The Seven Types – Chapter 4

Realise your ambition
– The seven personality types

We have seen how the seven types manifest at five psychological levels. In this chapter, we will explore how the seven types and energies are expressed at the psychological level of the personality. In doing so, we can discover our own personality type. Figure 16 shows the seven personality types with their respective psychological functions and associated colours. In fact, because psychosynthesis typology takes into account the dimension of introversion and extroversion, as with Jung’s system, this means there is an introvert and extrovert aspect for each of the seven personality types, giving us 14 different expressions of the personality. But because the introvert and extrovert aspects of a type are essentially two faces of the same basic type, we speak about their being seven personality types.

Let us begin by exploring what is meant by introvert and extrovert. Assagioli (1967b) says the following¹:

We now come to the direction of the vital interest, and so pass from the descriptive to the dynamic aspect. One of Jung’s most valuable contributions was the discovery and description of two fundamental psychological types based on whether the vital interest is directed outwards or inwards, and thus “extraverted” or “introverted”. I should mention at once that it is less a matter of “types” in a precise and static sense, and more of the prevailing direction of the vital interest, and thus of the consequent evaluations, choices, decisions and actions.

When we speak about introversion and extroversion we are speaking about the “dynamic aspect” of typology because we are dealing with the direction of our energy – also known as our vital interest – which determines how we prefer to direct our attention. Introverts are more inclined to live in the subjective world (left quadrants) and extroverts in the objective world (right quadrants). Interestingly, Assagioli (1967b) makes the observation that we can be either introvert or extrovert on each of the five psychological levels. For example, one can be introverted emotionally and extroverted mentally. Note also that we are only speaking about preferences; the ideal is that we move beyond personal preference and strive to become ambivert, i.e. able to direct our focus in either an introvert or extrovert direction at will, according to our purpose.

Note: In this book I have decided to describe the introvert and extrovert modalities of the personality types only. Space does not allow me to explore the introvert/extrovert modalities of the other types, as expressed at the other four psychological levels, i.e. the introvert/ extrovert modalities of the soul types, thinking types, feeling types and body types. However, the same principles apply at all five psychological levels.

To help us differentiate between the introvert and extrovert expressions of the personality type, I have suggested a different archetype for each (Figure 17); archetypes are psychological patterns and images in the collective unconscious that express different psychological qualities and with which we can connect through identification.

Table 7 shows how the energies, psychological functions, personality types and personality archetypes are linked. For example, dynamic energy is expressed in the dynamic personality type via the introvert archetype of the Manager and the extrovert archetype of the Pioneer; both archetypes express dynamic energy but in an introverted or extroverted direction.

The personality types have both mature and immature qualities, and how these qualities are expressed depends on the overall maturity of the person and how much they have worked on personal growth. The different personality types can learn a lot from each other, and with this realisation we have found an important key to personal growth, which we discuss below.

The development of your personality type

Your personality type emerges during the course of your psychological development. I have based the following explanation of how this happens in Assagioli’s developmental theory², which he aligns with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The ages of development below are only suggestive because in practice there is a great deal of individual variation between people. You might like to refer to Figure 1 in chapter one which depicts this process of development in terms of the five psychological levels.

In the first seven years of life, the soul, acting through the evolving “I” and, one of the seven energies takes hold of the physical body and a particular body type unfolds. The child is also developing at the mental and emotional levels at this time, but the primary focus is on physical development and on learning about the body and what it can do: movement, speech, physical coordination through play.

From 7 to 14, feelings take centre stage. The child integrates more fully into the family and wider social system and a particular feeling type emerges (one of seven possible).

From 14 to 21, the focus shifts to the development of thought and, assuming the person has had a rounded education, a particular thinking type emerges.

From 21 to 35, the personality type will emerge as a dominant energy if we are successful in developing our will to become an individual with our own sense of decision-making and volition. It takes courage and maturity to become an individual and not everybody succeeds in this. Many people prefer the security of conforming to society’s standards and rules. The emerging personality type is shaped by the individual’s quality of will, and it involves the integration of the three psychological levels of body, feeling and thought. Quality of will refers to the quality of our ambition; the manner in which we pursue our life path is determined by the type of energy that colours our quality of will. For example, a leader is very often a dynamic personality type whose quality of will is flavoured by the dynamic energy, while teachers are often sensitive personality types whose quality of will and ambition has been influenced by the sensitive energy. In exercising our will and establishing our personality type, we become one-pointed, and influential within our field, bringing our actions, emotions and thoughts in line with a self-initiated set of goals. The outcome, or flowering, of this developmental process has been described variously as self-actualisation (Maslow), personal psychosynthesis (Assagioli), and the Centaur Stage (Wilber).

