My Obligatory Profound Birthday Monologue

Every birthday, I perform this funny tradition of checking out ‘personality readings’ based on one’s birth dates. I'd Google what 'experts' say about people born on November 30.

If my Theories of Personality professor knew about this, she’d dishonor me for life.

It’s only now that I realized how boring being a Psychology major has been for me. I mean, I never get any thrills out of meeting new people, because my mind automatically categorizes them into personas I've created. And most of the time – no to brag and all, but – they turn out to be pretty accurate assessments.

But these recent personality readings amused me because well… they’re not bad at all. Even with a few generic ‘descriptions’ here and there, some of them really hit the mark, and quite bluntly at that.

A lot of people say that these are bogus – and you know what, they’re probably right. I mean it’s not exactly science (the site itself is just a Tumblr page). However, they also say that when you read this stuff, you tend to apply the traits to yourself even though it’s completely incongruent.

Hmmm, I don't agree with that last part.

There are several specific details in those ‘readings’ that could never be applied to everyone. You can't put something like “your attention to detail is second to none” or “highly controlled and lacking in spontaneity” and expect everyone to agree and say, “OMG, that is soooo me!” Those aren’t generic traits; not all people are obsessive-compulsive, nor are they all control-freaks.

What really hit me was the word “pragmatic”. I was very theoretical and idealistic back in college, but as I moved towards my mid 20’s, I became pragmatic to the point of cynical. The way I looked at life really shifted – I started to only believe things that can be proven realistically.

The reading said that as long as I refuse to loosen up and trust my instincts instead of being so orderly and systematic, I will not be successful.

It also said I’m “reactive”. That’s another blow.

I suppose that means not having the initiative to make things happen in life – as opposed to being “active”. It’s like I need something to provoke me before I drag my ass and do something in my life.

Now it all boils down to perspective. That sort of frank revelation can break my spirit and live out a self-destructive prophecy. Or I can charge it to a generous warning from some mystical supreme being, reminding to take it easy and enjoy the present.

The good news is that I just added another year in my life, and right now it’s giving me another rare glance at what’s ahead. It’s still a hazy image, but if I open my eyes a bit more (or perhaps wipe my glasses clean), I’m sure I’ll begin to see something take shape.

 

Happy birthday to me.

 

(And oh yeah, this is the site I was talking about.) http://birthdaypersonality.tumblr.com