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I feel like I'm opening up more and more to this forum. But it will still take some time. I still feel some anxiety thinking about interacting with people. I feel like pushing people away. My anxiety does that. The problem is that I have associated the word "people" with something negative due to my past trauma. My past trauma where my trust was repeatedly broken by friends and ex boyfriends. I started to look at people suspiciously. I can't be blamed. I was bullied throughout my life even by friends. When I had guys as friends as a teenager they would send me inappropriate sexual text messages. I was treated like a joker. I was constantly preyed on. I felt like a prey around people. This made me psychopathic, aggressive and defensive My ex boyfriends used me for sexual reasons. It left me feeling like I meant nothing to them. My first two ex boyfriends were extremely controlling. My second ex even controlled and decided what I ate. One day he told me that I should not cut my hair. His level of control became so severe that I felt hunted and it felt like a prison. I was never allowed to do anything without his permission. He would regularly yell at me. I would feel frozen in extreme fright. I constantly lived in flight or fight mode. He would blackmail and threaten me that he will break the relationship if I did not do as he said. My first boyfriend used to follow me around in the kitchen. He would be very dominating. He would order me to pour water in his glass and would get angry if I didn't do as he expected of me. I used to feel intensely uncomfortable around them. Luckily they weren't physically violent but Joseph was Joseph would constantly give me death threats if I said I didn't want the relationship. Joseph was very violent. He would look angrily at me if I said one word that he did not approve of. This led to condensed trauma. All these experiences led me to gradually look at people with fear and suspicion. I felt like people wanted to harm me either physically or mentally. Anyone who tried to be my friend, I would gradually feel anxious or find ways to escape that friendship. I still experience significant anxiety around people. It's difficult for me to trust. I tend to freak out. Out of fear. I go into flight or fight mode immediately. I get paranoid. I get angry. I get fearful. These are obviously trauma signs. In real life I cannot even close to someone without experiencing extreme fear. I mean that's what you would feel if you felt hunted all your life. But slowly I'm trying to work on my trauma so that I can respond positively to people. I really don't think that it would completely heal. Yet I feel like I can do this. I can try at least. A traumatized brain responds with fear, derision and anger. I still get episodes where I freak out around people and they send me feeling terrified. By escaping people this is not going to work. It will only make my anxiety and trauma worse. I have to gradually expose myself to people in a safe way so I'll begin to learn to trust again. I can't suddenly talk to many people at once. That will be too much pressure. I have to slowly start with one person at a time. Also getting personal with someone is difficult for me. It sends me into anxiety again. Maybe an impersonal approach will help.. Like simply talking casually without much personal exchange can help me feel better and comfortable. For people with trauma it's important to not push too far or too much. It can have a reverse impact. It's best to go slow from your comfort zone.

In brief, Fours want to express themselves and their individuality, to create and surround themselves with beauty, to maintain certain moods and feelings, to withdraw and protect their vulnerabilities, to take care of emotional needs before attending to anything else, and to attract a "rescuer" who will understand them. Fours do not want to restrain or lose touch with their emotions, to feel ordinary, to have their individuality unrecognized, to have their taste questioned, to be required at social settings, to follow impersonal rules and procedures, to spend time with people they perceive as lacking taste or emotional depth. Their Hidden Side On the surface, Fours can seem to suffer from chronic self-doubt and extreme sensitivity to others' reactions to them. But part of the reason for this is that Fours often hold a secret, inner image of who they feel they could be. They have an idea of the sort of person they would like to become, the kind of person who would be fantastically talented, socially adept, and intensely desired. In short, Fours come to believe that if they were somehow different from who they are, they would be seen and loved. Unfortunately, they constantly compare themselves negatively to this idealized secret self—their 'fantasy self." This makes it very difficult for Fours to appreciate many of their genuine positive qualities because they are never as wonderful as the fantasy. Much of the growth for type Four involves letting go of this idealized secret self so that they can see and appreciate who they actually are.

