One Way Life

I’ve always been a seeker — a curious soul drawn to the myriad wonders of the world. Growing up in Puerto Rico, my education from 7th to 12th grade was steeped in science and mathematics at a specialized school that championed critical thinking and the scientific method. This environment nurtured my inquisitive nature but also set the stage for a lifelong struggle: the inability to choose just one path.

Many fields call my name — technology, philosophy, psychology, poetry, art, aesthetics, and the intricate ways humans interact with all these disciplines. I engage with life through different lenses depending on the situation, shifting from philosophical musings to poetic expressions, from psychological analysis to artistic creation. It’s not that I lack focus; it’s that my focus encompasses a vast landscape of interests.

The Challenge of Choosing a Path

When it came time to decide on a university degree, I found myself paralyzed. How could I define my multifaceted passions within the confines of a single piece of paper stating I have a bachelor’s in “X”? I didn’t want to be limited by a title that might suggest I am only one thing when I am so much more. This indecision isn’t born out of fear but from a deep understanding that I don’t want to be boxed in.

Inspired by Kindred Spirits

I’ve often looked to figures like René Descartes, Carl Jung, Nikola Tesla, and various surrealists for inspiration. Their lives and works resonate with me, not just because of their contributions to their respective fields but because they, too, embodied the polymath spirit. As an INTP personality type, I’ve found guidance in the paths of other notable INTPs, using their journeys as a compass for my own.

Embracing Holistic Interconnectedness

The primary message I want to share is this: you are not alone if you don’t know what to do with your life. More importantly, you don’t have to choose just one thing. I’ve come to embrace a method I call holistic interconnectedness. It’s about recognizing the interplay between different fields and how they enrich one another — and us in the process.

Currently, I’m channeling this philosophy into my third book in the “Everything Is in the Details” series, titled Between Details and Destinies. This bilingual exploration delves into duality and interconnectedness in life — of mind, body, and spirit. I aim to navigate the complexities of human emotions, relationships, knowledge, and the myriad experiences that define our existence.

Navigating Challenges as a Polymath with ADHD

Being a polymath in a specialized world isn’t without its challenges. Add ADHD into the mix, and focusing on one thing at a time becomes a Herculean task. I’ve learned that while it’s okay to have multiple interests, it’s crucial to give each one the attention it deserves. Distractions can be the death of progress, so I’ve adopted strategies to manage my time and focus more effectively.

One approach is compartmentalization — dedicating specific times to delve deep into a subject without the interference of other interests. This doesn’t mean I’m limiting myself; rather, I’m honoring each passion by giving it space to flourish. It’s a balancing act, but one that allows me to make meaningful progress across various fields.

You’re Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Choose

If you’re reading this and feeling the weight of societal expectations pressing you to choose a single path, I want you to know that it’s okay to resist. Our world is enriched by those who dare to exist between the lines, who see the connections others might miss. Your multifaceted nature is not a hindrance; it’s a gift.

Embrace the interconnectedness of your passions. Let philosophy inform your poetry, let psychology deepen your understanding of art, let technology enhance your exploration of aesthetics. By weaving these threads together, you create a tapestry that is uniquely yours — a testament to the beauty of being a polymath.

Final Thoughts

The journey of a polymath is not about reaching a singular destination but about the discoveries made along multiple paths. It’s about understanding that your value isn’t diminished by not fitting into a predefined box. Instead, you expand the possibilities of what can be achieved when you allow yourself to be all that you are.

So, here’s to the seekers, the curious minds, the ones who won’t be confined. Your path is your own, and it’s okay if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep embracing every facet of who you are.

Embrace your journey, and remember: you don’t have to choose just one path when every road offers its own unique adventure.