Some people begin a new hobby or pursuit and master it, like my twin brother, Gary. He took rock-climbing to a semi-pro level and is dedicated to the sport of white-water kayaking. And my friend John, once he commits to something, he follows through, whether it’s dancing the tango, sailing, or learning to speak Spanish. 

Not me. My pattern is to move from one thing to the next in a happy pursuit to fulfill a sudden and maybe even brief curiosity. I’m not a fan of the terms: dabbler, jack-of-all-trades, nor even multi-passionate. Elizabeth Gilbert—author of Eat, Pray, Love—had a lovely name for those of us inclined to move through life this way: hummingbirds.

While I used to believe there was something flawed with this approach to life—too frivolous? Non-committal? Lack of follow-through?—I’ve learned to stop beating up on myself or apologizing for it. I can now see how each of those pursuits shifted my perspective or fostered the courage I needed to grow into the person I am today. 

Daring to do something new pushes you outside of your comfort zone and shows you what you’re capable of. It shifts the lens through which you view your world and helps reveal aspects of yourself you didn’t even know were there. You tap back into that young beginner’s mind when you try something you’ve never done before. By allowing yourself to be vulnerable—to challenge, fear, or failure—you also open a box of new possibilities that can gift courage, confidence, joy, exhilaration, and even illumination.

Like a diamond that sparkles more brilliantly through its multiple cut and polished faces, being a multi-faceted person helps you shine your brightest self to the world. Then the world becomes wider and richer than you could have ever imagined.

The next time you or someone else gives you flack for starting but not finishing another hobby or interest, remember that you are here for the experience. To sample the nectarine gifts this life has to offer. So, shrug off that voice of doubt or discouragement, and hum along, my friends!