Several years ago, I took a personality test to identify my core motive as a human being. This test was a little different from other personality tests I’d taken. The instructions were to take the test based upon my childhood self.
The test reveals that you are one of four colors with its matching core motive, which serves as the reasoning behind why you do what you do:
Red - power
Blue - intimacy
White - peace
Yellow - fun
I have three siblings. We all took the test.
All three of my siblings tested yellow. Each of them is motivated by fun. My results showed white, motivated by peace. (Good luck achieving peace in a house with four kids).
Yellows tend to be spontaneous, optimistic, and sometimes self-centered. They ultimately just want to have a good time, but can also be off-putting and “too much” for those around them. (Was I often overwhelmed as a kid, living among three yellows? Heck yes I was).
Whites are patient, devoid of ego, and typically pretty simple. But, man oh man, do we clam up and avoid conflict at all costs. Whites are often people of few words. Some accuse us of being boring. (How rude)!
Blues thrive on relationships that are deep and fulfilling. They are loyal to a fault, intuitive, and often sacrifice personal gain for others. They can also be prone to worry, self-righteous, and insecure.
Reds are logical visionaries who are often confident, decisive, independent, and disciplined. They can be critical of others and like to be right. Other colors sometimes view reds as too harsh and not the best listeners.
My choices in life are definitely reflective of my white personality. As a child of four and a single white among three yellows, you could often find me off to the side in my own little calm world while my crazy siblings were off galavanting and scheming the next best “fun” thing. The trend continued into adulthood when I married a yellow. Our early arguments centered around my annoyance with his constant activity and his inability to understand what was going on in my head. We eventually figured it out as much as two married people can figure each other out.
Now, as a private investigator, my white personality still shines through in very real ways. I thrive in my work-from-home environment. I communicate best via written word, hence my choice to blog. I specialize in adoption searches, bringing resolution and peace to the lives of adoptees and birth families.
I turn certain jobs down, jobs that I’m not qualified or comfortable doing. Jobs that just aren’t in my wheelhouse. I also turn jobs down that don’t feel right or aren’t a good fit for me. But the beauty is, a job that isn’t right for me might be perfect for someone else.
It takes all personality colors to make the world go round, including the private investigations world.
I imagine a lot of yellows choose surveillance because it keeps them out and about and they find it fun. Or perhaps they choose undercover jobs that fill their days with excitement and challenge.
Whites probably more often choose the behind-the-scenes work that affords them the enjoyment and quiet of working alone. Cyber crime, background checks, computer forensics, and other such specialities probably appeal to many white personalities.
The blue private investigator is likely attracted to interviewing, criminal defense, and cold cases while reds thrive in accident reconstruction, threat management, and insurance fraud.
Whatever your personality, whatever your perfect fit, if you have the luxury, choose to do work that speaks to you. Don’t try to BE all TO all. You will be happier. Your clients will be satisfied.
If you’re interested in taking the personality test I’ve alluded to, check out https://www.colorcode.com/personality_test/, then share what your color reveals about you. For some of my private investigator colleagues, I have my own suspicions. :)