Discovering Your Authentic Self: Beyond MBTI with Enneagram, StrengthsFinder, and Human Design

Are you looking for a deeper understanding of your personality beyond the popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)? In this article, we explore several personality tests and methods that can help you gain insights into your strengths, values, and life purpose. We will also discuss tips for career guidance and personal development.

Unlocking Your Strengths with StrengthsFinder

StrengthsFinder is a powerful tool that focuses on your positive strengths and helps you understand what you excel at. Unlike the MBTI, which categorizes you based on traits and preferences, StrengthsFinder identifies your unique abilities. For instance, my strongest theme was Connectedness, which accurately reflects my values and ideas but can be challenging to explain to others. The tool provides 34 CliftonStrengths Themes that are described in detail on their official website.

All 34 CliftonStrengths Themes Descriptions can be found here, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding your strengths in detail.

Exploring the Enneagram for Greater Accuracy

While some prefer the MBTI, others find the Enneagram more accurate in revealing their true nature. The Enneagram is a complex system that involves nine distinct personality types, each with its own unique set of fears and desires. It is often considered more nuanced than the MBTI because it delves deeper into the motivations and fears behind our behaviors.

For free Enneagram tests, you can visit Enneagram Institute. For a more detailed and accurate assessment, you might consider consulting a certified Enneagram practitioner.

Reflecting on Life's Purpose

Lifestyle purposes are deeply personal and cannot be fully captured through a test. However, exploring philosophical ideas can provide valuable insights. Albert Camus, in his work on "The Myth of Sisyphus", suggests that happiness is eternally immediate and requires a daily commitment. Similarly, Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence encourages us to embrace our actions and take responsibility for all of them.

These ideas can help you reflect on what brings true meaning to your life. If you are seeking a more spiritual perspective, it is important to acknowledge the role of personal beliefs in shaping your purpose. Many, like myself, rely on God for personal life purpose.

Navigating Career Paths with Guidance

While personality tests can offer valuable insights, they should not be the sole determinant of your career path. Speaking with a career counselor or advisor can open up new possibilities and provide tailored guidance. Career guidance offices at colleges and state unemployment offices, such as the COPES and CAPS tests, are excellent resources for assessing your personal strengths and abilities.

If you are unsure where to find these services, visit or call a career guidance office. Many of these resources have now transitioned online, making them accessible to anyone with internet access.

Exploring Human Design: A Complete Self-Understanding

For some, Human Design can provide a comprehensive view of their life path. It is a system that integrates astrology, the I Ching, and Vedic principles to reveal one's unique blueprint. My daughter has been investigating Human Design recently, and it has helped her gain a deeper understanding of herself. Even when she encountered challenges, like realizing that her initial interest in a podcast might not align with her true path, she remained critical and reflective, leading to a clearer sense of self.

Conclusion

Discovering your authentic self is a journey that requires introspection and the right tools. While personality tests like StrengthsFinder, Enneagram, and Human Design can provide valuable insights, they should be used in conjunction with other resources such as career guidance and self-reflection. Embrace the journey and let it guide you towards a more fulfilling life.