Personality

I am a Pisces.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, I am a dragon. My husband is a tiger.

I’m an extrovert… except when I am introverted.

I have a personality color, an enneagram number (actually two!), and numerous tests from the internet that describe me as the calm and the storm.

Do you know what all of them mean?

NOTHING. Absolutely nothing.

Personality tests can be fun, but that is the extent of their usefulness. If you are using them as evidence for why you act the way you do, why you chose your profession, or as a guide to finding your perfect “match”—please stop.

Just stop.

Personalities are not rigid. They change and mold over time, being shaped by our goals and desires.

My dad took a personality test when he went to college. It was supposed to give him direction in choosing a profession. After all the questions, his results told him to avoid science-based careers. Well, he wanted to be a physician. So he left the testing area and went to medical school. I had a similar experience during my first semester at college. I remember finishing the personality test and reading over the options where I would be “successful.” Everything sounded terribly boring to me. So, I did what I wanted to do.

Personalities, just like IQs, are not set in stone.

They move.

They change.

They develop.

Can you imagine if everything was left to luck? Some people were born with great personalities, and others were destined to be dull? It’s terribly disheartening to think about it this way. Instead, you have all the power to make choices. Be whoever you want to be. Choose your spouse, your friends, and your neighbors. Pick a profession that you want. Just don’t lie to yourself and say “it’s how I am and there’s nothing I can do about it.” Personalities aren’t handed out like candy. They are created.

You decide who your future self is going to be.

YOU—not some test.