Of Personality Ninja
Principles are fundamental truths that serve as a foundation for our beliefs as well as a framework for us to understand the world. Recognizing their importance, we have developed our own set of founding principles, cementing the philosophical bedrock of our entire NXT personality framework. These core principles also guide our way of life, helping us stay on track in our journey towards personal growth.
It is no secret that typology has been riddled with numerous misunderstandings due to an absence of universally accepted principles. This is apparent when we hear individuals debating the superiority of certain personality types, using personality types to rationalize their shortcomings, or even utilizing typology to judge and stereotype others. Without well-defined principles in place, many out there may fail to grasp the fundamental purpose of typology—to facilitate personal growth by helping individuals better understand themselves and others.
Acknowledging this, the least we can do is to establish a set of core principles that we ourselves can adhere to. Although we cannot compel everyone to abide by these principles and change the world of typology, change must start somewhere, and it begins with us, within our little community.
After years of meticulous refinement in understanding personality types, we have distilled our insights into seven fundamental principles that form the foundation of our personality framework. We firmly believe that these principles are not only vital to our approach in NXT, but to the field of personality systems as a whole. By unwaveringly adhering to these principles, we can remain virtuous while on the path to self-awareness, ensuring that we never stray from the right course.
We are proud to share with you our core principles below:
- Personality type is definite.
- All types are created equal.
- Everyone is uniquely individual.
- Our personality is not an excuse.
- We are defined by our choices.
- All our parts belong to a whole.
- The cycle of growth is perpetual.
To gain a proper understanding of the seven principles, it is crucial to carefully read and consider the accompanying explanations. These explanations provide important context and detail, which are necessary for comprehending the principles in their full depth and complexity.
Furthermore, each principle is interconnected with the others, forming a cohesive whole. Neglecting any one principle could result in an incomplete understanding of the philosophy as a whole. Therefore, it is essential to consider each principle in its proper context and in relation to the others.
1. Personality type is definite.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but everyone's core personality is inborn and consistent; it does not change over time. Our type is innate because it represents the instinctual desires at our core, driving the behaviors that we so naturally default to.
And by definite, we do not mean that one is limited only to the traits specified in their type description. Everyone is different, each with the freedom to express themselves and develop any traits they wish. More importantly, we hold the power to choose our life path, changing our destiny for the better. But that's besides the point.
Knowing that we have fixed personalities unfolds a map that guides us in our continuous journey of growth. With it, we can identify our strengths and shortcomings, embracing and integrating them fully into our lives. As we improve at our shadows, it may seem like our personalities have changed; but that's never the case. Rather, it just means that we have grown into more wholesome individuals.
2. All types are created equal.
As much as humans like comparing things, there is no best or worst archetype among the 32. Equality exists among all because no personality type is ever perfect. Impeccable as an archetype may seem, they certainly have blind spots that will eventually cause a reckoning as their shadows have not yet been brought to light.
Although some types may appear better than others, context matters a lot. In a typical business, effectiveness and a goal-oriented attitude are often highly valued. However, in the realm of human connections, individuals who naturally focus on the vibes and feelings of others will often do better. Therefore, every type has its place in the world, where its traits are not only valued, but cherished.
Sometimes, a small minority of individuals might even develop their shadows well, up to a point where their capabilities far surpass one’s natural traits. It may sound impossible, but with persistence and practice, anyone can do so too. These prodigies often prove one thing: that it matters not what type one is born into, but what they choose to do with their type instead.
3. Everyone is uniquely individual.
Even twins of the same personality type can turn out significantly different from one another. So what more complete strangers from opposite ends of the globe? That said, despite having the same innate preferences and desires, we are still distinct individuals, each with our own dreams, ambitions, and aspirations.
An individual's type only speaks of their instinctual behaviors: innate desires that often guide their external behavior. As such, there will likely be some overlapping traits between those of the same personality type. Nevertheless, that does not mean that one is the carbon copy of the other. You are still you; with your own beliefs, interests, culture, background, values, norms, and so on.
