P is for Personality

Image via Wikipedia

Ever taken a personality test?

Some people don't put a lot of stock in personality tests. Some people are addicted to them. Some people are afraid that learning their personality type will mess up their mind, or make them excuse their faults.

It all depends on their personality, right?

I'm not too obsessed with personality tests, but I do like reading about them and taking them and making other people take them.

What can I say? I like psychology.

If you have never taken a personality test (gasp!) then you can instantly remedy that shocking situation by taking a free personality test here. (Warning - it's a long test)

After that, you can find out more by taking your four letter type and reading about your personality here.

When I took the test, the closest match I got was the ISTJ, or Guardian Inspector.

Here's a bit of the description of Guardian Inspectors, from the Kiersey site:

The one word that best describes Inspectors is superdependable. Whether at home or at work, Inspectors are extraordinarily persevering and dutiful, particularly when it comes to keeping an eye on the people and products they are responsible for. In their quiet way, Inspectors see to it that rules are followed, laws are respected, and standards are upheld.

Yes, that's me. I've got to have my rules, and lists, and laws, and standards. And if a rule doesn't work - I throw it out and make a better rule.

That's probably why I'm so obsessed with proper punctuation...

Something that may be useful for writers (and that I haven't actually done yet) is to take the test from the perspective of your main character (or any other character you're having trouble with).

Not only could it help you find out more about how your character thinks and feels, but it could also help you discover how you and your character think differently.

Since I'm an "I" (introvert) it's helpful to read about how extroverts think. Perhaps if you're an extrovert, it would be good to read about introverts.

Whether you 100% believe in personality tests or are skeptical, it's good to at least have a basic idea of the most generic ways that people think.

And not just for writing, either. It helps with life.

So my cat (Buster Keaton) doesn't really have anything to do with this post, except for the fact that he's sitting by the keyboard as I write it. And I thought it was a cute picture, so I added it.

In other news:

(Yes, I'm doing the "other news" thing again)

Feel like voting?

Go check out Retro Zombie's blog. He's presenting a "face-off" for every letter of the alphabet. The current match is Po vs. Paul.

Also, my sister (whom I've mentioned before) has sketched a couple of girls, and wants you to decide which one she should redraw in color. Go let her know which one's your favorite!

What's your personality type? Do you like personality tests, or do you just think they're too inaccurate or constricting? What's your MC's personality type?

Let me know by commenting!