Thursday, March 22, 2018

My Mid-Life Identity Crisis

My kids are growing up and getting ready to move out so I guess that means I need to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.  I mentioned to Shani the other day some of the personality tests and webinars I had been doing and she said that a lot of us moms go through this phase.  We've been in the mom trenches for years.  Now the end of a stage is in sight so we are starting to look around to see where we're at and where we're headed next.

All of the tests I have taken have been free versions so results may be less trustworthy.

The Meyers-Briggs test result: ISFP(-Turbulent)

VIA Character Strengths:
My top 10 (out of 24 character traits)
1. Humor
2. Honesty
3. Kindness
4. Love of Learning
5. Forgiveness
6. Love
7. Teamwork
8. Fairness
9. Humility
10. Curiosity
I'm not sure about these results.  I feel like I might get different results if I took it again.  Though Humor would definitely still be near the top.

Enneagram test: 9w1
(I don't even know what this one is but I've heard Christy talking about so when I came across one online I took it)

Four Tendencies: Obliger
I just checked the book out at the library.  I'm curious to see what sort of tips she has for getting things done as an obliger.

Am I a Scanner?
I came across this book called "Refuse to Choose: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams"
Refuse to choose?  Do everything?  Sounds perfect!  The author, Barbara Sher, says there are people out there that are different from the rest.  They like everything and want to do everything and cannot bear the thought of sticking with just one thing forever.  She calls these people Scanners.  I read the book, finishing today.  Am I a Scanner?  I'm not sure I qualify as a confirmed scanner but I feel like I definitely have Scanner tendencies.  I did like her suggestions for how to use the desires/personality in a productive way.  You can read a summary of what a scanner is here.

Generally I struggle with all these types of tests.  I often find it difficult to choose between options that seem equally appealing to me.  I also struggle with marking beyond the middle when choosing options on a scale.  I am always "neutral" or "somewhat" rather than "very".  (Okay, I wrote this last paragraph before I went back to add the part about the scanners.  Then I read this again and thought, hmm, that sounds a bit scannerish.  Haha!)

Okay world - your turn to weigh in.  What should I be when I grow up?

UPDATE - I found this one in the archives from 2007
***Your Five Factor Personality Profile***
Extroversion:
You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations.A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you.You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people.
Conscientiousness:
You have medium conscientiousness.You're generally good at balancing work and play.When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it.
Agreeableness:
You have high agreeableness.You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.
Neuroticism:
You have low neuroticism.You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure.
Openness to experience:
Your openness to new experiences is low.You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable.You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea.While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.
The Five Factor Personality Testhttp://www.blogthings.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/