Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Turning Neuroticism from a Negative to a Positive




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