That's Me...Who Are You?

A student in "Lose Weight" recently asked a question about the role of personality in weight management. That's not something we delve into in the course, and knowing a little something about your personality can indeed make your weight management journey easier. So, let's take a quick look at two popular personality tests, and see how you can use them to your advantage!


One of the most popular personality tests is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I've had many people tell me, "Oh, that's that letter test--I'm two letters--I forget which, though." The test divides personalities into four major groups--Artisan (SP), Guardian (SJ), Idealist (NF), and Rationals (NT). From there, each major group is divided into four sub-groups.

If you haven't taken the Myers-Briggs, and you'd like to know your temperament, you can take it here (you'll have to share your e-mail address, though). If you know your temperament, this link will take you to an overview of the four basic temperaments, and from there, you can learn more about the 16 sub-temperaments.

From a weight management perspective, it's worthwhile to note the differences--and possible challenges--posed by the way people approach their goals. Utilitarians--SPs and NTs--focus on getting the job done. This can make the diet mentality extremely tempting--they want to lose the weight yesterday, and they can fall prey to whatever works, even if it's harmful in the long run. That said, once a Utilitarian is convinced of the usefulness of a particular behavior--keeping a food record, for example--they can embrace it wholeheartedly. Once they take on the challenges of lifestyle change, they can be exceedingly effective at acheiving it.

Cooperators--SJs and NFs--are more concerned with doing what's right. They're often more quick to embrace the idea of lifestyle change. However, their challenge tends to be staying focused on the specific tasks that make lifestyle change work in the long run. In particular, they often find it hard to balance their needs against others' needs--and very often, they sacrifice themselves for the sake of others.

For many years, I was a fan of the Myers-Briggs. About five years ago, I discovered the Enneagram, and this version of personality typing has become my preference. The Enneagram offers nine basic types: Reformer, Helper, Achiever, Individualist, Investigator, Loyalist, Enthusiast, Challenger, and Peacemaker. I'm partial to the way Enneagram Institute explains the Enneagram. You can take a free (no e-mail address required) sample Enneagram sorter here.

There's much to appreciate about the Enneagram, but my favorite aspect of it is that it focuses on individual levels of emotional health within each personality type. If you do one thing with regard to weight management, becoming more emotionally healthy just might be your best bet!

If you're interested in some self-exploration, the book The Wisdom of the Enneagram has been especially useful to me. I won't say that the journey has been an easy one. Seeing myself with clarity, including my less-than-perfect elements, wasn't always pleasant. If you're willing to do the work, though, becoming a better version of oneself is some of the most important work we do in life...and that spills over into weight management.