I got a lot done last week, over the weekend and today. And, as I sit down to write this I still have this feeling that I should be doing something more, something else, just something that will make me appear as productive and proactive as I am told that I am.

You see, I’m a worrier and tend to be Type A personality – if you read into those sorts of things. I’m not talking about horoscopes because I believe those are utter tripe but I sometimes like to play around with online personality tests. (I’m aware that they aren’t necessarily accurate but they are fun.)

According to much of the information I have read some things that Type A Personalities do are as follows:

• Time is important – Type A personalities hate wasting time or having their time wasted.
• They can become overly passionate about something
• Very prone to stressing (worrying about everything and anything.)
• Trouble sleeping because their mind is always racing.
• They are highly efficient.
• Their career is at the front and centre.
• They walk fast and with a purpose.
• Love solving problems
• There are many lists – task lists, to do lists etc.

This, by no means, is the entire list. I will include some links down the bottom for your reading pleasure.

I look at lists like this and realise that my friends are right – I am Type A. It’s not a bad thing and it’s not necessarily the most accurate thing out there but I do identify with many of the traits and it does help me when I try to rationalise when I’m feeling overly stressed or struggling not to worry about something. All of this relates back to my job as a High School Teacher. Knowing and being aware of my tendencies will help me prepare for any nervous or stressed moments.

I also redid my Briggs Myer Personality test and I got INFJ again. Every damn time. I enjoy reading about the traits but always take them with a grain of salt. Humans are much more complex that we allow ourselves to believe. That being said, I did identify with many of the traits listed. The strengths and weaknesses struck a particular chord – and match rather well with my Type A personality.

My weaknesses, in particular, were interesting. According to this one my main weaknesses are that I am :

• extremely private
• sensitive
• perfectionist
• always need to have a cause
• can burn out easily.

These are true for me. All of them. This often surprises people because many think or believe me to be quite extroverted but I’m not. My alone time is incredibly important to me and needed every day. My routines are part of my way to cope with being in a bustling job. I mention this because teaching is not an easy job – especially for introverted people. Add to that the statistics stating that most new teachers are leaving before they reach 5 years. It’s not the best profession to be an introvert.

I’m in my fifth year…but I’m still enjoying it. As long as I get time to myself to recharge.

Anyway, what is your personality type? Are you more laid back than myself? Let me know if you believe in all this.

Read more in this great Huffington Post article. Or this Elite Daily article.

Enjoy your week.

XJaime