Introduction

What drives us forward in life? The fact is, we are compelled to do a thousand different things throughout our entire lives, whether it be pondering the mysteries of the universe, hanging out with friends, or just indulging in a good book. Yet, no matter what we may feel like doing at the moment, there will always be certain pursuits that we are generally drawn towards.

Type Drive outlines the kind of behaviors that archetypes are naturally inclined to express. These behaviors are so subconscious in fact, that most people hardly ever realize that they are doing them all the time. Depending on the combination between one's first and second Class, an archetype will either be driven primarily to Reflect, Analyze, Interact, or Direct in their everyday life.

And of course, everyone harbors all Type Drives. What sets people apart, however, is the order in which they prioritize those Type Drives. So, although the primary Type Drive of an archetype is fixed, its subsequent Type Drives will vary from person to person.

This phenomena helps explain why individuals of the same personality archetype can often feel so different from one another despite having the same Type Instincts. With that clarified, let us delve into the details of each Type Drive.

Reflector Drive

With a desire to both Build and Evolve, Reflectors are those who act in a way that prioritizes oneself while focusing on what's known. They spend a lot of time managing their own needs and considering matters thoroughly; all while contemplating personal experiences and objectives. As such, Reflectors tend to be quiet and introspective because they feel more comfortable by themselves.

Reflectors may not seem all that different at a glance, but look beneath the surface and one will find a multitude of personalities ranging from a deep thoughtful philosopher to a precise methodical technician. But regardless of the paths they take in life, Reflectors will always ponder deeply. So, if you know someone who tends to think a lot on their own, there is a good chance that they are a Reflector.

Aside from that, Reflectors tend to be linear and structured with their thought process, leading to personal opinions that are comprehensive and definite. They boast a high level of self-awareness as they often process their inner thoughts or emotions. Not only that, they prefer to gather knowledge based on existing topics of interest that allows them to secure an in-depth understanding in specific subjects.

Nonetheless, there are areas of concern that Reflectors can improve on, especially on their lack of interaction with others which they find to be exhausting. It is the reason why they tend to talk only when necessary, preferring to spend more time alone instead.

However, if Reflectors wish to become better, they should make an effort to connect with those around them. After all, true significance and lasting certainty can only be found through the relationships of one’s friends and communities.

Analyzer Drive

With a desire to both Explore and Evolve, Analyzers are those who act in a way that prioritizes oneself while focusing on the unknown. They are normally seen researching various subjects and pursuing multiple interests at a time, all while experimenting with new approaches to solve old problems. As such, Analyzers tend to be curious and inquisitive because they feel drawn to traverse the unknown.

From a passionate creative artist to a clever ingenious engineer, Analyzers are unique individuals who are present in all facets of life. But regardless of how distinct they are from each other, all Analyzers share one thing in common: the need to analyze a myriad of things that pique their interests. So if you know someone who often loses themselves in a sea of information, they are probably an Analyzer.

In addition, the thought process of Analyzers often branches out to many different directions, giving rise to personal opinions that are varied and open-ended. They possess a high level of self-awareness as they tend to explore their inner thoughts or emotions. Aside from that, they prefer to pursue knowledge on diverse topics of interest, allowing them to obtain a broad understanding across a wide range of subjects.

Of course, there are areas of concern that Analyzers can work on, especially on their lack of motivation in directing people or projects from start to end. It is the reason why they tend to avoid group responsibilities, preferring to pursue personal interests instead.

However, if Analyzers wish to become better, they should make an effort to be of use to their communities. After all, true significance and endless variety can only be found when one’s knowledge is used to help others and the world.

Interactor Drive

With a desire to both Explore and Lead, Interactors are those who act in a way that prioritizes others while focusing on the unknown. They are the ones who are always eager to exchange information around, participate in group discussions, and collaborate with others. As such, Interactors tend to be sociable and outgoing because they feel energized being around people.

Involved in all aspects of society, Interactors can be anything from a chatty adventurous friend to a loud competitive teammate. But despite their different roles, one thing is for sure: Interactors will always engage with everything and everyone out there. So, if you know someone who enjoys mingling and doing things with a variety of people, they could very well be an Interactor.

Apart from that, Interactors tend to process opinions in an open and explorative manner, conversing with others in a way that feels inclusive. They possess a high level of group-awareness as they normally seek out people’s thoughts or emotions. More than that, they prefer to pursue knowledge on diverse topics of interest that allows them to gain a broad understanding from a wide range of subjects.

That said, there are areas of concern that Interactors can pay attention to, especially on their lack of self-reflection which they find to be draining. It is the reason why they tend to avoid their own thoughts, preferring to go out and do things with others instead.

However, if Interactors wish to become better, they should make an effort to contemplate matters deeply. After all, true belonging and endless variety can only be found through a deeper understanding oneself and one’s perspectives.

Director Drive

With a desire to both Build and Lead, Directors are those who act in a way that prioritizes others while focusing on what's known. They spend much of their time implementing plans thoroughly, handling long-term endeavors, and organizing activities from start till end. As such, Directors tend to be industrious and dependable because they often feel responsible for the people around them.

When it comes to their roles in society, Directors are found in all walks of life. From a helpful reliable teacher to a stern instructive supervisor, no matter how different their roles may be, Directors will always be bound by a shared similarity: the need to direct projects and people. Hence, if you know someone who is constantly giving advice and working hard for their communities, they are most likely a Director.

Furthermore, Directors tend to present opinions in a clear and concise manner, communicating in a way that is easy for others to understand. They boast a high level of group-awareness as they often pay attention to people’s thoughts or emotions. Other than that, they prefer to gather knowledge based on existing topics of interest that allows them to acquire an in-depth understanding of specific subjects.

Nevertheless, there are areas of concern that Directors can get better at, especially on their lack of analysis of unfamiliar things that are irrelevant to their communities. It is the reason why they tend to avoid anything new, preferring to stick with what they know instead.

However, if Directors wish to become better, they should make an effort to uncover their inner curiosity. After all, true belonging and lasting certainty can only be found in a wide range of interests and a diversity of knowledge.

Conclusion

In essence, the four Type Drives described above are the synthesis of our top two primal human desires. But have you ever wondered what happens when our top two Type Drives are paired together? Let us find out in the next part: Type Style.

Read next part → Type Style [Rhythm]