Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your use of these links is greatly appreciated!
Last updated on April 8th, 2022 at 11:46 pm
How well do you know yourself? I mean, beyond your likes and dislikes and the things that light you up or the things you dread. Do you know why you’re good at certain things? Or why you keep failing at something? Well, there are some simple (and free) personality tests you can take to dig a little deeper into who you are so you can combine your purpose with living intentionally.
I’ve always found personality tests so fascinating since I took my first one in high school. They’ve helped me realize why I’m a certain way –why I notice and care about things other people don’t. And they’ve helped me understand when I need to step back because I’m approaching dangerous waters.
There are 4 tests I’ve taken that really explain a lot about myself: Meyers-Briggs, the Enneagram, the Four Tendencies, and the 5 Love Languages.
On the Meyers-Briggs, I’m an INFJ. I’m creative, insightful, inspiring and convincing, decisive, determined and passionate, and altruistic. I’m also sensitive, extremely private, a perfectionist, someone who needs a cause, and I’m prone to burn out.
INFJs are the rarest of the personality types. It’s amazing how I thought certain things about myself, such as noticing things other people don’t or having a strange sense of things to come are actually common among the type. Here I just thought I was weird.
On the Enneagram, I’m a Type 2, the caring, interpersonal type. I’m generous and demonstrative, but I’m also a people-pleaser and possessive.
I’ve always been someone who wants to make other people feel loved and cared for, but I never really thought of myself as a people-pleaser. I guess that comes along with wanting to love others.
Among the Four Tendencies, I’m in the largest group. As an Obliger, I can meet outer expectations but not inner expectations. This explains why I have such a rough time keeping goals or doing things I tell myself I’m going to do.
With the 5 Love Languages, my love language is Acts of Service. Makes sense, considering I’m considered “The Advocate” or “The Helper” on the personality tests.
How does knowing this help me?
Use my strengths purposefully
Knowing my strengths helps me live intentionally toward my purpose. I’m using these gifts God has given me to make a difference in the world. These test results tell me that I am uniquely made and that no one else can do what I can do. This combination of strengths and passions and talents only exist with me, so it leads me toward how I am meant to serve.
I’ve created a business that suits my strengths and hopefully meets the needs of others. I love writing blog posts to give my readers ways to take action to make their own lives better. And working one-on-one with clients in their homes gives me the opportunity to use my gift for interpersonal relationships.
It’s also helped to know that my love language and my husband’s love language are different. He’s more conscious of picking up after himself or cleaning up when I ask (nicely). And I know to give him words of affirmation in return. Seriously, taking the 5 Love Languages was a breakthrough on the relationship front. We understand each other better!
Use my weaknesses to my advantage
I know that there will be times I’ll struggle with my weaknesses. But knowing what they are gives me the upper hand. I can fight them. Or I can realize that the struggle and discomfort means I am growing and becoming the person I’m supposed to be.
For example, this whole journey of starting a business has been really uncomfortable. There are some things that are so difficult that it seems easier to just give up. But at the same time, I truly believe in what I’m doing and I believe it’s how I can best help others. Knowing that my strengths align with my purpose and calling makes it easier to combat my weaknesses.
But I can also use some weaknesses to my advantage to fight my Obliger tendency. For the past few months I’ve pretty consistently exercised 3 days a week from using the Sweat app. Part of the reason is my perfectionism and the urge to make sure all those little trophies are blacked out every week! I knew I wanted to make exercise a regular habit, and using my weakness as a strategy definitely worked.
With the results of these tests, I can make better strategies for success. As someone who wants to keep moving toward the person I’m meant to be. And the best thing is, they’re free to take!
One thing to note: Don’t let these tests define you! They’re meant to be tools to help you become better than what you are right now. I figure out ways to work around the way I am to help me reach my goals or serve other people in my life better.
Curious what you’ll find out about yourself? You can go find out more about and take each one of these tests using these links:
Learn about Meyers-Briggs 16 personalities here, and take the test here.
Read about The Enneagram here, and find out your Type here.
Discover your love language on 5 Love Languages
Read up on the Four Tendencies in Gretchen Rubin’s book and take the Quiz here.
Leave a Reply