Living in the 21st century, self-expression and self-awareness have become fundamental for the values we hold as a society. A 2018 Harvard Business Review study reveals, “We’ve found that even though most people believe they are self-aware, self-awareness is a truly rare quality: We estimate that only 10%–15% of the people we studied actually fit the criteria” (Eurich 4). The research suggests that it is prevalent to not be completely aware of the subconscious components of yourself. There are numerous personalities that someone may be, and countless tests that can assist them in finding who they are. Even if you are self-aware, taking personality quizzes is an entertaining way to see what traits you might share with others of the same personality type. 

One popular website with reasonably accurate information on the MBTI types, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, is 16 Personalities. There are sixteen variations of eight different letters: I (Introvert), E (Extrovert), T (Thinking), F (Feeling), S (Sensing), N (Intuition), J, (Judging), and P (Perceiving). The divisions are the Analysts, Diplomats, Sentinels, and Explorers with four individual personalities accompanied by unique traits. After finding your personality, the website offers detailed explanations about the character in categories including Strengths Vs. Weaknesses, Relationships, and Career Paths. Knowing your MBTI is not only beneficial to your identity but also provides, according to Madison Waltemeyer (Staff), “…information on how your personality can work well in the workplace and in certain career paths along with some areas of improvement.”

Another test to take that offers further insight into the attributes of your personality is the Enneagram test. The Enneagram uncovers how someone perceives the world and their emotional responses in specific situations. The Enneagram is made up of nine pieces that determine which of the nine types someone may be. Truity describes the groups as being divided into three segments: the Head, the Heart, and the Body. The Head types focus on the logic in situations that drive them to make decisions while the Heart types put more emphasis on the emotional elements of those decisions. Last but not least, the Body types tend to follow their gut reactions and feelings. 

In the Head category, there are types five (the investigator), six (the skeptic), and seven (the enthusiast). The Heart includes types two (the giver), three (the achiever), and four (the individualist). Last but not least, the Body has types eight (the challenger), nine (the peacemaker), and one (the perfectionist). The test provides statements that you answer on a range from inaccurate, neutral, to accurate. After taking the quiz, the website will calculate the results and indicate which of the nine types dominate your personality.

Some people may not believe that their results are accurate depending on how they see themselves, but taking both tests and comparing results to others will allow them to gain further insight about themselves and the people around them. The tests serve as an engaging activity as well as a great source for providing tips and advice for each personality that can be used for self-improvement. There is not one type of personality that is superior to the others, and understanding how every personality interacts with each other will only create increased empathetic perceptions.