Most people think of personality traits as set in stone. We consider them to be as fixed as our eye color. For example, you might tell yourself, “I’m just a perfectionist,” or “I’m the type of person who can’t get organized unless it’s the last minute,” or even “I’m too emotional.”

Most of the common personality tests you’ve probably taken online or in your HR office reinforce the idea that you have a set “type” and that, if you build your life around it, things will go smoother. For instance, your test results may say that if you’re naturally sensitive, you should avoid high-stress jobs. Or, if you’re on the introverted side, you might not be suited to leadership roles.

If I had taken a personality test when I was 18, the results would have reflected my tendency to be irresponsible (like skipping math class so much I had to repeat it the following year). They also would have reminded me that I was painfully self-conscious in social situations.

Now,........

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