Personality clusters: factors influencing personal fit and trait alignment

¶ … Personality Clusters -- Where I Fit in

The five big traits, or personality clusters, of a person are an interesting and useful way to classify personalities. People are so different from one another as far as personalities are concerned and it is interesting to attempt to classify yourself.

The Extroversion cluster is one cluster that I can truly identify with and classify myself as belonging to. The Extroversion cluster involves positive emotions, warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity and the seeking out of excitement. These are all terms that could be used to classify my personality.

I try to stay happy and positive as often as possible, although it is difficult at times. Constant movement and activity is important to me, as is staying busy in general; not only does it keep me out of trouble, but it keeps me productive and helps to make sure my head is in the right place.

Assertiveness is also a trait that I can identify with, as I feel that I am quite assertive; some people might go so far as to say that I am overly assertive. Getting my point across and being firm about that point is very important to me. For some people, being assertive is difficult. For me, assertiveness has never been a problem with the exception of one instance: money. I do find it difficult to be as assertive about my finances as I should be, but it is something I am working on.

The Neuroticism cluster is a cluster that I think everyone deals with at some point or another in life. The trick is in not letting your neuroticism take over your everyday life. Anxiety, angry hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness and vulnerability are the main descriptors used to describe the neurotic person in the context of the major personality clusters. Anxiety, anger and depression rule all for many people.

Although I do not think that neuroticism is a personality cluster that I fit into on a daily basis, everyone has their moments. When school and family obligations become a bit too much to bear, when finances aren't the way we want them to be, when we can't seem to get a handle on life and when we least realize it even the happiest personality can give way to neuroticism. There are some emotions that take over and just can't be helped. Positive thinking, rest and sometimes medication are needed to rule out neurotic tendencies. While medication is not an issue for me, plenty of rest and positive thinking are important in helping me to restore myself to my normal extroverted self.

Openness to Experience is a cluster that I feel that I do fit into and try to fit more into as I get older. Life is about experience, and letting good things happen to you. Diversifying activities and interests keeps things interesting and engaging at all times.

Fantasy, ideas, values, aesthetics -- these are some of the terms used to describe the Openness to Experience cluster. My ideas and values are important to me, and through experience I have been able to expand on those ideas and values. Fantasy is also important to me. This has to do with having dreams and goals and the ability to dream about them and make them come to life in your head. While this may sound fantastical, I believe it is one of the critical steps in finding success in life.