Generalist are generally open to new ideas and breadth of experience.Generalist knew when to quit an unsuccessful endeavor without feeling guilty about it and experiment with something knew.Biologically we do stay same , so our life and work preference changes overtime. Our personality changes with time &  experiences. Hence, like Michelangelo we should not be afraid to try new things, as it is only way we can learn who we are and survive in this ever changing world.

Advantage of being a Generalist.

Debate of generalist vs specialist is very old. In some areas, generalist prevails and in some specialist thrives.

Generalist vs Specialist

Generalist survives in areas :-<ol><li>which are completely dynamic</li><li>where patterns rarely emerges</li><li>where situation are influenced by multiple variables.</li></ol>In such area learning by repetition or deliberate practice is not fruitful as no feedback is possible and situations are continuously changingEg, Finance, Politics, International Relations, Economy etc

Where Generalist Survives?

Tiger Woods<ol><li>Started Training when 2 yrs old</li><li>Deliberated practice since child</li><li>Became prodigy in teens</li><li>GOAT in Golfing</li></ol>Roger Federer<ol><li>Played different sports till 10 yrs old</li><li>Developed overall physical proficiency</li><li>Became star player in his twenties</li><li>GOAT in tennis</li></ol> What does world needs, more Woods or more Federer?

Tiger Woods vs Roger Federer

Specialist thrives in areas where:-<ol><li>experience generates expertise in the field</li><li>pattern are repetitive, and pattern recognition is primary </li><li>focus is the key component</li><li>during learning feedback to any action is fast and accurate.</li><li>situations are less dynamic and </li><li>less no. of variable came in play</li></ol>Eg of such areas are surgeon, chess player, golf etc

Where Specialist Survives?

Specialist usually suffer from "cognitive entrenchment", however generalist have a range where they flexibly applies knowledge/training  from one area to other pursuits.

Why Generalist get edge over Specialist?

The #1 New York Times bestseller that has all America talking—with a new afterword on expanding your range—as seen on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, Morning Joe, CBS This Morning, and more. “The most important business—and parenting—book of the year.” —Forbes “Urgent and important. . . an essential read for bosses, parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about improving performance.” —Daniel H. Pink Shortlisted for the Financial Times/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award Plenty of experts argue that anyone who wants to develop a skill, play an instrument, or lead their field should start early, focus intensely, and rack up as many hours of deliberate practice as possible. If you dabble or delay, you’ll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule. David Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see. Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, Range makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.

career

Career

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

books

Books

The #1 New York Times bestseller that has all America talking—with a new afterword on expanding your range—as seen on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, Morning Joe, CBS This Morning, and more. “The most important business—and parenting—book of the year.” —Forbes “Urgent and important. . . an essential read for bosses, parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about improving performance.” —Daniel H. Pink   Shortlisted for the Financial Times/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award Plenty of experts argue that anyone who wants to develop a skill, play an instrument, or lead their field should start early, focus intensely, and rack up as many hours of deliberate practice as possible. If you dabble or delay, you’ll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule.     David Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see. Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, Range makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. Failing a test is the best way to learn. Frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers. The most impactful inventors cross domains rather than deepening their knowledge in a single area. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.

David Epstein is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. David Epstein has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. David Epstein's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Generalist vs Specialist

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