So You Took a Personality Test, Now What?

Take a quick google search and it’s not hard to find a personality test or information about them. Chances are you’re familiar with at least one like the Myers Briggs or Enneagram. Some assessments concentrate on a personality type and others focus on personality traits. Some people cling to their insights as a guidepost for their life while others claim it’s pseudoscience. Each has its own benefits and limitations, which is what we’re exploring today!

Spectrum versus Categories

Life contains experiences and dynamics that we often try to fit into categories. It helps us make sense of what’s happening in and around us - our relationships, our jobs, our daily tasks, and so on. But here’s the deal, life is less categorical than this; it requires room for fluidity and nuance. With clients, I share that life is experienced on a spectrum. Life isn’t black and white. Anxiety isn’t experienced at either 0% or 100% all of the time, there are varying degrees to experience anxiety. It’s not all or nothing. 

The same is true for personalities. We are all created with unique traits and characteristics, it would be impossible to perfectly categorize each human into a limited, predetermined list of personalities and characteristics. And not just impossible, but quite frankly, it would diminish the beauty that comes from all of us being different. 

In the same way that you would not ask just one friend to tell you who you are, and what you like and dislike, you would not let one assessment quiz do the same. Instead, a holistic overview and input are needed from multiple sources.

So what do you do with personality test results?

Personality tests are descriptive but are neither prescriptive nor restrictive. Meaning, an individual is not required to fit a personality description onto themselves for the sake of it, or an individual is not meant to only stay within the confines of that description. Our identity is not a Myers-Brigg letter combination or an Enneagram number. The labels we get are not a license to excuse our behaviors.

For instance, I’m a 3 on the Enneagram and under stress, it suggests that someone of my type would become disengaged and apathetic. Does this mean when my friends come to me out of concern, noticing my disengagement, that I proclaim “I’m a 3, so that’s just what I do”? No! Instead, we can use these insights to hold us accountable and manage our interactions in a healthy manner. 

The intent of personality assessments and tests is to provide insight. They are designed to help an individual connect the dots. They amplify parts of ourselves to create deeper connections and understanding within us. When we understand more about who we are, we are able to show up in other spaces of life more authentically, holistically and prepared. 

Begin Working With An Online Therapist in Oregon

Understanding the results of your personality test is only the first step in connecting with yourself on a deeper level. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to support you in your journey of self-discovery from our Tigard, OR-based practice. You can start your therapy journey with Discover Counseling by following these simple steps:

1. Contact us to speak with a mental health professional at Discover Counseling
2. Schedule your first appointment with our team
3. Get support in becoming the best version of yourself!

Other Services Offered With Discover Counseling

Our team offers different types of therapy services to support a variety of mental health concerns. Other mental health services offered include therapy for anxiety, trauma recovery, life transitions, and postpartum support. Discover Counseling is also happy to offer teen therapy, Christian counseling, and codependency treatment. We also offer support for your relationship with premarital, couples, and marriage counseling, and therapy for relationship problems. Visit our blog or podcast today to learn more helpful information.