In this week’s episode, we unpack the developmental stages first written about by Erik Erikson. These stages are ones we all go through, regardless of personality type, and span the entire age spectrum. Each stage poses an internal struggle that must be mastered in order to develop the accompanying virtue that waits as the pot of gold at the end of the journey. The stages, once mastered, culminate in a saturation of wisdom in our golden years, offering deep compassion and perspective for self and others.

theaffinityconsultants.com

The natural “chill” that Imaginer Types possess can become their very downfall, if trapped in phase distress Though the calm nature of an Imaginer Type is something novelists write about, it can also morph into passive withdrawal and isolation when intense distress is heaped on. Imaginer Type’s can become overwhelmed with too much stimulation or too many expectations to achieve or perform and become paralyzed with powerlessness. In order to move through phase distress, Imaginer Type’s must own their potency and power and stand on their own two feet, rather than rely on others to lead them. Once this autonomy is mastered, their calm chillax nature can blend seamlessly into quiet power!

theaffinityconsultants.com

The quest for efficiency and order is life blood for Thinker Types. In efforts to avoid negative emotions or acknowledgement of loss or perceived failure, Thinker Type personalities can become frustrated and attempt to control self and others. When in distress, this control can be administered with criticism and an exaggerated aversion to drama or time waste. On the flip side, their rich focus on data and logic can be a powerhouse in getting plans made and the outcome accomplished. Learning how to acknowledge underlying loss and grief, rather than covering up with frustrated anger, is the key to finding balance for Thinker Types.

theaffinityconsultants.com

What is it we all want and can never attain long term? Control…that is why it is an illusion! Taking permanent control over life is like grabbing a fistfull of air…impossible! In this episode, we discuss the various ways different personality types try to maintain control to manage uncomfortable emotions. We unpack different strategies for leaning into the “Both/And” concept to work towards controlling the things we can in healthy ways, while also embracing flexibility of the unknown.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Who doesn’t love the ornery attitude and spontaneous creativity of a rebel mindset? People on the end of the angry blame game, that’s who! In this episode, we explore the pit-falls of phase distress in Rebel Type personalities. For those struggling with angry blame, tune in for some tips to explore patterns of self-doubt and inappropriate delegation, that can lead to self-sabotage via emotional escalation and avoidance. Learning how to confront healthy guilt via saying “I’m sorry” and delegating appropriately are the way out! For those who love these fiery and expressive souls, tune in to learn ways to help de-escalate situations and conversations through playful banter.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Remember that old adage, “opposites attract?” Well what about “birds of a feather flock together?” There is truth to both of these famous phrases and in this episode, we unpack how to thrive in relationships with our polar opposites, as well as how to deepen connections with our dopplegangers. It is all about balancing strengths and needs in partnerships, celebrating differences, and finding commonalities, all which allows us to course correct miscommunication patterns and potential differences in attachment styles.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Trust can be tricky, especially for Persister Type personalities in distress. Learning how to let others do their part, not feel responsibility for their success or failure, and confront our very real feelings of fear and mistrust can at times feel like wrestling an alligator in murky water. For some, it is easier to express anger and intense disapproval, but that just gets us more of the same…mistrust and conflict. Deliberately turning towards the fear and anxiety of not having things perfect is the remedy…sounds counter intuitive right? Well, tune in to today’s episode to learn how to unharness the power of fear and mistrust in your life!

theaffinityconsultants.com

Blindspots are everywhere and we all got ‘em! These cognitive distortions, which are irrational thoughts that shape our perceptions and emotions, often lurk below our conscious awareness and can wreak havoc on our self-worth and on our relationships. Good news is that we can grow our awareness of them, when we are engaging in them, and back out of them with proactive self-care and communication. Asking trusted partners, friends, family members, and colleagues to bring them to our attention can also be instrumental in helping us turn on the light and understand ourselves on a deeper and healthier level. Here’s to leveling up!

theaffinityconsultants.com