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How to Leverage Personality to Align with Purpose

Writer's picture: Dr. Justin Keith DodsonDr. Justin Keith Dodson

Your personality—the unique combination of traits, behaviors, and values that define who you are—plays a critical role in how you experience life and pursue your goals. When aligned with your purpose statement, your personality can become a powerful tool for personal fulfillment and meaningful living. But how do you achieve this alignment? Let’s explore the steps, starting with understanding the intricacies of personality, evaluating behavioral patterns, and reimagining your potential for growth.


Understanding Personality as a Map


Dr. Dan Siegel describes personality as a "map" that guides us to our sense of safety and security. This map is shaped by early experiences, including our attachments to caregivers and the environment in which we grew up. These experiences influence how we interpret the world and respond to challenges.


Think of your personality map as a set of directions. If you encounter a roadblock or an unexpected detour, your initial reaction might be frustration or anxiety. Similarly, when life interrupts the patterns you’ve relied on for stability, it can trigger emotional responses that feel overwhelming. However, learning to navigate these interruptions without succumbing to crisis mode is key to becoming more secure and adaptable.


This process of adaptation involves becoming aware of the underlying values and motivations that guide your behaviors. When you understand the “why” behind your actions, you can assess whether they align with your purpose and make adjustments accordingly.


The Myth of the "Addictive Personality"


A common misconception is the idea of an “addictive personality type.” While some individuals may be more predisposed to certain behaviors or tendencies due to genetic, environmental, or psychological factors, labeling oneself as “addictive” can be limiting and counterproductive. Instead of viewing behaviors as fixed traits, consider them as patterns shaped by your unique map of experiences.


For instance, if you find yourself repeatedly engaging in certain habits—whether it’s overworking, overeating, or overthinking—ask yourself: What am I trying to achieve by living out this behavior? Often, these patterns serve as coping mechanisms for unmet needs or unresolved emotions. By identifying the underlying purpose of these behaviors, you can begin to address the root cause rather than the symptom.


Evaluating Behavioral Patterns


To align your personality with your purpose, start by evaluating your behavioral patterns:


  1. Recognize Your Values  Values are the foundation of your personality. They reflect what matters most to you and guide your decision-making. Take time to identify the values that resonate with your purpose statement. For example, if your purpose is to promote kindness and empathy, prioritize behaviors that reflect these qualities.


  2. Identify Misalignments  Misalignments occur when your actions don’t reflect your core values or purpose. For example, if you value creativity but spend most of your time on repetitive tasks, you may feel disconnected from your purpose. Reflect on areas where your behaviors might be driven by external pressures or unexamined habits rather than intentional choices.


  3. Understand Emotional Triggers  Emotional triggers often reveal unmet needs or unresolved issues. Pay attention to situations that provoke strong reactions and consider what these moments say about your map of safety and security. Are you reacting based on past experiences rather than the present reality? Reframing these moments can help you respond with greater clarity and alignment.


Reimagining Behavioral Patterns


Once you’ve identified misalignments, the next step is to reimagine your behavioral patterns. This involves shifting your focus from the behavior itself to the intention behind it. Here’s how:


  1. Clarify Your Purpose Statement  Your purpose statement is your guiding star. It reflects who you aspire to be and what you hope to achieve. Ensure it is clear, actionable, and inspiring. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” specify what success looks like to you: “I want to build meaningful relationships and contribute to my community.”


  2. Align Daily Actions with Your Purpose  Break your purpose statement into actionable steps. For example, if your purpose involves fostering connections, dedicate time each day to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues. These small, consistent actions create momentum and reinforce your alignment.


  3. Cultivate Self-Compassion  Change is a gradual process, and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of viewing missteps as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Self-compassion allows you to approach challenges with resilience and adaptability.


Overcoming Barriers to Alignment


While aligning your personality to your purpose is a rewarding journey, it’s not without obstacles. Here are some common barriers and strategies to overcome them:


  1. Fear of Change Change can feel threatening, especially when it disrupts familiar patterns. Remind yourself that growth often requires discomfort. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and inspire you.


  2. Perfectionism The pursuit of perfection can hinder progress. Instead of striving for an ideal, focus on making incremental improvements. Celebrate small victories along the way.


  3. External Expectations Societal or familial expectations can create pressure to conform to roles that don’t align with your purpose. Practice assertiveness and communicate your values and goals to others.


Building Security Through Awareness


As you align your personality with your purpose, you’ll notice an increased sense of security and wholeness. This alignment enables you to:


  • Respond to challenges with curiosity rather than fear.

  • Embrace your unique strengths and use them to serve your purpose.

  • Navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and resilience.


The journey is ongoing, but each step brings you closer to living a life that feels authentic and meaningful.


Less Excuse-Making, More Accountability


Accountability is a critical aspect of aligning your personality with your purpose. It requires honesty about your patterns and the impact they have on yourself and others. Ask yourself: What patterns feel good to me and also help others? Perhaps it’s your attention to detail and your drive to support underserved communities. Maybe it’s your work ethic or the courage it took to pursue a vision that now provides representation for the next generation. 


Accountability might also look like recognizing when you’ve disrupted unhelpful family patterns, such as saying “no” for the first time to maintain your boundaries. In doing so, you’re not only respecting your values but also paving the way for others to challenge norms that no longer serve them. Accountability allows you to own your growth and remain intentional in how you live out your purpose.



By understanding your personality as a map, evaluating your behavioral patterns, and aligning them with your purpose, you can create a life that reflects your values and aspirations. This alignment fosters a sense of fulfillment and empowers you to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Start today by reflecting on your purpose statement and taking one small step toward alignment. Your future self will thank you. If you need a hand walking towards your purpose, we'd love to help. Connect with us!

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 (National Suicide Hotline) or call 1-855-274-7471 (TN Mobile Crisis) - available 24/7. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital/emergency center. 

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