Phlegmatic, Sanguine, Melancholy, Choleric. Golden Retriever, Otter, Beaver, Lion. Green, yellow, blue, red. Type A, Type B. INFJ, INTJ, INFP, INTP, ISFJ, ISFP, ISTJ, ISTP, ENFJ, ENFP, ESFJ, ESFP, ENTJ, ENTP, ESTP, ESTJ. All different personality types, all so unique and valuable, with their own strengths and weaknesses, talents, giftings, abilities that they bring to the table.
And yet, all too often, I find many people (myself included) wishing we were different. Introverts wanting to be more extroverted because they're "too quiet" and extroverts wishing they were more introverted because they're "too loud". Feelers wishing they could be more logical because they're "too sensitive" and those with strong logical thinking patterns wishing they weren't "too insensitive".
Don't get me wrong, I know we all have faults. I'm well aware that there is no such thing as a perfect person.
But can we not just appreciate ourselves for who we are, and learn and grow from the differences between us and those around us? The point of you having the personality you have is not to change it, but to grow in it. Yes, it has weaknesses, and you ought to try and become stronger and better--but don't change who you truly are. It is honestly sad to me how often I find people upset with their personality type. You were created that way for a reason--a very good reason, at that.
You were not created an introvert just so you could try to force yourself to become an extrovert, or vice versa. You were not created as a Type A person just to become a Type B person. You were created the way you were to bring something special and unique to this world, and if you don't do that, who will?
It took me a long time to appreciate my personality. Of the ones I listed above, the ones that best describe me are phlegmatic, golden retriever, green, Type B, and INFJ/INFP. I'm neither a true introvert or true extrovert. I'm an ambivert, which basically means I need less socializing than extroverts and also less alone time than introverts. But I still need a lot of both. For a long time I didn't know there was such a thing as an ambivert so I never knew if I was an introvert or extrovert, because I had so many qualities of both--and that really bothered me. Why can't I just be one or the other? Even after finding out about the term 'ambivert', it still bothered me that I was so...different. I didn't like that I was such an awkward person, that I could never really predict well if I needed more time alone or more time socializing, or if I was more concerned with logic or feelings. I have realized that, for the most part, I have a tendency to be a centrist as opposed to an extremist. I observe things from multiple angles and try to stay in the middle, not choosing a side, because I see the good and the bad in the sides. I'm hesitant to choose because I'm not much of a risk-taker, I like to be safe and not decide on something unless I'm absolutely positive it is a good decision. Of course, that aspect of me has its ups and downs. I typically make well-thought out and wise decisions, but sometimes I take much longer than I should to make a decision, and it can end up doing more damage than good.
But just like all personality traits and types, that part of me has its pros and cons. It is not something I should try and change about myself, but rather appreciate and develop.
Learning to be thankful for your personality can be hard, but it is important. Not everyone will like or appreciate you and your personality type, but regardless of people's opinions, you have a place in this world and you are meant for good. Strengthening your personality can lead to amazing things...so why waste time hating who you are when you could be changing the world?
