So, now that we know we’re not crazy, what’s next? How do we thrive in a world that isn’t exactly designed for scanner personalities?

As I mentioned in my last post, discovering the scanner personality type was a game-changer for me. But just knowing that I’m wired this way isn’t enough. The real challenge has been figuring out how to manage my many interests and passions without feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or (let’s be honest) like a failure.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely jumped into more than a few projects with excitement, only to hit that inevitable moment when another shiny idea pops up. And off you go again! While this makes life colorful, it can also lead to frustration, unfinished projects, and that nagging voice inside telling you, “Why can’t you just stick with one thing?”

But here’s the thing: Being a scanner doesn’t mean you’re doomed to endless cycles of starting and stopping. There are ways to live your life with all your passions intact. You don’t have to choose just one!

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Create a Passion Map

Instead of feeling like you have to follow every idea all the time, map out your passions. I call this my “Passion Map.” It’s basically a brainstorm of all the things that light me up, from yoga to writing to entrepreneurship. Then, I prioritize. What’s calling me the loudest right now? The key is to recognize that it’s okay if what’s on top today isn’t the same tomorrow. This is about honoring the ebb and flow of your interests as a scanner.

2. Time Block for Projects

A lesson I’ve learned (after many, many abandoned projects) is that I need to give my passions dedicated time. I use time blocking to set aside hours—or days—for each interest. For example, Mondays are for my blog, Tuesdays for working on new yoga sequences, and Wednesdays for exploring something entirely new. It’s not about rigid scheduling but giving yourself permission to dive deep into one thing at a time as a scanner personality needs.

3. Be Okay with Letting Go

Sometimes, as scanners, we hold onto old projects because we feel guilty about not finishing them. But here’s the secret: It’s okay to let go. Not every project is meant to be finished, and some are just stepping stones to the next thing. When I release the guilt, I make room for new, exciting ideas. It’s all part of managing life as a scanner.

4. Use a “Someday” List

Ever have a brilliant idea but not enough time to follow through? Enter the “someday” list! This is where I park ideas that I want to explore down the road. It’s a relief to know that they’re not forgotten, just saved for later when I have the bandwidth to pursue them. It also prevents me from feeling like I have to do everything right now. It is a great tool for scanners to manage their ideas.

5. Celebrate Your Uniqueness

At the end of the day, being a scanner means you’re creative, curious, and open to endless possibilities. Celebrate that! Sure, the world may prefer specialists, but scanners bring a unique gift: the ability to connect ideas and see patterns across different fields. You’re a modern-day renaissance person—own it.

What’s Next?

In my journey as a scanner, I’ve learned that while the world may not always understand or appreciate our multifaceted nature, we have something incredibly valuable to offer. Stay tuned for more posts about how I’ve learned to thrive with my scanner personality. I’ll dive deeper into passion mapping, creative idea management, and ways to balance it all without feeling overwhelmed.

And if you’re a scanner too, let me know in the comments! How do you juggle your many interests?