Are You a Scanner? 7 Signs You’re Not Meant to Settle for Just One Dream

Do you constantly start new projects, only to lose interest and move on? Does the thought of picking one career for life make you anxious? If so, you might be what Barbara Sher calls a 'Scanner.' In Refuse to Choose!, Sher describes Scanners as people with insatiable curiosity, who thrive on exploring and connecting new ideas. Here are seven signs you might be a Scanner: 1) You have more unfinished projects than finished ones. 2) Routine feels like a prison. 3) You’re energized by learning something new. 4) You struggle to answer, 'So, what do you do?' 5) You have a collection of journals, notebooks, or digital files filled with ideas. 6) You get bored once you’ve mastered a skill. 7) You’re happiest when juggling multiple interests. Sher and other experts explain that this is not a flaw—it’s a feature. Scanners are natural innovators, connectors, and lifelong learners.

Understanding your Scanner nature is the first step toward self-acceptance. Sher’s advice is to stop fighting your curiosity and start organizing it. Tools like the 'daybook' or 'interest map' can help you keep track of your passions without feeling overwhelmed. She also recommends finding a community of fellow Scanners, where you can share your excitement and get support. The blog concludes with encouragement: your many interests are gifts, not distractions. By embracing your Scanner identity, you unlock a life of creativity, joy, and endless possibility. 1 2 4