From the age of 35 onwards, if an individual chooses to embrace the humanistic and spiritual values that are inherent in the soul, then her soul type will emerge as a dominant energy. It is important to state that, even if it has not yet emerged as a dominant energy, the energy of the soul will always be present in the background because it is a fundamental energy.

The seven personality types: their purpose, problems, virtues and vices

Let us now examine the seven personality types in both their introvert and extrovert modalities. In doing so, we will be following Assagioli’s recommendation, set out in the Introduction, that we endeavour to “understand the true nature, the underlying function and purpose, the specific problems, virtues and vices of each type”. By “specific problems”, Assagioli is referring to the psychosynthetic task of each type, meaning the particular challenges that must be faced by each type in order to mature and become whole. Assagioli (1930c) explained:

Once we have recognised to which psychological type we belong, we are confronted by the problem, which is both practical and spiritual, as to how to deal with it, how to utilise it or change it, according to our higher purposes. The inner tasks concerning each type may be synthetically indicated in the following terms:

1. Expression.
2. Control.
3. Harmonisation.

There is a lot here, and space does not allow for a full exploration of Assagioli’s meaning, so the reader is urged to investigate Assagioli’s full discussion of the topic elsewhere (see Assagioli, 1983: 13). For our purposes, I offer the following brief elaboration of the key terms: expression, control and harmonisation.

Expression concerns the process of first accepting and owning the types we belong to, then, according to Assagioli (1930c), “our chief task must be the expression and perfection of our type in the purest and most developed way possible”. However, according to psychosynthesis theory, the challenge that each of us faces is that there are virtues and vices associated with each type. How the energies are expressed can vary greatly: we can do so beneficially or destructively, altruistically or egotistically; how we do so is largely dependent on our levels of consciousness and maturity. For example, an immature sensitive type can exhibit a jealous, controlling and manipulative love, while a mature sensitive type will be kind, caring and empathetic. In psychosynthesis practice we always strife for the higher expression. We will look more closely at the virtues and vices associated with each of the types below.

By control, Assagioli is speaking about managing the limitations of each of the types, even in their mature aspects. Assagioli (1930c) explained: “The second vital task which confronts us is that of controlling and correcting the excesses of the psychological type to which we belong. We all have the tendency to follow the line of least resistance, i.e. to go on expressing and developing the faculties which are already active in us.” In practice, this means the mental type can get stuck in their head, the dynamic type can become brutal and destructive, and too much spontaneity can cause the creative type to become unstable. The challenge is to discipline ourselves to limit and harmonise our natural excesses so we can become rounded in our development.

Assagioli (1930c) said harmonisation is about “developing the faculties [functions] as yet undeveloped in us and which are not part of our present psychological type”. Each of the types needs to integrate qualities from other types, especially the type which is its opposite (see circle diagram, Figure 6). The aim is to harmonise our typological qualities without diminishing our natural strengths. For example, a dynamic type will be more effective as a leader if they are able to integrate the qualities of the creative type, such as humour, playfulness and the ability to balance and cooperate; such a leader will further benefit if they can also manifest the sensitive qualities of love and compassion.

A full discussion of how each type can develop is included as part of our identity profile at www.jivayou.com/en/. One of the quickest ways to integrate your undeveloped qualities is to form close relationships with other types; unfortunately, this can be a disagreeable task because those who hold the qualities we lack are often the sort of people we find most irritating, precisely because they express the qualities we habitually avoid and even denigrate.

Let us now examine the seven personality types, in their introvert and extrovert expressions, mentioning also their vices and virtues and identifying the opportunities for personal growth.

1. The dynamic personality type

The red arrow pointing downwards symbolises the dynamic type. The arrow indicates the will striking like a lightning bolt, while the colour red denotes dynamic activity.

The dynamic personality type is robust, strong and determined. They are goal-oriented and resilient, and greatly value freedom and independence. This type likes to look at the big picture, and gets frustrated by detail. Their preference is to have a set of governing principles with which to guide them in their lives. When immature, such types can be selfish, domineering, impatient, difficult, and aggressive if they don’t get their way. Achieving power and influence, while maintaining freedom and independence, is paramount for this type and part of their essential purpose.

