Building on Insight
Core Motivation
As humans, we need food, water, and air to stay alive. But as we all know, it is not enough to merely survive. To truly live, we need to fulfill the innate desires that give our lives meaning. Generally, these desires can be broadly categorized into four different types of primal human desires: variety, certainty, belonging, and significance.
Motivation is the fuel necessary
to keep the human engine running.
Zig Ziglar
In Personality Ninja, these desires are embodied into four distinct Classes. Explorers crave for variety while Builders long for certainty. Leaders yearn for belonging while Evolvers strive for significance. Although we may experience all these desires at different moments of our lives, only one will stand out as our dominant desire, influencing our every thought and action throughout our lives.
At its core, Gurus are of the Leader Class, striving to make life better for those around them. And by Leaders, we don't mean those who boss others around, but simply those who prioritize the needs of others. More specifically, Gurus are Leaders who seek for Solidarity. They want to connect the people in their groups, keeping their communities together as one.
Gurus as Leaders
When humanity is faced with dire situations, Leaders are the ones that people can always count on. Born as people-centric individuals, they do whatever it takes to bring out the best in others. Known for uniting communities, they readily direct everyone towards a common goal. No matter what happens, Gurus as Leaders will always be the pillars of support as they steer others forward, leaving no man behind.
Leadership is not a rank or a position, it is a choice—a choice to look after the person to the left of us & the person to the right of us.
Simon Sinek
Leaders volunteer to help or guide others regularly, often organizing group events to bring people up. Gurus as Leaders believe that by creating a structured society, every member gets to play a role in the success of the team. Ultimately, Leaders strive to be a part of something greater than themselves, which is why they are always contributing to the betterment of the group.
While Leaders are generally accepting, they are often repulsed by those who act selfishly. To them, a community is crucial in creating a better world, but this ideal cannot exist if people put themselves above it. Leaders get frustrated when individuals go against everybody else, simply for the need to be different. This will only create a rift within the group, making it difficult for everyone to work together.
Leaders are willing to make any sacrifice, or face any struggle, if it means helping others. They are always there for people, sticking with them through thick and thin. They would even take a bullet if they have to, for so long as it benefits the group as a whole, it is worth it. Putting others first, Leaders believe that the real way to gain happiness is by giving it to those around them.
Beyond that, Gurus are of the Leader Class that is supported by the Builder Subclass. When we say Builders, we do not mean those who build and repair houses, but those who prioritize the perfection of what's known. More specifically, Gurus are Builders who seek for Insights. They want to understand the world at its very core, simplifying life's concepts down to its most fundamental essence.
Solidarity By Building On Insight
Builders have long been the backbone of our societies, providing support in every way they can. They are always ready to establish structure in their communities, bringing a sense of stability to those around them. No matter how tough times may get, Builders will always be there to hold the fort, as they are usually prepared to face any obstacle that stands in their way.
In a world filled with endless choices, Builders narrow them down, focusing on what they think is the most worthwhile. Though sometimes other options may interest them, they know that they will never reach their destination if they keep straying off the main road. To truly succeed, one must commit, which is why Builders will always give their best to one path. Otherwise, all their efforts will amount to nothing.
Failing to plan, is planning to fail.
Builders dislike it when things don't go according to plan. This drives them to prepare for many possibilities, so that they are always ready to deal with the worst case scenarios. To them, uncertainty is like walking in the dark, the lack of preparation will only cause them to trip and fall. As such, Builders are always planning ahead of time, as it is always better to be safe, than sorry.
Ultimately, commitment is what separates those who make it and those who don't. Builders believe that nothing can ever be achieved without perseverance. To them, life is not a sprint, but a marathon where they must run steadily and continuously to win the race. As such, Builders choose a path and dedicate themselves to it. They aren’t known to give up until they reach their goals, inspiring others to do the same.
All in all, Gurus are Leaders who build upon their deep insights to bring their communities together. Based on their core motivation, each specific archetype possesses a distinct set of traits, giving birth to their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Nevertheless, the themes covered thus far are merely the tip of the iceberg. To understand more about Gurus and discover their unique journey of growth, let us explore the next section where we will analyze the dominant aspects of the Guru archetype.
Read next section →
Dominant Aspects [Guru]