Birth Order Chart and My Personal Character

When I compare my personality to the chart of supposed birth order characteristics, I find many similarities, but also a few significant differences. I am a perfectionist, and I often feel extreme anxiety when things aren’t perfectly in order. I am extremely organized and borderline OCD. It helps sometimes, but mostly it's just annoying. I'm a "driver" who will do almost anything to achieve a goal if I set my mind to it. I am logical, and scholarly. I spend most of my time alone listening to music or reading. On the other hand, I am the polar opposite of self-confidant. I need approval from others, and often find myself working too hard or changing myself just so one person will think better of me.

Chart of Birth Order and My Personal Traits

I am an only child, and I was adopted. My mom had an extremely normal childhood, but my dad’s was as far from mundane as a life can possibly get. My older cousin took the place of an older sister, and I inherited the characteristics of a youngest almost immediately. I have no middle characteristics and I find it very difficult to believe that I took on the role of an oldest. Many things have occurred in my life to alter the effects of the birth order phenomena (Leman, 2009). My spiritual inventory test stated that I was gifted in the areas of Music, Knowledge, and Writing. I believe that these are definitely the strongest areas in my spiritual life. I have always had a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for art of any kind. These traits might be influenced not just by birth order, but also by the unique circumstances of my upbringing (Sulloway, 1996).

Personal Attributes

If I had to describe myself in three words I would probably choose creative, friendly, and open. I see everything in a creative light, and most people tell me that they wish they could see the world the way that I do. I take that as a compliment most of the time. Anyway, I have always been “creative” and I think that it is a word that describes me very well. I try to befriend everyone I meet, and it never works out the way I planned it to. I don’t know if everyone would call me friendly, because I am also extremely shy. Open refers to my emotions and my opinions. I am very open-minded, open-hearted, and just all around open. I like new people, new places, and new ideas. This openness allows me to adapt easily to new situations and learn from diverse experiences, enriching my understanding of the world.

Mission Statement

I would re-write my mission statement to be clearer to others, instead of just to me. I would write something to the effect of “Be what YOU want, not what THEY want.” I have realized through these studies and tests that I have a tendency to attempt to change who and what I am for others, and I need to make it clear that it is going to stop. Embracing my true self is essential for personal growth and happiness, as noted by various self-help experts (Covey, 1989).

References

• Leman, K. (2009). The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are. Revell.
• Sulloway, F. J. (1996). Born to Rebel: Birth Order, Family Dynamics, and Creative Lives. Pantheon Books.
• Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press.