Lately, I find that there is so much to learn. I read more. I pay close attention when people speak. I search online with intention not just for fun - I think about things I never thought I'd find interesting. I scrutinize what feels like opportunity - be it digital skills, writing for various audiences, new tech, side hustle etc.; and attempt to at least have a basic understanding.
I used to think a "big break" would happen, or I'd just be limited in my focus. I have come to feel the opposite - it's best to be everywhere. Some might say that in order to succeed, one should focus on one thing and be great at it. There's a lot of truth to that. Power is in mastery. However, opportunity does not always connect in a straight line and sometimes the door you were waiting to open has opened in another room.
What if you don't walk that way? What if your success was hiding under something you never gave a second glance at because you were so focused on one thing? We now live in a time when all the tools, platforms and ideas are right in front of you. Technology has enabled almost everything to be learned from your phone. There are jobs or projects that can be done online.
There are people who make a living with their digital art, selling ideas, writing newsletters, creating courses, or just sharing their story. None of that existed as we know it 10 or 15 years ago. Now the world has opened up, why limit yourself to one option? Trying a bunch of things and being everywhere doesn't indicate that you're confused. Instead, you are exploring.
You are allowing life to show you what could be. And even if your experiments don't open doors, you will have gained experience. You will learn new skills, met new people, and thought in new ways. At times, the learning from one area lends itself to your success in another. For example, the ability to write well, could improve your skills as a communicator, even if your primary place of work is in business.
Some basic tech skills can differentiate you in a creative field. Even as a project manager, an interest in money and finance can lend itself to managing any project. Every new thing you learn makes you more valuable—and the more opportunities there are for you to find something that works for you. So yes, as a general rule, I would say be everywhere especially while you are figuring things out, searching for something, or are currently unsure of what you want to do.
Say yes to learning. Say yes to new topics. Sign up for that free online course. Ask questions. Follow your interest, even if it feels random. Life rewards the open. You don't need to know everything. But in a world of possibilities, the bystander will not be able to catch what they want if they don't see it to begin with. Be everywhere, try everything. One of them might be the opportunity you were waiting for.