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Emergency Living Personalities
Emergency living sneaks up on us and becomes a pattern, a habit, and a familiar way of life. We often don't realize how frantically we are living until something serious happens to get our attention. Until we are forced to stop with an illness, an injury, or another life-changing event, we just keep on going. We all have certain innate personality traits that can predispose us to emergency living. These traits can dictate many of the decisions we make both in our personal and our professional lives. Far from being a negative, most of these characteristics are very admirable, and the people who have them are high-energy and driven in whatever they do. It's when they're taken to the extreme that they lead to emergency living. People with these personality traits can be very successful because they create positive outcomes when their energy is channeled appropriately. But when they cross the line and go to any extreme with these traits, emergency living begins. What personality traits are familiar to you? Do you ever cross the line?
The Controller
We all need to feel like we are in control to some extent-that's normal and healthy. But we get into trouble when we feel like we are the only ones who can do it "right." When you think you are the only one who can do the laundry, set the table, and run the meeting most efficiently, you most likely end up doing it all, or at least trying to do it all.
The Perfectionist
When you can't say something is "good enough" the way it is, until you have struggled with it, done it over several times, or given it 150%, you are obsessed with doing a perfect job. Being obsessive about perfection requires more time and energy than you probably allow, which keeps you at a faster pace just to keep up.
The Driver
These individuals are highly motivated by their own egos and value themselves by what they do and how much they get done. They are more critical of themselves than anyone else would ever be. They often have unrealistic expectations. They tend to set high standards not only for themselves, but for everyone around them.
The Action Person
While many of us are more comfortable to stand back and watch something, these individuals are the ones who will jump in. They prefer to do rather than to be. Obviously, these traits are critical to ER personnel, but some situations in our everyday lives warrant taking a step back and evaluating the situation without doing something immediately. Sometimes we need to "just stand there".
The Adrenaline Junkie
These individuals tend to thrive on lots of activity and the panic, chaos, and crisis management that go along with it. They create their own stressful situations by the choices they continue to make to meet their need for excitement. These situations, which can feel like "emergencies," are characterized by unhealthy relationships, ridiculous schedules, and impractical commitments.
The Risk Taker
Just like the individuals who thrive on adrenaline and excitement, risk taking can provide the same kind of stimulation. These individuals think nothing of taking huge risks in their lives physically, socially, or financially. The risk taking gives them an edge, and they feel the boredom of living in a safe, predictable, and stable world would be much more stressful.
The Impatient
These individuals want it now. They live in the moment and want results in the moment. They can be impatient and even impulsive about spending their money, getting involved in relationships, and making other significant decisions. They are not long-term thinkers and are more inclined to think about next week's vacation than about retirement.
The Rescuer
The rescuer is the person who is the first to volunteer to work late, bake the cookies, walk the neighbor's dog, or do anything else to save the day. They frequently attract very needy people and usually have several projects or people they are trying to help. And since they find it very difficult to say no to a commitment or request, they are always the first ones asked.
The Difference Maker
When you have a need to be needed, you will always find who and what needs you. You will volunteer, work, and socialize at levels you know are making a difference, in your work, your personal life, or in the world-be it politics, religion, or community action. You are committed to helping others no matter what it takes, and sometimes at all costs.
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