Somebody shout Merlin!

The Multi-potentialite syndrome

What's up guyyy,

Today's article is very relatable for quite a number of reasons, because somewhere along the line, being a student stopped being enough. There’s the pressure to be talented, even when you just want to rest.

Now, you’re also expected to be:

• a graphic designer

• a content creator

• a UI/UX babe

• a tech bro

• a writer

• a photographer

• a video editor

• a small business owner

• a public speaker

and somehow still pass your courses

Because apparently, one talent is not enough. You must have range. There's different angles to view this from. Walk with me:

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1. Social Media.

Social media has turned life into a talent show. You open Instagram, LinkedIn and other apps and it’s:

“Built my startup at 19”

“Just launched my brand”

“Learning 5 new skills this month”

“From zero to expert in 30 days”

Meanwhile, you’re just trying to:

• survive the week

• eat

• and not fail your courses

And suddenly, resting feels illegal.

You’re lying down, but your brain is like:

“Others are grinding.”

“Others are learning.”

“Others are building.”

So even your rest comes with guilt.

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2. Now you think, Everyone Is Multi-Talented Except You (Apparently)

Somehow, everybody:

• codes

• designs

• edits

• speaks well

• markets

• creates content

• Is working on/building something, a skill, a startup, whatever

• and still has time to sleep

And you? You’re just there. Existing. Confused. Tired.

You start wondering: “Do I even have talent?”

“What am I good at?”

“Am I wasting my life?”

Relaxxx. You’re not untalented. You’re just not a one-man production studio.

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3. The Pressure to Monetize Every Hobby

Everybody is making money, so we turn everything we love to do into a business.

You like writing? Start a blog.

You like taking pictures? Start a brand.

You like talking? Start a podcast.

You like cooking? Sell something.

Why can’t hobbies just be hobbies again?

Why does everything have to become: a side hustle,

a brand,

or a source of income?

Sometimes, we just want to enjoy things without turning them into business plans.

4. Skill Overload Is Real (and Exhausting)

You’re learning:

• Canva

• CapCut

• Photoshop

• Figma

• Premiere Pro

• one random coding language

• plus your actual course

Because what's a person without multiple skills?

At some point, your brain just gives up.

Trying to do everything doesn’t make you more talented. It just makes you more tired.

5. But regardless, Rest Is Now a Crime

You sit down to rest and suddenly:

guilt appears

anxiety appears

motivational quotes appear

You feel like: “I should be doing something productive.”

But sometimes, rest is the productive thing.

The soft truth you don't tell yourself is:

You don’t need:

• 10 skills

• 5 side hustles

• 3 brands

• and one startup

To be successful.

You are allowed to:

take your time

focus on one thing

be confused

rest without guilt

You're not Avatar, or Merlin.

Life is not a competition.

There is no deadline for becoming.

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Finally,

You are not behind, lazy or wasting time.

You are just tired.

And it’s okay to rest without turning your life into a productivity project.

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Catch up with previous publications on What's Up by 10.8.8 Africa.

Until next time,

Gbemi from 10.8.8 Africa ✨