The Complete List of

ALIVE Big 5 Facets

For reference, here are all 30 of the ALIVE Big 5 facets (sub-traits). Want to fast-forward to a particular trait and list of facets. Just click the trait name here: Accommodation, Logistics, Ideation, Vitality, Emotion.

RESOLUTE

Skeptical

Opportunistic

Individualistic

Antagonistic

Bold

Unsympathetic

ACCOMMODATION

TRUST

MORALITY

ALTRUISM

COOPERATION

MODESTY

SYMPATHY

GIVING

Trusting

Moralistic

Altruistic

Collaborative

Modest

Sympathetic

Skeptical – You tend to doubt what you hear, view others with a skeptical eye, and are dubious about the trustworthiness of others, including the good intentions of those willing to share information. Remind yourself that despite your distrust, many people do have the best intentions and they’ll remain that way unless your behavior drives them in a different direction.

Opportunistic – You consider life inherently unfair. From your perspective, people lie, cheat, steal, and take advantage of others. To you it’s basic human nature. Anyone who differs with you is only proving your point. Be aware that while you may cheat to get ahead, you also are putting yourself at risk. And while in an abstract sense we all may act out of self interest, make sure you’re not always putting your own interests above society’s.

Individualistic – You are a rugged individualist who believes in being self-sufficient, picking yourself up by your own bootstraps, and refusing handouts. You similarly expect others to carry themselves the same way. Remind yourself that some people genuinely need a helping hand – at least to get back on their feet – and that your guidance in becoming self-sufficient can truly help them remain standing.

Antagonistic – You are confident in your ability to defend yourself, your turf, and your ideals. Woe to anyone who chooses to cross you because you love a good fight. Remind yourself that if you want to be a leader or valued member of a team, to check that potentially antagonistic style of yours – or reserve it for legitimate enemies.

Bold – You think highly of yourself, are proud of who you are, and in some instances believe you are better than others. But while being bold and confident can indeed be beneficial, remember that meaningful relationships allow each participant to feel special and unique – nobody wants to feel they are in the shadow of someone.

Unsympathetic – You believe most people who are in difficult or unfortunate situations are at least partially responsible for their situation. Remember that while there may be truth to the idea that hard work equates to good luck, there’s also truth to the idea that blaming others for their misfortune or minimizing their suffering isn’t fair until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Bad things can and do happen to good people.

Trusting – You tend to trust others, give people the benefit of the doubt and believe people generally have good intentions. Remember that many people do not share your code of ethics, meaning you not only may come across as gullible but that others make look to take advantage of your good nature.

Moralistic – You follow higher-order morals and social conventions that promote harmony and social well-being. You do what is right, even when it’s inconvenient or to your detriment. Remind yourself that others who lack your moral compass may appear to ‘win’ by taking advantage of you, but that ultimately the higher ground is a long-term win for you.

Altruistic – You put the needs, wants, and interests of others ahead of your own. You enjoy helping others and look for ways to lend a hand. Remind yourself that not everyone will want your help or will be too proud (or embarrassed) to accept it.

Collaborative – You take pains not to talk down to people or insult them and go out of your way to avoid creating conflict with others. From your perspective conflict is pointless. You cannot understand people who seek a ‘good fight’ or see value in it. Remind yourself that some conflict is actually critical to growth, innovation, and change. So don’t avoid conflict at all costs, especially when others can use that same conflict-avoidant mindset to take advantage of you.

Modest – You bring a natural humility to the people and events in your life. You are more than happy to cede the spotlight to others, to let them claim credit for accomplishments and achievements (some of which you may have contributed to). You delight in working with others toward mutually beneficial goals. Remember that while humility is indeed a virtue, there is nothing wrong with taking credit for what you accomplish.

Sympathetic – You care deeply about others, particularly those who are less fortunate than you. You may experience unease and even emotional distress when others are struggling. Remind yourself that a sympathetic reaction is to be admired, but especially when it is accompanied by action. So harness and direct those sympathetic energies toward beneficial outcomes for those in need.

