Often, people can be described as very "Type A," and while this has formed a negative connotation, most people don't completely understand it. People with Type A personalities are described to be ambitious, organized, anxious, outcome-oriented, and sometimes impatient and sensitive. Type A people strive for perfection and success, and have been perceived to do anything to get there. This open letter is to serve as reminders, strategies, and tips for those who are or think they might be a Type A personality...
Dear Type A Personality,
First off, thank you for taking the time to read this. I know your life is very stressful. I have been there. I just wanted to give you some advice on how to get through life as a Type A.
First, accept yourself!
Despite what people say, there is nothing wrong with being Type A. Plenty of people would love to be as organized, as prepared, as good at time management as you. Be proud of yourself for having the most in depth Five Year, Ten Year, Fifteen Year plan. Be thankful you spent hours on that "small" project, because at least you got a good grade! In a world that is always changing, always advancing, always moving forward, it is a good time to be a Type A. Be proud of yourself!
Use your powers for good.
Following accepting yourself comes understanding yourself and your abilities. Being Type A gives you a certain skill set that many people find desirable. Whether it be peers, employers, or even lovers, you have abilities that people want. So use it! Employers want people who are organized and have the ability to multitask. Show them that you can be that person. Friends want people are reliable and trustworthy. Let them know you are in good hands. Help put the plan together for a group project. Assist a friend in making their class schedule. Share your time management skills with those who need the help. Do good!
In contrast, take a step back.
When using your abilities for good, understand that you should only step forward when needed. Do not be the person to take over the project and do it all yourself. This may be tricky and stressful. Handing off the reigns is not always easy for the likes of Type A, but taking over everything will make it unlikely that people will want to work well with you again. Find a way to add "Team Player" to your list of assets. Don't do everything for people. For one, many people won't like it and two, some may take advantage. Understand that you have the necessary skills, but so do other people, and they deserve a chance to shine too.
Take "You Time" seriously.
You plan out everything that needs to get done, and work hard to achieve it, why not include time for yourself? This is a major problem for Type A personalities because the moment we take a second to ourselves, our minds begin to race and think of everything we should be doing. Take a checkout. Watch some tv. Read a book for pleasure. Take a hike or go for a jog. If you are having trouble taking time for yourself, schedule it. Take two or three hours over the weekend and block it out just to relax. Hang out with friends, cook a new recipe, even take a nap. Just take time to not do something that needs to get done, but something you want to get done. Being relaxed is just as important as those deadlines, and should be treated just a seriously.
Finally, stay healthy.
Since most Type A Personalities are more focused on outcomes then what is happening now, we often overlook our current state of health. It is widely known that Type A Personalities are more likely to have heart disease, as well as a myriad of other health concerns that come with always being in a constant state of stressed out. Be mindful of your sleeping and eating habits. You cannot survive on no sleep, and consistent all-nighters are no help. Stick to regular meal times. Just like relaxing, take the time to make and eat food. If you ever find yourself putting off food, sleep, or any other healthy habits, just remember: It won't matter what grade you got on that project, how perfect your presentation is, if you're prepared for graduate school if you are not alive long enough to see it. So, my final, and ultimately most important piece of advice, is stay alive.
Understand that being Type A is not a bad thing. You are a beautiful wind-up toy crossed with a swiss army knife; you have so much to offer, just waiting to strike. Be careful of how you wield yourself, and do not fear time to just do nothing. And most of all, stay alive so you can continue to kick it another day.
Sincerely,
A fellow Type A.
