By Donna Dunning
This is the second post in a nine part series describing typical stress response patterns linked to personality type preferences.
The information in these posts shows you how to assess your stress levels, identify your stressors, and build resilience to stress. When you understand your stress response you can learn to note the first signs of stress, implement changes to build resilience, and avoid the unpleasant experience of stress taking over.
For more information read the series introductory post Personality Type and Building Resilience to Stress.
First signs of stress for Responders:
- Becoming highly distractible and responsive in the moment
- Feeling disorganized and unable to choose priorities
- Finding it hard to evaluate data or situations
When stress takes over:
- Become overwhelmed by negative possibilities
- Lose connection to the moment
- Misinterpret or attach too much meaning to events
Common stressors:
- Imposed long-term planning
- Rigid routines or inflexible deadlines
- Unclear expectations or vague directions
Deal with stress by:
- Setting priorities
- Focusing on specific and immediate tasks and goals
- Choosing and achieving tangible results
- Finding freedom, variety, flexibility, and interaction in your work
The third post in this series explores the typical stress pattern for Explorers, people who have ENTP and ENFP preferences.
The material in this series has been adapted from In the Grip by Naomi Quenk. This is a useful booklet for anyone who wants to understand his or her stress response in more detail.
The photos accompanying this series are “signs of stress”, everyday cautions and warnings we see in the world around us.
Not sure of your personality type preferences? Visit the 8 Ways of Working page.
Do you have preferences for ESFP or ESTP and want more information about your type? Check out the Responder tag.