The pursuit of happiness is almost engraved in our DNA. We all crave for that authentic and everlasting happiness but we have no idea how to get there. We just walk down the road blindfolded, trying our best and hoping our steps lead to a more satisfying life.
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One habit expert says that we should find out what type of person we are in order to create the best strategies for our self-improvement.
Gretchen Rubin, the author of “Better than before” and many best-selling books on happiness and habits, spoke to Business Insider about how people should have a specific game plan based on their personality type for the purpose of a happier, healthier and better life.
Rubin believes there are only four types of people in a framework with multiple tendencies, based on personality, upbringing, and biological predispositions. The four tendencies scheme is premised on how people respond to inner and outer expectations.
1. Upholders – they are the ones who can meet both inner and outer expectations, they don’t disappoint others or themselves. This kinds of people have an easier path to forming habits than other people do.
2. Questioners – they are the ones who question everything and meet only inner expectations. They loathe anything that’s arbitrary and challenge every bit of expectation. They do something only if it makes sense to them.
3. Obligers – they meet outer expectations and neglect the inner ones. They need some kind of external responsibility in order to stay on track and develop healthy habits. They would engage in activities with regular mandatory practice, let’s say.
4. Rebels – they resist both inner and outer expectations. They seek only authenticity and value self-determination. If you ask them to do something, they will likely rebel against it.
The wellbeing expert has determined that most people fall into the Obliger category and that the rebels represent the smallest group.
If you know which tendency best describes you, then you’ll have a better chance of knowing what actually works for you, in the prospect of creating new and healthy habits that will improve your wellbeing. Being aware of someone else’s tendencies is also useful because you can shape the habit you want them to start so that it suits their personality.
You can find out which of these tendencies apply to you by taking the quiz on Gretchen Rubin’s website.
Which category do you fall into? Share this post and ask your friends!
