Jack of all trades is a master of…wait a minute, stop right there!
Did you know the old Shakespeare quote people toss around casually about a “Jack of all trades” is often mispositioned to mean the opposite of what was intended? Before you assume it’s a critique of versatility, let's delve into the real meaning of Shakespeare's statement and explore a complimentary concept (one I just discovered for the first time yesterday) introduced by Barbara Sher: "scanner" personalities. Giant lightbulb — being a versatile creative isn't just okay— it can be a superpower.
Shakespeare's Insight: The Full Quote
First things first, let's put Shakespeare's quote in its full glory: "Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one." BOOM! Quite a twist, isn't it? This complete quote calls out that a generalist might often outperform a specialist.
Over time, this quote has been somewhat twisted. Many now interpret it as a slight against those with an array of interests and diverse skills. But when you read the complete statement, you realize it's more of a nod to the versatility and adaptability that "Jacks of all trades" possess.
Barbara Sher's Scanner and Diver Personalities
Now, let's talk about Barbara Sher's take on this. She introduces the concept of "scanner" personalities, who are like information sponges with diverse interests. On the flip side, we have "divers" who specialize deeply in one field.
Celebrate your unique story and ALL your interests by creating your own box of memories with friends and family. It’s a great way to unleash your creativity together!
Scanners are a curious bunch. They're adaptable, brimming with ideas, and thrive in a world of variety. They are the ones who connect seemingly unrelated dots, making the world a more innovative place. Scanners find joy in exploring different paths, and they excel at cross-pollinating ideas.
According to Sher:
“Scanners love to read and write, to fix and invent things, to design projects and businesses, to cook and sing, and to create the perfect dinner party. (You’ll notice I didn’t use the word ‘or,’ because Scanners don’t love to do one thing or the other; they love them all.)”
Divers, on the other hand, are all about mastering one craft. They dive deep, and their expertise often leads to groundbreaking advancements in their chosen field. Think of them as the experts who lay the foundation for innovation.
Why Being a Scanner is Remarkable
If you happen to be a "Jack of all trades" or a scanner, you should wear that badge proudly. Your ability to blend various skills makes you a powerhouse, especially when combined with solid leadership skills and the self-awareness to know when you need to rely on strong people where you are weak — especially divers.
You bring fresh perspectives, creative solutions, and a wealth of knowledge to the table. Your adaptability and knack for learning across disciplines are invaluable in a rapidly evolving world.
When understood in its entirety, Shakespeare's quote celebrates versatility rather than belittling it. Barbara Sher's scanner concept further reinforces the idea that diverse talents and interests are something to be embraced. Whether you're a "Jack of all trades," a scanner, or a specialist, remember that your unique skills contribute to the richness and innovation of our world. Embrace your creative spirit, and continue making the world a more fascinating place—one diverse talent at a time.
Embracing Your Energy
For the endlessly curious and multi-passionate, having diverse interests and skills can be an asset when approached with intention. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your multifaceted personality, plus discover inspiring examples of people who’ve thrived by embracing their versatility.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have many interests pulling you in different directions, but being versatile can:
Help you adapt to new challenges.
Make you a creative problem-solver.
Open unexpected opportunities by connecting seemingly unrelated skills.
Tip: Instead of fighting your curiosity, embrace it! Your diverse passions might be the key to solving problems in unique ways or creating something entirely new.
Famous Jacks (and Jills) of All Trades
Throughout history, extraordinary individuals have thrived by embracing their wide-ranging interests and turning them into groundbreaking achievements:
Leonardo da Vinci
Often referred to as the ultimate Renaissance man, da Vinci was a painter, inventor, anatomist, and engineer. He didn’t just paint masterpieces like the Mona Lisa; he also conceptualized flying machines, hydraulic pumps, and detailed anatomical drawings that were centuries ahead of their time. His ability to combine science, art, and observation made him one of the most innovative thinkers of all time.Hedy Lamarr
Known as a glamorous Hollywood actress in the 1940s, Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor. During World War II, she co-invented a frequency-hopping communication system to prevent torpedoes from being jammed. While it wasn’t adopted right away, her technology eventually became the foundation for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. She’s an outstanding example of how diverse interests can lead to unexpected innovation.Benjamin Franklin
Franklin wore many hats: inventor, writer, diplomat, and scientist. He invented the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and even an early version of the odometer. His curiosity and ability to apply knowledge across fields helped shape America’s history and laid the groundwork for scientific and civic progress.Maya Angelou
Angelou’s life was a tapestry of artistic and intellectual interests. She was a poet, memoirist, actress, singer, dancer, and civil rights activist. Her famous memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, reflects her ability to channel her diverse talents and life experiences into powerful storytelling. She showed that being multi-faceted can enrich not only your own life but also the lives of others.Nikola Tesla
Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor, and engineer, was a polymath whose contributions to electricity and magnetism revolutionized the modern world. Beyond engineering, Tesla dabbled in physics, environmental science, and futurism, often imagining technologies like wireless power that were far ahead of his time.Bo Jackson
Known as one of the greatest multi-sport athletes, Jackson excelled in both professional baseball and football. While many athletes specialize in a single sport, Jackson showed that mastering multiple fields is possible with talent and dedication. His famous "Bo Knows" campaign highlighted his versatility.Shonda Rhimes
A modern-day example, Rhimes is a television producer, screenwriter, author, and businesswoman. Best known for creating shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, she also wrote a memoir and founded a production company that fosters diverse voices in storytelling. Her success shows how following multiple passions can lead to extraordinary influence.Thomas Jefferson
As the third U.S. president, Jefferson was more than just a politician. He was an architect, farmer, scientist, and writer. He designed Monticello, drafted the Declaration of Independence, and made significant contributions to agriculture and education. His curiosity about the world made him a well-rounded thinker and leader.