This is everything, but do you really see what it is? It is the infinite void giving a cry of joy absolutely wild. You have done 5meo many times, a lot of meditation. you have not opened the door of absolute emptiness and it has overflowed you with love? there's nothing, it's empty, but it's wild, it's joy, it's everything. it is an incomprehensible paradox, not simply: it is empty, there is nothing. of course there is no self in the ego sense, someone who does this or that, there is existence, and existence has a quality: love. since without him it would not exist. love is the cry of infinity when it sees itself, and I'm listening to it right now. hallelujah brothers!?? But yes, it absolutely impersonal, the death for the i that wants a better experience...but he gets a better experience, because he realizes of his illusory nature and accept his place, so he can relax and enjoy the experience

@VeganAwake @The0Self don't see it that way. there are no layers of ego and something underneath. the ego is a structure that gives a certain apparently shape to the substance of reality. If you erase this structure, there is absolute emptiness, nothing. but nothing is unlimited, infinite, and being so, it is absolutely everything that is possible to be, at this exact moment. and that is what we are if we erase the structures. To say that there is simply a void is an absurd nihilism, since it is obvious that the void is the ego itself and everything that exists. It is not a matter of logic but of living it. The infinity is impersonal because it is infinite, so without certain qualities, shapeless. but it exists and that is what we are, so in some way it can be said that the absolute total infinity, and that it is what we are, is a self in some way, in the sense that i am that

I'm a person who has struggled with boundaries for the longest time, I thought I would offend my friends and acquaintances if I ever said something. I became very submissive over time, submitting to everyone's demands. I thought that being selfish was a bad thing because that's what my mom had taught me, every time I did something for myself I was made to feel guilty Long story short I went through many changes this year and one of those changes was to implement boundaries, confront people on their behavior, not put up with shit and find my own peace. So far so good, I have come a long way and I have become successful at doing this finally. I have learned to become a little more selfish and not let others vulture on me. How did I achieve this? 1) First is to build your confidence to be able to say no Try it. Say a flat out no. This is for confidence building. If someone is offended, don't take responsibility for their feelings. Learn that true friends don't get offended and true people don't play victim to your basic needs. My ex boyfriend used to make a big deal if I slept off after a rough day at work. See? Don't allow such people in your life because they're only looking to meet their own needs at your expense. People who genuinely care about you won't throw a tantrum over you wanting your space. 2) be aware of what you want. Be more self aware. Ask yourself questions. Investigate your own needs and limits. This way you already know how much you can give to someone in terms of resources and time. 3) Be direct and use a tiny amount of social tact. This is a bit tricky. Often when we are too direct, people are hurt. I used to be indirect. If you give excuses about why you can't socialize, you'll always keep finding more excuses. For example if you said, "hey, I can't attend the party, because I have work to do." This works in the moment but then you have to keep giving the same excuse every time someone invites you. Instead be direct yet non offensive like, "hey, I generally do not prefer attending parties. You have a good time." in this manner you end it for good and the person doesn't bug you again. Don't say anything like, "I don't have time for you, " that's too harsh and personal. Always make direct statements without making it too personal. Use "I" in an affirmative and assertive way, for example instead of saying "why are you asking this?" simply state - "I don't like answering such questions." this way you put the burden of your boundaries being respected on the other person by stating yourself assertively and affirmatively. But instead of saying "I don't like/want to answer you," (that you make it too personal and without tact) make it more tactful and impersonal "I don't like answering such questions." The form of communication you use is absolutely important to convey the right impression and still maintain your social image intact. This is tricky and requires you using a lot of Nuance here and there. 4) asserting boundaries is absolutely important. Initially you can be soft. If the other person doesn't comply or tries to resist your polite request, then be firm about what you want and don't budge or submit. Also work on self esteem and people pleasing tendencies. I had low self esteem and I couldn't turn people down. Now I do it effortlessly. I have adopted the "I don't give a fuck attitude" and truly it works wonders. Once you stop caring what people think about you, you can finally rest easy and be yourself. And don't worry about socialization, because people who truly wish to respect your time and feelings will always be by your side. Those who are offended by you wanting your own space and time can Fuck Off. Good luck and have a nice day! (first time giving a structured answer.. Lol)

