Evolving with Authenticity
Dominant Aspects
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.
Once Perfectionists commit to an interest, they'll give it their all. From there, their passion for it grows into dedication, and from dedication, it turns into perfection. By paying close attention to the tiniest details, they refine their work until it is flawless. Through their strong passion and consistent effort, Perfectionists naturally become masters of their work. Whatever it may be, they are rarely anything less than perfect.
However, Perfectionists might be overly particular at times, focusing too much on unnecessary details. They may be fixated on making tiny improvements that do not add much value to what they are doing. Little do they know, the time wasted on small adjustments could actually be better spent on something worthwhile. If that was the case, their efforts could actually bring a greater sense of meaning to their lives.
At their worst, Perfectionists might set unrealistic standards to reach, borne out of the obsession for flawlessness. They may worry over every little aspect, creating unnecessary stress for themselves. If things do not turn out as perfect as they wanted it to be, they may become unsatisfied with their performance, feeling as though their work will never be good enough. Perfectionists need to learn that it is okay to have flaws, as nothing in this world is perfect, including themselves.
Life is hectic, but Perfectionists often find ways to manage it all, keeping things calm and controlled. As independent and responsible individuals, they know how to prioritize the things that matter. They often plan ahead and make time for what is important, never missing the crucial matters. They stick to schedules and routines to keep their lives running at a steady pace. By living a consistent life, Perfectionists can go by their days without a worry in mind.
Unfortunately, this need for security could also trap Perfectionists in their own box. They might end up living a repetitive life, unwilling to try anything new. As such, they become stagnant in their growth, sheltered from challenges that could push them to improve. In the end, if Perfectionists do not expand their bubble, they may face unexpected obstacles that prove to be more than they can handle.
As stability is prioritized above all else, Perfectionists tend to be anxious of change, especially the ones they cannot anticipate. They are often unwilling to adjust their schedules, fearing that it would shake up their steady lifestyle. When faced with sudden changes, they may lose their bearings because things aren't going as they planned. Feeling overwhelmed and helpless, Perfectionists might begin to imagine worst-case scenarios, paralyzing themselves with dreadful thoughts.
Tears may dry and smiles may fade, but what remains are memories that last forever. For the Perfectionists, these memories become their guiding star. They treasure their experiences deeply, often reminiscing on moments that touched their hearts. These sentiments become convictions, driving Perfectionists to dedicate themselves to what they love. No matter rain or shine, Perfectionists will never give up, persisting through even the hardest of days.
Strong sentiments are as much of a blessing as it is a curse. When Perfectionists are overly attached to their past, it might be hard for them to let go. Even if certain habits are unhealthy to them, they might find it difficult to move on, since it is the only thing they have ever known. Even when they obviously need to change, they may prefer to keep things the way they are. Imprisoned by their own comfort zone, Perfectionists will become stuck, unable to grow as a person.
Born with deep emotions that are steep with complexity, Perfectionists constantly look within themselves to make sense of it all. They often reflect on past experiences to understand why they felt a certain way, hoping to uncover their deepest motives. By doing so, Perfectionists gain a greater clarity on the things that matter the most, giving them the strength to better commit to what they stand for.
Self-reflection may be a good practice, but some Perfectionists might get so entangled in their thoughts that they forget about the world outside of their minds. They might go about life with their heads in the clouds, rarely taking a step back to observe what is happening around them. Unless they pull themselves out, Perfectionists might end up in a bubble of ignorance, oblivious to anything beyond themselves.
At their worst, some Perfectionists might reflect to the point of overthinking. Like a broken record, they replay memories of past mistakes repeatedly in their heads, reminding themselves that things will always go wrong. This feeds into their insecurities, and before long, they start to doubt every decision they have ever made. In the end, these thoughts will only serve as a nuisance, hindering Perfectionists from progressing in their journey of growth.
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 [Perfectionist]