It's conventional wisdom that there is one true path in life for each of us. But what about those of us with a wide array of interests, a dynamic curiosity about the world and an ever-renewing wellspring of passions? Author Margaret Lobenstine calls these people "Renaissance Souls," and in her new book she offers a life-planning strategy. Renaissance Souls often get stuck, moving from one entry-level job to another, degree to degree, or hobby to hobby unwilling to settle on just one thing to do. Her groundbreaking book shows us that it is not only possible to design a successful, vibrant life built on multiple passions with practical advice, exercises and resources but live it.

Are you wired more like the multifaceted Oprah Winfrey than the highly focused Diana Princess of Wales? Then you may be a “Renaissance Soul.” Try this quiz. Answer the following questions yes or no with your first, from-the-gut response:

1. Are you capable of becoming passionately excited about a wide variety of subjects?

2. Do you have a hard time choosing between one interest and another?

3. Do family members offer this kind of advice: “You ought to settle down and get known in one field, rather than switching from one career to another”? 

4. Do you find yourself interrupting yourself, dropping one task to pick up another before it’s done?

5. When you really understand how something works, or master a new activity, do you feel bored and ready to try something new? 

6. Do you ever describe yourself as a “dabbler” or a “dilettante?”   

7. Do you find it almost impossible to answer the question “What do you picture yourself doing in five years?” 

8. After a year or two of doing something, do you feel the itch to move on to something else?   

9. When friends or family members describe you to others, do they often say, “Oh, ­she  just hasn’t settled down yet….He is always trying something different… I wish she would just figure out something she’s interested in and stick to it!”   

10. Do you distrust your own decision-making ability because you “definitely knew” you wanted to be an X, and then you “definitely knew” you wanted to be a Y, and then you “definitely knew” you wanted to be a Z, and then . . .  

If you said yes to four or more of these questions, you can proudly identify yourself as a Renaissance Soul.  (In fact, if you answered with a resounding yes to even one or two of them, you, too, may proclaim yourself a Renaissance Soul.)

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