I’ve been having some health problems so I was reading some articles about a condition that matched my symptoms (no diagnosis yet). One of them was about a woman who said her Type A personality almost killed her. She just would not slow down and take stock in how poor her health was. Not only did I recognize many of her symptoms, I also recognized her attitude of break-neck speed and brushing things off unless they literally stopped her in her tracks. The interesting thing was, I hadn’t considered myself a Type A before.
I thought Type A’s were all about organization and rigid routine. And I’ll admit, I do like those, but between living with my husband for 12 years (who is definitely NOT like that) and having a special needs child, I learned to give up on those as priorities in my life. Teddy loves *his* routines but I’ve got to put his before mine and then when he has a melt-down the world has to stop anyway.
This is what Wikipedia says about Type B: noted to live at lower stress levels. They typically work steadily, and may enjoy achievement, although they have a greater tendency to disregard physical or mental stress when they do not achieve. When faced with competition, they may focus less on winning or losing than their Type A counterparts, and more on enjoying the game regardless of winning or losing. Unlike the Type A personality’s rhythm of multi-tasked careers, Type B individuals are sometimes attracted to careers of creativity: writer, counselor, therapist, actor or actress. However, network and computer systems managers, professors, and judges are more likely to be Type B individuals as well. Their personal character may enjoy exploring ideas and concepts. They are often reflective, and think of the “outer and inner world”.
See! I’m a writer! I must be Type B. However, let me examine Type A:
rude- I used to be terribly blunt but others did see it as rude. I’ve worked hard at changing that.
ambitious- glances at publication plans for this year. sighs.
rigidly organized- scoffs but is glad no one can see my mental filing cabinet of organized thoughts.
highly status-conscious- Being depressed because I have no new release while what feels like everyone else does is not status-conscious. It’s not!!
sensitive- no you’re sensitive. ::tear trickles down face::
impatient- For the love of Heaven if I get interrupted doing this blog post one more time!
anxious- Oh no. What will happen if I don’t finish this blog post?
proactive- But it will be finished because that’s why I schedule them ahead of time!
and concerned with time management- I have 11 minutes left for this task.
People with Type A personalities are often high-achieving “workaholics.” – No, it’s called a “working holiday.” It’s not my fault I can’t turn off my thoughts!
They push themselves with deadlines, and hate both delays and ambivalence- Glances at calendar and bites nails. Checks royalty payments and grabs a paper bag for deep breathing.
Um….so, yeah. I guess I am a Type A. And the truth is, I think I might really be hurting myself. Send thoughts and prayers as I try to sort some health things out which are no longer ignorable and maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn to take better care of myself. I’ll just have to schedule it in. 😉
Are you a Type A or Type B?
Rose Fairbanks 
I think I may be a combination of Type A and Type B personality. Get healthy and you’re in my prayers. Just be you especially the writer in you for I love your books.
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I am not even going there…what is…is. I know I am an abstract random person as we had to do a test for that when I took my elementary education courses at Moravian College. I can do several tasks at once, I like colors vs black and white, I like to do group work and don’t like individual competition (you mentioned some of that above). And I don’t always go 1.) 2.) 3.) or A, B, C when attacking a project…like when I sew up felt Christmas stockings or make my Polish Stars. I am always looking for short cuts are doing 4 steps in one segment. I do have a lot of organization in certain areas but in others I am a mess. I do find that I get things done when I give myself certain goals and a time limit…but I do make them reasonable. That way I can pat myself on the back and then do something not on the list and feel even better.
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