When introverted the dynamic type is represented by the archetype of the Manager, who directs, protects, and focuses on the purpose and task at hand. They excel as CEOs because they relish being a figurehead who strengthens and supports the group. When extroverted we have the Pioneer. With their bravery, boldness and an appetite for new ideas, the Pioneer can break new ground and become a role model for courage. When immature both archetypes can be stubborn, destructive, bullying, and isolated.

The dynamic personality type must accept their need for power and influence, and learn to wield this power wisely. They must control their tendency to fight and dominate their opponents, and learn that it is easier to destroy relationships than to build them.

Assagioli (1983: 21) says of this type: “The most important personal characteristic of the will type is the will to power. This manifests itself as ambition, self-affirmation, the desire to dominate others and to be the central figure on stage. It degenerates easily into egotism, stubbornness and obstinacy. In order to achieve his goals, the person of this type can easily become arrogant and unscrupulous. Another basic characteristic, because of the suppression of the emotions, is isolation.”

The essential psychosynthetic task for the dynamic type is to become more inclusive and adaptable without losing drive and direction. To this end, the dynamic type can develop by integrating the qualities of the other types: the creative type teaches the dynamic type to be playful and adaptive; the sensitive type offers empathy and patience; the mental type offers flexibility and strategic thinking. It is also important to integrate love which, as Assagioli (1931b) explains, will produce “a wonderful synthesis of will and love: a will which loves and a love which wills”.

Professions for this type: We find the dynamic type in politics, in business as managers, and wherever leadership and responsibility are required. They are at home in the police, army, fire brigade and emergency services, and enjoy any other activity associated with risk – this is due to the dynamic energy and pioneering spirit that is required for these types of work. Similarly, this type enjoys extreme sports, martial arts, and tasks that are physically demanding or that require initiative and an ability to lead. This type is basically a warrior at heart.

Reflecting on the jobs you’ve had, has it been the challenge to succeed that has motivated you the most?

2. The sensitive personality type

The blue counter-clockwise arrow symbolises the sensitive type: the arrow depicts how feeling can connect and contain, while the colour blue represents the calm that can inspire people to be present with their emotions.

The sensitive type is able to tune into their surroundings and empathise, without rejecting any of the emotions. This type’s emotional and mental antennae are well-developed and when mature they tend to be holistic and inclusive in attitude. Approachable, friendly and warm, this type is easy to get along with. They are insightful and welcome authentic relationships. The purpose of the sensitive type is to sustain and develop relationships.

The introverted expression of the sensitive type is represented by the archetype of the Guide, the personification of which is the counsellor who has a deep insight into human nature. The extroverted expression is the Helper, who supports others with their warmth, compassion and understanding. When immature this type can be sentimental, clinging to harmful attachments, over-sensitive, fearful, addicted and indiscriminate, with a victim mentality. When discernment is not developed, this type will be overly focused on subjective feelings and desires.

The sensitive type must accept their sensitivity and need for connection without succumbing to neediness. They must learn to control their tendency to be overly identified with others’ needs so they can step into their authority. They also need to tackle their fear of rejection and isolation which leads to a need to be popular.

Assagioli (1983: 34) says of this type (using his own terminology): “The love type is often innocuous, good-natured and charming; his limitations are agreeable and useful to others who can easily take advantage of them; thus, he not only provokes no opposition but is often encouraged and approved of by others.”

Sensitive types have a lot of good will but need to develop the strong will. The essential psychosynthetic task of this type is to learn the noble art of loving-detachment, which means being able to love wisely without becoming ensnared by the attachment and deception of “idiot compassion”, as the Buddhists call it. To this end, sensitive types can learn discrimination and logic from analytical types, self-confidence from dynamic types, and objectivity from the mental type.

Professions for this type: The distinctive qualities of the sensitive type are humanistic values and a capacity for insightful communication; the goal is to build and improve character and relationships. Accordingly, the sensitive type likes to help people, which could mean teaching, coaching, therapy, counselling or social work. This type is inclined to work in the fields of psychology, social sciences or cultural studies, and they often become involved with religion, social care, sociology and human resources, indeed anything that entails healing and health. This type will also enjoy metaphysical studies and holistic topics that require deep reflection and understanding.

Has your choice of career been motivated primarily by an interest in people’s well-being?

3. The mental personality type

Three counter-clockwise yellow arrows symbolise the mental type: the arrows depict the mind reaching out in many directions, while the colour yellow depicts the stimulation of the intellect.

