If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a million things you’re passionate about. Whether it’s art, music, sports, or some other hobby that occupies your mind, the biggest question is: How many of these should you actually try to get good at?

There’s a common myth that says if you try too many things, you won’t master any of them. Let me tell you—that’s not true at all. I’ve found a method that works, and I want to share it with you. Hopefully, you’ll be able to tailor this approach to fit your own life and passions.

Mastering Multiple Passions: How to Stay Focused and Achieve Results

an Image of Rouen Cathedral
an Image of Rouen Cathedral

19 Jan 2024 | 4 min read

Why One Thing at a Time is the Way to Go

In my experience, the key to mastering multiple skills is taking them one at a time. It might sound counterintuitive, especially if you’re bursting with excitement and want to dive into everything all at once. But here’s why it’s so important to slow down and focus deeply:

1. Focus is Everything

Your focus is like fuel. You only have so much of it in a day, and if you spread it across too many things, none of them will progress. Focusing on one thing at a time allows you to build momentum and get better results much faster.

I’ve had times where my focus was razor-sharp, and I’ve also had times where it was all over the place. Trust me—it’s a skill you can build. When life throws work, school, or family obligations at you, having strong focus is what will help you keep showing up for your goals.

2. The Confidence Snowball

Here’s the secret weapon: building confidence in one area helps you in others. When you push through challenges in one skill, it creates a “snowball effect” that makes the next skill easier to tackle.

For example, I started with guitar back in high school. Later, I picked up kickboxing, then Japanese, and eventually software engineering. These might seem completely unrelated, but the discipline and belief I built while practicing guitar carried over into kickboxing. That same belief helped me stick with learning Japanese—one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Every new skill you master builds your ability to develop future skills. It’s like leveling up in a video game: once you’ve gained confidence in one area, you’re equipped to tackle the next.

Picking Your Starting Point

If you’re wondering where to begin, ask yourself: What’s the one thing you think about the most? What would you love to be known for?

For me, it was art. I wanted people to say, “Oh, that’s Allard—the guy who draw and goes to the gym.” For you, it could be art, photography, tech, sculpting, or anything else. Whatever occupies your mind the most, start there. Focus on building momentum in that area, and let it set the foundation for everything else.

Max Capacity: How Much is Too Much?

A question I get all the time is: How many things should you try to get good at? The answer? It’s probably a lot more than you think—but you have to pace yourself.

Picture your energy and focus as a light. If it’s scattered across a room, it’s just ambient light. But if you concentrate it into a laser beam and point it at one spot, it’s powerful enough to cut through steel. That’s what focus does for your productivity.

For example, when I was a kid, I’d play video games all day without taking breaks. If I could focus for 12 hours straight on a game, why couldn’t I apply that same energy to something productive, like learning guitar or practicing kickboxing? That realization shifted everything for me. I took the same focus and excitement I had for gaming and redirected it toward developing skills.

Knowing When to Add a New Hobby

So, when should you add another skill to your plate? Here’s what worked for me:

  1. When showing up isn’t a struggle. If your first hobby feels like second nature, that’s a good sign you’re ready for something new.

  2. When you’ve built momentum. If you’ve developed a consistent routine and are seeing results, you’ll know you’re in a good place to take on another challenge.

How Do These Traits Work Together?

The most successful artists aren’t just born with these traits—they develop them over time. Curiosity leads them to explore new ideas, while stubbornness keeps them going through the inevitable challenges. Being self-critical helps them improve their craft, and the ability to tolerate delayed gratification allows them to stay patient as they work toward their goals. Focus ensures they can dive deep into their projects, while the natural desire to create keeps them inspired. Finally, understanding popular taste helps them reach a broader audience without compromising their vision.

The Payoff: A Life Full of Skills You’re Proud Of

It might feel overwhelming at first, but trust me—it’s worth it. Seven or ten years ago, I never thought I’d be able to juggle everything I do now. But here I am, looking back and feeling grateful I stuck with it. And you can do the same.

If you’ve ever wished you could be skilled in all the areas that excite you, this is your sign to get started. Start with one thing, focus deeply, and build your confidence. Before you know it, you’ll be surprising even yourself with what you’ve accomplished.

So, what’s the one skill you’ll start with today? drop me a message—I’d love to hear about it.

Mastering Multiple Passions: How to Stay Focused and Achieve Results

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a million things you’re passionate about. Whether it’s art, music, sports, or some other hobby that occupies your mind, the biggest question is: How many of these should you actually try to get good at?

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