SPONTANEOUS

Self-doubting

Disorganized

Rule-breaking

Easy-going

Procrastinating

Impulsive

LOGISTICS

CONFIDENCE

ORGANIZATION

DUTIFULNESS

HARD-WORKING

DISCIPLINE

CONSIDERATION

STRUCTURED

Confident

Organized

Dutiful

Hard-working

Reliable

Considered

Self-Doubting – You are uncertain of your ability to accomplish certain tasks or do them as well as you’d like. Things may not come as easily to you and may be compounded by feelings of self-doubt. Remind yourself of the things you’re actually good at – you may overlook them because you’re too focused on perceived weaknesses or shortcomings.

Disorganized – You are comfortable with a relatively high level of disorganization. You aren’t someone who needs to have your ducks all in a row and prioritize other things over cleaning and organizing. Remind yourself that some degree of ‘maintenance’ when it comes to cleaning and organization can actually allow you to dedicate more time to the activities you prefer (since, for example, you won’t waste gobs of time trying to find something when it’s needed).

Rule-breaking – You are someone who believes more in living by ‘the spirit of the law’ rather than the letter of it. You tend to bend the truth or even lie in difficult moments. Remind yourself that such habits will likely catch up with you at some point and even cost you important relationships if you fail to keep your word one time too many or are found to have been dishonest.

Easy-going – You are casual and relaxed about the work, obligations, and chores others may take more seriously. You may see the value in doing the bare minimum so you can spend your time the way you want in other areas of your life. Remind yourself that ‘hard work’ at times has its own benefits, especially when it comes to things you truly care about (and it won’t feel like work).

Procrastinating – You procrastinate and as a result often find yourself scrambling at the last minute to get things done. While you know procrastination is considered problematic by others, you actually see a lot of value in it. For example, goals often change, so by procrastinating you saved yourself the time and effort you’d have burned chasing that ill-fated goal. Remind yourself that such scenarios are the exception rather than the rule, and that your habit of procrastinating needs further investigation. Consider too the areas of your life where you don’t procrastinate. What’s different?

Impulsive – You trust your gut, make a decision, and roll with it. While that impulsiveness can get you into trouble, for the most part you see it as the right way to live life. Remind yourself that the bigger picture can require some focus and planning, so try to orient those impulses toward your larger life goals as much as possible.

Confident – You are confident in your ability to get things done, no doubt in part because you have a history of successfully achieving your goals whatever they might be. Remind yourself to dedicate some of your talents helping others develop their own sense of self-confidence and/or break patterns of self-doubt.

Organized – You enjoy getting things organized, cleaned up, and structured. When periods of disorganization or clutter inevitably arise, you are eager to put things back in order as soon as possible. Remind yourself that while being orderly and clean can be useful and aesthetically pleasing, don’t let those efforts overshadow more important things in your life.

Dutiful – You are conscientious, truthful, and do what’s expected of you. You rarely if ever break your promises. Remind yourself that some of the rules and codes of conduct that you live by may be outdated or no longer valid – that some rules are meant to be broken or at least challenged. however, that there are times when rules have become outdated or divorced from today’s logic. Some rules are ‘meant to be broken’ at times.

Hardworking – You set a high bar for yourself and others. You are hard-working and driven to achieve results. Remember that not everyone shares your drive or ambition so be careful not to impose your high standards and work ethic on everyone.

Reliable – You make commitments and immediately get to work fulfilling them. You’re dependable and reliable. Remember that not all goals, tasks and plans are equally important. You might benefit from de-prioritizing or eliminating some of what’s on your to-do list.

Considered – You are considered and thoughtful about the degree of effort needed to get things done and avoid rushing into things or behaving impulsively. Remind yourself that some degree of spontaneity and impulsiveness can be good for you by amping up your creative juices and adding a layer of playfulness to life.

PRACTICAL

Concrete

Utilitarian

Indifferent

Conventional

Pragmatic

Conservative

IDEATION

IMAGINATION

ARTISTIC

INTENSITY

ADVENTUROUSNESS

ABSTRACTION

OPENNESS

IMAGINATIVE

Dreaming

Art-Loving

Intense

Exploratory

Abstract

Open

Concrete – You keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, avoiding the kinds of far-out speculations and what-if scenarios that keep others from getting things done. You aren’t one to get embroiled in unnecessary philosophical discussions or brainstorming the next big thing when the current one is doing just fine. Remind yourself that what works great today was, once upon a time, the stuff of daydreams and open-minded discussions. As the changes in our world accelerate, so too will the demand for updates and changes, meaning you’ll either be playing catch up or helping to lead the charge.