And that doesn't even account for the life circumstances and experiences that inevitably shapes a person's character. As such, every individual is a unique puzzle with diverse perspectives and attitudes. So once again, our personality type provides insight into the subconscious desires that influence our behavior, but it should not be used as a definitive label for our entire identity or character.
4. Our personality is not an excuse.
Our personality type does not dictate who we are as a person. It should not confine us to a specific persona or behavior. But unfortunately, many people mistake their personalities for themselves as they try to live up to the stereotypical mold of their type.
Those who refuse to change may rigidly say to themselves: "I can't help it, I am born this way." Others would blame their incompetencies and inadequacies on their personality rather than taking the active step to grow and improve. They forget that they are wholly responsible for their destiny, and not some four-letter acronym.
Furthermore, personality type has been misused by some to inaccurately brand others, judging their entire character and capabilities based on mere stereotypes. Sadly, it only suggests that people are stuck to what they are born with. It is discouraging because it provides no avenue for growth, claiming that any effort to improve will eventually go to waste.
5. We are defined by our choices.
Type is definite, but our choices are not. Each and every decision we make defines who we are. It reveals the fundamental core of ourselves, speaking volumes about our character in the world. Like it or not, everyone is born with different personalities, but the true test lies in the choices one makes despite their natural tendencies.
Unfortunately, we hear people complaining that life isn't fair because they aren’t born with their desired functions. But when we blame, we immediately give up the power to change: accepting that we are slaves to our destiny, denying ourselves the freedom of choice.
All of us have free will. But we often avoid making tough choices that contribute to our growth because we are afraid. It is indeed a daunting path to confront our shadows as it brings about tremendous pain and discomfort. But when we come face to face with those fears, it is ultimately the choices we make that defines who we are.
6. All our parts belong to a whole.
To be whole is to embrace every part of ourselves: both the good and the bad. In truth, our entire mind seeks to be whole, even at a subconscious level. This explains why our Shadows keep resurfacing, giving us most of our problems in life.
Oftentimes, we come across the saying: "Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses." As such, we tend to overplay our strong suits to hide various parts of ourselves that we are ashamed of. But the more we neglect our shadows, the stronger they will resurface. And when they do, it is only a matter of time before we come face to face with our reckoning—the dire consequences of our actions or inactions.
Therefore, we should capitalize on our strengths while embracing and integrating our Shadows. In truth, there are no bad parts within, only potential waiting to be uncovered. Though we may sometimes perceive them as ugly, we should welcome every one of those parts with an open heart. Only when we embrace and develop these parts of ourselves to the fullest can we become individuals who are whole.
7. The cycle of growth is perpetual.
Everything in life is an endless cycle: the birth and death of all living things, the seasons that come and go, and the infinite cycle of the universe expanding and collapsing. Likewise, the end of a phase of growth simply marks the beginning of another. It is a tricky concept to grasp, but once we do, we then understand that our journey of personal growth never ends. As such, when we think that we've reached a peak in our self-mastery, there’s always more that awaits.
Everyone's journey of personal growth will always be a series of ups and downs. Sometimes, we meet with remarkable successes, and other times, with tragic failures. But when we are addicted to the destination, we tend to view those setbacks as massive obstacles that hinder us from success. It leaves us feeling upset, as if we were back at square one, discouraging us from picking ourselves back up to continue our push towards growth.
However, those with the wrong view often miss the point: the journey is all there is. When we adopt a mindset of perpetual growth, we will no longer obsess over our highs and successes. Rather, we begin to look forward to the process: both the ups and the downs. Ultimately, the value of growth lies in the meaningful lessons we learn and the person we become along the way.
We sincerely hope that our seven principles will not only inspire but also guide and support others on their own journeys of personal growth. By internalizing and applying these core principles, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, develop more meaningful relationships, and achieve greater personal fulfillment.
We acknowledge that everyone's journey is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to personal growth or anything at all for that matter. However, we firmly believe that our principles offer valuable guidance and insights that can benefit anyone who is committed to improving themselves.
Ultimately, our hope is that by sharing these principles, we can contribute to a more positive and compassionate world, where individuals are empowered to be their authentic selves and live their lives to the fullest.