Reading People by Anne Bogel is a look at different personality types and how to use the information to understand people around you.One of the comments she made that resonated with me was "I'm in introvert in an extrovert church." For years I've struggled with church. Not the service. If I could find a quiet corner to sit and listen I'd be happy, but they want you to participate, even stopping the service so that people can meet and greet others. For an introvert that's a terrifying moment. Adam McHugh even wrote a book about it Introverts in Church.
Introverts need regular time for quiet and alone time. They use the sympathetic side of the brain more - their brains are wired differently from extroverts and take a longer path to rest and digest information. Men are slightly more likely to be introvert.
Extroverts think faster and process information quicker, using the fight or flight side of the brain. They take bigger risks and crave stimulation, needing lots of social interaction.
Although we can be both, we are primarily one way or another.
Some personality traits are hereditary: outgoing, reserved, energetic, subdued
Character traits (which I believe are learned): kindness, generosity, honesty, patience.
There are several places to discover personality types:
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - Devised during WWII to help women entering the workforce for the first time to pair them with the type of work according to their type (still used in the work place)
Note: She warns against taking the test without an expert to guide you. There is a simple test, however, at 16 Personalities
David Keirsey defines four personality types.
Guardians
Rationals
Idealists
Artisans
You can take David Keirsey's test here
Please Understand Me II by David Keirsey
The Clifton Strength Finder focuses on strengths
The Essential Enneagram test by David Daniels helps to better understand ourselves based on and pinpoints motivations based on nine types
- The Reformer - need to be perfect
- The Helper - need to be needed
- The Achiever - need to succeed
- The Individualist - need to be special
- The Investigator - need to perceive
- The Loyalist - need for security
- The Enthusiast - need to avoid pain
- The Challenger - need to be against
- The Peacemaker - need to avoid
Note: The test cost is $10 or you can purchase The Essential Enneagram to take the test.
Hop on over to Anne Bogel's blog Modern Mrs. Darcy.
