Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives (29 page)

Are you an Upholder, a Questioner, a Rebel, or an Obliger? Take this quiz. Check off every statement that describes you.

By design, the Four Tendencies overlap, so you'll have checks in more than one category; if you're like most people, you'll find that one category will more accurately describe your attitudes.

This quiz isn't dispositive; it's just meant to help you get a clearer reading on yourself. Having the same number of checks in two categories doesn't mean that you're split between those types. Think about the Tendencies and figure out the one that best describes you.

____
I feel uncomfortable if I'm with someone who's breaking a rule—using a cell phone when a sign reads “No cell phones”—even if that person isn't going to get in trouble and isn't bothering anyone else.

____
I can meet a self-imposed deadline, even one that's set somewhat arbitrarily.

____
I've made New Year's resolutions in the past, and I usually have good success in keeping them. (Note: this question is specifically about
New Year's
resolutions.)

____
It's just as important to keep my promises to
myself
as it is to keep my promises to
other people
.

____
Other people sometimes feel annoyed by my level of discipline. I've been accused of being rigid.

____
If I want to make a change in my life, I'll make it right away. I won't make a New Year's resolution, because January 1 is a meaningless date.

____
It's very important for me to make well-reasoned decisions; in fact, other people sometimes become frustrated by my demand for information and sound reasons.

____
It really bothers me when I'm asked to do something for what seems to be an arbitrary reason.

____
I like to hear from experts, but I decide for myself what course to follow. Even if I'm given a very specific instruction (say, with an exercise routine), I'll tweak it according to my own judgment.

____
I can start a new habit without much effort, if it's something that makes sense for my aims. Otherwise, I won't do it.

____
I question the validity of the Four Tendencies framework.

____
People often turn to me for help—to edit a report, to take over a carpool run, to speak at a conference at the last minute—because they know I'll pitch in, even when I'm swamped myself.

____
I've given up making New Year's resolutions, because I never keep them.

____
I'll do something to be a good role model for someone else, even if it's not something that I'd do for myself: practice piano, eat vegetables, quit smoking.

____
I get frustrated by the fact that I make time for other people's priorities, but struggle to make time for my own.

____
In my life, I've adopted some good habits, but I often struggle without success to form others.

____
I don't make New Year's resolutions or try to form habits. I won't cage myself like that.

____
I do what I want to do; I'm true to myself, not other people's expectations.

____
If someone asks or tells me to do something, I often have the impulse to refuse.

____
Other people sometimes become frustrated because I won't do what they want me to do.

____
I enjoy a challenge as long as I choose to accept it and can tackle it in my own way.

____
If I'm expected to do something—even something fun, like a woodworking class—I have the urge to resist; the expectation takes the fun out of an activity that I enjoy.

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