The stories of personal achievement gracing my timeline since March are nothing short of inspiring
A documented fat loss journey from someone who struggled with their weight since childhood.
A longtime connection on Twitter finally taking the leap and publishing their first e-book — then being awarded for it.
The unknown artist who quit their job at a big four tech company to release a soundtrack on Spotify.
People have been accomplishing lifelong goals, investing more time into hobbies and creative endeavors with the absence of a social life.
What have I done?
Well, I started talking less and listening more. I realized I don’t like being around random 20-somethings like I did in college. I prefer to have my hands full with a cold brew, journal, and The War of Art over a few beers and my phone.
I’m 25, and the past couple of months are the first time I’ve sat with my thoughts and actually analyzed them. It’s been a weird phase — one that doesn’t produce visible results.
But quarantine has been the quiet journey of self-discovery that I desperately needed.
In the beginning, I copped like everyone else. I put off the fear and frustration of quarantine, focusing on the “what if.” I got really into running and biking for a few months. Then I hunkered down and pounded out articles. There was a two week period where I watched most of Schitt’s Creek with my girlfriend. After that, I bought a bunch of books on finance and started seriously investing.
As much as I tried to remain motivated and focused on something new, my mind became cloudy. Time blurred together. Work fused with writing which trickled into exercise — then the day repeated again.
At 1:30 AM on a Wednesday, everything changed.
I am a late-night word junky, cursed to hit creative peaks when everyone else is in bed. Sitting there, driven on by exhaustion and a sprinkle of delusion, a thought drifted into my mind — what is my personality type?
I think most of us believe we know ourselves really well — at that moment, I wanted to know if perception matched reality.
This quiz came up first on Google. After several minutes of multiple-choice, I was stumped by the end result:
Your personality type is:
Mediator
INFP-T
Over 50% introverted along with an intuitive, feeling, prospecting, and turbulent personality.
I’d never considered introversion as a part of who I am; I look forward to working around people and noise. I always made friends in unfamiliar situations and could talk pretty comfortably in front of a group.
However, as I read through the strengths and weaknesses of a mediator, it actually made a lot of sense:
“With their ability to make surprising and unexpected connections, it’s no wonder that many Mediators are drawn to creative pursuits and the arts.”
Check.
“Mediators can expect so much from themselves that they inevitably fall short. When this happens, they may accuse themselves of being selfish or woefully inadequate.”
Check..
“When something captures Mediators’ imagination, they can become so consumed by it that they neglect practical matters. Some people with this personality type even neglect eating or sleeping as they pursue their passion.”
Check…
The results would have looked much different in 2019. I’m sure many months of self-reflection forced by isolation have eroded a wall of insecurity.
I hadn’t made a conscious decision to lean into my introverted qualities. Quarantine simply provided an opportunity to unlock them by exploring something I never had before — my own mind.
Now, this newfound self-acceptance has allowed my creativity to flourish. I’m learning more about myself in several weeks than I had in the last decade. Best of all, I’ve never felt more human — in tune with what I really think and feel, not what I want others to think about me.
I honestly believe deep down, everyone can have this experience if they learn how to embrace their quiet strength.
So, if you want to live a more balanced, fulfilled life through self-awareness, here are a few things to think about.
Turning Dirt Into Gold as an Underpaid and Overworked Freelancer // Medium
You are worth more than experience.
Let’s Talk About Why Your Views Are Hitting Rock-Bottom (and How to Fix It) // Medium
If your views have taken a hit recently, here are a few tips to keep your journey alive and moving forward.
This week is a short one since I’m sure your emails are flooded with holiday spam.
Talk soon,
- Jonah