Enneagram
Myers-Briggs
Strengths Finders
Temperaments
Working Genius
RightPath
Love Languages
Hogwarts Houses
There are SO. MANY. PERSONALITY. ASSESSMENTS.
I didn’t even list all of them!
It’s actually not very surprising, if you think about it. In a world where we are getting further and further disconnected from reality and more and more “connected” (but not really) to each other, it’s clear we have a culture that is silently screaming to find not only a sense of purpose, but a sense of self.
The types and assessments listed above aren’t new, but I personally think they have seen a resurgence in recent years…and I think that’s a good thing!
Whether you’re on the side of hating them because they may as well be voodoo or astrology, or you’re on the side of obsessively taking them all and wearing your results as a badge of honor, I think we can all agree that pointing someone who is having an identity crisis towards these tried and true personality maps, as opposed to social media, is a step in the right direction.
In fact, that’s why I’m starting this blog.
I’ve had the privelege of being around some pretty incredible thought leaders and communicators. One thing I’ve heard from a couple of them that has stuck with me for years, when it comes to finding purpose-driven work, is to think about what breaks your heart, and run towards using your gifts to help fix the problem.
Right now, I’m observing a collective identity crisis in western culture. It’s prevalent everywhere, but the place that’s the most heartbreaking is how much the virus of misplaced identity has overtaken teenagers.
Depression and suicide are steadily climbing among that demographic. We all know this. I truly believe that a big part of the reason is because kids are lost. Not just lost, but looking at the wrong maps and following the wrong guides to help them find their way.
Middle and high school are times in which we start asking and exploring that ever important question - “Who am I?”
That then leads to, “What is my purpose?” and “Where do I fit in?”
Teenagers and preteens are so desperate to find the answer to those questions, and a lot of that is due to the pressures we put on them. We want them to make straight As. We put them in travel ball so they can compete in sports at the highest level. We ask them as soon as they enter kindergarten, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
On top of the pressures we put on them to have life all figured out at an early age, they now have social media telling them that the world is something it isn’t. It’s full of their peers showing off their dance moves, putting on their best makeup, and showing them how awesome their lives are because of what they have, and if you don’t have it, you need to catch up.
Every thought, every emotion, every worry…it’s accentuated and accelerated by social media.
Then there’s the subconscious damage it’s wreaking on their mental health.
And that breaks my heart.
It should be no surprise to us that kids are flocking to every place they can to find a sense of identity and belonging.
But what if what they find only tells them what they always feared - that who they are is not enough?
Right now, the secular solution is to look outside and change yourself.
Oh, you don’t fit in? You must have the wrong family. The wrong friends. You should probably leave them and find new ones.
Still don’t feel like you belong? You probably were born into the wrong body. You should change that too.
Still feel like an outcast? You yourself must be a mistake. Only one step now…
I’m oversimplifying it. The epidemic of depression, anxiety, and suicide goes many many layers deep. It also isn’t relegated just to the youth. The western world is full of lost people just wanting to be told that they have a place.
And that breaks my heart.
All I can do is share what I’ve discovered on my own journey. Which brings me back to personality profiles.
Every single one that I’ve dived into has put together one more piece of the puzzle that is me. It has been a wonderful journey of discovering language to describe how I think, feel, and operate. They’ve also provided a path forward- showed me where I need to improve and how I can utilize my gifts while getting better at my deficiencies.
Coming to understand that all people are wired differently, and that we all share a collection of gifts, talents, and blind spots, helped me become more confident in my abilities and completely accept my inabilities.
Some people have found one or two assessments they love, and don’t care for the rest. Some think there’s really only one that TRULY connects and tells the whole picture of how people are wired. And some people think they’re all a load of crock.
Whichever camp you fall into, I want you to hang with me. Subscribe. I’ve done a ton of work and research into these assessments (I’m even a certified Enneagram coach!), and I think I can bring a perspective that will be helpful for you on your journey to discovering who you are and what your purpose is.
I’ll write weekly on various topics surrounding the world of typology (and/or identity). I’m kind of a nerd about it. I hope you can find insight to help you on your own path to discover who you are.
One thing you must remember, though - it’s an ongoing journey. There is no one assessment that will tell you who you are in totality. We are uniquely made. Diving into these things will accentuate just how unique we all are…just how unique you are…and how we all belong.