Do You Want To Create New Habits?

I've always enjoyed learning about personality types. I love learning more about myself, because the more I understand, the better I am able to give in other areas of my life. For example, if I understand what depletes me as a wife and a parent, I can better protect my boundaries so that I can be a better steward to my family.

Interestingly enough, while reading "Better than Before", Gretchen Rubin digs deeper to understand different personalities and what makes us tick habit wise. Why do some people thrive at eating healthy, while others struggle with constantly eating junk? Why do some people easily change workout habits, yet they continue to thrive with their commitments to working out? 

She tackles these questions, and more.

One of the main things that stood out to me were her notes on creating a "clean slate". Often, we try to merge new habits into our life during hectic times. Which often leads to failure. Example: If my goal is to create a new workout habit and I start in the middle of the week when I'm already exhausted and with a full schedule, chances are, I won't stick to the new habit. The busyness of life will be my excuse to quit. However, if I were to tackle a new workout habit at the beginning of the week when I can pencil in this new venture, I will have a greater chance to succeed. 

I'm interested in creating a few "clean slates" in my life. I plan to put into practice a few tips that I picked up from this book, and will share later on. 

What about you? Do you enjoy learning what makes you tick? If so, I think you'd highly enjoy "Better Than Before" by Gretchen Rubin. In true characteristic form, Rubin gives us an honest take on her own journey to making and breaking habits that lead to a happier life. 

Many thanks to Blogging For Books for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Why Knowing Your Personality Is Important

I'm a HUGE personality buff. I've always been that way. I think I was 15 or maybe 16 the first time I learned that we all have different personalities. It helped me understand why my brother and I could be SO incredibly different and still have a few common traits. It later served me well when understanding why certain careers or hobbies appealed to my personality. And now, as a wife & mother, it has helped me learn why certain things are tougher (or easier) for me to deal with.

1) It helps you understand what makes you tick!

This may seem so trivial, but knowing what little things make me tick seems to aid in an overall sense of happiness. For example, I LOVE making lists. By starting my day (or even ending my day) with lists helps me feel more accomplished. It also helps me to stay focused & motivated. Which is a huge blessing, because I am easily distracted. It's the little things that add up!

2) It helps you understand what makes you uncomfortable.

Even though I'm an extrovert, I'm actually what they call a "hybrid extrovert". Meaning, I enjoy being around people, but at the same time it can make me very uncomfortable. I'm the kind of person who can rarely say no to a party, but it also gives me anxiety. Why? Because I'm very in tune with people's emotions. If I go to a big get together, I can usually sense right away if something is wrong or if someone is upset. Which in turn, makes me upset. It's just how I respond as an ENFP.

3) It helps you understand your homemaking style/career/hobbies/etc.

I've often wondered why a typical 9 to 5 job with the same 'ol routine doesn't appeal to me. Now, give me a job that allows me to be in tune with my creative side and has great flexibility, and your singing my tune. If all people understood this, I think the work force would be a much happier place.

So, how do you learn more about your personality? Here's my go to vices:

• The Myers Briggs personality test is fantastic. You can learn more about MB at their web site here.
• Here is a great breakdown of what all those letters & terms mean.
• I also recommend reading the book Have A New You by Friday by Kevin Leman. This book really breaks down personality traits and how to use that information to better yourself. He's an amazing author, and honestly, his books are some of my favorite! I may devote an entire post to his work, soon. :)

Do you know what your personality is? I'd love to hear about it!
Linking up at Homemaking Mondays & One Project.