I'm a person who has struggled with boundaries for the longest time, I thought I would offend my friends and acquaintances if I ever said something. I became very submissive over time, submitting to everyone's demands. I thought that being selfish was a bad thing because that's what my mom had taught me, every time I did something for myself I was made to feel guilty Long story short I went through many changes this year and one of those changes was to implement boundaries, confront people on their behavior, not put up with shit and find my own peace. So far so good, I have come a long way and I have become successful at doing this finally. I have learned to become a little more selfish and not let others vulture on me. How did I achieve this? 1) First is to build your confidence to be able to say no Try it. Say a flat out no. This is for confidence building. If someone is offended, don't take responsibility for their feelings. Learn that true friends don't get offended and true people don't play victim to your basic needs. My ex boyfriend used to make a big deal if I slept off after a rough day at work. See? Don't allow such people in your life because they're only looking to meet their own needs at your expense. People who genuinely care about you won't throw a tantrum over you wanting your space. 2) be aware of what you want. Be more self aware. Ask yourself questions. Investigate your own needs and limits. This way you already know how much you can give to someone in terms of resources and time. 3) Be direct and use a tiny amount of social tact. This is a bit tricky. Often when we are too direct, people are hurt. I used to be indirect. If you give excuses about why you can't socialize, you'll always keep finding more excuses. For example if you said, "hey, I can't attend the party, because I have work to do." This works in the moment but then you have to keep giving the same excuse every time someone invites you. Instead be direct yet non offensive like, "hey, I generally do not prefer attending parties. You have a good time." in this manner you end it for good and the person doesn't bug you again. Don't say anything like, "I don't have time for you, " that's too harsh and personal. Always make direct statements without making it too personal. Use "I" in an affirmative and assertive way, for example instead of saying "why are you asking this?" simply state - "I don't like answering such questions." this way you put the burden of your boundaries being respected on the other person by stating yourself assertively and affirmatively. But instead of saying "I don't like/want to answer you," (that you make it too personal and without tact) make it more tactful and impersonal "I don't like answering such questions." The form of communication you use is absolutely important to convey the right impression and still maintain your social image intact. This is tricky and requires you using a lot of Nuance here and there. 4) asserting boundaries is absolutely important. Initially you can be soft. If the other person doesn't comply or tries to resist your polite request, then be firm about what you want and don't budge or submit. Also work on self esteem and people pleasing tendencies. I had low self esteem and I couldn't turn people down. Now I do it effortlessly. I have adopted the "I don't give a fuck attitude" and truly it works wonders. Once you stop caring what people think about you, you can finally rest easy and be yourself. And don't worry about socialization, because people who truly wish to respect your time and feelings will always be by your side. Those who are offended by you wanting your own space and time can Fuck Off. Good luck and have a nice day! (first time giving a structured answer.. Lol)

I don't know for sure either, but I think about it along these lines: The I-am-ness is something that is completely impersonal right? Impersonal in the sense that it is the only "thing" that is unchanging, while everything that appears in it is constantly changing, appearing and disappearing. It is also the only "thing" that is not distinct from anything else, it doesn't have any boundary that separates itself into "me" and "not me", or "this" and "that". In this case, wouldn't it be plausible that this sense of being/I-am-ness would be eternal, timeless and everpresent? Since it seems to be the only place anything ever appears in. I think the idea of some kind of structure or personal identity going onto another life or some place after death is implausible, but that deep I-am-ness/beingness could be transcendent of death in the sense that it is already always existing everywhere and cannot even conceive of death, since death always requires a limited identity that has seemingly differentiated itself from that beingness into something seemingly separate. No boundaries = No death

That's really a good point & reminds me of the phrase "ignorance is bliss". And what's crazy is although enlightenment is usually described as an impersonal experience, it's simultaneously very personal in the sense that every experience is different. Some seem to have an open receptiveness to it, and it can seem quite ordinary while others experience life shattering or debilitating reactions. Even heard it described as a terrifying realization. It's like a box of chocolates you never know what your gonna get. Here it could be described as shockingly ordinary and simultaneously extraordinary but completely unexpected. In a weird way it feels like death and rebirth yet it's recognized no one is living it. ?

