Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Moving!
I'm moving! That's right, the Everyday Mountains blog is moving to Wordpress. You can find new posts at: http://everydaymountains.wordpress.com
Friday, April 15, 2011
Yes, I am Some Sort of Freak
About a year and a half ago, I was doing some serious soul searching with regard to career and why the heck I can’t ever seem to find my place in life. Wanting to define myself in some kind of scientific terms, I decided I ought to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
What I learned is that I am somewhat of a freak.
Yes, a freak of nature. As an INFP, my particular type represents only 4 percent of the total population. OK, so it’s not that uncommon since there are several other types with similar representation, but it’s in the bottom half of the types as far as frequency.
Let’s take a look at the analysis:
Potential blind spots for INFPs
You might say reading your personality type is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, maybe like reading your horoscope. It could be completely wrong but leaves it open enough so you can interpret it however you’d like. But in this case, I think the description is pretty dead on. Now to work on those blind spots.
What I learned is that I am somewhat of a freak.
Yes, a freak of nature. As an INFP, my particular type represents only 4 percent of the total population. OK, so it’s not that uncommon since there are several other types with similar representation, but it’s in the bottom half of the types as far as frequency.
Let’s take a look at the analysis:
- INFPs are idealistic and may be perfectionists.
- They have an inner core of values that guides all their interactions and decisions.
- They are loyal to their values and want to live their life in a way that is congruent with those values.
- They are often good at expressing themselves in writing.
- The people they appreciate most are those who take the time to understand their values and the goals they are working toward.
- They tend to work in bursts of energy and are capable of great concentration and output when fully engaged in a project.
- They may have difficulty performing routine tasks or doing work that has little meaning for them.
Potential blind spots for INFPs
- They may spend their time dreaming of the impossible and accomplish very little.
- INFPs may feel such a contrast between their ideals and their accomplishments that they burden themselves with a sense of inadequacy. They may then become overly sensitive and vulnerable, with dwindling confidence in themselves.
You might say reading your personality type is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, maybe like reading your horoscope. It could be completely wrong but leaves it open enough so you can interpret it however you’d like. But in this case, I think the description is pretty dead on. Now to work on those blind spots.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Boy, Do I Feel Silly
About a year ago, a I considered applying for a position with one of those sort of ambiguous titles. You know how some companies have a lot of VPs, but they’re not really second in command? That kind of title.
Though I had talked myself out of applying because I didn’t feel qualified, family and friends kept forwarding me the job with notes of how I’d be perfect for it. So, I thought, why not?
As I prepared my application, I emailed my references, one of whom told me she was applying, too. A red flag went up immediately: I knew I was completely out of my element (she’s a very high-ranked, super-experienced professional). I realized it truly was a much bigger job than what I’m qualified for.
But the damage was already done. All of my references, who were all part of that institution, understood firsthand what the position truly was. While they were supportive, they let me down as kindly as they could, feeling I wasn’t qualified for the job. They were totally right. And I was totally embarrassed.
OK, not just embarrassed. Mortified. Wanted to crawl under a rock and die. Maybe even leave the country so I’d never have to look them in the eyes again. Here were some of the people I most respect and I just made myself look like a total moron. If not a moron, then totally full of myself. Needless to say, I did not apply.
So, to finally let go of this embarrassment, which I’ve held on to for over a year, I’m writing about it, and I’m going to include a few tips. Because if you’re overly self-conscious like me, then you know what it’s like to carry this around.
Getting Over Embarrassment
- Remember that the world does not revolve around you.
- Understand that most people will eventually forget the incident.
- Admit your stupidity.
- Realize everyone has an embarrassing moment.
- Laugh about it.
- Talk about it.
- Learn and move on.
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