The mental type is characterised by an active mind, shown by an appetite for planning and strategy or perhaps vigorous physical activity. This type is flexible and fluid. They are mentally creative and a rich source of ideas that they enjoy sharing. Their lack of emotional attachment to their ideas allows them to see situations from different perspectives. The purpose of this type is to be an intelligent agent for change through the use of their inventiveness and skill. According to Assagioli (1983: 44), the goal of this type is “to manifest, incarnate, produce, adapt and invent”.

An introverted mental type is represented by the archetype of the Thinker or the Philosopher. When introverted, the mental type is reflective and fond of abstractions, creating smart and innovative solutions to human problems. The extroverted type is the Strategist, who is typically an active and busy person who is perceptive, shrewd, patient and adaptable. When immature, this type can be cold, distracted, restless, calculating, indecisive, arrogant, critical and boastful. This type has a deep fear of being seen as stupid and might compensate by being overly intellectual. The immature introverted type, in particular, can be impractical and absent-minded.

The challenge facing the mental type is that they must accept their need for change and innovation without becoming stressed or defaulting to hyperactivity. They must learn to control their tendency to being too smart for their own good, which can lead to a tendency to manipulate those who are less intelligent.

Assagioli (1983: 42) says of this type: “Their gifts: skill in action, efficiency, quickness, the capacity to manipulate, and inventiveness. This type uses and gains mastery over the ’law of economy’ and can obtain the maximum results with the minimum effort and expense in time and materials.”

The essential psychosynthetic task of this type is, according to Assagioli (1983: 45), “to control and eliminate the excesses of ‘busyness’. He must learn the value and art – however difficult and unpleasant for him – of rest, calm, relaxation and silence.” To this end, the mental type can learn earnestness and honesty from the dedicated type, focus from the dynamic type, and an ability to love and empathise from the sensitive type.

Professions for this type: The mental type excels in academia, research, the media, maths and the sciences. They are often journalists or writers or found in public relations. We find the mental type in think tanks and in astrology, finance, IT, commercial trading, transport, shipping and logistics. They are often farmers, craftsmen and salespersons.

Has your choice of work primarily involved uncovering and developing new knowledge?

4. The creative personality type

Two green counter-clockwise arrows symbolise the creative type: the arrows depict how imagination integrates the opposites, while the colour green represents harmony.

The creative type is spontaneous and lives in the present. This type is able to think on their feet and look at life from different perspectives. They are intuitive and artistic and often make effective peacemakers and mediators. This type is able to understand and work with opposites, which they attempt to balance through their work. Beauty is important to this type, especially in their home settings and in their work environment. Dreams are more important than truth because they prefer the imaginary to the factual. The purpose of this type is to create harmony and beauty out of conflict, chaos and ugliness.

The creative introvert is represented by the archetype of the Aesthete. He or she can be a designer, writer of fiction, a mediator or therapist. Aesthetes can enjoy interpreting and realising dreams. They are skilled at reconciling opposite feelings and ideas in the mind. They are able to resolve conflicts and bring harmony. The extrovert expression of the creative type is the Transformer, who is a thrill-seeker in search of adventures and extreme situations. This type has a facility for drama and is able to give expression to unconscious processes and conflicts. This type will be a powerful communicator, perhaps a comedian or an actor.

When immature, the creative type can be self-absorbed, boastful, lazy, undisciplined, moody, deceitful, divisive and unpredictable. Because this type is drawn to conflict and opposites, when immature they can finding themselves getting into trouble of their own (subconscious) making, even though their natural tendency is to long for peace and harmony.

The challenge facing the creative type is to accept their need for harmony and beauty. Their calling is to take inspiration from the muses and create new beautiful forms, but with their sensitive and volatile nature they must try to avoid being drawn into drama. They must learn to control their tendency to “go-with-the-flow”, face reality, take responsibility and stay focused. The essential psychosynthetic task of the creative type is to develop steadfastness and balance, and to create order out of chaos without becoming overly identified with extreme points of view. To this end, the creative type can learn discipline and focus from the dynamic type, common sense from the analytical type, and a commitment to values from the dedicated type.

According to Assagioli (1983: 51), the Creative and Aesthetic type faces “the deep and complex task of creating order out of chaos. Therefore, while the essential nature of this type when it is fully realised is harmony, peace, union and beauty, it is more commonly and obviously seen in the form of unsatisfied ambitions, internal and external conflicts, struggles with intractable material and rebellious forces, and oscillations between polarities.”

