My corner of the institution: Who Am I...

When struggling with a mean bout of insomnia I took a visual personality test at 2:30 a.m., and the results were quite profound.

I took it for fun, because how accurate can an internet quiz really be? Wow. I was blown away. Just with the selection of a few images the quiz had me down pretty good. So, I decided to open myself up to some ribbing from friends and share my results. Hey, laughing at yourself is good. News flash. Nobody makes it out alive, so stop taking everything so seriously.

Apparently I need to take my own advice.

The quiz broke me down into 11 more specific areas, and each one I found pretty interesting.

Outlook: Realist
A realist likes to think they see things the way they really are. They keep a level head and don't excite easily. Um, yes. They do. It is what it is! However, this outlook can lead to periods of gloominess (good to know). One thing I'm learning as I grow as a human (thanks, KARL) is that all people see the world differently. And, I'll admit that most times on the outside I may seem like I have my poop in a group, on the inside the circus monkeys have escaped - and they all have diarrhea.

Character: Helpful
Helpful people naturally want everyone around them to be happy, and actively work to achieve that goal. People like me work long and hard on thankless tasks so others don't have to. Yes. I would say this analysis is accurate. Some in my shop call it a work horse, others call it a doormat. Take your pick. Regardless, this is why I often find myself playing hostess in other people's kitchens.

Self Control: Impulsive
You're usually able to keep things under control but sometimes anger can sneak up on you and take over very quickly. Also accurate. In fact, if I'm hungry or have been without a shower - look out. I'm also guilty of letting anger bubble up until I just snap. One thing I'm trying to be better at is not biting people's heads off. People are not productive without their heads. I need to be better at just walking away. Or, showering and eating before interacting with humanity. This is likely why I am argumentative, sometimes.

Composure: Perfectionist
Perfectionists are likely to exert a lot of control over themselves and the world around them.Focusing on small details to make sure everything is just right is a great attitude to have, but it can go the extreme route. This extreme perfectionism can lead to distress, setting yourself unrealistic goals that go unmet and then lead to feelings of guilt and self-recrimination. I'd like to think I'm still in the "manageable range" here and not extreme. Some may argue this with me. Bottom line. I'm a control freak. There. I said it. I admit it. Freely.

Taste: Homebody
No surprise here. You're very content in your own world, or in the company of a select few other people.Homebody characteristics enjoy simple pleasures in life, and are not thrill seekers. Yep. Nailed it. I have a circle of trust. It's small. By design. If you're in, you're in for life.

Sociability: Master
People with this characteristic can sometimes be a bit competitive when interacting with other people. Also, they value their privacy and sense of respect very highly. This also means they come across distant and closed off. See, I'm not an ice queen. I just appear that way. Those in the circle could probably tell you differently.

Action: Methodical
These people know how to concentrate on any task and keep focus on it to completion - so focused in fact, that it's impossible to distract them. (Impossible is a bit extreme). People may think you're slow, but their concerns are always nixed when you deliver your work on time and spec. I never really thought of myself as methodical.

Attitude: Disciplined
Disciplined attitudes have strong firm beliefs about things like society and morality. There is a right way and a wrong way. They support discipline when people step out of line. They follow the rules and expect everyone else to do the same. I'd say this is about 70 percent accurate. While I do appreciate the "tow the line" mentality, I am also a believer in circumstantial evidence. Although when it comes to serious stuff, there is no room for gray.

Process: Organizer
Organizers tend to be extremely methodical and diligent in their approach to work. They like to stick to rules of the game, but this can mean they lack imagination and creative flair at times. (This is where you just add booze to mix it up). Structure is good. Clear and concise. This is one of my growth areas I'm trying to focus on while in the KARL Program. Letting stuff go when it isn't organized to the letter. I am making progress.

Resilience: Headstrong
These people may seem bulletproof, but deep down they can actually be quite risk adverse. As a result they tend to avoid confrontation and difficult situations due to worries or fears of what might happen. Oof. Nailed it. Another goal of mine. Another work in progress.

In addition to specific areas, the quiz rated five areas. Pretty interesting stuff!