I have always strived to be the most successful person I can be, in all aspects of my life. Whether that means breaking bad habits or learning from mistakes, I pride myself as a person who does not back down in the face of adversity.
However, as human beings, there is one thing we cannot change: our very nature. Being human means that we are undeniably imperfect. This imperfection is what makes it so unique. And by examining both our strengths and weaknesses as humans we can begin to group ourselves based on our temperaments.
It is hard to adhere to just one temperament, as life is not black and white: it is all about the grey that blurs the lines. I believe the temperament I most align with is melancholy, for I am a very thoughtful and intelligent individual who at times lets his own overthinking and planning bring me down. While I am very driven, most of the time my greatest weakness is my own moods.
I have rarely struggled with my studies, but I have struggled at times in school with problems I bring upon myself. When I get in an overly contemplative mood, I can feel very pessimistic about the nature of what I am doing, leading to a lack of initiative and even procrastination.
The flip side of this is that I am a perfectionist and have to have everything in order. Many days I start my routine by cleaning my room just so I can work in a clean space. What I consider one of my greatest strengths is being in touch with my thoughts and feelings, having some almost sanguine outlooks and qualities of life.
While growing up, I learned to be self-reliant and able to take care of myself without having to rely on others. The downside of this was that I struggled to make friends until my teens. However, when I do make friends, the last is due to them being forged from very strong bonds.
I make deep connections with those around me, due to my ability to explain my feelings and understand and relate to others. Furthermore, I like to think of myself as a deep thinker and feeler. I feel at times as if I think and contemplate things those around me do not.
I think of deeper truths, always try to appreciate things on a deeper level. I have never been able to be a laid-back, “go with the flow” individual in the sense of a phlegmatic. In some instances, I feel as if I am too harsh in my criticism of those around me.
I displayed some arrogant tendencies while growing up due to my location, which was a redneck county full of teens my age doing stupid activities every day. Until recently, I was horrid in relationships as well due to my overthinking nature.
In the beginning, I would forge a deep connection with the significant other, but I would let my own insecurities and thoughtful nature break it down. I would let my overthinking lead to jealousy, something I am very thankful I have outgrown.
Perhaps my greatest strength as a melancholic is my strength of mind. I have never been unable to understand my nature and have been in tune with who I am since a young age. I have many flaws and imperfections, but I am proud to say I can at least recognize what they are. Every day I strive to overcome my weaknesses.
Perhaps the temperament that I most relate to otherwise is choleric. I have always been incredibly driven and resilient in the face of adversity. Due to my perfectionist personality, I like to be in charge and command others in order to ensure the task is done accordingly.
I like to think of myself as a good leader, due to my ability to command the respect of others by taking in their input. I have always valued other viewpoints, as I always avoided being a narrow-minded person.
In the same way, I also display some aspects of sanguine through my emotional maturity. The only temperament I feel is the opposite of who I am is phlegmatic. While I care about others and can be a great friend, I have never been incredibly easygoing. I like to stay on top of things and can’t just follow the beaten path. I have to forge a path for myself and see where that takes me.
In my opinion, it is hard to group people into temperament groups. People are so unique and varied, with countless aspects to each personality. When picking which I most relate to, I have no issue saying it is melancholic.
Overall, I am proud to associate with the melancholic temperament. Despite my flaws, I am a thoughtful individual who is both intellectually and emotionally mature. The only thing holding me back is my mood, and I work every day to conquer this.
