Why having a multidisciplinary attitude is important: 15 life experiments to help you become who you want to be

Why having a multidisciplinary attitude is important: 15 life experiments to help you become who you want to be

In today's world, specialization is often seen as the key to success. Young designers, for example, are encouraged to focus on a specialized title and find jobs in specialized industries. As they climb the career ladder, their jobs become more specific, and they become experts in their specific niche. While specialization certainly has its benefits, there is also a growing recognition of the importance of a multidisciplinary attitude.

When we have a multidisciplinary attitude, we are able to see the bigger picture and connect different fields of knowledge. We are not limited by the boundaries of one specific discipline, but instead, we are able to draw from various fields to find innovative solutions. This is particularly relevant in the design world, where the ability to empathize and research is crucial. By asking the right questions and understanding the problem that the product or service needs to solve, designers can create more impactful and effective solutions.

But how do we develop a multidisciplinary attitude? One way is through life experiments. By stepping out of our comfort zones and trying new things, we can expand our horizons and gain valuable insights from different fields. Let's take a look at 15 life experiments that can help us become who we want to be:

1. Intuit Employee Learns How To Draw A Freakishly Realistic Portrait In 30 Days
   By dedicating just 30 days to learning a new skill, this Intuit employee was able to develop an impressive talent for drawing realistic portraits. This experiment shows us the power of focused learning and the ability to achieve remarkable results in a relatively short period of time.

2. Girl Learns How To Dance Like A Pro In a Year (TIME LAPSE)
   In this time-lapse video, a young girl documents her journey of becoming a professional dancer in just one year. By dedicating herself to daily practice and seeking guidance from experienced dancers, she was able to achieve her goal. This experiment highlights the importance of consistent effort and seeking mentorship in our pursuit of mastery.

3. Woman Does One Thing That Completely Scares Her Every Day For 100 Days
   Stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for personal growth. In this experiment, a woman committed to doing one thing that completely scared her every day for 100 days. By facing her fears head-on, she was able to overcome them and develop a newfound sense of confidence. This experiment teaches us the importance of embracing discomfort and pushing our boundaries.

4. Guy Plays Table Tennis Every Day for a Year (And Gets A Top 250 Ranking)
   By dedicating himself to daily practice, this man was able to improve his table tennis skills significantly and achieve a top 250 ranking. This experiment demonstrates the power of consistency and deliberate practice in achieving excellence in any field.

5. Mother And Daughter Lose Weight Together (33kg / 74lbs in 100 Days)
   Weight loss can be challenging, but with the right mindset and support system, it is achievable. In this experiment, a mother and daughter embarked on a journey to lose weight together, and they successfully shed a total of 33kg (74lbs) in just 100 days. This experiment emphasizes the importance of accountability and teamwork in reaching our health goals.

6. Two Friends Travel To Four Countries To Learn Four Languages In One Year… Without Ever Speaking English
   Language learning can be a daunting task, but with dedication and immersion, it becomes more accessible. In this experiment, two friends traveled to four different countries and learned four languages in just one year without ever speaking English. This experiment showcases the power of immersion and cultural exchange in language acquisition.

7. This 12 Year Old Girl Mastered Dubstep Dancing By Just Using Youtube
   The internet has opened up a world of learning opportunities. In this experiment, a 12-year-old girl mastered dubstep dancing solely by using YouTube tutorials. This experiment highlights the democratization of knowledge and the ability to learn and master new skills independently.

8. Man Photographs Himself Meeting A New Stranger Every Day For One Year
   Human connection is a fundamental aspect of our lives. In this experiment, a man photographed himself meeting a new stranger every day for one year. Through these interactions, he discovered the beauty of human diversity and the importance of fostering connections with others.

9. Young Man Pledges To Get Rejected Everyday For 100 Days
   Rejection is something most of us fear, but this experiment challenges that fear head-on. By pledging to get rejected every day for 100 days, this young man learned to overcome his fear of rejection and became more resilient in the face of adversity. This experiment teaches us the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.

10. Personal Finance Guru Puts Her Knowledge To The Test With The ‘One Year No Spending Challenge’
    Managing personal finances is a skill that can greatly impact our lives. In this experiment, a personal finance guru put her knowledge to the test by embarking on a 'One Year No Spending Challenge'. Through this experiment, she learned to be more mindful of her spending habits and prioritize financial well-being.

11. Procrastinator Commits To Running One Mile Every Day For A Year. What He Learned…
    Procrastination is a common challenge that many of us face. In this experiment, a chronic procrastinator committed to running one mile every day for a year. Through this daily discipline, he learned to overcome his procrastination tendencies and developed a newfound sense of discipline and productivity.

12. A Book Author Writing A Book On Memory Decides To Put What He’s Learning Into Practice. A Year Later, He Became The Memory Champion Of The United States
    Learning about a subject is one thing, but putting that knowledge into practice is where true mastery is achieved. In this experiment, a book author writing about memory decided to put what he was learning into practice. A year later, he became the Memory Champion of the United States. This experiment emphasizes the importance of active application in our learning journey.

13. How A Semi-Athletic Person Became A Professional Athlete In Only 2 Years
    Becoming a professional athlete often requires years of training and dedication. However, this experiment challenges that notion. By adopting a growth mindset, consistent training, and seeking guidance from experts, a semi-athletic person was able to become a professional athlete in just two years. This experiment showcases the power of mindset and deliberate practice in achieving extraordinary results.

14. This Group Of Friends Produced A High-Quality Print Magazine Over One Weekend
    Collaboration and teamwork can lead to incredible outcomes. In this experiment, a group of friends came together and produced a high-quality print magazine over one weekend. Through their collective efforts and shared vision, they were able to create something remarkable. This experiment highlights the importance of collaboration and harnessing the collective talents of a group.

15. Once A Year, For The Last 10 Years, This Woman Has Written A Novel In 30 Days.
    Writing a novel is a daunting task, but this experiment proves that it is possible to accomplish in a short period. Once a year, for the last 10 years, this woman has written a novel in just 30 days. This experiment demonstrates the power of discipline, focus, and dedication in achieving creative goals.

Incorporating a multidisciplinary attitude into our lives can have profound benefits. By trying new things and embracing different fields of knowledge, we expand our horizons and gain valuable insights. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to cultivate a multidisciplinary attitude:

1. Embrace curiosity: Be curious about the world around you and seek out new experiences. Try new hobbies, explore different cultures, and engage in interdisciplinary learning. Curiosity allows us to bridge different knowledge gaps and create innovative connections.

2. Seek diverse perspectives: Surround yourself with people from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise. Engage in conversations and collaborations that challenge your thinking and expose you to new ideas. By embracing diverse perspectives, we broaden our understanding and foster creativity.

3. Embrace failure and learn from it: Don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Failure is often a valuable learning opportunity and can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Embrace failure as a necessary part of the learning process and use it as a stepping stone to success.

In conclusion, having a multidisciplinary attitude is crucial in today's rapidly evolving world. By combining different fields of knowledge, we can find innovative solutions and create impactful change. Through life experiments and a commitment to continuous learning, we can cultivate a multidisciplinary attitude and become who we want to be. So, embrace curiosity, seek diverse perspectives, and embrace failure as you embark on your journey towards a multidisciplinary mindset.