Utilitarian – You recognize that while artistic expression is important to some, you aren’t one to get lost in art for art’s sake. And while there may be some forms of art you appreciate, you aren’t likely to elevate them over more pragmatic interests and responsibilities. Remind yourself that some people are genuinely passionate about art and, as such, that art does add value to life if only for those individuals (and there are worse things for being to be hooked on).

Stoical – You are unlikely to experience intense or overpowering emotions, especially in response to creative pursuits or aesthetics. You tend to observe events and experiences in an ‘unmoved’ or thoughtful, rather than emotional, way.

Conventional – You appreciate and are committed to the people, practices, and things that have served you well in life. You aren’t especially interested in reinventing the wheel or changing up things just to change them. Remind yourself that while comforting habits and the tried and true have their place, at some point they too were ‘new and different’ and in many cases you wouldn’t have found them without taking a chance.

Pragmatic – You tend to avoid philosophical or hypothetical discussions in favor of discussions – and activities – focused on getting things done. If it works, it works and the case is closed – you can’t make the wheel any rounder. Remind yourself today’s pragmatic, working solutions were at one time the subject of abstract, futuristic discussion – that there is a benefit to theoretical considerations.

Conservative – You bring a conservative, principled, values-centric approach to life and believe there are right and wrong ways of doing things. You are not open to the kinds of exploratory, anything-goes thinking that in your opinion dominates more liberal or progressive individuals.

Dreaming – You have a big, colorful imagination that keeps the horizon open to new possibilities. When not pursuing a creative new plan, you enjoy getting lost in thought, daydreaming about new potentials and possibilities. Remind yourself that while imagination is fertile soil for new ideas and innovations, they only take root when we move our heads from the clouds to more pragmatic pursuits.

Art-loving – You are a fan of the arts, recognizing that creative expression gets to the very roots of human passion, experience, emotion and spirit. You are easily moved by powerful works of art and music. Remind yourself that not everyone shares your enthusiasm for art and that they instead prefer more tangible, practical expressions of human ingenuity, need, and application.

Intense – You can get caught up in and surprised by the depth and intensity of certain experiences. You are more likely to feel a visceral or profound emotional reaction to things.

Exploratory – You tend to think about and experiment with new ways of doing things. Even if something works just fine, you’re inclined to think about new and improved approaches. While you have some tried and true habits, your preference is to mix things up and keep life fresh and unpredictable.

Abstract – You grasp high level or abstract concepts easier than most and prefer ideation and brainstorming to grinding through the data. You appreciate the value that comes from philosophical discussions even if they don’t immediately result in tangible benefits. Remind yourself to occasionally move from the conceptual to the real lest those around you dismiss you as an endless daydreamer who fails to get things done.

Open – You are generally open to the idea that you could be wrong on just about anything including topics about which you hold strong opinions. While you may not always be happy when your heartfelt beliefs are challenged, you are willing to entertain competing evidence that suggests a different truth.

QUIET

Reserved

Solitary

Unassuming

Available

Thrill-avoiding

Stoical

VITALITY

SOCIABILITY

PARTY-LOVING

ASSERTIVENESS

ACTIVITY

THRILL-SEEKING

CHEERFULNESS

ENTHUSIASTIC

Social

Party-loving

Assertive

Busy

Thrill-seeking

Fun-Loving

Reserved – You are generally slow to warm up in large and unfamiliar social situations. While you may possess strong social skills, you nevertheless may find yourself feeling uncomfortable in groups, particularly those populated with strangers.

Solitary – You prefer solitude and seclusion, quiet time and small, intimate gatherings. Large crowds with lots of stimulation quickly exhaust your energy supplies.

Unassuming – You are often hesitant about taking charge even on topics you know well, and are equally reluctant to exhibit competitiveness. As a result others may experience you as less leader-like than more extroverted types.

Available – You are generally selective about the quantity and quality of the activities you take on. Your preference is to focus on one task at a time versus many, thereby leaving yourself open to new opportunities.

Thrill-avoiding – You tend to avoid high-octane, adrenaline-pumping activities, preferring instead more serene or thoughtful uses of your time. White water rafting? No thanks. A leisurely paddle, by all means.

Stoical – You tend to be either emotionally sober, especially when in the presence of very cheerful and gregarious or enthusiastic types. You may not be sad, but you certainly are not as bubbly and cheerful as the life of the party.

