For the longest time, people insisted that I needed to focus on mastering one skill or interest. This advice often left me scratching my head in puzzlement because, quite frankly, I struggle with the concept. I find it very restrictive to have a single pursuit. Sure, reading is a passion of mine, but if a book fails to hold my attention, I won’t hesitate to set it aside. Occasionally, I might force myself to persevere, but those instances are few and far between.

The world is brimming with intriguing knowledge and countless opportunities, making me feel perpetually short on time. I’m endlessly curious and always yearning to explore more. So, why should I limit myself to something less than exciting?

And then it hit me: why indeed? Why should I dedicate myself to only one thing? Regrettably, it took me a fair few years to realize that I could, and should, question this conventional wisdom. It dawned on me that I didn’t need to feel guilty about my eclectic interests. From reading to dabbling in many sports—table tennis held my attention for a commendable four years—and even managing a semi-regular gym routine, I’ve sampled a bit of everything.

It was, and still is, a common occurrence for me to get carried away by a tangential concept during a lesson. For example, during a maths class on trigonometry, while learning about measuring an ancient tower, I might start pondering the construction techniques, potential calamities, and reasons behind its lofty height. I’d even throw in some equations, completely immersing myself in these thoughts, only to snap back and realize that the class had moved on. Okay, day dreaming!

Throughout my journey of self-reflection and wrestling with my inability to stick to one interest, I discovered that I am willing to commit when it matters. This revelation came when I successfully completed my CA and MBA, a feat by my standards demanding unswerving dedication and substantial effort. Ahem!

It was during this period I realized that my thought process often diverges from the norm. While I would assume others see the world as I do, it often appears that my obvious conclusions can be far from evident to others and vice versa. This unique perspective allows me to draw connections between seemingly disparate subjects, fostering creativity and encouraging exploration.

So, here’s to embracing our individuality and the joy of lifelong learning!