I used to think all of this was crap. Sure, I thought it was fun to read my horoscope sometimes like you would a fortune cookie or Magic 8 ball, but internally I mocked people who took it seriously. “I’m a magical snowflake, how could these tests possibly define me?!?” I’m still on the fence about astrology, but I am 100% certain the tests below have helped me during my existential crisis and will continue to help me throughout my life. If acting like a “basic bitch” and referring to myself by my enneagram number (“7 heeere!”), means feeling great about my life, sign my ass up.
If you’re serious about living the life you were meant to live, you have to truly understand yourself, your strengths, weaknesses and what you value. If you’re having an existential crisis, you may be feeling a loss of identity and wondering if you’re actually living your life for you, or for other people. These tests can help you gain some clarity, so just take em’!
Enneagram https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
They’ll try to make you pay for a full report. Don’t do that. Once you determine your number there are a ton of other great resources out there. What you want to do with this information is to learn more about your personality, and focus on your flaws. Don’t just jack yourself off by reading about all the fun aspects of your enneagram. We’re looking for blind spots here, people. We’re looking for our shadow sides, how we act when we’re challenged, criticized or hurt. It’s the only way to grow. And that’s why you’re having an existential crisis and asking questions about purpose, you’re ready to grow. You’re ready to see yourself as you truly are, not what society told you you had to be in order to be valued.
Myers-Briggs https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
I’m sure you took this test at some point in life. Maybe in college or during an interview process at some lame company. Same concept as above with this one. It will give you a better understanding of how you operate in life, business, and relationships. Once you learn your “type” there are a ton of resources out there.
Watching YouTube’s about other ENFPs confirmed something that I’ve probably always known but hadn’t accepted. It may take a time investment but ultimately I need to have my own business, and it needs to have a humanitarian focus. It’s hard not to equate finding the right career with finding our purpose-add link. Living your purpose is the best possible cure for your anxiety and existential crisis.
It’s also helpful to have your close friends or partner take these tests so you can understand a little bit more about them and what they might need from you in a relationship. Look at us growing! I am so fucking proud.
Strengths Test https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register
They’ll try to make you pay for a full report too, but you should be able to get a list of your strengths from your “signature strengths” to your “lesser strengths.” It’s interesting to see what your strengths are and the areas you need to work on. May surprise you!
Here are some other ways you can learn more about yourself and find clarity if you’re feeling lost.
- Find out your attachment style
- Journaling
But remember, we don’t have just ONE “purpose” or one chance to find it in order to live a meaningful life. Your purpose can morph throughout life, it can change and grow. It can be whatever you want it to be in any given moment. As I explored the concept of finding one’s “purpose,” this concept brought me some peace. It’s the idea that your purpose is not your job, kids or partner, your purpose is an emotion that you cultivate within you and share with the world. I think of it more as trying to be your authentic self in any given moment.
