'Tis the Season of Personal Reflection
Who have I become this year?
That's the question I ask myself the last two weeks of every year.
I'm big on personal reflection. Level setting on the question of who have you become prior to thinking about future goals provides a solid foundation to think about what's next.
My process is to take a series of free personality/values tests to gain some insight here. These tests don't tell you who you are, though they sometimes feel wildly accurate.
Rather, they give you more insight into how you are showing up in the world. The test results help you focus on the delta between how you show up versus how you want to show up. That delta, or difference between the two, is most important in understanding the road ahead.
I started my end of year reflection by taking three of these tests:
- Barrett Values Centre - Personal Values Assessment (PVA). This test provides insights into why you do what you do based on your own personal values. Best 3 minutes you'll spend this year.
- PrinciplesYou from Ray Dalio. Understand yourself, understand others, and help others understand you. This was built in connection with Adam Grant. This test is a bit long (but insightful) so block out 20 minutes to take this one.
- Eclectic Energies Enneagram Tests. Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. There are 9 types. This take about 5 minutes to do either test.
The question that I know is on your mind – what are my types? Here they are:
- Personal Values Assessment: You are a person for whom meaning is important. You have a strong set of moral standards which are important in how you treat others and how you wish to be treated. You seek to uncover more of your authentic self by looking to develop and grow. You are starting to overcome your anxieties and fears. The type of values you selected indicates that your individual capabilities are most important to you. From your choice of values you also demonstrate care for the greater good (making a difference).
- PrinciplesYou. You are most like The Growth Seeker. Growth Seekers are defined by a deep passion for learning and personal growth and development. They tend to be curious, humble, open to new ideas and experiences, and adaptable. Growth Seeker needs: Moving from reflection to decisive action, Sharing knowledge and taking on leadership roles, and Pursuing more defined paths and objectives without letting go of their taste for open-ended discovery.
- Enneagram Tests. For one test I'm a 2w3 and the other I'm a 3w2. It means I'm a mix between a Helper and an Achiever. Helpers essentially feel that they are worthy insofar as they are helpful to others. Love is their highest ideal. Selflessness is their duty. Giving to others is their reason for being. Achievers need to be validated in order to feel worthy; they pursue success and want to be admired. They are frequently hard working, competitive and are highly focused in the pursuit of their goals, whether their goal is to be the most successful salesman in the company or the "sexiest"
womanman in their social circle.
Let me know what you got but most importantly, let me know where you want to go.
P.S. You might notice that Framed Perspective is getting a bit of an overhaul. Please excuse my dust while the new site is under construction - it's going to be a fun journey.