These examples show that being a jack of all trades isn’t a flaw—it’s a superpower when paired with focus and purpose. Their stories highlight the value of curiosity, versatility, and the ability to apply diverse skills to solve problems, innovate, and create.
How to Harness Your Energy and Stay Focused
If you’re someone with endless curiosity and a wide range of interests, it can often feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, your enthusiasm for learning and trying new things makes you creative and adaptable. On the other, it can be hard to focus, leading to unfinished projects or the feeling that you’re not truly excelling in any one area. Sound familiar?
The good news is that being a jack of all trades isn’t about doing everything perfectly all at once—it’s about channeling your energy strategically. By learning to focus and prioritize, you can make the most of your multi-passionate personality without feeling scattered or overwhelmed.
Tips for Turning Curiosity into Productivity
Once you’ve embraced your diverse interests, the next step is figuring out how to put them into action. Here’s how to turn your passions into purposeful productivity:
Set Time Boundaries
With so many interests, it’s easy to jump from one project to another without fully committing. Schedule specific time blocks for each passion or project. For example, dedicate your mornings to one creative pursuit and evenings to learning a new skill. This structure allows you to enjoy variety while still making meaningful progress.Track Your Ideas
Not every passion needs immediate attention. Use a notebook or app to jot down ideas and revisit them later. Keeping a "passion log" lets you save inspiration without feeling pressured to act on it all at once.Tip: This is a tough one for me! My mind runs 100 miles an hour all the time and it’s challenging to capture all my ideas when I’m on the run. Here are some apps and tools that might help:
Voice Memos: Built-in and easy to use, perfect for recording ideas hands-free when inspiration strikes. I’ve been using this in combination with standard notes and a good old google doc to keep an inventory of all my crazy ideas.
Notion (I just started my free trial of this and am loving it so far): Customize databases, to-do lists, and templates to organize your ideas visually and collaboratively.
Evernote: Capture text, images, and voice memos with tags and cross-platform syncing for ultimate flexibility.
Google Keep: Quick, simple note-taking with labels, colors, and reminders, perfect for jotting ideas on the go.
Trello: Use boards and cards to organize ideas into workflows, ideal for visual thinkers managing projects.
Find Overlaps
Look for ways to connect your interests into cohesive projects. For instance, if you love photography and writing, consider starting a photo blog. Combining your passions can create unique opportunities and keep you engaged for longer.Collaborate with Others
Teaming up with people who share—or complement—your interests can be energizing and help you stay accountable. For example, join a group art project or start a podcast with a friend who’s great at organizing ideas while you handle the creative side.Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of mastering every skill. Instead, celebrate small wins. Whether it’s finishing a short story, completing a DIY project, or learning a few chords on the guitar, every step counts toward progress.
How to Get Through Monotonous Tasks with a Busy Mind
I’m going to share something I’ve been struggling with for a while. Monotonous tasks stress me out. Folding clothes, mowing the lawn, or putting away dishes—it’s not boredom; it’s the constant nagging in my head about all the other things I could be doing. My brain is always scheming, so spending time on something repetitive makes me feel anxious and like it’s taking way too long to finish. Worse, I end up beating myself up the entire time, almost feeling guilty for doing normal, necessary things.
What helps me? Keeping my mind busy while my hands are on autopilot. I love listening to podcasts or music, even better something that takes close concentration like working on another language (I use SpanishPod101 to work on my Spanish and love it!) It’s like giving my brain a puzzle to solve while I work, keeping it entertained so it doesn’t dwell on what I’m not doing.
Pairing something stimulating with the repetitive tasks makes all the difference. It’s not just about getting through it; it’s about making the time feel worthwhile and not beating myself up along the way. This way, I can finish the chore without the guilt and get back to all those other ideas ready to take shape.
Being curious and multi-passionate makes life so much more exciting. Every day is a chance to explore something new, dive into a fresh idea, or connect the dots between your many interests. Sure, it can feel overwhelming at times, especially during those repetitive tasks that make you wish you were doing anything else. But the truth is, your curiosity keeps your days vibrant and alive. You’ll never be stuck in the dullness of boredom because your mind is always discovering, learning, and creating. Embrace it—it’s what makes life fun, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
Happy unchaining! - Janet
Forbes: Why Being A Jack Of All Trades Is Essential For Success
Are You a Scanner? By Barbara Sher
YouTube: Barbara Sher: Refuse to Choose!
Semitogether.com Are You a Scanner or a Diver?