Um... hello. I don't even know how to justify the "life" I have created for myself. Honestly it is so ridiculous (and sad) that I cannot fathom that "I" did it, nor that it is actually happening. Current life situation/backround: - hyper religous mom + criminal narc father - basically what set fire to the gasoline was Corona, taking my one and only real life responsibility from me: school. No more meaningless small talk and homework, no routine. Just homeschool and rotting for 6 months -> Full on Depression and Depersonalization got triggered (no emotions, all my memories feel distant and impersonal) which makes studying significantly harder. - filled my mind with all sorts of delusional trash, including Leo's videos. I desperately wanted to figure out the "meaning" of life. Well I got to the intellectual bottom of it and I did not enjoy what I saw. [even went to a clairvoyant priest in Ukraine who just starred into my eyes and told me I should not have read any of this lol ] - I have pretty much fully resigned, gave up trying to achive something like finishing school or making a singular friend - i go to therapy but it is so useless because I have no routine (or anything really) going for me - mother went to tarot card lady who said that everything would turn out okay for me and I fully trusted her. Well, none of it came true. This really fucked me up even further - all I see is contradiction upon contradiction TDLR: wasted my life, turning 19 in a few days, criminal refugee family, no friends , not exactly a good future in store for me Questions 1. How do I get rid of Depersonalization? 2. Am I beyond help? 3. What would you do? 4. Is it true that deep down we always know what we should do but we are too afraid to do it so we just don't? - Katy

That’s really funny because the exact thing the teaching is refuting is the exact thing that facilitated my Awakening/Enlightenment… ? Here I am still meditating like a mofo totally aware of it’s ultimate uselessness, a poster child for Neo Advaitans on what not to do, yet having seen beyond the need to let go or not let go. Reality still holds impersonal curiosity, so away it goes ?

Shitty feeling thoughts are like a really clingy piece of plastic. You know, the really thin clear kind they wrap things in sometimes and it's like... so charged statically that it just clings to you? The more violent your efforts become to rid yourself of the harmless thing, the less effective your efforts are and the more hilarious the scene becomes... to anyone but you. You don't realize that you are what's keeping it charged. You are what's attracting it. Except there's no plastic and no you. It's not personal which thoughts seem stuck to us. It's not a personal failing. Just some impersonal static electricity. Seems like we're one of those prideful, pretentious looking cats and some asshole dressed us up in a really demeaning costume. We're just like, "Get it OFF, get it off!" https://www.pinterest.com/pin/465981892668468700/ Liberation is not about getting out of the ridiculous costume. It's realizing you dressed yourself. And it's funny. And impersonal. We could liberate the world through cat memes. We will not become higher consciousness. This already was it, the pinnacle of human civilization and achievement, cat memes, right here, right meow.

Shitty thoughts are like a really clingy piece of plastic. You know, the really thin clear kind they wrap things in sometimes and it's like... so charged statically that it just clings to you? The more violent your efforts become to rid yourself of the harmless thing, the less effective your efforts are and the more hilarious the scene becomes... to anyone but you. You don't realize that you are what's keeping it charged. You are what's attracting it. Except there's no plastic and no you. It's not personal which thoughts seem stuck to us. It's not a personal failing. Just some impersonal static electricity. Seems like we're one of those prideful pretentious cats and some asshole dressed us up in a really demeaning costume. "Get it OFF, get it off!" https://www.pinterest.com/pin/465981892668468700/ Liberation is not about getting out of the ridiculous costume. It's realizing you dressed yourself. And it's funny. And impersonal. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2782520/Is-new-Grumpy-Cat-Meet-Garfi-fluffy-feline-furrowed-brow-makes-look-permanently-angry.html We will liberate the world through cat memes. We will not become higher consciousness. This already was it, the pinnacle of human civilization and achievement, cat memes, right here, right now.

