Earlier this year I attended a Flux Trends Talk by trends expert Dion Chang. He spoke about New Urban Tribes of South Africa & how older ways of ‘segementing’ people (for marketing purposes for instance) are no longer effective. He explained how more niched groupings of people are the way to understand & ultimately reach people.
Then, on our recent media/blogger ladies weekend to the Midlands we were getting to know each other better. We went around the table & spoke around our ‘Aha moment(s)’ in each of our lives. You know, the moment when you sort of ‘got it’. When things made sense. When something switched or clicked in your life. I found it interesting to hear that, for many of the ladies their ‘aha moments’ had much to do with discovering & embracing who you are.
There is absolutely nothing like motherhood to accelerate the process of self-exploration & self-doubt. It is probably because motherhood is a time in your life that you actually need to really draw on your strengths for survival.
Figuring out what your type is & accepting it can make your life much easier. There are so many sub-types in the world. Things like…
Do you prefer Crunchy or Smooth peanut butter?
Are you a girlfriend type lady. Do you crave long chats with your friends? Or do you thrive on your own?
Are you a tea or a coffee drinker?
Wine or beer? Or gin?
A saver or spender?
Are you a quantity or quality person?
Do you take your milk first? Or your tea first?
Are you a clean car person or a messy car person?
Are you a bargain hunter or not? (By the way: this has absolutely nothing to do with your budget. I have a number of friends who can afford anything they desire but they love the thrill of finding a bargain.)
Are you a dressy person or not? Do you have to wear make-up when you go out or are you ok to go out without?
Bovril or Marmite?
Are you an eater or a non-eater? This breaks my brain, but I know many awesome people who simply don’t find much joy in eating. They see it as more of a chore than anything else.
Do you love the outdoors or indoors? Do you draw inspiration from things, people, yourself or nature?
Many of these boil down to personality type or temperament. Other things have simply been drilled into us by our parents, friends or mentors. Either way. I’ve found that knowing your type really helps you in difficult times. It helps to keep your tank full & helps you to be the very best you. It helps you to find those things & those people who make you tick.
I can totally recommend that you take some time to do the Myers-Briggs online test to find out which one of the 16 personality types you are. Once you know your type you will probably find these descriptions of each type to be spot on!
Also take a look at Enneagram which basically a guide to understanding your inner workings aka personality & style. You can take a quick free mini Enneagram online test.
I really find it fascinating to explore these – the challenges of each & all the awesomeness that each personality has to offer.
This is me:
I don’t care if the peanut butter is smooth or crunchy. I don’t mind strong tea. I don’t mind weak tea. I don’t care much if the milk goes in first or last. I’ve evolved from being a clean car person to a non-clean car person. I used to be a night owl but these days I can also be a morning person.
I am an Enneagram #7 – The Enthusiast / Epicurean. Extroverted. Spontaneous. Often scattered. Makes lots of plans. Is future-oriented. Random bit: celebrities who are 7’s include Richard Branson, Elizabeth Taylor, Mozart, Brad Pitt, George Clooney & Bette Midler.
According to the Meyers-Briggs test I’m an ESFP (“You only go around once in life”) type of person. And apparently, I should live in Rio de Janero! I’m not surprised that ESFP’s love to talk, love new things & love people.
I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment & let me know: do you know your type? Are these personality tests new to you or are they old news? Do you think that knowing your type makes life harder? Or easier?
Yolandi ♥
Ps. You can read 10 more things about me here.