Personality

One thing I have been learning about in the past year or two is how important it is to understand yourself and other people.  And what I mean by that is that everyone has a different personality type and quirks and understanding those and how those translate to strengths and weaknesses. In college I took the Meyers-Briggs personality test twice. It gives you a result in four categories and then a list of different strengths and weaknesses of those types.  The first time I took it I was an ISFJ (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)  I don't remember what those all mean but it definately helps to know what you are.  I recently took a research job with a woman who is the complete opposite of me according to the Meyers-Briggs.  It has already been difficult because she is very artsy and somewhat vague, whereas I would rather write everything down on a list.  Frustration can surface pretty easily when you don't really speak the same language, but understanding how the other person thinks allows for better communication.  It also helps to understand yourself. As an introvert in an extroverted society it can be hard to not feel beaten down about certain things, but understanding that my feelings are not actually bad, but rather part of how I am wired and learning to use my strengths can be hugely liberating. 

Intentional Sunshine #5:  If you have the opportunity, take a personality test.  It will help you understand yourself better and explain yourself better to others.  If you don't have that option, or it costs too much, make a list of things that you know about yourself and read articles about it.