That’s the thing, you aren’t being honest. If the conditions of your life radically shifted, you’d be suffering. The fact that you're ignorant of this is itself suffering. All the stories you say and tell on an internet forum don’t mean shit when the real rubber hits the road. By transcend fear I mean let fear filter through experience without experience fighting with itself, which entails the cessation of resisting the resistance towards fear. Feeling fear so deeply it’s seen to be utterly empty, fleeting, free, and impersonal, along with death and pain, an authentic (honest) seeing that reality was never fighting with itself. Thinking the work is torturous is just a game of the ego mind. The ego mind wants nothing more than to avoid the conditions which give rise to its end. This is beautiful, wondrous work. And in fact, there is no choice of whether it gets done or not. All karma. The act of sitting down to meditate is a movement of reality, the grace of God. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been bestowed this grace - it is not only for my benefit, but the benefit of all sentient beings. If you think you’re done, can get away with believing your way out of it, cool. There may not be consequences now or in this lifetime even, but this too shall pass. All the love.

you do not exist. seriously, you think so, but no. there is only the impersonal reality, flowing. absolutely everything we think about is mental constructs. there is no war, no hitler, or anything, only fantasies of our ego that imagines that it is a person who is thinking about war. a trick. all of that is the same as a bunch of flies eating shit. reality in motion and we, the non-existent, making sense of everything, and believing that we are real. crazy?

And that Nothing is Real Impersonal "ME". Right?

Obviously it has never happened that your ego really dissolves, and the infinite that you are is revealed. otherwise you wouldn't say that. the ego are limits, if the limits disappear, infinity is revealed. This is not even remotely an idea or a belief, it is something inconceivable to the mind. infinity is scary because it reveals a truth: "you" do not exist, you are an illusion. what you are is totally impersonal and accepting it takes time. I'm on it

Why I enjoyed 6 pillars of self esteem: - I felt good that Branden included a lot of nuance in his wisdom. He didn't just put out a principle and said it was the truth. He pressed on context which I admired because context is key in the world of self improvement - it was really nice to see when he gave advice that he spoke much about the traps and misconceptions. Often in self improvement I feel advice gets too linear! Almost like they can't see outside the bubble of the advice they are giving. Just very unholsitic - felt well studied, well researched and well understood. Branden remains unbiased , with an understanding he doesn't have the absolute truth and is always willing to append on his wisdom - goes in depth on the principles. I think though he went in depth I have a lot of questions still and I think it could be explained even better. - a lot of great definitions founded in wisdom What is the connection between the practice and what does it have to do with self esteem? How are they interlinked? Why is self esteem so illusive to the psychology community? How come definitions of it aren't so concrete? Why is self esteem comprised of two definitions? How can one thing be 2?? Why did the program feel so impersonal? I honestly felt he needed way more questions to help engage the reader to understand the idea more. Worksheets Personal questions: What is self esteem and why is it important? What I would have liked to see: - I was a little dissatisfied with the practical program. Though it did feel somewhat comprehensive I wish there was a classroom like with TAs or a cohort or something. When I am stuck or confused, I have nobody to go to

