Why Personality Typing is Important, Pt. 1

There are two main reasons why learning about personality types is hugely beneficial.

  1. Image courtesy of backtrust via stock.xchng

    Image courtesy of backtrust via stock.xchng

    Understanding ourselves and our uniqueness: appreciate the ways we’re different from others, so we stop trying to make ourselves like them.

  2. Improving our relationships with other people: appreciate the ways they’re different from us so we stop trying to make them like us.

No matter how you divide people and personality types (whole types, not just pairs of differences, as we’re introducing today) you will always meet more people different from you than are like you.

A vocabulary (names-for-things) system like Myers-Briggs can train your first look to include acceptance by recognizing different but legitimate approaches to life.

For example, we must all gather energy somehow. Richard Swenson, M.D. observed in his book, Margin:

Image courtesy of Stuart Blacklock via stock.xchnge

Image courtesy of Stuart Blacklock via stock.xchnge

Each morning we rise to meet the day with a certain measure of emotional energy. A quantum of stamina….

This quantum of emotional energy is not fixed but instead is in constant flux with its environment. We are always losing energy into the environment and receiving energy back again….

The ways we give off energy vary based on who we are and whom or what we’re around, but the way we receive energy back again is both observable and a well-studied. A huge part of who we are.

Swenson goes on to say,

No matter how large or small the quantum of emotional energy is at the start of the day, and no matter how fast or slow it is exchanging with the environment, one thing is certain: The amount within us is finite. No one has an infinite capacity for emotional discharge….

We often have trouble accepting the idea of rationing our emotional energy. It is simply too difficult to quantify our feelings. We feel ashamed admitting that our spirit is exhausted and collapsing within us.

But our hesitancy in no way constitutes proof that such limits are only a convenient fiction for the weak and lazy.

Instead, our hesitancy is an obstacle to overcome.

What he means is that as mature, rational beings we will do best when we match our outflow with a corresponding rebuilding.

Image courtesy of Roma Flowers via stock.xchng

Image courtesy of Roma Flowers via stock.xchng

Do you know how you recharge?  This is one form of self-awareness that personality types address.

If you are an Introvert, your energy is rebuilt through time alone, usually focused intently on one subject at a time.

If you are an Extravert, your energy is rebuilt through time interacting, usually with a shifting focus and multiple inputs.

Neither of these approaches is better or worse than the other. Like sun and rain they both have great value, have the capacity to harm, and provide a needed gift.

Placed on a spectrum they are also a tremendous example of how one component of a personality can ave tremendous impact on an individual’s life, and even on a society.

For example, despite 30-50% of Americans being introverts, the majority of American culture is extraverted: catering to and assuming patronage by extroverts.

Image courtesy of ivanmarn via stock.xchng

Image courtesy of ivanmarn via stock.xchng

Introverted people can blow hot and cold, avoiding the party altogether, then feeling isolated and lonely; or they my go to the party, even enjoy themselves, and end up paying the price later in a sort of emotional or exhaustion equivalent of a hangover.

Introverts tend to do best when they can control how much interacting they have the energy for, whether it’s choosing ahead the time when they leave a hot party, or creating a lower-key get-together on their own turf.

Extraverted people, on the other hand gather energy as the party goes on. These are the people who may actually study better in a group, or with music playing. Studying alone in their room (as they are dutifully doing) may be less effective than they hope.

Image courtesy of Courtney Francis via stock.xchng

Image courtesy of Courtney Francis via stock.xchng

Extraverts tend to do best when they can “dip a the river” of activities and draw energy from whatever enjoyable thing is currently in reach. This can mean planning regular outings, events or adventures in their own homes or out and about with others.

Knowing your energy orientation can help you make more sustainable lifestyle  decisions.

That is an example of how personality typing can benefit your own life.

This awareness can also help you understand and better relate to the people around you. More on that next time.