In high school I was in the International club, I was part of the sewing team for the drama production, I volunteered with elderly folks, ran cross country, and I even dabbled with pole vaulting for a week. Through my many activities I was able to find what I liked and what I didn’t like. There are many dabblers that have come before us and have rose up to become very successful.
- Leonardo da Vinci is considered to be perhaps the most diversely talented person ever to have lived. He dominated the arts, mathematics, and sciences. He had an “unquenchable curiosity” that lead him to pursue many interests and it lead to some great discoveries. Due to his wide range of interests there were numerous paintings and sculptures that he never finished, but that did not stop him from becoming famous.
- Denzel Washington studied Biology and Political Science in college before he first acted in a YMCA staff talent show. He went on to be an Academy Award winner.
- Coco Chanel was a cabaret dancer before she started designing in her mid-20’s. She went on to found the brand Chanel.
- Thomas Edison was a dabbler. Without him, we wouldn’t have the light bulb.
- Benjamin Franklin was a writer, newspaper publisher, scientist, postmaster, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. He certainly dabbled in many different fields, but that didn’t stop him from being one of our founding fathers and creating great inventions such as the lightning rod & bifocals.
As a dabbler we do have it in ourselves to become great just like those mentioned above. Follow your interests, pursue your dreams, and keep trying new things even if it means leaving projects unfinished. Through a little dedication we do have the skills necessary to become great!