Who is Mary?

Who is Mary?

Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator

INFP, or a Mediator

According to the 16 Personalities site, (take your test)

"Mediator personalities are true idealists, always looking for the hint of good in even the worst of people and events, searching for ways to make things better. While they may be perceived as calm, reserved, or even shy, Mediators have an inner flame and passion that can truly shine. Comprising just 4% of the population, the risk of feeling misunderstood is unfortunately high for the Mediator personality type – but when they find like-minded people to spend their time with, the harmony they feel will be a fountain of joy and inspiration.”

My perception of this description's accuracy: strongly agree

I think this is why I work in customer experience. I believe that there is always a way for people to collaborate and succeed. People aren’t problems; the process people use when collaborating or exchanging ideas is usually the problem. Unless there is a very difficult personality on a team, a well-oiled process can repair most interpersonal challenges.

And yes, I often feel misunderstood and have a hard time fitting into a group. I'll observe group dynamics before I participate in conversations or interactions. I’m not necessarily shy; I’m introverted and want to understand the best way I can contribute to a group.

You can learn about my professional achievements on LinkedIn.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a memoir, autobiography, or biography to share. I do share thoughts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. But that’s probably not the best way to get to know who I am.

I figured a more fun, entertaining way to get to know me would be to reference my results from personality tests, horoscopes, and numerology. Although such personality insights are general yet specific, they are fun! Hopefully they provide some insights into how I think.

Assertive vs Turbulent

This measurement indicates how confident we are in our abilities and decisions. Another insight from the 16 personalities Web site:

"Assertive (-A) individuals are self-assured, even-tempered and resistant to stress. They refuse to worry too much and do not push themselves too hard when it comes to achieving goals. Similarly, they are unlikely to spend much time thinking about their past actions or choices – according to Assertive types, what’s done is done and there is little point in analyzing it. Not surprisingly, people with this trait report more satisfaction with their lives and they also feel more confident in their abilities to handle challenging and unexpected situations."

My perception of this description's accuracy: strongly agree

When I make a decision, I usually take my time to consider all available options. But once I make a decision, I move forward with action. I often describe myself as a lemming that confidently jumps off the cliff after I make a decision. I don’t really look back and consider what could have been.

My state of mind is usually: “we’re here now. So where do we go from here to get where we want to go?”

I believe that we can change our life at any time and there is no such thing as a permanent decision. Anything and everything can be changed in life.

Horoscope: Virgo sun with Scorpio rising

I’m not just some run-of-the-mill Virgo. I’m a Virgo – with a twist! I found this great definition of a Virgo/Scorpio rising at Horoscopespot.net. Check it out:

These people are more “grab the handle” and “out of my way!” than most other Virgoans. They behave as though they’re on a mission, with no time to waste. But they’re not likely to tell you where they’re going or where they’ve been. A Scorpio personality gives them that full-blown, eight-cylinder, trademark Scorpio gusto! And they’re always thinking ahead. They set goals and plan a strategy. But they don’t rush or do a shoddy job. That sort of behavior would never please a Virgo ego. With their extraordinary energy level and a better focus on the bottom line than other Virgoans, they do a whale of a job—in less time! They have a hands-on involvement with life.

My perception of this description's accuracy: strongly agree

Many people comment on my stride when I walk because I always move fast and with purpose – like I’m on a mission. And I am. I am constantly on the go with some goal in mind. I don’t really take strolls in the park or hang out at the beach. When I hang out at the pool, I’m working on my tan, reading a book, brainstorming blog posts – I don’t let a moment pass without doing framing an activity as constructive. I also don’t do anything half-baked; the end result of projects is always very complete. I’m either all in or I won’t do it.

And I don’t usually share much about myself, which why I am using this approach for my bio.

Numerology: “5” Life Path number

I think numerology can be fun. Our parents give us names because they like the sound of them, not because there was some secret number plan. My name was a combination of my grandmother’s first name, my mother’s first name, and my father’s last name. Who knew that it would mean I was such a dynamic person? I highly doubt my parents were considering this when they named me.

Taken from Numerology.com:

The number 5 is the most dynamic and energetic of all the single-digit numbers. It is unpredictable, always in motion and constantly in need of change. Although it is molded from an almost equal mix of masculine and feminine qualities, in general the 5 is slightly more feminine -- albeit a daring, tomboyish kind of feminine, with nothing demure or submissive about her.

The 5 is extremely independent in mind and soul. She is an adventurer and a risk-taker who has a hard time staying in one place, in one job, in one house or in one relationship. Change is an absolute necessity, and yet the 5 is surprisingly loyal.

My perception of this description's accuracy: strongly agree

I have clients for years (so that validates the loyalty description), but I’m always working on new projects and initiatives for them. I make a terrible employee, which is why I have my own business. I think the love of change is why I embrace technology – I love the shifts and challenges it brings to society.

I think my friends find me exhausting sometimes because I’m always up to new projects and activities. I’m constantly on a new adventure of some sort.

Numerology: 5 as the expression number

An expression number reflects the orientation of your life goals. More insights from Numerology.com:

You are a free spirit, loving change, adventure and excitement. Freedom is the nucleus around which your life revolves, and is needed for you to bring forth your many talents. You want to try everything at least once in life, which could lead to trouble in the form of unhealthy and dangerous indulges.

Your thought process, like the rest of your life, can be unorganized and scattered, yet you are gifted in communication and could be a successful salesman, politician, lawyer, public relations person or minister. Your youthful enthusiasm is something others find infectious and attractive. You fall in and out of love frequently, and must guard against shallow feelings and relationships. In fact, self-discipline and healthy limits are the keys to your success in virtually every area of your life.

My perception of this description's accuracy: somewhat agree

Yet another validation for me being self-employed. And I do try everything in life at least once, which has proven challenging and great.

People do comment on my youthful energy often.

I’m not exactly a scattered person. I’m fairly well-organized and together. However, I work better when I set priorities and manage my life that way. That probably explains my love of Agile methodologies. I have so much going on at any time, but I like to have the freedom to easily shift to embrace what’s needed in the moment. I don’t like to be limited. To me, life is about endless possibilities.

Numerology: 7 as the soul urge

This is known as the heart’s desire number. I got this from a different site, the Secret of the Tarot:

You are likely to be deeply religious or spiritual – A soul urge number of 7 indicates that you are here on a spiritual quest. You are both intellectually energetic and highly cynical, which will put you constantly at odds with your spiritual calling.

You have an active, creative and somewhat restless mind – People with a soul urge number of 7 are often poets, philosophers, thinkers and artists who are simultaneously intuitive and analytical.

You are likely to be sensitive and emotional – Your highly spiritual and restless nature may make you difficult to be around for some people as it seems that you can never relax. Pursue your spiritual aspirations and you will find the peace you are looking for.

My perception of this description's accuracy: strongly agree

I probably don’t share much about myself because I am sensitive and emotional. I often hide my vulnerabilities because I fear people will use them against me. Before I share a story in a talk or blog post, I’ll often agonize over what is appropriate to share. It’s hard for me to be open.

I create customer experiences and write, so I express my creativity that way.

Most people don’t know this, but I am deeply spiritual. If I know you well enough and we are in the right space at the right time, I can easily dive into conversations about the soul, past lives, crystals, theta healing, and energy. I think I accept a lot of spiritual teachings because they are based in quantum physics (of all things!).