If it isn’t already abundantly clear, I’m a bit of an analytical geek. I love to dissect everything: motives, personalities, relationships. I’m a bit of a nut, and I truly do get a sense of accomplishment from achieving a better understanding and appreciation for another’s perspective, background or philosophy. While the tendency of scrutinizing the fine details has held me back on many occasions, I’ve also found it to be a very powerful tool when properly harnessed.

The past couple years have been crucial in my personal development. I don’t know if it was going away to school for the first time, living on my own or just growing up, but university or college can be a really interesting time as you start to come into your own and figure out who you are in this world.

Although I don’t by any means consider to have the world and the role I play in it figured out, I do know that I have gained some great insight through books that I’ve read and many leadership workshops that I’ve attended at school, at work and in my community. The books and workshops that I’ve found to be particularly interesting are the ones that help you analyze yourself. After all, how can we perfect interactions with others when we are not fully aware of own standpoint and biases?

Sometimes, a couple surveys and workshops is all it takes to reassure you of the personality traits that you have subconsciously always been exhibiting. Owning these traits, allowing them to become part of your brand, and learning to use them to your advantage in different situations can be key to your success in any kind of professional, academic or personal relationship you engage in.

Coincidently, my analytical nature originally made it difficult for me to fully buy into the Myers-Briggs-type tests which claim to pinpoint psychological personalities. Like you, I was sceptical. To this day, I don’t really believe that all these personality tests are 100% accurate or that all of them are entirely legit. However, I do think that there is something to be gained from exploring different tools and learning from the ones that truly speak to you.

I know, it sounds a bit hokey and maybe even narcissistic to be analyzing yourself, but I’ve found that it has helped me in so many of my personal and professional relationships to not only understand different types of personalities, but to know my own type as well. Understanding what motivates you, what type of people you work best with and how you communicate is actually really important in the interactions you have with others.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend checking out some of these personality typing exercises. The first or second one you try out might be a total flop, but keep at it! They generally don’t take too long and the lessons you take away from the results might bring you some of the clarity and reassurance that it has brought me!

Here are some exercises to look into:

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

This is the classic personality test used in many organizations. You can probably even take it for free at your school!

DISC Profile

I particularly liked this one and really identified with my ‘conscientious’ profile.

True Colours

This link leads to an actual test!

Also check out the book: Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham

This book includes an online test that identifies the strengths in your personality. The chapters in the book explain how to properly utilize and exercise your strengths.

Have you taken any of these personality tests? What were your results? If you’ve taken others that you’ve really liked, feel free to leave a comment and link below!