The Power of Being Cross-Disciplined

Originally published on Cleopatra's Worldwide

"Jack of all trades, master of none"; an insult warning you that by trying to tick many boxes, you fail to master any. Whilst this can hold you back at times, we're frequently shown examples of people throughout history who, whilst famous in one field, were also greatly accomplished in another. Their example suggests that once you've mastered self-discipline, your attention can be re-directed with great success.

"Music is emotion and science." – Quincy Jones

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)

Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous and celebrated artists of all time. But not only was he a remarkable artist, he was also a remarkable scientist and mathematician. Da Vinci was fascinated by science and is credited with thinking up early versions of: the helicopter, the anemometer, a giant crossbow and scuba gear, as well as increasing the accuracy of the clock. He was also athletic and a vegetarian — a radical choice in an era where meat was considered the ultimate in culinary luxury.

His bio could read: Leonardo da Vinci: Artist / Architect / Biologist / Mathematician / Inventor

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was one of the 'founding fathers' of the US, credited with helping secure the country's independence from Britain. Beyond politics, Franklin is credited with inventing the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. He was also a journalist, philosopher, and adopted vegetarianism believing in its moral and health benefits.

His bio could read: Benjamin Franklin: Journalist / Editor / Politician / Physician / Linguist / Philosopher

Winston Churchill

Known for being the Prime Minister of Great Britain during WWII, Churchill's literary output included a novel, two biographies, three volumes of memoirs, and several histories. In 1953, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Before writing, Churchill painted hundreds of landscapes in oil — some winning awards anonymously under a pseudonym.

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." – Winston Churchill

His bio could read: Winston Churchill: Politician / Author / Economist / War Correspondent / Influencer

So if you thought having a 'portfolio career' was a modern phenomenon, how wrong you were. Some more modern examples of people redefining themselves in the public eye:

• Maria Sharapova: Tennis Player / CEO / Author

• Arnold Schwarzenegger: Actor / Body-Builder / Governor of California

• Terry Crews: NFL Player / Actor / Furniture Designer / Artist

• Gwyneth Paltrow: Actress / Dietician / Editor

• Karlie Kloss: Supermodel / Computer Programmer / Presenter / Philanthropist

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”