What Personality Is...And Isn't

Personality is a word that's tossed around loosely, but what does it really mean? Is it simply a matter of semantics, or does it make a profound difference in the life you pursue?

The dictionary defines Personality as "the combination of qualities that form an individual's distinctive character." The word "distinctive" is key here. While it's tempting to believe that we all fall into a few specific categories, it's important to understand that we are actually one-of-a-kind. This doesn't mean we don't have commonalities, but no two human beings have the exact same internal make-up. It's like how no two parts of our bodies serves the exact same purpose, even if they have similar design.

So we can then define personality as the things that make you, you! It's basically the core of a person, minus anything tainted or jaded. It's the way you reason, the way you see the world, and the things that stir your passions. So what, then, are the counterfeits?

Character is one concept we often confuse with personality. I have heard people attribute things like anger, jealousy, or procrastination as personality. In truth, these things come from internal brokenness, not personality. But does it matter if we muddle the definitions? Deeply. I remember a close friend once saying that impatience was just part of his personality. This is a statement that comes from hopelessness and breeds hopelessness. If something is part of who you are, then how can you change it? Rather, we need to understand that pure character is within our reach! Don't just say, "No one is perfect!" When you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, He actually is able to perfect your character. He isn't just leading you on a road that has no end; there is an attainable goal!

Another counterfeit is Stereotyping. People may say they have the personality of an artist, entrepreneur, etc. Not everyone who is into a particular profession thinks on the same wavelength. Just like how rivers, streams, oceans, canals, and puddles all have major differences even though they all hold water!

And when we stereotype, we can create spaces that discriminate. It reminds me of a summer I spent in Colorado several years back, staffing a student leadership trip. Being in Vail, we centered most of our activities around hiking, etc. I've always loved the outdoors, but I wasn't like the rest of my staff team members. Most of them did triathalons and loved hiking for the speed and endurance it required. I, on the other hand, love it so I can meander through the woods and stand in awe of its beauty. I also looked different on the outside. I like practicality coupled with beauty, and a few folks felt that my attention to fashion meant I was a superficial city girl who probably wouldn't do well in the mountains.

But when we shake free of all our presupposed ideas, that's when we start to taste the fullness of God. When we invite the beauty-seeking hikers, we slow down and enjoy creation. When we invite the artists who also love intellectualism and logistics, we end up with businesses that create beautiful spaces that serve well and bring peace!

So let's begin to consider that the things that make people unique are beautiful. Let's no longer put people in rigid boxes so we can control our environment. And in the process of throwing away the boxes that divide us, may we discover each person's beauty! You just may uncover the missing pieces to making our society the personable, powerful thing it was meant to be.