Damn dude, this is really tearing you up I see. First off, I'm sorry man and much love to you. There is a life lesson here to be learned and I know you will learn it and get stronger and better yourself with the wisdom you gain from it. I can see how bad this can get now. For me it's more like a minor annoyance or one or two good solitary cries from total freedom and acceptance of this aspect of my partner I guess for me what my limiting beliefs are: "Was I as special as she said I was to her or just another number?" Her words are ever flowing with the most magnificent love, in and out of bed ,when I am with her. I know you can really trust a woman's words when she is speaking deeply from the heart. Sometimes the more logistical stuff like saying she wants to move in will change, but the sort of core of where her words are coming from are true so I do feel how deeply she loves me and how crazy I drive her. I think it's more so a trick of the mind that wants to poke at this and create doubt and fear of the uncertainty brought about by the ever changing flow of life. Deep down it's poking a belief that I'm "flawed", "weak", " a chump", all synonyms for a bad person (self judgement) and I'm in the process of letting go of that. Second I would say is sort of the beliefs I've picked up through the culture. Stuff like how women should be good girls, clean, not a slut, etc. Thing is, I've found all the really sexy, beautiful, fun, passionate club chicks that basically all these pick up guys dream of getting are not going to fit some puritanical role. They will have explored their sexuality to varying degrees. It's not out of spite of me or any personal reason that has anything to do with me, but because they are enjoying their lives and their bodies. I'm sure it's a ton of fun being a beautiful woman. It's quite impersonal. It does also sting a bit to know I missed out on a ton of action in my early age (18-27). I was never incel but was your average guy rarely getting action, playing video games, girlfriend once in a blue moon, etc. I think as men we age like fine wine and still have plenty of opportunity to have fun, learn and grow into our 40s. I still feel plenty young to have more experiences like this and my young years where I wasn't good with women were foundational for getting to where I am an aged bottle of red wine now.

All awareness is empty and impersonal. The personification of “my” awareness vs. “your” awareness is an illusion of the ego claiming credit for being the authority and central point of reality. Each perspective point of vision is a mere reflection on the surface of the eye and has the same claim to awareness as a water drop on a leaf. The human body which holds a reflection is inseparable from the unified field of consciousness and thusly intact with it. We can witness two different and still impersonal perspective points even within one body by covering just the left eye and then covering just the right eye. It is the same for a body on one side of the world compared to a body on the other side of the world, same for a deer looking at you and you looking at a deer. It’s just reflections of light. The claim of ownership over the awareness splits one from reality, placing their sense of self within the body somewhere (usually in the head) looking out through a distorted lens of perception based on beliefs carried with the body due to a claim that their past conditioning is “them”. If awareness is depersonalized from the “self”, it is seen clearly that the awareness actually lies ON the object of awareness, not within the body. There are no two bodies to be aware with.

@justfortoday The first time I became aware of this was several years ago while I was driving. It was a very profound experience. Have you found anyone discussing this topic in more depth? It actually can go further than that, still in the dream but progressing up the story of consciousness expansion — in the same way that the universe appears to calibrate itself around you continuously, actually much more than that is apparently calibrated... The “causality bubble” is also recalibrating itself around you, such that the past is continuously imagined as what it must’ve been in order for this appearance “now” to make sense. All of it completely impersonal and without condition, meaning, purpose, value, intention, or limit — which is why there are no bounds for what is “calibrated” as described; everything that could be thought of as real is only an appearance, and the status of reality, if it could even be known that there were one, is utterly unknowable and infinite. ...Total story btw, as there’s nothing other than what appears, and by necessity... but that’s what can appear to happen.

It's not something that's remembered, it's a clear recognition that this seemingly real self is a complete illusion. It's a completely personal experience with an impersonal outcome. So-called positive and negative emotions and feelings can still arise but they are no longer identified with by the sticky self illusion claiming ownership over all experience.(ie. my emotional baggage). And yes of course human problems still arise like needing money to purchase food and a place to live. Nothing matters transcends the self illusion that would immediately ask the question "so then what do I get out of it" or "so how does this help me". It's the recognition there isn't a ME, there only seems to be. ❤

You are not alone because there is no you. you play with that idea, from the self. when the self disappears there is no loneliness or company, there is only what is, impersonal, empty of content, bottomless.

Yes, I agree with you. I was doing kriya yoga, but I noticed I had a hard time staying focused on certain sensations or being impersonal to some of the sensations I was feeling. Certainly, the abilities learned through meditation serve as a solid foundation for any path you decide to go through.

