Understanding Temperaments

The last blog talked about personality traits you had when you were born and how those traits began to shape who you are. We touched on exploring your temperaments as a baby, journaling, conversing with God, reading the Bible, and praying.

Today, we will go a little deeper into something that connects to our purpose — our temperaments.

The Four Types of Temperaments

Four classical temperaments describe personality: sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, and melancholic. These temperaments are often used as a foundation for understanding how we relate to the world and to others.

1. Sanguine - Sanguine is an extroverted temperament. The word “sanguine” means optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation. People with this temperament are playful, sociable, easygoing, talkative, and outwardly focused. They often bring energy and joy into any room. I have been around many people with this type of temperament.

2. Choleric - Choleric is also extroverted. The word “choleric” describes someone who is hot-tempered or easily angered, but in temperament studies, it refers to someone who is strong-willed and goal-oriented. People with this temperament are ambitious, confident, expressive, and natural leaders. They can be forceful and determined, often driven by results.

3. Phlegmatic - Phlegmatic is introverted. The word “phlegmatic” means calm and steady, with an unemotional or even-tempered disposition. People with this temperament are reflective, balanced, and easygoing. They value stability, are inwardly focused, and often live life on their own terms.

4. Melancholic - Melancholic is also introverted. The word “melancholic” has traditionally been associated with sadness or depression, but temperament research paints a fuller picture. Melancholic personalities are thoughtful, detail-oriented, artistic, and analytical. They strive for perfection, often in themselves and their surroundings, and they value deep, close friendships.

My Temperament

I fall into the categories of phlegmatic, melancholic (without the sadness part), and a touch of choleric. My temperament has remained steady throughout my life, from birth until now, though it has shifted in certain areas during adulthood.

As a baby, my temperament was calm and reflective. I did what most babies do — eat, sleep, and cry — but I made my mom’s life easy. This pattern didn’t change much in my toddler years. I was obedient, well-behaved, and eager to please.

When my mom told me to clean up after playing with my toys, she would say, “TT, when you finish playing with your toys, put them away.” I would run back to her and let her know that I had done it, and she would smile and say, “Good girl.” These small moments reflected how my temperament and personality were developing stronger and steadier.

As I began reflecting on why I was born, I realized that these traits weren’t just for me. They were given to me to bless others.

Key Reflections

Looking back, this is what I see so far:

• My mother had a blessed first-time mom experience (Calmness).

• My mother never had to repeat herself with me (Obedience).

• I cried when left with family or friends (Slow to warm up, reserved, needing time to trust).

• I slept a lot (Reflection, restoration, forgiveness).
  

Living With Purpose

I know now that God created me with these temperaments to impact others. My personality has been a blessing to my parents, my family, and to those around me — some who have been in my life briefly, and others who have known me deeply.

It doesn’t matter whether it was for a moment, a season, or a lifetime. I know that being the woman I am today has been part of helping others along the way.

As you continue your own journey, I encourage you to pause and reflect: what temperament has shaped you? How might God use it to fulfill your purpose?