End the struggle to fit in: just be yourself!
Find the amazing that’s already in you! In a world that constantly pushes us in different directions, staying true to ourselves can feel challenging. The Authentic Behavior Contrast (ABContrast.com) offers a skills-based guide for understanding who we are at our core, making it easier to navigate external pressures while remaining aligned with our true nature. Through the 4 directions of preference and the 5 main type “H.E.A.D.S.” framework—Harmonic, Empathic, Autocratic, Dynamic, and Static—we gain a clearer picture of our authentic strengths in as many as 6 areas of skills, traits, behavior and personality assessment. This post explores how each type can recognize and protect their unique skills in ways that honor their core tendencies without being swayed by external expectations. Let’s dive into how each type in the ABContrast system can stay true to themselves in a world that often pressures us to change.
How Each H.E.A.D.S. Type Stays True to Their Authentic Skills
Harmonic: The Neutral Guide (directions: a little bit of each, but all of none)
Harmonic types embody a balanced alignment between forward, reserved, practical and interpersonal tendencies. Naturally inclined to bring calm and objectivity to situations, they can feel pressure to “pick a side” when others lean heavily in one of the four directions. In contrast, they are at their best when honoring their gift for seeing all sides and offering unbiased insights. The Authentic Behavior Contrast skills assessment helps Harmonic types recognize their stabilizing influence and feel confident in bringing a balanced perspective to groups or discussions. Guidance Tip for Harmonics: Instead of conforming to group biases, stay centered in your objectivity. Show people that your balanced perspective is a deliberate strength, not hesitation.
Empathic: The Supportive Encourager (directions: reserved and interpersonal)
Empathic types are naturally reserved and interpersonal, drawing energy from supportive roles and close connections. External pressures often push Empathics toward more assertive or public-facing roles, but the Authentic Behavior Contrast clarifies that their real strength lies in creating a sense of safety and encouragement for others. Empathics can embrace this gift and resist pressures to “be louder” by focusing on what they uniquely contribute: depth, understanding, and emotional support.Guidance Tip for Empathics: Remember that your quieter, supportive approach builds genuine connection. Seek spaces where your ability to nurture and relate can shine.
Autocratic: The Decisive Planner (directions: forward and practical)
Autocratic types excel in being forward and practical, naturally drawn to clear, goal-oriented actions. The world may often encourage Autocrats to compromise or seek consensus, which can sometimes blur their clarity. The ABContrast skills assessment reinforces that Autocratic types thrive when they remain true to their decisive nature. They guide best by setting a clear direction and using their confidence to bring structure to situations, embracing a role where they can make swift, considered decisions. Guidance Tip for the Autocratics: Trust in the value of your decisiveness, and don’t always feel pressured to soften your approach. By staying true to your practical strengths, while respecting that others may do the same, you contribute clarity and momentum.
Dynamic: The Engaging Connector (directions: forward and interpersonal)
Dynamic types are forward and interpersonal, bringing energy and approachability wherever they go. External pressures might urge Dynamics to tone down their enthusiasm or conform to quieter settings, but the Authentic Behavior Contrast highlights their natural skill for engaging others. As connectors, Dynamics excel when they harness their interpersonal energy and inspire those around them. They stay true to themselves by recognizing their role in bringing people together, even if it means occasionally standing out. Guidance Tip for Dynamics: Seek out roles or environments that celebrate your enthusiasm. Recognize that your ability to engage others is a unique gift that enriches team spirit and creativity.
Static: The Reliable Organizer (directions: reserved and practical)
Static types are reserved and practical, thriving in environments where order and predictability are valued. External pressures can sometimes push Statics to be more spontaneous or adaptive, but the Authentic Behavior Contrast highlights that their real skill lies in creating structure and dependability. By staying true to their grounded approach, Statics provide stability in uncertain situations, serving as the “anchor” in both personal and professional contexts. Guidance Tip for Statics: Embrace the value you bring through consistency. When others might seek change, your steady, practical approach keeps everything on track.
Navigating External Pressures While Grasping for Authenticity
External pressures affect each H.E.A.D.S. type differently. Harmonics might feel encouraged to “take a stand,” Empathics might be pushed to “speak up,” Autocratic types might hear calls for compromise, Dynamics might be asked to “tone it down,” and Statics might feel nudged toward spontaneity. Through the lens of ABContrast, each type can recognize these pressures and assess whether they’re being asked to go against their core personhood. This awareness allows each type to choose authenticity over caving to pressures from external influence, maintaining alignment with who they truly are. By consistently returning to the unique skills revealed through the Authentic Behavior Contrast, individuals can still set clear boundaries and make choices that respect their authentic selves. Yes, there will be plenty of times to get outside of your comfort zone with behaviors that aren’t natural for you, so plan accordingly and don’t go into those situations without first charging your emotional battery.
Practical Guidance for Staying True to Your Authentic Type
Perform Regular Authenticity Checks: Periodically ask, “Am I acting in a way that feels authentic?” This helps maintain alignment with your core strengths. For anyone that’s experienced one, panic attacks are an easy indicator that you may need to tone things down… duh… but there are all sorts of other clues. Become sensitive to the differences you sense in yourself and find the answers to why.
Set Boundaries Mindfully: Recognize situations where you feel pressured to conform. Setting boundaries in these areas helps you stay grounded in your type. If, and WHEN, you slip up just use it as a learning opportunity rather than wallowing in defeat.
Find Supportive Spaces: Seek environments and relationships that appreciate your unique skills rather than requiring you to change them. Think of this as the “charging station” – you don’t need to stay there forever, but it’s good to top off the battery now and then, yes?
Aim for Growth Over Change: Personal growth doesn’t mean compromising your authenticity. Focus on growth that enhances your strengths rather than pushes you toward opposing tendencies. There’s a lot of good and so much capability within the unique approach of each type – optimize what you already have before resorting to changing things up.
Celebrate Authentic Victories: Take note of moments where you stayed true to yourself, especially in challenging situations. These are the building blocks of self-confidence. And help those around you do the same. “It takes one to know one”… our own struggles teach lessons that can help the next person in their time of need.
Challenge: Stay True as an Ongoing Journey into Authenticity
Authentic self-guidance is a continuous journey. The skills highlighted through the ABContrast model can help us recognize our core strengths and build confidence in staying true to ourselves, even amid pressure to conform. Each H.E.A.D.S. type brings distinct skills to the table, and honoring these strengths allows us to show up as the best version of ourselves in every aspect of life. Embrace this path with curiosity and self-awareness, knowing that each decision you make from a place of authenticity enriches your journey.
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