Plans for a Polymath: How to Start Your Polymath Journey
In 6 simple steps
Image Credit-meTo be a polymath, you need to excel in 3 or more fields.
But how does one even start?
Because if you don't know enough about your chosen topics, you will likely fail to integrate them together, which is the key to polymathy.
But if you successfully integrate them, you can safely conclude you've mastered the topics you're trying to integrate.
Here's a dead simple guide on how to start being a polymath.
Decide topics
Choose your strengths over weaknesses.
Interest over disinterests.
When you're emotionally engaged, you're more likely to learn.
Start with your problem.
For me it's wanting to be better at digital organization.
Solve your problem by learning your topic.
"I will solve *digital organization* by learning how to capture and organize new information."
Create your vision:
"I will learn how to capture and organize new information so I can be better at teaching other people productivity."
Analyze current skills (fill in knowledge gaps)
What do you already know?
For me it's, Apple Notes, Notion, and Obsidian basics.
Where can you get resources?
For me it's mostly online.
Can you outsource?
Yes if I hired someone to organize my stuff. I don't want to do that.
Finding areas to improve = your topics & skills to learn.
I could improve my obsidian capture system & have a routine audit of notes.
Identity solution
Find your resources.
Could be:
Books
Tutors
Videos
Articles
Courses
Coaches
What works best with how you learn?
For me it's books and videos.
What are the pros & cons of each?
Pros for books & videos:
Self-paced.
Convenient.
Cheap or free.
Cons for books & videos:
Can't ask for help.
Topics may get too broad.
May take longer versus a coach.
Develop a learning blueprint
Find people who've achieved your goal & copy how they got there.
For me it's Tiago Forte & Odysseas (dude on YouTube).
Note their struggles, education, personal relationships they've overcome or pursued.
Find ways to mimic their paths.
I could find systems like PARA (Tiago Forte's) or use Obsidian Zettelkastens (Odysseas').
If it's job related you can ask whoever is in the position you want to be in for their perspective.
At the very least you'll gain clarity and information.
Even if you choose not to follow these people.Develop measurable goals
They must be simple, specific, and measurable.
For me it's wanting the ability to capture new information & organize it into my notes. Knowing where to put the note & how to recall it.
Then create a deadline to measure your progress against.
"In 3 months I will have a system that can capture new information and recall it in a few steps."
Stick to a schedule and write your goal in a visible space.
"I'll spend 1.5 hours every Tuesday and Thursday at 1530 learning digital organization."
Reflect throughout
Are you progressing at maximum capacity?
Do you need more accountability?
More independence?
A chef will always taste their food while making it,
you must also test your learning to make sure it's well paced.If you're lacking support in your current plan, find support from a new source.
Final thought
This is the way to start your journey as a polymath.
It can be applied to your professional career, or for hobbies.
Polymathy is about being a life-long learner, so finding what works for you in the long run is key.
Stay curious and find your new area to learn.I help undisciplined people wanting a change in their unfulfilling lives find purpose and progress towards their personal goals.
Follow me on YouTube: @1andrewrauch, Substack, and Twitter (X): @AndrewRauch00 to learn more.
👉 If you enjoy reading these posts, feel free to share it with friends! Or feel free to click the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack 🙏