From my earliest days, I’ve been a creature of curiosity, a jack-of-all-trades with a thirst for understanding the world’s next big thing. Whether it was playing every sport under the sun, dabbling in tech, painting for fun, embarking on DIY projects, or capturing the symmetry of clouds through a camera lens, my interests have always been as diverse as they are numerous. This eclectic mix of passions, I’ve come to realize, is not a sign of indecision but a testament to my love for learning and exploration. It’s a love that has shaped my worldview and, in many ways, defined who I am.

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The Generalist’s Dilemma

In our 20s, the world often seems like a chaotic whirlwind of possibilities. We’re told to specialize, to find that one thing we’re good at and stick to it, to excel in a single field while relegating our other passions to the status of hobbies. But why should we limit ourselves to a single path? Is there something inherently wrong with being a happy generalist, with being decently good at a hundred things instead of being the absolute best at one? This question has been a constant companion on my journey, a puzzle that I’ve been trying to piece together.

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Questioning Expectations

We often find ourselves grappling with expectations. Who sets these expectations, these standards of success? More often than not, it’s the content we consume, the people we interact with, and the societal norms we’ve internalized that dictate what we should aspire to. While this can sometimes be motivating, it can also lead to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. It’s a paradox of our interconnected world: the same forces that inspire us can also make us feel like we’re falling short.

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The Multifaceted Nature of UX Design

In my interactions with fellow designers through design communities and resources like ADPList, I’ve come to realize that the profession of UX design inherently demands a generalist mindset. It’s a field that thrives on versatility and a broad understanding of various domains.

Consider the role of a UX researcher. It requires one to delve deep into a topic, understand its nuances, and view it from multiple perspectives. The researcher must empathize with the user, understand their needs and pain points, and translate these insights into actionable design strategies. This process often involves learning about new industries or technologies, making a generalist’s curiosity and adaptability invaluable.

On the other hand, a UI designer needs to stay updated with the latest design trends, principles, and patterns. They need to understand what’s currently in the market, what works, and what doesn’t. This requires a broad knowledge base and the ability to learn quickly, traits that are characteristic of a generalist.

In both these roles, a generalist’s mindset allows designers to adapt to new challenges, learn quickly, and create designs that are both innovative and user-friendly. It’s a reminder that being a generalist is not just about having diverse interests; it’s also about leveraging those interests to excel in our chosen fields.

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The Freedom to Choose

As I look back on my journey, I recognize the privilege I’ve been granted to carve my own path, a privilege made possible by the unwavering support of my parents, friends, and the circumstances of my life. This freedom has allowed me to embrace my natural inclination toward being a generalist in the field of design.

This choice aligns seamlessly with my mindset, my curiosity, and my broad spectrum of interests. It feels authentic, a path that is intrinsically “me”. The ability to pursue this path, without a hundred constraints standing in my way, feels like a natural and obvious choice.

Yet, this freedom also brings with it a constant balancing act. It’s a dance between pushing myself to explore new areas and ensuring I don’t spread myself too thin. It’s a dynamic process, a journey of self-discovery that is both exhilarating and challenging. But at the end of the day, the ability to pursue a path that resonates with who I am is a privilege I deeply appreciate.

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Embracing the Generalist Path

I may not have all the answers, but I’ve come to a realization: I am good enough at a whole bunch of things, and that’s something to be proud of. I’m taking steps to become one of the best generalists out there. Will it be challenging? Absolutely. But it’s a journey I’m ready to embark on, free from the burden of others’ expectations. I’m excited to explore the intersections of my diverse interests, to see how they can inform and enrich each other.

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So what’s next?

As I document my journey toward becoming a better generalist, I look forward to the growth that lies ahead. Perhaps years from now, I’ll look back at this article with a sense of accomplishment, proud of the progress I’ve made. Or perhaps I’ll find that I’ve remained much the same, just slightly better at everything I do. Either way, I’m excited for the journey, for the joy of being a generalist in a world that often urges us to specialize. After all, who knows what the future holds? All I know is that I’m ready to embrace the chaos and see where it leads.