If humans were computers, our dominant traits would be the operating system that is embedded and hard-coded in our minds. These deeply ingrained behaviors run on autopilot, driving our every action without conscious thought. Like breathing or blinking, we can actively choose to control our actions with enough concentration. However, most of the time, our recurring behaviors seem to be driven by our subconscious, functioning effortlessly and instinctively.

Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can
neither be explained nor ignored.

Agatha Christie

Dominant traits are often mistaken as strengths in most other personality systems. But here in Personality Ninja, we hold a different view. To us, traits are just traits, shaped by the wiring of our cognitive functions. Whether a trait is good or bad largely depends on the way it is used. As such, these traits can either be the source of one's greatest strengths, or the cause of their biggest downfall.

Naturally, we will hone our dominant traits, refining them into our super strengths. However, if we are not careful, there is a chance that we may push our dominant traits into overdrive, manifesting them in very unhealthy ways. In the end, our dominant traits are our natural tendencies and nothing more. The key to harnessing them effectively lies in knowing when, where, and how to use them.

In a world that demands conformity, Individualists are the ones brave enough to remain true to their hearts. They constantly strive to be their authentic selves, untethered by the expectations of society. No matter what happens, Individualists will always stand their ground, defending what they believe in even if it means going against the crowd. It might be challenging, but Individualists rather be hated for who they are, than be loved for who they are not.

There is, however, a fine line between staying true to oneself and being egocentric. Some Individualists might act as if they are the center of the universe, prioritizing their own needs above everyone else. When that happens, they might do things that will burden others without even realizing it. If Individualists go down this path of self-entitlement, they may eventually be outcasted by society.

At the extreme end, some Individualists might use authenticity as an excuse to do as they like. They act inconsiderately, causing unnecessary trouble to everyone around them. But instead of acknowledging their mistakes, they may hide behind the excuse of "being themselves" when they are criticized. Rather than working to be their best selves, these Individualists dismiss their shortcomings entirely, and as such, they risk becoming their worst selves.

Life doesn't come with an instruction manual. Therefore, Individualists come up with their own rules to ensure a life of fulfillment. These rules are none other than their beliefs. It is the moral compass that guides them through thick and thin, leading them down the right paths every time. With an unshakeable resolve, Individualists will never betray their beliefs for anything in the world. Instead, they will keep on cultivating what they believe in, no matter what comes their way.

Things can get out of hand when Individualists take their beliefs too seriously. At that stage, they may be really sensitive towards any remark that could threaten their worldview. Some might even feel personally attacked whenever people do not see eye to eye with them. With their defenses up, they will reject any opinion that contradicts theirs, even for something trivial. Sooner or later, people will find Individualists to be as stubborn as a mule, disliking them more and more.

Individualists may become highly self-critical when they think that they have failed to live up to their values. Having high expectations for themselves, they believe that they are finished products, rather than a constant work in progress. With this deluded belief, Individualists may fall into a deep cycle of self-hatred, punishing themselves relentlessly for past mistakes instead of moving on to the future.

In a world flooded with choices, Individualists are the ones who know how to tell apart the things that matter from the things that don’t. By listening to their gut, they can sense what they like and dislike at the snap of a finger. It may be hard for them to explain this subtle feeling to others but they are certain of its presence. That is why Individualists will always follow their instincts when it comes to their priorities, believing that is the key to unlocking a meaningful life.

Having said that, Individualists often base their judgments on emotions alone. That may seem fine at a glance, but it actually leads to a severe lack of reasoning behind their priorities. As a result, they might fall prey to their own naivete, making important decisions based on what feels right even though it makes no sense. Simply put, Individualists who do not think logically are bound to make foolish mistakes.

On top of that, some Individualists may be excessively fussy with their wants and needs. If they are constantly handed their desires, they will soon develop a sense of entitlement and refuse to do anything that is not their cup of tea. When that happens, they will come off as spoiled brats who are making all sorts of demands, even though that might not be their intention. Individualists who are like this will eventually be hated by others for being so difficult to live with.

What makes a person unique? For Individualists, the answer is simple—their values. More often than not, the values of a person will mold the way they feel, talk, and act. Thus, Individualists are constantly reflecting on what is familiar to them, searching for values that will shape them for the better. In doing so, they uncover the things that are priceless to them, holding these values ever closer to their hearts.

However, due to their constant reflection, Individualists might attach too much importance to their personal values. They may know exactly what they want, but rarely do their desires reflect what other people need. As such, some Individualists might actually commit their lives to a cause that is only relevant to themselves. Unfortunately, dedication to self-serving values will never lead to a meaningful life.

At worst, the fervent dedication towards their passions might turn into a fanatical devotion. In the single-minded pursuit of their convictions, some Individualists willingly abandon all their duties to their respective communities. They may even go off the radar, becoming so caught up with themselves that they lose touch with those around them. If such Individualists continue to take others for granted, they will eventually find themselves left behind by everyone.

To wrap it up, dominant traits are neither our strengths nor are they our weaknesses. They are simply traits we tend to exhibit naturally in our daily lives without much realization.

The biggest reminder here is this: a trait is a trait. It is a unique characteristic of an archetype, each carrying its own pros and cons. With that understanding, let us now venture into the next set of traits that we do more consciously—our supportive traits.

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Supportive Traits [Individualist]