One Size Does Not Fit All

I love personality typing systems. From my introduction to the Myers-Briggs to the years I've spent studying the Enneagram, and more recently diving into Clifton Strengths, I've enjoyed learning what makes people tick. The "why" behind behavior fascinates me.

And the truth I come back to after decades of learning the "who" and "why" and "what" of personalities is:

One size does not fit all.

It's easy to forget this when the latest writing, mental health, meditation, or running article headline shouts "Do this and you'll succeed!" Who doesn't want to succeed?

And, ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL!

This is where the results of those personality tests helped me so much. Here's me:

Myers-Briggs: INFP
Enneagram: 9w1, sx/sp
Clifton Strengths: Empathy-Adaptability-Relator-Restorative-Competitive

I won't explain in detail what all of that means. That's what the Google machine is for. But these test results confirmed that I'm highly intuitive, value people's opinions, like to compete, and am extremely sensitive about all of it! 

And, I really can trust my gut. It stunned me to learn not everyone has such strong intuition. Other people need logic and facts and research. Still others need emotional resonance and support. And we all need to double-check our guts, heads, and hearts, especially with big decisions or anything that might harm someone else.

I'm especially loving Clifton Strengths right now because it emphasizes working on what you're already good at instead of struggling to become something you're not. [Hello 20-year-old Nita in law school.]

So, if something doesn't "feel" right to you or you can't wrap your head around it or it doesn't sit right in your heart, pay attention.

While we must stay awake to blind spots, and some triggers require deep mental health work, beware of the tendency to force yourself to do something that won't work for you. Just because Stephen King does it or Meb Keflezighi does it or the Dalai Lama does it or Jim Carrey does it or I DO IT, that doesn't mean it's right for you.

Have you tried a popular technique and found it wasn't right for you? I'd love to hear your replies.

Oh, and if you're into personality typing systems, I'd love to hear that too.

MOVEMENT MEDITATION
Do you choose a focus when you exercise? Have you incorporated meditation techniques into your movement? I continue to post movement meditation videos on Instagram. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

ON THE BLOG
My latest wellness author interview with G. Brian Benson, is live on the blog. He's the author of Habits for Success: Inspired Ideas to Help You Soar.

See all the Author Interviews, here.

I also reviewed Run through Barriers by Clint Adam Lovell, a book of life lessons disguised as a running book.

PODCASTS
I've been interviewed on another podcast. Check out all the podcast interviews here.

Want to hear me on your favorite podcast? Feel free to suggest me to the podcast hosts.

BOOK CLUBS
If your book club would like to read and discuss Depression Hates a Moving Target, I'm game to join for a virtual author visit. Please contact me. I'd love to meet your group! I created a kit to foster discussion: Book Club Kit!

Mind, Mood, and Movement
Check out the weekly unicorn meme in the Mind, Mood, and Movement group. Look for "Feature Friday" where you can share your business link in the comments on that post.

The Writer's Mind
I'd love you to join my writing practice group, The Writer's Mind, for people interested in using Natalie Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones) tools and methods to create work aimed at publication.

LOVE ME SOME REVIEWS!
So grateful as the reviews continue to roll in. If you enjoyed either book and haven't had a chance to leave even a few words about Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing, it's never too late! The teensiest review counts. 

These direct links to Amazon make reviews easy:
YSBW - Paperback
YSBW - ebook
DHAMT - Paperback
DHAMT - ebook
DHAMT - Audiobook

Don't have your copy yet? Purchase Nita's books here!

Need it in Korean? Here you go!

I'm taking a hiatus from "coaching" writers. I need to focus on meeting my book deadline for the movement meditation book.

Thank you for understanding.

A Resource for Writers and Readers

Since 2003, Write Now Columbus, a once-a-month email newsletter for central Ohio readers and writers, has arrived in writer and reader inboxes. Editor Tami Kamin Meyer and I compile author events, workshops, writing conferences and other resources in central Ohio. If that interests you, sign up HERE.

Reach Out

If I can help, please ask. Email is always the best way to reach me.

Take care and be well.

~ Nita 

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About Nita:
Nita Sweeney is the award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and co-creator of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving. A certified meditation leader, ultramarathoner, and former assistant to writing practice originator Natalie Goldberg, Nita founded the group Mind, Mood, and Movement to support mental well-being through meditation, exercise, and writing practice, and The Writer’s Mind , to share how to use writing practice to produce publishable work. Nita also publishes the writing resource newsletter, Write Now Columbus. She lives in central Ohio with her husband, Ed, and their yellow Labrador retriever, Scarlet. Follow her on your favorite social media channels!