The term "type A personality" was introduced in the 1950s by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman. As they studied heart disease, they categorized patients into three types: A, B, and AB. The A personality type refers to a set of traits that include being driven, competitive, and goal-oriented, sometimes to a fault.
These people are:
Hard-working: Type A personalities are often diligent and work hard to complete tasks. They may be seen as go-getters and can be forceful with their ideas and work ethic.
Perfectionistic: Type A personalities may strive for perfection in everything they do.
Organized: Type A personalities may be natural planners who make lists and set goals.
Multitaskers: Type A personalities may be adept at juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
Impatient: Type A personalities may have a short fuse and get easily frustrated with inefficiencies or delays.
Competitive: Type A personalities may be competitive and aggressive in their interactions with others.
Type A personalities can be successful, but they can also be linked to increased stress and other health risks.
Some cons associated with a type A personality include:
• Chronic stress • Increased risk of burnout and anxiety • Strained social relationships • Difficulty delegating tasks • Excessive self-criticism • Difficulty with work-life balance • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and sleep disturbances
So, have you ever been called a workaholic or a Type A personality?
If you’re not sure you fit this personality type, take a look at the following questions and answer them as honestly as possible.
1. Do you eat quickly, anxious about the next moment, and not really paying attention to what you’re eating? 2. Do people often tell you to relax? 3. Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw? 4. Do you have dark circles under your eyes? 5. Are you highly competitive? 6. Does it bother you to wait? Do you get agitated when you have to wait in line or when having to wait to get responses from your manuscript submissions? 7. Do you usually multitask while driving, talking on the phone, or watching television? 8. Do you find it extremely difficult to outsource or delegate projects, preferring instead to have total control? Do you try to micromanage things? 9. Do you find yourself working long hours, unable to let go of constantly striving to achieve success or doing more? 10. Do you compete with everyone about everything? 11. Do you often think about other things when "listening" to others? 12. Are you always in a hurry? 13. Do you often find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep because you’re rehashing the day’s events, a story you’re working on, an unpleasant interaction with someone, or a mistake you made? 14. Do you fall into the "glass is half-full" crowd? 15. Do you become easily irritated, frustrated, or angry when driving? 16. Do people’s mistakes irritate you to the point of getting angry? 17. Are you highly critical of yourself and others?
While the above list of questions is general and broad for a Type A personality, being one I can get on board with:
-Told to relax -Impatient -Time-conscious (sometimes extremely, like when waiting at a red light or in a slow lane) -Usually don’t pay attention to what I’m eating -Difficulty relaxing -Difficulty sleeping -Grind teeth -Not sure I’d say I’m addicted to stress, but I’m usually in the midst of it -Multitasker -See the glass half-full
I guess I have more than a few characteristics of this personality type.
What about you?
If you’ve answered YES to a handful of the questions posed, you may want to reassess your tendencies. As mentioned above, Type A personalities come with downsides, typically living a shorter and less fulfilling life.
What can you do if you’re leaning in the Type A direction?
If you find yourself with Type A tendencies and want to avoid them or mitigate them, here are some steps you can take.
Stress Management: -Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice techniques like deep breathing to stay present and reduce anxiety. -Yoga: Incorporate physical postures and breathing exercises for relaxation. -Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release different muscle groups to alleviate tension.
Lifestyle Changes: -Prioritize Sleep: Aim for consistent sleep schedules and quality rest. -Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help manage stress and improve overall well-being. -Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet to support mental and physical health.
Behavioral Adjustments: -Time Management: Set realistic goals and deadlines, and if possible, delegate tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. -Take Breaks: Consciously step away from work to recharge and prevent burnout. -Practice Gratitude: Focus on positive aspects of life to reduce stress.
Self-Awareness: -Identify Triggers: Recognize situations that trigger your Type A behaviors. -Challenge Negative Thoughts: Question self-critical thoughts and replace them with more positive ones. -Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize personal needs.
If All Else Fails, Seek Professional Help: -Therapy: Consult a therapist to address underlying anxieties and develop coping mechanisms. -Stress Management Programs: Participate in workshops or programs designed to manage stress.
There’s nothing wrong with being an achiever and setting high standards for yourself and others. However, all things need to be balanced. Patience, relaxation, compassion, and gratitude are also important characteristics, and it’s essential to create a habit of taking care of yourself. Slow down now and then. Take the time to enjoy life. Don’t help it rush past you; it goes fast enough on its own.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
