Paragon Learning Style

I was skeptical of taking yet another learning styles test for this class.  Most of us have taken many of these type tests by the time we get this far in college.  However, the thing that I found different about this test was that it integrated questions about how you act in social situations.  The result of my test, which was the ISTP, actually revealed some of the aspects of my personality I have always said, oh no that's not me, etc.

I have always struggled with the idea that I have grown into a more introspective person as an adult.  The ISTP style pointed this out, and how it can also be a good thing.  I am not comfortable with approaching strangers, but I am very warm and comfortable with people I am already somewhat acquainted with.  This can help me on Etsy, because I do not have to approach strangers face-to-face.  Instead, I can look at potential customers who contact me as someone I already have commonalities with, because they are interested in my product.  Therefore, I need to be friendly, helpful, and prompt with responses.

I also learned that it is much easier for me to complete tasks when I have order and routine, so it will be very important for me to keep up with what I need to do each week for the store, making sure to answer emails and ship productts in a timely manner.  This will allow me to not feel like I am behind and overwhelmed in unfinished tasks.

The dualities of Thinker/Feeler was something I have struggled with.  I have always thought of myself as a more freethinking person.  However, being classified as a Thinker rather than a feeler surprised me.  I have to remember that this does not make me boring or dull.  Rather, being a thinker will allow me to use a critical eye when evaluating item quality or writings for my shop.  I can use this critical, rational ability to be objective and make my store and items better.

I also found it very interesting that the ISTP style is sometimes described as the craftsperson.  This does not necessarily mean the artist; rather the artisan or craftsperson is great at production, which I agree with.  I can have a very hard time generating my new ideas.  However, as soon as I have a set task, I can be meticulous and driven with my work.  I plan to use this "strike while the iron is hot", and focus on completing items efficiently once I have a set plan for making them.

Lastly, I think it is important to remember that the PLS is only a learning test, and does not define WHO I am as a person, rather it just helps to explain how I think and can best learn.  I had to realize that just because I thought of myself as one type of person, doesn't mean I don't know myself.  Embracing the results of this test help me to be more successful in schoolwork and developing better ways of doing Etsy work.