If humans were computers, our dominant traits would be the operating system that is embedded and hard-coded in our minds. These deeply ingrained behaviors run on autopilot, driving our every action without conscious thought. Like breathing or blinking, we can actively choose to control our actions with enough concentration. However, most of the time, our recurring behaviors seem to be driven by our subconscious, functioning effortlessly and instinctively.

Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can
neither be explained nor ignored.

Agatha Christie

Dominant traits are often mistaken as strengths in most other personality systems. But here in Personality Ninja, we hold a different view. To us, traits are just traits, shaped by the wiring of our cognitive functions. Whether a trait is good or bad largely depends on the way it is used. As such, these traits can either be the source of one's greatest strengths, or the cause of their biggest downfall.

Naturally, we will hone our dominant traits, refining them into our super strengths. However, if we are not careful, there is a chance that we may push our dominant traits into overdrive, manifesting them in very unhealthy ways. In the end, our dominant traits are our natural tendencies and nothing more. The key to harnessing them effectively lies in knowing when, where, and how to use them.

In a world flocked with sheep who do as they are told, Idealists are the ones who dare to go against the mindless herd. Knowing their own worth, they are not afraid to stand out from the crowd, even if it draws disapproving looks and scornful remarks. After all, only those with the courage to be themselves in the face of hatred and malice will unlock their inner power. As such, Idealists will always embrace who they are and who they will be, for that is what it means to be human.

On the contrary, Idealists who care too much about their individuality are oblivious to the people around them. In their eyes, they are the star of the show while everyone else plays a supporting role. With their focus centered mainly on themselves, they might do things that trouble others without even realizing it. Idealists who carry this narcissistic attitude will be labeled a nuisance and eventually be cast aside.

Worst yet, some Idealists might actually wield the idea of individuality as an excuse to do as they please. Those who act like this will certainly provoke others somehow, either by saying something offensive or doing something inappropriate. But instead of apologizing, they might fall back to the excuse of "being themselves" as a shield when people call them out. When that happens, Idealists risk becoming the person they detest the most: someone who is shamelessly inconsiderate.

A voyager travelling into unchartered territory might not know where to go. But as long as they follow the North Star, they will make it to safety unscathed. Similarly, Idealists who find themselves lost in their darkest moments can always find their way out by turning to their beliefs. It is something they hold on to dearly, and no price can ever be enough for them to sell-out their values. Therefore, they will always cultivate their beliefs, as it keeps them anchored to the good of the world.

Unfortunately, problems will emerge when Idealists grow attached to their beliefs. Those who do will feel personally attacked when others question what they believe in. Immature Idealists might even go as far as to immediately reject any view that do not align with theirs. This stubbornness comes at a cost, of course. Sooner or later, people will grow fed up with them and leave them in their own tiny bubble.

As Idealists explore the vast ocean of life, they may wrongly perceive the North Star as the final destination, rather than a direction to strive towards. When they fail to become the ideal version of themselves, they might find themselves spiralling into a whirpool of darkness. As an endless cycle of self-doubt takes over the captain of the ship, the Idealists may soon find themselves forever lost at sea.

Like a metal detector, Idealists can sense what is valuable to them, even if it only exists in the abstract. It seems almost like instinct that they are able to identify the things they like or dislike in the blink of an eye. They might struggle to put this enigmatic feeling into words but they can feel it in their bones. Thus, Idealists will always have an idea of what truly matters in the world, allowing them to shape their priorities in a way that evokes meaning in their own lives.

However, things can take a turn for the worse when Idealists prioritize without solid reasoning. As emotional creatures, they tend to put less weight on logic, disregarding it entirely at times. To them, what matters more is whether things feel right at the moment; that alone is a good enough reason to make something their top priority. At the end of the day, Idealists who do not think deeply about their decisions are doomed to walk down the wrong path.

At the extreme end, some Idealists might be overly fussy with their wants and needs. If their desires are always served to them on a silver platter, they will soon develop a sense of entitlement. Thereafter, when they say they don't feel like doing something, they simply won't budge. Unwilling to compromise even an inch, Idealists unintentionally come across as prima donnas with outrageous demands. If they keep up this behavior, they will quickly garner hatred from those around them.

Values shape the way we see the world. They are the ingredients that set us all apart, making everyone a unique dish of their own. Thus, Idealists are always delving into a variety of concepts, in search of the ones that will redefine them for the better. There may be no recipe for the right values but Idealists know that if they follow their hearts, they will find them. As such, they will never fail to uncover the values that resonate with their soul as they wander through this journey of life.

While it is good to know oneself, when Idealists do it too much, they risk becoming self-centred. Those who are like this will spend much of their time searching for values that feel good even though it brings no benefit to the world. Focusing solely on themselves, these Idealists contribute nothing to the people around them. Consequently, in their constant pursuit of personal significance, they will end up being of no value to anyone at all.

If taken too far, Idealists may turn into fanatics. When they find themselves wholly engrossed in something, their passion towards it can often grow like wildfire. They might pursue what they value to the end of the world, pouring everything into it without a second thought. Some might even take it up a notch and put themselves through extreme conditions for the sake of their values. This zealous behavior will not only harm them, but also lead them to their demise.

To wrap it up, dominant traits are neither our strengths nor are they our weaknesses. They are simply traits we tend to exhibit naturally in our daily lives without much realization.

The biggest reminder here is this: a trait is a trait. It is a unique characteristic of an archetype, each carrying its own pros and cons. With that understanding, let us now venture into the next set of traits that we do more consciously—our supportive traits.

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Supportive Traits [Idealist]