FIND YOUR PERSONALITY WITHIN

Iwas listening to a podcast where the topic was living meaningful lives and bringing our authentic selves to the work we do. The interviewer asked how listeners might learn how to do that. The speaker suggested a useful beginning place is to do a personality test, see who else has that personality type and research what that person did or is doing with their lives.

She said engaging in such an exercise would offer some clues. I had completed a personality test some time back and so dug out the findings. I did the test again just to make sure. (See 16personalities.com). Same result. I am an Advocate Personality: INFJ. I have introverted, intuitive, feeling and judging personality traits.

This type is apparently the rarest personality type of all. Other Advocate Personality Types are Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa – so I have to say that I am feeling like I might be letting the INFJ team down somewhat.

The task now is to think carefully about how I might more intentionally be ‘myself’ and do my part to uplift others and spread compassion and care in the places I dwell.

Knowing who we are and what we want to contribute in our lifetime, or even this moment, matters. Follow what feels right, follow your curiosities, follow meaning, follow your talents and interests.

Follow who you are. I have also been reading Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking.

I have been discovering myself between the pages, realising that things I thought were ‘wrong with me’ are common traits and are actually things that are good and smart and wise.

With this thought-provoking book Susan Cain invites readers to listen, to see the value of quiet, and to listen to the still small voice inside of us that offers guidance about our core personal projects and purpose.

In trying to identify our personal projects or purpose, our childhoods can help. What did we love to do as a child? What did we want to be when we ‘grew up’? What did we gravitate to? Where did we experience delight and wonder?

Dr Ali Black is a senior lecturer in education at the University of the Sunshine Coast. ablack1@usc.edu.au