You’ve heard that old figure of speech, “Jack of All Trades, Master of None,” right? It describes the person who is good at a lot of things but not exceptionally outstanding at any one. And I’m wondering if you, like me, relate to this description … because a lot of highly creative people often do.
See, I’ve been aware of a short-sighted message being evangelised by a lot of marketing and business gurus these days. It goes something like this: in order to be a successful entrepreneur or artist, you have to know your purpose and your passion, and you need to align your work to that purpose and passion. But not only that, you need to be a master at the work you do! You must strive for mastery!
Sounds admirable and noble, doesn’t it? To strive for mastery! To live aligned with your purpose and passion! I’ll admit, I love the way it sounds myself! It’s so Camelot!
But the problem is, this “purpose-passion-mastery” plan simply doesn’t work for every entrepreneur or artist. There are some of you who are pretty darned good at a lot of things. You’re interested in a variety of things, and you don’t feel particularly drawn to devote all of who you are to just one of them. In fact, when you’re faced with the prospect of doing so, you end up feeling more lost, confused and disspirited.
And when it comes to your life purpose, you could be a little foggy on that as well. Or, maybe it’s clear to you that your life purpose isn’t necessarily directly tied to what you do as an entrepreneur.
So, I’m here today to tell you, just because you might not have an overwhelming desire, purpose, passion, mission for any one thing in this life, just because you happen to be more of a jack of all trades, master of none, you still get to experience incredible success, satisfaction and joy in what you choose to do. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
I don’t know how, when or why the entrepreneurial community started drinking this “purpose-passion-mastery” kool aid, but you don’t have to drink it. Not unless it tastes really, really good to you. I mean, Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t having any of it, so why should you?
Now, if you feel your life purpose and passion are completely aligned with your work and you’re doing what you can to master your field of expertise, then good for you! Go for it! You’ll find a lot of support in doing just that. But if that is a model you can’t squeeze yourself into, stop trying. Because you don’t have to.
Which are you?
A jack of all trades or a master of one? Tell me by leaving a comment here. I’d love to hear from you.