Summary: Barbara Sher introduces the reader to the term “Scanner” – a multi-talented person interested in many things. With a passion for learning, Scanners find it difficult to hold onto one interest for very long. Job commitment is difficult. Ms. Sher announces a revelation; you, as a Scanner, are genetically-wired to be the way you are. Barbara carries you through the shock of discovering there is nothing wrong with you and instead informs that you have an amazing, unique mind.
Barbara Sher takes your hand and teaches you how to distinguish between fleeting interests and real passions. She releases you from your mental obligations that everything must be acted on and gives you permission to indulge your curiosity for the pure joy of it. Ms. Sher maps out several sub-types of Scanners, revealing what amounts to a “handbook of directions” on how each type can reach their full potential.
Barbara’s very best skill is giving real-life actionable steps to change your life. If all of this sounds like you, I urge you to get this book in your hands as fast as you can. You are very possibly wasting years of valuable time, focus and mis-placed energy. Instead of aimlessly wandering through life apologizing for your shortcomings, you could be rocking your life with your remarkable Scanner brain.
Side note: Barbara first wrote about Scanners in her 1994 book, “I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was.” In 2010, Emilie Wapnik gained popularity by promoting the term “Multipotentialite/Multipod” on her website PuttyLike.com. As an educational and psychological term, Multipotentialite refers to a person of strong intellectual or artistic curiosity, with diverse interests across many different fields. “Multi-passionate” also encompasses people with Scanner traits.
Check out all of Barbara’s Amazing Books on Amazon
Table of Contents
Summary
Barbara Sher coined the term “Scanner” to describe people who have multiple interests and struggle to focus on just one career or passion. In her book Refuse to Choose!, she explains that Scanners are not indecisive or unfocused—they are naturally wired to explore many different fields and ideas.
Key Ideas from Her Work on Scanners
- Scanners thrive on variety and often feel frustrated by societal pressure to “pick one thing.”
- They lose interest quickly once they’ve learned enough about a subject, leading to frequent career or hobby changes.
- They need systems to manage their curiosity without feeling overwhelmed or stuck.
Sher developed practical strategies to help Scanners embrace their nature, including creating Scanner Daybooks—journals where they can store ideas without feeling pressured to act on them immediately.
Review: Refuse to Choose
Barbara Sher and I have a love/hate relationship.
Let me preface that I adore Ms. Sher. She has a delightful writing style and she is equally appealing as a public speaker (catch her on YouTube!).
I picked her book up, “Refuse to Choose!” about two years ago; it wasn’t long before I set it back down. Never-mind all of the picky things that my brain bucks at: small print, longish length, unattractive book cover. Barbara had the audacity to point out that I won’t finish 99% of the things I start. I was… heartbroken.
I took the news so badly because I really did want to finish things. To me, the best feeling in the world is the sense of accomplishment, a job well done, personal satisfaction. I would rather have that feeling than all the riches in the world.
At the time, I skimmed the book, I didn’t give it my full attention, effectively not finishing it (touché, Barbara, touché). Recently, I was cleaning off a bookshelf and re-discovered this well-acclaimed self-help book (published in 2006). Judging by the generous highlighter marks and pages of written notes, I would say I am taking it very seriously this time.
Scanner-types everywhere – rejoice!
“Refuse To Choose!” is the next generation of her original ground-breaking book, “I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was.” It was in this book that she introduced the term “Scanner.” Ms. Sher enlightens the reader that a Scanner is “a very special kind of thinker… you’re genetically wired to be interested in many things.” She further endears the reader by telling them they have an “exceptional gift. You are the owner of a remarkable, multitalented brain!”
For Scanners who have spent a lifetime assuming something was wrong with them, Barbara’s words are a welcome relief. Hearing themselves described in positive terms, usually for the first time, was a new feeling. Newly-identified Scanners declared, “I’m not a quitter, there’s nothing wrong with me!”
Once Ms. Sher gets that revelation out of the way, it’s full steam ahead! Barbara starts building you up and providing tools to work with your strengths (I do say she did a great job of making me feel good about myself and embrace my gifts, especially since Scanners have often spent a lifetime of belittling themselves). I like how Barbara has counter-arguments for everything; she’s heard all of the excuses. The real-life examples and letters from her readers are further proof that her message rings true.
It was actually the Youtube video that endeared her to me. She announced with her matter-of-fact delivery that it annoys her when the self-improvement experts drill on the “Be positive!” “Love yourself!” and “You can do it!” advice. Pep-talks have a short life-span, according to Barbara. Us “lifers” out here in reality land have stuck to jobs (maybe that we don’t like) because we have bills to pay and families to raise. Hallelujah, Ms. Sher! Ok… she has my attention and I’m listening…
What really works
Another golden gem from Ms. Sher: “If something’s missing, go find it and get it!” If there is any inkling of a feeling of dis-satisfaction, don’t settle. You are doing a dis-service to yourself not to let your scanner-self explore it deeply like only a Scanner can.
My own busy mind has been stitching together and filling in the voids to weave my personal Scanner success story. I still hunger for “finished.” On Ms. Sher’s very good advice, I “listen” to hear at what point the bad feelings creep in and note when I shut down (resist), especially within feet of the finish line.
Barbara Sher’s words of wisdom doesn’t stop with this book. She has remained interactive with her many fans on her website groups and Facebook pages. Barbara, a Scanner herself, has learned to harness the power of her Scanner brain and share her gifts with the world.
Here’s to your Scanner success!
In Tribute
Barbara Sher passed away May 10, 2020. Barbara left a legacy of helping people with ADD-type minds find comfort in their unique brains and abilities. I channel her in the advice I give others and treasure the difference she has made in mine.
