example, Maya Angelou wasn’t just a poet or a civil rights activist or a dancer or a singer or an actress… she was all of these things because she loved doing all of these.

They are confortable with change and unpredictability. These people live comfortably in the grey areas, thriving in the unknown. For example, Priyanka Chopra Jonas moved from Bollywood to Hollywood, from acting to producing, and from global superstar to social activist (and occasionally sings) with so much ease.

They are gutsy and have high resilience and grit. They’re not afraid of a little blood, sweat, and tears because every battle just makes them stronger.
Similarly, biologically as well they show neuroplasticity. Too big of a word? Their brains are like flexible Play-Doh, constantly molding and reshaping themselves to learn new skills. Or like high speed internet; constantly updating, buffering, downloading. For example, Musicians who also happen to be mathematicians or scientists (like Brian May of Queen, who’s also an astrophysicist) literally have brains that bend reality to their will.

Read More: 10 Characteristics of Lifelong Learners, According to Psychology

How Can I become Multitalented?

You aren’t suddenly born with multiple talents; rather it is a process over the years. Start with your curiosity. What sparks your interest? Make a list of all the things you’ve ever wanted to try, no matter how weird or unrelated they seem. Don’t be afraid of failure; instead, see it as a stepping stone. Pick a new skill that intimidates you. Commit to learning it for 30 days. 

Track your progress and don’t aim for perfection, first learn it properly. Make learning a daily habit. Dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to learning something new. When learning something new, ask yourself how it relates to what you already know. Can music improve your mathematical skills? Can dancing help you become a better driver? Join clubs, attend workshops, engage in online communities, and learn from people who excel in different fields. 

All this will not happen overnight, but ill take days, months, or even years! Reflect regularly on your learning journey. Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone challenge yourself. Being multitalented is more about exploring the wonders of your own curiosity and having the courage to venture outside of your comfort zone than it is about being a superhero overnight.

Consider it as sowing seeds; some may become quiet tiny buds, while others may grow into passions that light up your days. In either case, you are growing a varied garden of knowledge and experiences that enrich, enhance, and endlessly enliven your life. So go ahead and take up that paintbrush, chase that tail, enrol in that pottery class, and who knows? You might be astonished at what you can become.