Intellectual, Artist Or Athlete: Which Archetype Fits You Best?

Posted: 11/08/2013 9:45 am EST

Caroline Myss, Archetypeme, Archetypes, Caroline Myss Archetypes, Discover Who Y
ou Are, OWN Empower Yourself, Self-Discovery, Who Are You Really, OWN News
Adapted by Leigh Newman
In her book Archetypes, Caroline Myss has identified 10 common profiles that hel
p you discover how you can best use your gifts. The first step? Discovering whic
h of these best fits you.
The Intellectual
Do you study for the sheer love of learning? Do you often respond with your head
before your heart? Before making a decision, the Intellectual considers all her
options and then (and only then) acts. In her mind, painful situations are ways
to develop wisdom, and mistakes are opportunities to learn.
Question to ask yourself: Do I overthink relationships, career opportunities and
other important aspects of my life?
Most surprising characteristic: Most intellectuals process information visually.
The Spiritual Seeker
Are you always looking for something more, something that will help you find the
meaning and purpose of you life? The Spiritual Seeker trusts her intuition unco
nditionally and wants more out of life than material success. She follows some k
ind of spiritual practice or is considering it.
Question to ask yourself: Do you take care of your emotional and physical needs
as well as you do your spiritual ones?
Rule for life: Speak the truth. Always.
The Advocate
Dedicated to making a difference in the world, the Advocate spends her life work
ing for social, political and environmental change. Her ideal careers include: l
awyer, social worker, community organizer and philanthropist.
Question to ask yourself: Does the fear of not being able to make huge, sweeping
changes discourage you from making small ones?
Mistake to watch out for: confusing passion with rage.
The Artist/Creative
Do you come alive when acting in front of an audience, playing music, writing ev
ery day? Do you dream of participating in these activitieseven if you havent yet e
ngaged in them full time? What most people don't know is that Artists/Creatives
don't have to be professionals. Many of them decorate their homes with such orig
inality that theyre using themselves as living works of art.
Question to ask yourself: Can I develop my talent and express myself, or will th
e fear of failure or humiliation hold me back?
Two ways you may undermine yourself: Comparing yourself with other artists and e
quating your success with financial gain.
The Athlete
Does your life revolve around physically challenging activities? The Athlete is
super-competitive but always plays fair and can also express herself in other si
milar ways, such as through global adventures or the outdoors.
Question to ask yourself: Do I respect the strengths and limitations of my body?
Most helpful daily affirmation: "I nourish my mind and spirit as well as my body
so I can be a happy, well-rounded individual."
The Caregiver
Do you often find yourself nurturing your family, students or others? Do you wor
k as a teacher, nurse, doctors aide or vet? The Caregiver often senses what other
s need before they ask and naturally brings out the best in others. People often
tell her what a good listener she is.
Question to ask yourself: Do you know when to helpand when not to?
Deepest fear: That youre (somehow) selfish
The Fashionista
Do you have a knack for looking fabulous, no matter what you put on? The Fashion
ista uses style not as mask for old wounds, but as way to develop self-esteem, a
nd she loves to help others find their personal expression. She treats fashion a
s personal art form, with her presentation as a canvas.
Question to ask yourself: Are my inner qualities developing in tandem with my ex
ternal ones?
Inner Shadow: The fear that nothing can make you beautiful enough.
The Queen/Executive
Do you take care of situations and command center stage without really trying? Q
ueens/Executives are direct in their dealings with others and let people know wh
ats expected of them. They pour their energy into worthwhile causes and never ser
ve as mere figureheads. True, they can be intimidating, but they use their influ
ence to make a difference in peoples lives.
Question to ask yourself: Can you tell whats authentic power and whats illusory po
wer?
Famous role-model queens: Elizabeth I, Vera Wang, Queen Rania
The Rebel
Are you unconventional and independent? Do you speak out about oppression and di
scrimination? The Rebel challenges injustice and does things in untraditional wa
ys. She thrives on making waves and dresses in bold, daring styles.
Question to ask yourself: Am I failing to see how my rebellious acts affect othe
rs?
Unique challenge: To find your personal voice, rather than defining yourself by
what youre against.
The Visionary
The Visionary is unafraid to break with traditional rules and expectations. Shes
driven by her imagination and ideas, and she is always reimagining her surroundi
ngs, whether thats her home, her business, or her job.
Question to ask yourself: Can you commit to a new vision long enough to see it c
ome to fruition?
Most common misconception: That you must reenvision the world. You can be vision
ary change by changing yourself.