How To Manage Your Temperament

What Is Temperament?
Temperamentisthecombinationofmental,physical,andemotionaltraitsofaperson;naturalpredisposition. Or put differently it is anunusual personal attitude or nature as manifested by peculiarities of feeling, temper, action, etc., often with a disinclination to submit to conventional rules or restraints.
Understanding Temperament
Variety, that’s what makes life rich, and when it comes to people, Mother Nature has provided us with a smorgasbord of styles. The challenge is to enjoy those styles rather than let them pull us into power struggles. Even at birth infants express their individuality. Some babies vigorously cycle their arms and legs and let loose with lusty, expressive cries. Others watch intently, slowly cycling their limbs or letting out a mere whimper to indicate their discomfort.
Temperamentis not learned from parents or books, nor can the traits be easily controlled through willpower alone. A baby doesn’t decide to be active or inactive; she just is. A child doesn’t choose to feel the seam in his sock and experience shivers down his spine as a result; it just happens. It’s part of who he is, just like the color of his eyes or hair.
Understandingtemperamentallows you to stop trying to change your child or yourself, and instead find ways to work together and enjoy each other more.
Types Of Temperament
1) Sanguine Temperament
Type: cheerful Will-power: changeable Intelligence: quick Interest: extrovert Emotions: light, quick, brief, externalized, easily forgotten Chief virtues: energy, humor, cheerfulness, friendship, talents, generosity, popularity Main Faults: gluttony, lust, vanity, irresponsibility, loquaciousness, gives up easily, thoughtlessness Needs: prudence, purity, moderation, modesty, mental prayer, serious reading, work on schedule, perseverance, Possible career: teaching, sales, popular arts, social work, entertainment, athletics,
Role
In our distant past, the sanguine members of the pack might have played a supportive, encouraging, social role. They would have been the glue that kept the group together.
In modern society, you might see them as entertainers, singers, dancers, or perhaps simply as the energetic people at parties. In fantasy, they might be Bards. Sanguines find social interactions with faces both familiar and unfamiliar invigorating. This is how they recharge, and time alone – while sometimes desirable – can bore them quickly.
2) Melancholic Temperament
Type: serious Will-power: enduring Intelligence: deep Interest: introvert Emotions: enduring, deep easily revived, slow, internalized Chief virtues: loyalty, perseverance, zeal, concentration, study, understanding, gentleness Main faults: sensitivity, envy, sadness, moodiness, greed, scrupulosity, despondency Needs: humility, forgiveness, cheerfulness, friendliness, confessor, exercise, hobby, trust in God Possible career: social work, science, writing, quick work math, research, education,
Role
In our distant ancestors, the melancholic members of a pack may have been the analysts, the information gatherers. They scouted for potential danger, or for food, and reported back to the pack leader. The more accurate their findings were, the better; this led to a trend towards perfectionism, as the ‘analysts’ closer to perfection survived better than those that made sloppy mistakes.
In current society, they often tend towards analytical roles such as scientists, analysts, programmers, logicians, and so on. In fantasy settings, they may be wizards or sages. The defining feature of a melancholic attitude is perfectionism. They are idealists who wish for things to be a certain way, and they get distressed when they are not.
3) Choleric Temperament
Type: energetic Will power: strong Intelligence: sharp Interest: extrovert Emotions: deep, quick, enduring, externalized, easily revived. Main Faults: anger, pride, arrogance, sarcasm, cruelty, revenge, selfishness, obstinacy Chief virtues: courage, energy, perseverance, enthusiasm, leadership, ambition, ideals, nobility Possible career: building, exploring, outdoor work, using things, government, organization, Needs: humility, meekness, charity, self-control, forgiveness
Role
In our distant ancestors, the choleric members of the pack would be the alphas, the leaders. They would command their subordinates, and assert their dominance using force. If challenged, they would respond by getting angry, larger, in order to intimidate and to prove that THEY were the strongest, the most fit to lead.
In current society, they often tend towards leadership roles, such as managers, politicians, captains, team leaders, and so on, though not necessarily. In fantasy, they might be the proud warriors, the esteemed Kings
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