What is a Type A Personality: Distinctive Traits and How to Live With It

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A Type A personality includes traits such as over-ambition, over-focus and competitiveness. Here’s everything you need to know

Be it your habits, your mannerisms, the way you speak – everything has its roots in your personality. Our personality depends on our tendencies and they can be classified into four types – Type A, B, C and D. Type A and Type B personalities are on different sides of the spectrum. One personality type can be described as impatient and domineering, while the other personality type consists of people who want to live a more relaxed and stress-free life.

However, people who fall under one personality type may not have all the traits, and personality types may overlap. Health Shots consulted psychologist Dr. Mala Muralidhar to understand the various characteristics of a Type A personality and how it differs from a Type B personality.

What is Type A Personality?

People with type A personality appear to be focused on their goals and achievements. “They minimize all other areas of life and prioritize one area. They feel like they can’t live in the present while doing things. These people can achieve things and are high-achieving,” explains Dr. Muralidhar. They may exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Easily irritated and impatient
  • control or dominance
  • Ignore self-care needs
  • Feel the pressure when it’s late
  • Prestigious
  • Multi task

Advantages of Type A personality can be seen as high success and achievement. “They are very diligent and can achieve wealth and recognition. However, they may face chronic physical or mental conditions,” says Dr Muralidhar.

A woman at a work desk
People with Type A personality tend to neglect self-care. Image courtesy: Pexels

How does the environment affect the Type A personality?

Environment plays a major role in shaping individuals with Type A personality. You may have grown up in a very competitive environment at home and that may have contributed to your ambitious nature. “High expectations and pressure placed on children by a highly critical growing up environment and an environment of adults, leads to a child’s Type A personality. While growing up, children internalize this pressure as their identity. This makes them highly critical and can push themselves to higher standards,” explained Dr. Muralidhar.

Also read

Managing Adult ADHD: How to Cope with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Also Read: Personality Disorder and Mental Illness: What’s the Difference?

Tips for living a good life with a Type A personality

Your personality type defines who you are and you shouldn’t try to change it. However, living in a highly competitive state of mind all the time can be taxing. Here are some ways to relax and breathe:

1. Know their weaknesses

It’s important to understand your triggers and avoid stressing yourself out. Once these are identified, you can address them before they affect you.

2. Learning kindness

Try to focus on being kind to others on purpose. Showing compassion for the needs of others can also help.

3. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a very helpful tool. It helps you learn how to focus on the here and now.

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4. Developing passions

Taking time to pursue your hobbies and interests can help reduce stress and give you a much-needed breather.

Woman doing yoga
People with Type A personalities can feel better by doing yoga, meditating, and taking breaks. Image courtesy: Pexels

5. Take a break

Even if you don’t feel the need, it’s important to stop and rest for a while. Meditation, yoga or focusing on your breathing can help do this.

6. Exercise

Even if it’s not strenuous, exercising for 15-20 minutes every day, jogging around the park or taking a simple walk can help clear your mind.

7. Professional assistance

If you feel like things are getting out of hand, you’re feeling very stressed and anxious, getting professional help may help you cope better. A mental health professional can guide you on how to find your stress-triggers.

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