Adventures in Marketing

I spent the week learning a lot about myself. I already knew a lot about myself since I have been me for thirty-something years. (You didn’t think I’d tell you my actual age did you?!)

My strengths finder assessment told me that my number one trait is restorative. I think I must have taken this quiz over a decade ago when I was a customer service manager at Best Buy. I had the same number one trait back then and I wasn’t surprised by that result then or now.  I know I have the ability to see past problems and road blocks to get the job done. Troubleshooting and helping people is what I have always done and it seems to come so naturally to me that I don’t recognize it as a talent. My second trait was achiever and I was not surprised at all by the results. When I started going back to school, I set out to get an A in my classes. As I’ve become more comfortable with school and balancing life, I find myself disappointed with anything less than a 95% in a class. I’m not just an achiever, I’m an overachiever and have tendencies towards perfectionism that I try hard to steer away from. My third trait was significance. This was a bit more of an eye opener for me because I don’t see myself working on projects that have a great deal of significance. I do however seem to suggest big ideas and put projects with big significance on people I see as very talented and skilled in an area. The next trait got me back on track with my perception of myself. It was individualization, and it was a very fair assessment because I do pick up on the unique talents of individuals on my team and try to elevate their strengths. Rounding out my top five traits was discipline. I do enjoy structure and organization and I think it helps to set the atmosphere to be productive.

I think all of these strengths describe me well. Which is a mixed bag of good and bad. I’m a really great employee and will work hard to see that the problem is resolved and I strive to be the best everyday. I tend to get great reviews from every job I’ve ever had all while having a huge case of imposter syndrome. I have a great drive and will to accomplish tasks and think outside the box, at work. I also have a tendency to spread myself a bit thin and pile up my plate with lots of things to do. All the work gets done and everything is organized, but I’m really not fun at parties. lol I’m great at organizing and planning parties though!

I think the combination of my top five traits and skills will help me to achieve future career goals. I do get somewhat discouraged when I see that the careers I would do well in are thigs like art director or actor. While those positions sound really fun, honestly there aren’t many of them out there waiting for me and I’m too much of a realist to believe in those type of dreams.

My personality max report showed that I am an INSJ personality type. It showed examiner and protector within the categories. My top five values were pleasure, job security, adventure, certainty, and excitement.

I am interested in adventures with my family and exploring new things. I am not ready to go out on my own yet and I don’t really know how to make that marketable and raise well rounded children at the same time. I am currently focusing on my current career and I’d like to see where a marketing degree will take me. If it takes me nowhere, I’m ok with that at this stage in my life. I have a really good job and I have a lot of vacation time. I have a good boss and I am content for the first time in a long time.