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.

Despite how complex things might get, Investigators can always maintain a clear head. Their quick-witted minds can swiftly recognize the sudden changes in variables, allowing them to immediately adjust their logic accordingly. Thus, Investigators are known to evaluate and revise their judgment with ease, obtaining a precise understanding of any matter, regardless of the circumstances they are in.

However, as sharp as they may be, Investigators tend to be oblivious to the social climate around them. They prioritize logic and reason above all else, often overlooking the various desires and motivations of their community. Therefore, when Investigators make decisions based on their logic alone, they may come off as condescending and inconsiderate, driving people away from them.

There may even come a time where Investigators end up living in a bubble of their own ignorance, believing that logic is the only factor that matters. In reality, decisions are constructed by an ever-changing consensus of opinions, and are almost always influenced by emotions, biases, and cultural norms. Investigators often dismiss this as irrational behavior, not realizing that in actuality, they are the ones who are being irrational and inflexible instead.

Much like a powerful algorithm, effective problem-solving requires a good framework. Because of that, Investigators pay special attention when developing theirs, making sure that it is not only realistic and practical, but logically accurate as well. By adhering to a logical framework, Investigators are able to make just, fair, and sound decisions, even in the most perplexing circumstances.

Although frameworks can be useful in overcoming challenges, problems arise when Investigators hold onto theirs too rigidly. They might overuse it, even in situations where a different approach is required. When Investigators are blinded by their own flawed logic, their ability to see the bigger picture becomes severely limited. As such, it is evident that forcing one’s frameworks into every situation will only lead to disastrous outcomes.

At its extreme, Investigators might become strongly attached to their frameworks, to the point where they would adamantly reject anything that opposes their way of thinking. They may even go as far as forming intricate excuses to justify their stubborn behavior. If left unchecked, Investigators would end up stuck to their own ways, unable to see reason even when the evidence is overwhelmingly against them.

When Investigators evaluate an idea, two questions come to mind: How true is it? And how does it play out in real life? To answer them, Investigators will examine its aspects down to the last detail, accurately identifying all flaws and loopholes. They then compare it to existing models to further refine it. This results in a conclusion which is bulletproof, not only in theory, but in practice too.

However, Investigators who scrutinize too much tend to find fault in every little thing they see. They become overly nitpicky, insisting that everything must be 100% accurate before moving on. This hinders them from progress, as they can never accept anything that has the slightest hint of ambiguity. Such Investigators are out of touch with reality, because no one, no matter how intelligent they are, can ascertain truth to its absolute form.

If left unremedied, Investigators may end up being very judgmental, viewing their behavior as normal even though it is clearly pessimistic to everyone. They may choose to nitpick on the flaws and mistakes of everything they come across, rather than recognizing its strengths and merits. As a result, such Investigators risk leading a life of discontent, where nothing could ever be deemed satisfactory.

With just a few simple rules, computers can solve even the most difficult and intricate equations. Similarly, Investigators can navigate complex situations by following a set of basic principles. It is their code for life. Thus, they strive to develop these maxims continuously, ensuring that it aligns with reality. Investigators are always on the lookout for newer and better theories that they can incorporate into their tenets, enabling them to make optimum decisions.

Although Investigators are able to devise great principles, it often works only for them. Accustomed to thinking independently, they form maxims through their own lenses, seldom taking external perspectives into account. Hence, while their principles may be accurate to them, it is typically inapplicable to the rest of society. When an idea holds true in one case but not any other, it is nothing more than a mere opinion.

At its worst, these principles may be purely self-serving. Insistent on their rationale, some Investigators might be driven by their personal motives, formulating maxims that are biased to their own needs. They tend to forget that principles are meant to be universally beneficial, not just helpful for themselves. If they remain unaware of this, Investigators might think that they are abiding by solid principles, when in reality, they are merely serving their own interests.

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 [Investigator]