Tina Fey
We all have character traits that influence how we interact with others, but sometimes our behaviors can make us less of a pleasure to be around than we’d like to acknowledge.
You may reflect on your interactions and struggle to see the positivity or question whether your behavior is within the realm of the agreeable or not.
How do you determine if your behaviors are making you a not-so-easy-going person, or if it’s just the normal ebb and flow of human temperament?
Here are 8 specific actions that could be indicative of a not-so-easy-going personality. If these signs hit close to home, it might be time to address some hidden behaviors.
1) You overreact to small things
It’s only human to get upset when things don’t go your way, but if you find yourself losing your temper over minor inconveniences or small missteps, then you might be less easy-going than you think.
Perhaps traffic makes you see red, or a misplaced coffee cup sends your mood spiraling into frustration.
These reactions, while understandable in the heat of the moment, can be exhausting for those around you and create an atmosphere of tension.
The occasional outburst is a part of life, but if it happens frequently, it may be a sign that your approach to life is more high-strung than laid-back.
Learning to let small things slide can lead to a more relaxed, easy-going existence and healthier relationships with those around you.
It will also make it easier for you to go through transitions…
2) You struggle to adapt to change
Life is a constant stream of change, and while it’s natural to feel slightly uncomfortable when our routines are disrupted, an easy-going person can roll with the punches.
If you find yourself resisting change at every turn, or becoming anxious and upset when things don’t go exactly as planned, this could indicate a less than easy-going nature.
Perhaps a sudden change in your work schedule leaves you feeling stressed for the rest of the week, or a friend’s last-minute cancellation throws your whole day off balance.
It’s okay to crave stability and predictability, but life rarely plays along with our plans.
If you find difficulty in adapting to changes, big or small, it might be time to explore ways to increase your flexibility and resilience.
Remember, change is a part of life and often brings along unforeseen opportunities. Learning to embrace it can make you more easy-going and open-minded.
Especially since change means exploration…
3) You’re reluctant to try new things
Stepping out of our comfort zones can be challenging for all of us, but it’s a necessary part of personal growth and enjoying the full range of what life has to offer.
If you find yourself sticking to the tried-and-true, avoiding new experiences, or feeling anxious at the thought of trying something different, you may not be as easy-going as you think.
I remember a time when I was invited to a salsa dancing class.
The idea of trying something so unfamiliar, and in public no less, initially filled me with dread. I almost turned down the invitation, preferring to stick to my usual routine.
But then I realized my reluctance was holding me back from potentially enjoyable experiences. So, I pushed my apprehension aside and gave it a go.
It turned out to be a fantastic evening filled with laughter, learning, and a newfound appreciation for dance.
Being open to new experiences is a hallmark of an easy-going personality.
Remember, it’s okay to feel uncertain when trying new things. The key is not letting that fear prevent you from stepping out of your comfort zone.
But it won’t happen if you always strive for perfection…
4) You’re a perfectionist
While striving for excellence is admirable, an unrelenting pursuit of perfection can often make us, and those around us, tense.
If you find yourself stressing over every minor detail, unable to let go of mistakes or constantly dissatisfied with results that are less than perfect, you may not be as easy-going as you perceive yourself to be.
A study found that high levels of perfectionism can lead to stress, burnout, and potential mental health issues.
The pursuit of flawlessness can often rob us of the joy found in the process of doing, creating, or learning something new.
Learning to accept that nobody and nothing is perfect can be a significant step towards becoming more easy-going.
Embrace the beauty of imperfection and remember that it’s through our mistakes and failures that we learn and grow.
In other words, try to relax more…
5) You struggle to relax
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take time for ourselves.
However, if you find it challenging to unwind, always feeling like you should be doing something productive, or struggling to enjoy downtime without feeling guilty, you might not be as easy-going as you’d like.
I recall a time when I was on a beach vacation with my family. Instead of enjoying the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere, I found myself constantly checking work emails and worrying about the tasks waiting for me back at home.
It wasn’t until my daughter pointed out that I seemed more stressed on vacation than at work that I realized I had a problem letting go.
Being able to relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures is a crucial element of an easy-going personality.
Remember, it’s not just okay, but essential to take time for yourself.
Disconnecting from the constant need to be productive can lead to increased happiness, creativity, and overall well-being.
Remember, being “imperfect” doesn’t define you as a person…
6) You take things personally
We all experience criticism and feedback in various aspects of our lives, and it’s natural to feel a bit defensive.
However, if you often find yourself taking things personally, feeling attacked or slighted over minor comments or actions, this could be a sign that you’re not as easy-going as you might believe.
For example, if you find yourself stewing over a casual comment made by a colleague or feeling deeply wounded by a friend’s light-hearted jest, it might indicate a tendency to take things more personally than required.
This can lead to unnecessary stress and conflict, both for you and those around you.
Learning to separate personal identity from external feedback can help in developing a more easy-going nature.
It’s important to remember that people’s comments or actions are often more about them than about you.
Developing a more positive outlook on people’s intentions and life in general can help, too…
7) You’re often pessimistic
Life comes with its fair share of ups and downs, but maintaining a positive outlook can make all the difference.
If you often find yourself focusing on the negative aspects of situations, expecting the worst outcomes, or generally having a pessimistic outlook, it suggests that you may not be as easy-going as you think.
Research shows that pessimism can not only dampen our mood but also affect our physical health.
Shifting towards a more positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges but viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Developing an attitude of positivity and optimism can help foster a more easy-going personality.
Remember, how we perceive our circumstances significantly influences our experiences and reactions.
That means holding your composure even if things are uncertain…
8) You struggle with uncertainty
Life is full of uncertainties, and it’s normal to feel uncomfortable when faced with the unknown.
However, if feelings of anxiety and worry overwhelm you when things are uncertain or plans aren’t set in stone, it might be a sign that you’re not as easy-going as you’d like to be.
For instance, if waiting for a response from a job interview leaves you in knots, or not knowing the weekend plans until the last minute makes you anxious, it might be worth exploring ways to become more comfortable with uncertainty.
Embracing uncertainty and learning to go with the flow can significantly contribute to a more easy-going nature.
Remember, life is an adventure, and sometimes, the best experiences come from the most unexpected places.
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