Who am I?

My first couple posts have been a little more thought provoking than this post is going to be. This is more of a look at who I am. Enjoy!

For those of you who love to do a lot of introspective thinking (like me), you've probably taken the time to do a personality test (or 5). There are a number of tests out there (True Colours, Birkman Method) all of which attempt to do same thing: provide you with a means to help you understand your cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes relative to your environment (workplace, family, etc.). My favourite test by a long shot is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. This test, through a series of situational questions, helps determine your preference in 4 distinct categories:

Where you derive your Energy
The way you take in Information
The way you make Decisions
How you deal with the Outer World

I've done the test multiple times and I consistently come out with the same (or very similar result). I recently completed a test I did as part of a retreat, using a professional service (www.cpp.com) and this profile was generated to describe who I am. For those of you who know me well, I'm sure you'll have a laugh at how accurate it is.

"I see life as a creative adventure full of exciting possibilities. I am keenly perceptive of people and the world around me and insightful about the present and future. I experience a wide range of feelings and intense emotions. I need affirmation from others and readily give appreciation and support to others.

I am an innovator, initiating projects and directing great energy into getting them under way. I am stimulated by new people, ideas, and experiences. I find meaning and significance readily and see connections that others don't. I am likely to be curious, creative, imaginative, energetic, enthusiastic, and spontaneous.

I value harmony and goodwill. I like to please others and will adapt to others' needs and wishes when possible. I make decisions by applying personal values through identification and empathy with others. I am likely to be warm, friendly, caring, cooperative, and supportive. I have exceptional insight into possibilities in others and have the energy to help actualize the possibilities.

I am usually lively, gregarious, and sociable, with a large circle of friends. I am interested in almost everything and bring a zest for life that draws others to me. At the same time, I value depth and authenticity in my close relationships and direct great energy into creating and supporting open and honest communication. I hate routines, schedules, and structure, and usually manage to avoid them. I am normally verbally fluent, even extemporaneously; however, when my deepest values need expression, I may suddenly be awkward. The articulation of my judgments will often come out with great intensity. Others usually see me as personable, perceptive, persuasive, enthusiastic, spontaneous, and versatile. I am also seen as a person who gives and wants to receive affirmation.

I may go from enthusiasm to enthusiasm, never committing the energy necessary to actualize my insights. I may rely too much on personal value judgments and fail to take in enough information. I will not trust my own insights, will be uncertain, and will accept others' perceptions too quickly."

The questions I have for you, whether you answer them as a comment or simply in your head, are:

Are personality tests/profiles such as this one helpful for you to be more effective at what you do?
Does understanding your tendencies help you be able to counter-act their potentially negative downfalls?
Is this test that classifies people into 16 categories enough to help us relate to the world around us?
My profile highlights that I have trouble committing my energy necessary to actualize my insights. Does that mean I'm doomed to come up with good ideas, start them, and let them fall apart? Knowing this, how do I change my interactions to ensure that I'll be successful in my endeavors.

Thanks for reading.

Love,

- Conor

p.s. I'm 10 weeks and 2 days away from leaving on my adventure. I'm peeing my pants with excitement.

Void of Self Doubt - a poem

Hey all,

I haven't posted in a while. My apologies.  I've been meaning to post up a few stories (mainly my trip to Campbell River and some thoughts on a couple TedTalks).  I'm sure I'll post them in the next couple weeks along with some other reflections.  For now, I just wanted to share with you a poem I've written. (that's right... just like some emo-kid).  I started a working copy of this a while ago and decided to finish it up tonight.  I hope you enjoy.

a poem

Why do you cry 'bout the end that you seek?

Are those tears out of fear that the means are so bleak?

So if life is the journey, and not how it ends

Open eyes, chin up high through the twist and the bends.

You strive to find passion, cause that's what they say,

"Find something you love and you won't work a day"

You deny what you love, you're not sure if it's you

You fear that you love it just 'cause they do too

You've got so much choice that it feels like there's none

Can you sift through the noise for the right one?

You strive for perfection, but perfection's a guise

The truth is you're great. Is it that hard to buy?

Breath in. Breath out. No seriously, just try.

You done it? Who's looking?Just do it...don't lie.

You're on the right path, and your goal lies ahead

But was it your choice? Do you know where you tread?

You lift up your feet and you don't trust your eyes,

'Cause you're walking amongst misconceptions and lies

You're not who to blame, but you are if you stay

Do you jump in a year, a month or today?

But where will you jump to, where will you land?

Doesn't matter, as long as it's not where you stand.

If you want faith in something, then why not yourself

Between you and success is your void of self doubt.

Have passion be bold put your feet to the floor,

You're about to live life as you've never before.

Thanks for reading - more to come soon.

Love,

- Conor