Last night for my new Creativity in Design course at IADT, my
instructor asked us to complete the Kiersey Temperament sorter and the Myers
Briggs personality indicator. A small portion of what I read is reproduced
below:
Champions are rather rare, say three or four percent of the
population, but even more than the others they consider intense emotional
experiences as being vital to a full life. Champions have a wide range and
variety of emotions, and a great passion for novelty. They see life as an
exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil, and they
want to experience all the meaningful events and fascinating people in the
world. The most outgoing of the Idealists, Champions often can't wait to tell
others of their extraordinary experiences. Champions can be tireless in talking
with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own
words to get it all out. And usually this is not simple storytelling; Champions
often speak (or write) in the hope of revealing some truth about human
experience, or of motivating others with their powerful convictions. Their
strong drive to speak out on issues and events, along with their boundless
enthusiasm and natural talent with language, makes them the most vivacious and
inspiring of all the types.
Fiercely individualistic, Champions strive toward a kind
of personal authenticity, and this intention always to be themselves is usually
quite attractive to others. At the same time, Champions have outstanding
intuitive powers and can tell what is going on inside of others, reading hidden
emotions and giving special significance to words or actions. In fact,
Champions are constantly scanning the social environment, and no intriguing
character or silent motive is likely to escape their attention. Far more than
the other Idealists, Champions are keen and probing observers of the people
around them, and are capable of intense concentration on another individual.
Their attention is rarely passive or casual. On the contrary, Champions tend to
be extra sensitive and alert, always ready for emergencies, always on the
lookout for what's possible.
Champions are good with people and usually have a wide range of
personal relationships. They are warm and full of energy with their friends.
They are likable and at ease with colleagues, and handle their employees or
students with great skill. They are good in public and on the telephone, and
are so spontaneous and dramatic that others love to be in their company.
Champions are positive, exuberant people, and often their confidence in the
goodness of life and of human nature makes good things happen.
I was amazed to discover that my temperament hadn’t changed one
iota since I was 18.
As I read the description, I became very sad. I recognized
myself. But the recognition was, as it were, through a thick veil of fog… And
it was painful. I felt like I had been flayed and sliced open from front to
back and ice water was pouring through me. It was coldness and brokenness and
emptiness all at once.
And I think the reason I felt that way was because in my blood
and bones… I AM STILL THAT CHAMPION. And that’s exactly who I want to be. But I
betray myself daily. And I do it willingly. I CHOOSE it. Because my calling is
almost certain to lead me to the poorhouse: and to stay alive, I betray my
identity.
I give up thriving
because I must survive.
