Be A Polymath But One At A Time
When you try to achieve too many things—trying to do everything at once, trying to become more than you realistically can—you are bound to feel restless. You rush into every task as if each one must be completed immediately. Over time, these tasks become tied to your sense of self-worth, long before you have any real control over them.
You cannot become everything at once. You can only become someone with certain capabilities. One may aspire to be a polymath, but no one can embody everything simultaneously. You can be a butcher and a poet, but not at the same moment. Some tasks will demand more of you at certain times. Be prepared to focus on a single task for an extended period and let go of the others, at least temporarily.
People with multiple abilities often struggle to decide what to prioritise. They attempt to be accomplished in everything, every single day. This inevitably leads to burnout, restlessness, and a persistent sense of inadequacy. When you commit to playing a sport daily, but certain workdays leave you exhausted and unable to do so, the inability to participate can make you feel as though you have fallen short.
Focus is only possible when you commit yourself to one task at a time. Having multiple capabilities simply means you can engage in different pursuits—not all at once. Do it in spurts, if possible. Spend a few weeks completing one project, then shift your attention to another. It is often better to live from project to project than to force yourself into a rigid routine that ultimately leaves you feeling inadequate.