It’s no secret that we all want to grow, even if we don’t always know which traits to focus on. That’s why understanding your personality type is so powerful—it shows you exactly where to direct your efforts, leading to tangible results and meaningful progress.

When you lack clear direction, it's easy to waste time on things that don't truly make a difference. But by understanding your strengths and weaknesses, you can focus your energy where it matters most, making your efforts more impactful. It's like using a map: with the right guidance, you're not just wandering aimlessly—you’re moving forward with purpose, getting closer to becoming a better version of yourself.

But hey, if you’re not ready to explore your personality type just yet, that’s perfectly fine. You can still start making positive changes today. The issue is that many of us tend to be overly idealistic about wanting to change without knowing the right steps to take. That’s why we’ve put together five practical steps to help you level up your life, no matter what your personality type is.

1. Set The Right Goals

The difference between a good goal and a bad one lies in its achievability—whether it can be effectively pursued or is merely wishful thinking. Saying, “I want a stronger body” is just wishful thinking as it lacks the essentials for success.

People with goals succeed because
they know where they're going.

Earl Nightingale

Fortunately, it’s quite easy to set effective goals—you just need to be smart about it! Here are the five key elements of a SMART goal:

• Specific: Instead of saying “I want a stronger body,” think about how it translates into something tangible or actionable. A better statement would be, “I want to increase my push-up count.”

• Measurable: Clearly define what success looks like. For example, “I will increase my push-up count from 100 to 200.”

• Achievable: Outline how you’ll reach your goal with a manageable approach, such as, “I’ll gradually increase from five sets of 20 push-ups to 40 over the next four weeks.”

• Relevant: Ensure that your goal aligns with your broader values and aspirations. A strong reason will keep you motivated. For instance, “I want to do this so that I’m fit for the Spartan Race.”

• Time-bound: Set deadlines to keep yourself accountable. For example, "I’ll achieve 200 push-ups within a month."

Put it all together, and it'll look something like this:

“In one month, I will increase my push-up count from 100 to 200 by gradually increasing my sets from five sets of 20 to 40, ensuring that I’m fit for the Spartan Race."

Setting SMART goals can be especially valuable for Intuitive Types, who tend to be more vague and conceptual in their thinking. By learning to create more detailed goals, they can ground their aspirations and achieve them more effectively.

2. Track Your Progress

Setting a goal is just the beginning, but tracking your progress is key to staying on course. That’s where a journal can help, giving you a clear record of the strides you’re making.

Success is the product of daily habits,
not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.

James Clear

Within your journal, write down your goals, habits, or daily routine that you would like to achieve. This helps you set your mind and intention on what you want to work on each time you open up your journal.

Here comes the next important part: marking tasks as complete. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about recognizing your accomplishments, which keeps you motivated. Make it a habit to review your progress each night and reflect on what you’ve achieved.

• Here’s our favorite article on why tracking progress matters:
  What Are You Measuring In Your Life?

Also, remember that your initial goals may need tweaking, and that’s okay. Every week or month, take time to reassess. What’s working? What can you improve? Adjust as needed, and keep moving forward.

This step can be particularly valuable for Explorer Types, as they tend to jump from one activity to the next. Tracking their progress pushes them to commit to the thing they want to change, resulting in a higher chance of achieving long-lasting results.

3. Seek People’s Feedback

Your perspective alone isn’t enough. No matter how smart or experienced you are, you’ll have blind spots. Feedback from others gives you fresh eyes and new insights to challenges you wouldn’t have seen coming. And let’s face it, we grow faster when we’re open to learning from others.

Feedback is a free education to
excellence. Seek it with sincerity
and receive it with grace.

Ann Marie Houghtailing

How do you go about it? Start by asking the right people—mentors, colleagues, or friends who offer honest feedback. Be specific about what you want to improve. Instead of asking, “How am I doing?” try, “What could I improve?” or “What am I missing?” Listen carefully; feedback may be uncomfortable, but that’s where real growth occurs.

• Here’s our recommended guide to getting the best feedback:
  How To Ask For Feedback

Lastly, this isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a continuous process. After applying what you’ve learned, follow up with the same people in a month or two to see if they’ve noticed any progress. Ask for their thoughts on what’s improved and what still needs work. This shows you’re serious about growing and keeps you accountable.

This step can be particularly valuable for Evolver Types, who often overlook the importance of the group's input. Seeking feedback from others helps them gain perspectives that they might not have discovered alone.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to put self-care on the back burner, but prioritizing your well-being is essential for long-term success and happiness. Otherwise, we can’t achieve our goals if we’re down. Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself; it encompasses all the practices that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Self-care is giving the world the best
of you, instead of what’s left of you.

Katie Reed

Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it's reading, enjoying your favorite food, or spending time with loved ones. Remember to listen to your body. If you’re feeling run down or overwhelmed, don’t ignore those signals. Taking time to rest and recover can actually help you perform better in the long run.

• Here’s our recommended guide to top-notch self-care:
  What Is Self-Care And Why Is It Important?

Remember, self-care isn’t a selfish act—it’s an important one! When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle challenges. This commitment not only helps you manage stress but also enhances your productivity and creativity, making you more effective in nearly all areas of your life.

This step can be particularly valuable for Leader Types, as they often feel guilty for putting their own needs above the group’s. But by prioritizing self-care, they regain strength to support others better.

5. Celebrate Your Success

Celebrating your successes, big or small, is essential for maintaining motivation and reinforcing positive behavior. When you take the time to celebrate, you create a positive feedback loop that encourages continued effort and resilience. It helps to cultivate a mindset focused on growth and accomplishment rather than dwelling on setbacks.

Remember to celebrate milestones
as you prepare for the road ahead.

Nelson Mandela

So, how can you celebrate your success? Start by recognizing your achievements in real time—don’t wait until you reach a major goal to pat yourself on the back. Reward yourself when you arrive at certain milestones. These rewards can be simple, like taking a day off for self-care or buying yourself something special. The key is to make celebrating a regular part of your process.

You can also share your successes with others, whether it's friends, family, or colleagues. Consider organizing a small celebration—treat yourself to a favorite meal, indulge in a fun activity, or plan a gathering with loved ones to share your news.

• Here's a list of exciting ways to celebrate:
  50 Fun Ways To Celebrate Achieving Your Goals.

This step is crucial for everyone, as we often overlook our own progress. Taking a moment to acknowledge what we've achieved provides the motivation we need to keep moving forward.

By following the five steps above, you'll start to notice gradual improvements in your life. However, the real game changer is in discovering your personality type. Understanding your type provides valuable insights into who you are and where you can grow.

We have dedicated sections for each of the 32 Archetypes. By knowing your type, you can leverage your strengths and address your weaknesses, leading to more effective and lasting change. Additionally, each section provides valuable resources to support personal growth, tailored to your unique personality type.

Excited to begin your transformative journey? Take the NXT Type Explorer for free and unlock your personal growth map! While there are many ideal ways to grow, identifying your unique path to success is one of the most practical routes to becoming your best self.