Neuroticism is not a trait that we generally consider positive. And yet, according to a recent Huffington
Post article, when someone is neurotic and is also highly conscientious, it can
actually be a good thing. These “healthy neurotics,” as described in the
article, are able to “harness the anxiety that is so fundamental in
neuroticism, and use it in a positive way.”
People who are conscientious are
cautious, and explore the risks of something before jumping in. This helps
mitigate the negative behaviors often associated with neuroticism, and often
results in increased productivity by channeling that nervous energy into
action. The homework you were stressing about gets done. The deadline looming gets met. You figure out
a way to resolve the conflict you’ve been agonizing over.
Society has historically cast
neuroticism in a negative light, pointing only to the downside: anxiety, fear,
moodiness, worry, frustration, etc. Think
Seinfeld’s George Costanza. The Odd Couples’ Felix Unger. And every character
Woody Allen has ever played.
Lumina, however, explores the positive
side of neuroticism, along with the positive side of the other four major personality
descriptors –extraversion, agreeableness, openness and conscientiousness – the
Big 5 Personality Traits. Lumina is
based on the Big 5, which National Geographic’s publication Your Personality Explained, called the cutting edge approach to measuring
personality because it doesn’t categorize people as “types” but rather
empirically and scientifically measures each of their 5 personality factors for
a more unique and comprehensive picture.
Lumina research shows that by measuring
the opposite of each of the 5 personality traits, rather than just measuring
how much of one trait a person is using, reduces the bias toward having a huge
amount of that particular trait.
Lumina strives to have an unbiased approach to personality
traits which helps individuals embrace their true unique talents. In this
manner, Lumina explores the positive side of “being cautious, taking calculated
risks, being conscientious and structured,” all elements that can be found in a
healthy amount of neuroticism. Lumina findings show that these elements
used at certain levels can actually help on the road to success, both in life
and in career.
If you would like to learn
more about your personality traits and how to leverage them for more personal
and professional success, please join us at one of our upcoming Lumina Spark
Experience events – Monday, December 5 in the Dallas/Plano area and Thursday,
December 8 in San Francisco. Contact us at info-us@luminalearning.com
for more information.
Lead on,
Rebecca
