Why You Act the Way You Do

1. Understanding Your Temperament: The Key to Personal Growth

Temperament influences everything you do—from sleep habits to study habits to eating style to the way you get along with other people.

Temperament is fundamental. It shapes our behavior, preferences, and interactions with others. By understanding our temperament, we can better navigate life's challenges and capitalize on our strengths. This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and development.

Temperament is inherited. Unlike personality, which can be shaped by experiences, temperament is largely genetic. It's the raw material we're born with, influencing our natural tendencies and reactions. Recognizing this can help us be more compassionate towards ourselves and others.

Temperament affects all aspects of life. From how we approach work to how we handle relationships, our temperament plays a significant role. By understanding this influence, we can make more informed decisions about our careers, relationships, and personal goals.

2. The Four Basic Temperaments: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic

Each temperament contains strengths and richness, and yet each one is fraught with its own weaknesses and dangers.

Sanguine: The Extrovert

• Outgoing and talkative
• Enthusiastic and expressive
• Easily distracted and undisciplined

Choleric: The Doer

• Goal-oriented and decisive
• Natural leader and organizer
• Prone to anger and impatience

Melancholy: The Thinker

• Analytical and creative
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Tends towards pessimism and moodiness

Phlegmatic: The Peacemaker

• Calm and easygoing
• Patient and diplomatic
• Can be passive and unmotivated

Understanding these basic temperaments helps us recognize our natural tendencies and those of others. This knowledge can improve communication, enhance relationships, and guide personal development efforts.

3. Identifying Your Temperament Blend for Self-Awareness

No one is 100 percent sanguine, choleric, melancholy, or phlegmatic. We are all a combination of at least two and perhaps three temperaments.

Temperament blends are unique. Most people are a combination of two or more temperaments, with one being dominant. This creates a complex and unique personality profile for each individual.

Self-assessment is key. To identify your temperament blend:

• Observe your typical reactions to situations
• Consider your natural strengths and weaknesses
• Ask trusted friends or family for their observations
• Take a temperament test for additional insight

Understanding your blend enhances self-awareness. Knowing your temperament blend helps you:

• Recognize your natural tendencies
• Understand your emotional reactions
• Identify areas for personal growth
• Leverage your strengths more effectively

4. Overcoming Weaknesses Through Spiritual Strength

The Holy Spirit is able to change the gloomy or griping heart into a song-filled thankful heart.

Spiritual growth complements temperament. While temperament is innate, spiritual growth can help overcome natural weaknesses. The fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) can counteract negative temperament traits.

Practical steps for spiritual growth:

• Regular prayer and meditation
• Study of spiritual texts
• Practicing gratitude and thanksgiving
• Serving others and cultivating empathy

Transformation is possible. With consistent effort and spiritual practice, individuals can develop qualities that balance out their temperament weaknesses, leading to more well-rounded and fulfilling lives.

5. Temperament's Impact on Career and Relationships

Humanly speaking, there is no other influence in your life more powerful than your temperament or combination of temperaments.

Career choices should align with temperament. Understanding your temperament can guide you towards careers that naturally suit your strengths and preferences:

• Sanguines excel in people-oriented roles
• Cholerics thrive in leadership positions
• Melancholies perform well in detail-oriented tasks
• Phlegmatics make excellent mediators and team players

Relationships are influenced by temperament. Recognizing temperament differences can improve communication and understanding in relationships:

• Opposites often attract, but can also clash
• Understanding your partner's temperament can reduce conflict
• Complementary temperaments can create a balanced relationship

Workplace dynamics are affected by temperament. Awareness of temperament differences can improve team collaboration and management:

• Diverse temperaments contribute different strengths to a team
• Effective leaders adapt their style to different temperaments
• Understanding temperaments can help resolve workplace conflicts

6. Managing Emotions: Fear, Anger, and Depression

Fear and anger feed on all mankind, working relentlessly toward our destruction or limiting our potential.

Emotional challenges are linked to temperament. Different temperaments are prone to specific emotional struggles:

• Sanguines and Cholerics tend towards anger
• Melancholies and Phlegmatics are more prone to fear and anxiety

Strategies for managing emotions:

• Recognize emotional triggers
• Practice mindfulness and self-awareness
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms
• Seek professional help when needed

Emotional management improves life quality. By understanding and managing our emotional tendencies, we can:

• Improve relationships
• Enhance work performance
• Increase overall life satisfaction
• Reduce stress and improve mental health

7. Enhancing Your Spiritual Life Through Temperament Awareness

A spiritual gift is the use God makes of an individual's natural talents when touched by his Holy Spirit.

Temperament influences spiritual expression. Different temperaments may be drawn to different spiritual practices or expressions of faith:

• Sanguines may enjoy expressive worship
• Cholerics might be drawn to leadership roles
• Melancholies may prefer contemplative practices
• Phlegmatics might excel in supportive roles

Spiritual gifts align with temperament strengths. Understanding your temperament can help you identify and develop your spiritual gifts:

• Teaching
• Evangelism
• Mercy
• Administration
• Service

Balanced spiritual growth requires self-awareness. By recognizing our temperament's strengths and weaknesses, we can:

• Cultivate a more balanced spiritual life
• Develop areas of spiritual weakness
• Appreciate diverse spiritual expressions in others
• Contribute more effectively to our faith communities

Last updated: October 2, 2024