Professions for this type: Creative people are typically found in the arts, psychology, fashion and entertainment. They might be mediators, writers, communicators or interpreters; they may teach yoga or work in HR or, indeed, in any situation where creativity, insight, humour and spontaneity are helpful.

Has humour and spontaneity been important in your work?

5. The analytical personality type

The orange arrow pointing right symbolises the analytical type. The arrow depicts logic moving forward in a methodical manner, while the colour orange represents focused thought.

The purpose of the analytical type is to establish reliable facts about the world and improve living conditions for us all. The analytical type is dedicated in their search for truth and the advancement of knowledge. This type is patient and methodical in collecting empirical data, which they can analyse to arrive at concrete conclusions. The analyst applies logic, taking her time to gather data, working methodically to gain knowledge. The analyst collects, dissects and concludes in her search for objective truth.

The introvert expression of this type is represented by the archetype of the Investigator who engages in precise and factual research, seeking to generate new ideas, methodologies or products. The extroverted type is represented by the Specialist, or Technician, who is focused on the application of knowledge, demonstrating new skills and an ability to master the practical world.

When immature, this type can be over-analytical, absorbed in their thinking and lacking in imagination. As a consequence, they can seem overly critical, cold, arrogant and narrow-minded. They can be dogmatic, petty, unforgiving, suspicious, and sometimes cruel in their relationships. This type has a tendency to become isolated due to following obsessively rigid routines. This type can be unskilled at processing their emotions, which means they can be socially awkward.

According to Assagioli (1983: 62), when at their best, this type has “an almost superhuman objectivity and impartiality; a noble disinterestedness, and an internal and external independence that leads him to detach himself from idols, partisanship, and external authority. He is courageous, detached and almost ascetic and knows how to sacrifice himself.”

The challenge facing the analytical type is to accept their need for truth, reliability and accountability, and to learn how to control their need to understand all the details, which often blinds them to the bigger picture.

The essential psychosynthetic task for this type is to let go of their materialistic outlook and to incorporate their phenomenological experience of the subjective world – in this way they can help to share the benefits of science in all domains of life. To this end, the analytical type can learn kindness, friendliness and the value of subjectivity from the sensitive type; lightheartedness from the creative type; and the value of faith and humanistic ideals from the dedicated type.

Professions for this type: The analytical type enjoys acquiring and working with specialist knowledge. They can make excellent teachers and educators, especially in the sciences or medicine. They can be skilled researchers, for example analysing DNA or investigating archaeological evidence. They will enjoy forensic work and can make effective police officers, mechanics, carpenters, dieticians, marketing analysts, opticians, biologists or lawyers.

Do you prefer work that is useful and practical?

6. The dedicated personality type

The purple vertical arrow symbolises dedicated energy: the upward-pointing arrow depicts how passion reaches for the heights, while the colour purple is associated with idealism.

Dedicated personality types are passionately committed to their cause. Their purpose is to inspire people to pursue noble ideals with a sense of passion. The dedicated type is focused, driven, goal-oriented and highly motivated to achieve goals that are the best, highest and noblest. The dedicated type is wholeheartedly devoted and humbly faithful to his ideal, idol or belief. They use the energy of devotional love to advocate for the best results, whether they are devising a new product, putting together a team, or pursuing a political vision. When immature, this type can be fanatical, authoritarian, superstitious, abusive and naive. They can be narrow-minded, unrealistic, domineering, impulsive and fundamentalist.

The introverted expression of the dedicated type is represented by the archetype of the Idealist: the ideal can be anything considered worthy of their devotion. The extraverted dedicated type is the Advocate, an activist who devotes their energy to an ideal or holy cause, which could be spiritual, political or social in its aims. As a parent, this type will idealise their children.

The challenge facing this type is that they must accept their need to pursue their ideals for a better world without becoming a missionary who views all people as potential converts. They must learn to control their tendency to being intense or extreme, holding black and white attitudes that victimise those with different points of view. Assagioli (1983: 72) said: “The good qualities of this type are as remarkable as the limitations of its less developed representatives. Besides sincerity, we find loyalty, veneration, self-sacrifice, endurance and a lack of fear, among others.”

The essential psychosynthetic task for this type is to find the still and impersonal point in the heart from which to direct their passion without getting lost in their vision; it’s a question of moderation. To this end, the dedicated type can learn flexibility and an ability to see life from different perspectives from the mental type, the value of humour from the creative type, and common sense from the analytical type.