Yes, 5-MeO is overkill for you. Start with lighter things. LSD is still very powerful. Don't underestimate it. Yes, you can use psychedelics to basically work through all your personal bullshit. You're not going to be able to reach God effectively until you work through most of your personal bullshit. God is totally impersonal, so you better be prepared to be totally impersonal.

Disc test Your Behavioral Style The DISC system was created as a simple but powerful way to understand people's behavior and the way they interact with one another. This system describes people in terms of four broad styles: Drive, Influence, Support, and Clarity. Although everyone uses all four styles, most of us depend on one or two most of the time. Understanding your dominant style can help you to understand how others see you, where conflict is likely to arise, and what sorts of work roles will suit you best. DISC assessments are frequently used in the workplace to help teammates better understand one another and how to work together. Whether you're taking this assessment as a team activity or on your own, you can expect to gain a better understand of how you approach the people around you. The report you're viewing now is a brief, free sample of your results. Once you have reviewed this free report, you can choose to upgrade to your full report for more depth and insight into your behavioral styles. Let's begin by taking a broad look at your scores on the four DISC quadrants. DRIVE Takes charge and gets things done. Makes decisions and focuses on results. CLARITY Works steadily and systematically. Focuses on order, accuracy and precision. INFLUENCE Engages others and shares enthusiasm. Inspires and persuades others. SUPPORT Is helpful and shows care for others. Looks for ways to assist and serve. Drive Drive describes behavior that is assertive and results-oriented. When people show Drive, they tend to take charge, make decisions, and control the direction of tasks and projects. People who are highly Driven are described as assertive, dominant, competitive, and confident. They like to take decisive action and don't mind taking risks to get things done. They may be described as natural leaders. Drive is useful in leadership positions as it helps to push to get the job done. However, it doesn't work as well for people who are in supporting roles. Highly Driven people may be frustrated in roles with no opportunity for leadership. Influence Influence describes behavior that is engaging and enthusiastic. When people show Influence, they reach out to other people to build a sense of excitement and fun. They inspire and persuade those around them. People who are highly influential are described as warm, friendly, and sociable. They love to be around other people and get a "high" from connecting with a group. They have a natural charisma. Influence is useful in roles that require you to persuade others. Teachers, salespeople, managers, and parents all benefit from a command of Influential behavior. Highly Influential people thrive on human connection, and tend to wither when they're forced to do isolated, impersonal tasks. Support Support describes behavior that is helpful and caring towards others. When people use Support, they notice what others need and look for ways to serve them. They are empathetic and compassionate. People who are highly Supportive are described as kind, caring, and helpful. They rarely have their own agenda; rather, they prefer to help other people reach their goals. Very Supportive people spend much of their time caring for and serving others. Support is useful in caretaking and helping roles. Nurses, parents, and assistants of all kinds tend to use a high degree of Supportive behavior. Highly Supportive people are less suited to roles where they must take command and make tough decisions. Clarity Clarity describes behavior that is precise and detail-oriented. When people exercise Clarity, they work steadily on tasks requiring focus and accuracy. They take a systematic approach to finish the job. People who are high in Clarity are described as efficient, methodical, and orderly. They enjoy working independently on well-defined tasks with clear instructions and expectations. They place a lot of importance on getting everything done correctly. Clarity is useful in roles where accuracy and precision are important. Accountants, engineers, and computer programmers all need to exercise Clarity to be successful in their work. On the other hand, high Clarity people generally prefer not to have to motivate other people. Your Type in Depth Based on your responses, you lead with a Influence style, which means that your main focus is getting people motivated and working together. Why Influence? Influence people are enthusiastic collaborators, driven to bring people together. Every workplace needs people who are highly sociable and lively, who rally people around a goal, who easily build warm and positive relationships, and who have a wide network of useful contacts. At their best, others see Influence styles as self-confident, upbeat and persuasive storytellers and brainstormers who create a friendly atmosphere in the office. On the downside, others see Influence styles as disorganized procrastinators, restlessly going off on tangents and jumping from one thing to another with a lack of follow through.