A Step-by-Step Guide To Becoming A Modern-Day Polymath
Our fast-changing times do not show any rate of slowing down. With new jobs being created and technology advancing at almost an exponential rate, we need to change fast. Businesses are seeking people who have a vast array of skills. But also, who can adapt to changing situations.
Leading businesses must ensure that their strategies do not place them in a reactive position. The world is moving too fast for companies to respond to changes in the market quick enough to recover. We have seen this in companies like Blackberry and Toys ‘R Us.
Failure to predict changes or be adaptable will lead to downfall. But, if there is anyone who will be able to adapt quickly, it would be a polymath. Recently I wrote an article about the benefits of mastery.
But those who can display competency in a wide range of subjects will flourish. Becoming a specialist is risky, especially today. Many skills that were needed ten years ago have been replaced by automation or better processes.
Often, becoming a specialist today is riskier than being a “jack of all trades.” But a polymath is an upgraded version of the “jack of all trades” worker. This is because the polymath can prove extensive competency in a wide range of areas. I like Michael Simmons definition I read some time ago. (Read his article here)
A polymath is someone who becomes competent in at least three diverse domains and integrates them into a top one percent skillset.
A polymath would be at an advantage in any period of economic growth or historical period. Leonardo Da Vinci, Ben Franklin and Elon Musk have all lived in different periods.
However, all those individuals are extremely smart and are somewhat freaks of nature. Not everyone is cut out to think in this unique way.
There is a reason why so many of them make up the top one percent of our society. It is because they do things 99% of people do not. Part of that is this extraordinary ability to learn fast and store information.
Even so, we are entering a time in history that is exciting for all of us. With new knowledge at our fingertips every day and easier access to learning. We can all at least attempt polymath status. It will take hard work and determination, but you can do it.
So, even if you do not have the brainpower or work ethic of a traditional polymath. Here is a step-to-step guide on how you can become the go-to person on at least three subject areas.
Step 1: Master One Thing At Least
You will not become a polymath without being the go-to person on at least one topic. Find a niche that suits your interest and learn, learn, learn until you have reached a high level of competency. Be a PhD student and journey to the edge of knowledge for that specific field.
Having the desire to learn is at the heart of every polymath. Therefore, they find themselves being competent in many fields.
Fortunately for you, it is not too hard to become more knowledgeable on a topic of interest. Be it economics, psychology, or engineering. The web is full of knowledge. Thanks to the power of Google and a bit of money, you will have access to oceans of learning materials that cost £9250 per year for many.
So to start your polymath journey, you need to pick a niche or subject you want to be the go-to person for. Specialize in a field. Yes, we are starting in a risky place, yet we are not ending there.
Step 2: Contribute to the Field
Thanks to social media and platforms like this one, we have been given many opportunities to contribute to the pool of knowledge. And with web 3.0 coming to the market sooner than we will see more user-generated content.
This means it will be even easier for users like you and me to contribute to something we are passionate about. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have allowed content creators to showcase their interests. And these platforms are only going to continue to grow as more and more content is created by us, the users.
Whilst on your journey to mastery in your field, try your best to begin letting others know this is what you do. After journeying out to the edge of knowledge in that field, they contribute something new to it.
Now, you do not need to embark on contributing something new if you do not wish to. But you should at least have the desire to tell others your interest. And you can do this by using the resources available to you to do so.
By articulating other views in your field, you are merging your knowledge. But you are also informing others in your field that you have a voice too, which is essential for step three.
Step 3: Seek Contributors Who Are Not From Your Field
This one is probably the most difficult but also most rewarding. At this stage, be pretty familiar with where to get reliable sources from and who to read. After developing much mastery, you are finally ready to branch out.
Unlike traditional polymaths who go through the learning process again. You can use the tool early thinkers did not have. That is the ability to network and find people with ease.
You need to look at your learning material and begin finding people who contributed. The catch here is to find people who are outside your niche. For example, a book on economics may reference historians or psychologists. A research article may give reference to other sources.
No field stands alone. The beautiful thing about knowledge is that it is all interlinked. A historian and a physicist are separated in areas of study. Yet, there is a point where the historian and physicist meet.
It is like that with all the subjects known to man. And as someone who is trying to expand their knowledge, it is your job to find those links. It is best to zone in on two different linking areas of knowledge. Because then you will play with those ideas.
This step encompasses two mini steps:
- Write the two areas of knowledge that you wish to focus on which link to your mastered area. (For example, your mastered area could be economics. Your two areas of knowledge could be history and psychology)
- Begin looking in your resources for thinkers and contributors to your field.
By finding contributors, you can read some of their work and become familiar with them.
Step 4: Create a Networking Hub or Create a Platform to Share Ideas
The first thing to do is to create a place where all these contributors can discuss ideas. You can do this through a forum, website, podcast. It is up to you and what floats your boat.
Do not market your place like a business. You should reach out to each person you wish to add as a contributor to your forum in person. Tell them you are amazed by their work. And that you are creating a platform where specialists like them can exchange ideas.
More than likely, you will communicate with individuals who enjoy learning. But also seek to contribute to the world of academia. So, you will probably get a pleasant response. Who knows, some of them may have even worked with one another before.
By creating this platform, you have a source of invaluable information across at least three fields. Some individuals may have expertise in over one field, which is a bonus.
Through discussion and sharing, it will not be long until you can write a good article on a subject outside your field.
Polymaths are constantly absorbing new information and then interchanging the ideas by themselves. Whether that be by writing these ideas down or uniquely communicating them.
The benefit of becoming a modern-day polymath means you can interchange ideas with ease using a platform that is yours. Before you know it, people will start asking you for things outside of your specialty. This is because you can communicate ideas from other fields so well. And this is all thanks to your newly founded friends.
I am also on the journey to becoming a modern-day polymath. And I hope this read gave you insight into how you can become one. You do not need to be super intelligent or do something great. All you have to do is to be dedicated to learning one thing whilst having the curiosity to explore more ideas.