Professions for this type: Whether introverted or extroverted, the dedicated type tends to have an “all or nothing” attitude that shows in their work. They may be missionaries, New Age gurus, PR experts, or entrepreneurs marketing a “revolutionary”’ new product. They can be intensely devoted to their family or hobbies. They might be philanthropists, activists or humanitarians. As with the sensitive type, the dedicated type is attracted to nursing and any profession that involves caring, supporting or mentoring. They can also be attracted to occupations that involve fierce competition, such as politics or sport.

How committed have you been to your work?

7. The practical personality type

Three burgundy arrows meeting at the centre symbolise the practical type. The three arrows depict will, feeling and thought combining in concrete action. The colour of reddish-brown/burgundy symbolises the earth and grounding.

The practical type is skilled at coordinating people and resources to achieve a result. They are natural leaders in a practical sense, knowing how to organise and apply their energy. This type is efficient, versatile and resourceful. They make things happen through planning, collaboration and efficiency in execution. They can often be found at the centre of an activity, directing everything to achieve the best result.

Assagioli (1983: 84) said of this type: “The personal qualities of the organisational type, besides the propensity for order, are: attention to detail, accuracy, patience, perseverance, courtesy and, at the mental level, clear thought and objectivity.” Assagioli (1983: 78) added: “His dominant note can be expressed as ‘the ordered activity of the group’ or, ‘objective manifestation through organised activity’”.

When immature, this type is bound by routine, power-seeking, dominating and demanding. They can be overly-formal, stubborn, manipulative, pedantic and proud. They can value efficiency over people’s feelings and demand perfection. They often play the role of the grey eminence – pulling strings behind the scenes – and can use their power to outmaneuver their opponents and climb the ladder.

The introverted expression of the practical type is drawn to law and order, which is represented by the archetypical roles of the Orchestrator or Legislator. The introverted practical type enjoys creating smooth, efficient systems. They enjoy co-ordinating people, whether this is in a work or social setting or in entertainment: they like to conduct the orchestra. The extrovert practical type is represented by the Organiser, or Manager, who is at the centre of a project, focused and co-ordinating activities for the best effect.

The challenge facing this type is that they must accept their need for order, elegance and efficiency without falling into the trap of micro- managing. They must learn to control their need to dominate so they don’t limit the creativity and well-being of their collaborators.

The purpose of the practical type is to manifest new ideas through organisation. Their essential psychosynthetic task is to keep themselves orientated towards this ultimate purpose and not to get entangled in the process of managing practical detail. According to Assagioli (1983: 87), they “should always be clearly aware of the difference between a living organism and a dead organisation – that is, an organisation that has become an end in itself”. To help in their development, the practical type can learn empathy and care from the sensitive type, a commitment to ideals from the dedicated type, and a playful ability to balance temperaments from the creative type.

Professions for this type: The practical type will enjoy management, legislature and judicial work. They make effective project coordinators, administrators and scientists. They could be air traffic controllers, film directors, financial advisers or football coaches – indeed, any work that requires coordinating people. In recent years, many new occupations have emerged that are suitable for the practical type because they require multi-tasking and expertise in different areas.

Do you enjoy seeing the results of your work?

Overview

Having read through these profiles, readers may be closer to understanding their own personality type. Identifying your type is not always easy, and we often need help to see ourselves, so it can be useful to ask a friend or colleague for their thoughts.

You will find a full index of the types and their different characteristics at the back of this book.

Figure 18 offers an overview of the relationship between the psychological functions and the different soul and personality types. Remember, we each have access to the energies and qualities of all the types, but one of the types will generally dominate on the personality level. To find out more about your typological make-up, complete JivaYou’s free personality profile or the more detailed identity profile (visit jivayou.com).

Exercise: Personality type and job history

Your job history can reveal a lot about your personality type. Begin by making a list of all the jobs you’ve had. If there is a large number, focus on the most significant jobs and the ones that suited you most. Now list the skills you used in each job.

Which personality type is the best match for you?

Now list your motivation for doing these jobs. Were you primarily motivated by:

Will: ambition, influence, leadership.
Feeling: care, helpfulness, good relationships.
Thought: knowledge, communication, activity.
Imagination: beauty, empathy, new experiences.
Logic: professionalism, seriousness, discovery.
Passion: excitement, competition, optimisation.
Action: cooperation, leadership, results.

Again, which personality type is the best match for your answers?

In the next chapter, we will look at the seven soul types, from which we can begin to sense our way to the soul.