Personality Traits List

Personality traits - they are what define individuals. No two people can have the same matrix of personality traits. The mixture that the matrix would form is what leads each human being to be different from the other.
Personality Traits List
How many times have you heard someone say "Oh that's just the way he/she is. Its his/her personality!"? We use the term so loosely that we have forgotten to analyze what it truly means. Lets check out all the personality traits that an individual can have. Different permutations and combinations of these personality traits leads to character building and personality development of the individual. Knowledge of these personality traits can help one at bringing himself to a point of self improvement. We are what we make of ourselves. Hopefully, knowledge of these traits (with the help of the personality traits list) will help you make yourself exactly what you want to be.

Importance of Personality Traits
Wouldn't the world be absolutely dull and ridiculously boring if we all were the same type? I think so! It is the differences between different individuals that create society. For example, if A and B were two guys, best friends and were exactly the same, they would both be in constant competition with each other. Even worse, every try that they would make at upping the other, would be nullified because they would think of it at the same time. So, you can pretty much figure out how frustrating life on earth would be in the absence of personality traits. In fact, several people prefer to undergo personality tests to know and understand themselves better. So, now that I have conveyed the importance of personality traits, lets see which different personality traits can be found in people.

Personality Traits List
We will first see attitude-centric personality traits in people (Positive and negative traits have been mentioned together).
  • Certain people are very open and adjusting to authority. The opposite of this trait would be a rebellious "streak". A person with this personality trait would not accept authority very easily.
  • Some individuals are very accepting and receptive to what is given to them. The opposite to this would be people who reject what is given to them and ignore it.
  • Some people are generally warm and affectionate. Others, on the other hand, are very distant and cold.
  • Some individuals, mostly the ones who succeed, have a very ambitious personality. Whereas, some have a very content and unmotivated personality. Read more on motivation and self motivation.
  • Some individuals have a very cheerful and happy personality. On the other hand, some are very gloomy and depressed.
  • A few people are courageous and brave. While there are few who have cowardice and fearful personality traits
  • Some individuals have an ability to be decisive and determined. The opposite to that would be an individual who is very indecisive and insecure.
  • Another type of personality trait seen in people is faith. These people have faith in themselves and others. On the other hand, some people have a trait to not have faith in either themselves or someone else.
  • Forgiveness is a trait that few people possess. Others have a personality trait of being unforgiving and spiteful. This kind of people tend to hold grudges for long.
  • Some people have a very friendly attitude. Others can seem to have a hostile and unfriendly trait.
  • Generosity is another personality trait which is opposed by stinginess and selfishness.
  • The ability to work hard is a very virtuous personality trait. The opposite to that are people who are lazy.
  • Some people are mature. Whereas, others are immature and have childish personalities.
  • Another personality trait is optimism. It is opposed by pessimism. These two personality traits are often in a clash with each other. Read more on positive thinking.
  • Some people are tolerant and open minded. Whereas other have a tendency to be intolerant and close minded.
  • Some people have highly self confidence. On the other hand, some people are very insecure.
Several other attitude centric personality traits could be added to this personality traits list. However, that is because, attitudes are a part of human psyche and cannot be standardized and finalized. It is a very dynamic field with constant additions and occasional subtractions. As such, one cannot conclude on this list of personality traits. However, I believe you got the point!

Next, we come to society given personality traits list. These traits are extrinsic and not intrinsic. However, they do make a difference:
  • Loving and affectionate family life is very important for the development of a positive personality. A complete opposite to that would be an indifferent or hostile family life.
  • High mental and intellectual ability in family members is a very positive add on to ones personality. The opposite being poor intellectual and mental ability in the family
  • High social standards achieved by family makes a big impact on personality traits. Further, low standards achieved by the family can also affect the personality to quite an extent. Read more on success.
  • A persons personality traits are highly affected if the parents and adults in the family are open to giving directions. On the other hand, if the family does not give directions, it can have a totally opposite impact.
  • Good physical attributes, that are inherited from parents and ancestors, adds highly to the growth of personality traits. The same stands true for poor physical attributes that are inherited.
  • Good psychological health and well-being is majorly responsible in the growth of personality traits. Bad psychological health will obviously have a negative effect on personality.
  • If society is supportive to an individual, that is also taken as a positive personality trait and the opposite stands true for one who does not have enough support from the society.
The impact of the constituents of this personality traits list, may have different effects on different individuals. These traits, in combination with their attitude-centric personality traits, would frame the overall impact.

To know a little more, read on characteristics of a healthy personality.

Each individual is different and possesses a different recipe and mixture of personality traits. As such it would be very difficult to conclude about a certain personality trait and the interpretation of its impact. The point is, that certain personality traits can be acquired to achieve self improvement. At the same time, if one needs to rid oneself of a certain trait, they can do that as well. This article on personality traits list was not for me to brag over my knowledge about personality traits, but to help you identify yours. This can help you make yourself the best version of what you can be. This is where I sign off! Bye!

By Rashida Khilawala
Published: 10/22/2009
 
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