Social – You are comfortable in your own skin and enjoy being around people. You derive energy and enjoyment from social engagements.

Party-loving – You thrive in large, dynamic social situations such as big partie, concerts, festival, or sporting events where sources of stimulation are high.

Assertive – You feel compelled to assume a leadership role when you’re confident on a topic and know the right way forward. You draw confidence from your inner convictions and know how to sell your ideas on how to move forward.

Busy – You usually have a lot on your plate and in those rare instances when you don’t you’ll find things to do. You are comfortable being busy and thrive in a hectic environment. Remind yourself that ‘busyness’ doesn’t always equate to productiveness, and that the quality of your efforts on tasks that truly matter may suffer if you are stretching yourself thin.

Thrill-seeking – You are a fan of adventure and adrenaline-producing activities. While you life circumstances may not always allow for big risks, when the opportunity presents itself you’re the one to take it.

Fun-loving – You’re bubbly, vivacious and full of energy. Basically, you think life is fun so people should be enjoying the ride you! Carpe diem! Remember that others are more prone to negative emotional experiences, and might misinterpret your cheerfulness as naive, blind to real struggles or a Pollyanna. Consider turning down the volume in somber moments or when people are in a different headspace.

REACTIVE

Stressed

Angry

Down

Avoidant

Unconstrained

Flustered

EMOTION

WORRY

ANGER

SADNESS

SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS

INDULGENCE

VULNERABILITY

CALM

Resilient

Patient

Even

Courageous

Self-controlled

Invulnerable

Stressed – You quickly see the things people should worry about. Your radar is tuned in to what could go wrong, and you feel the stress acutely. Make sure you take time to breathe, and don’t worry about things that don’t matter much, or can’t be managed.

Angry – You tend to get upset or lose your temper when things are not the way they ‘should’ be. While people or situations can make you quite angry, make sure you take a step back before you display your anger. Consider a few reasons why things are off from your expectations. Breathing, and showing patience and empathy can help you cool your jets.

Down – You’re prone to stretches of melancholy, sadness, and depressive thoughts. While nobody is immune from periods of disappointment and sadness in life, you are more likely to be drawn to those darker thoughts and to remain there for long stretches of time. Remind yourself that you’ve been in such situations before but also have emerged from them, meaning they won’t last. Remember, too, that life is also filled with many sources of light and happiness, and not to overlook or forget about those periods of your life.

Avoidant – You tend to be uncomfortable in some social situations due to a lack of self-confidence or feelings of intimidation with others. Remind yourself that this is a skillset you can tackle and ultimately master with time and effort, enabling you to feel confident in approaching others and expressing your opinions.

Unconstrained – You have some self-control challenges or may tend to overindulge in ways that are detrimental to your sense of wellbeing. Remind yourself to create environments that support your goals and ambitions while removing or eliminating sources of distraction that impede your success.

Flustered – You are prone to become flustered, anxious, or irritated in high pressure situations. Remind yourself to breathe – by centering your mind on the simple ebb and flow of your breathing, you can still those agitated thoughts. Next, take stock and determine whether those volatile thoughts are grounded in reality – the the theater really is on fire – or conditioned expectations (someone shouted ‘fire’ but there’s no evidence it’s real). Lastly, remember to trust yourself – you’ve been in difficult situations before and got through them.

Resilient – You can carry a lot on your back, roll with punches and keep plugging along. You are unlikely to get bogged down by fear, paralyzed by needless worries or general anxiety. Remember, some things are worth worrying about. And don’t minimize how stressed others feel. They are not as resilient as you.

Patient – You let things play out a bit, before getting upset or angry. You’re generally seen as patient and let things unfold. Make sure that you let others know what’s starting to annoy you, even though ‘anger’ won’t be a likely reaction of yours.

Even – You tend not to be experience the blues or stretches of recurring depressive thoughts. While nobody is immune from periods of disappointment and sadness in life, you aren’t drawn to dark places or, if you do, remain there for long.

Courageous – You tend to be comfortable and self confident in social situations, and somewhat less likely to feel intimidated. Remind yourself others may view you as courageous, when in reality, it may just be easier for you to approach others. Consider helping others who are feeling nervous, hesitant or easily intimidated. They likely wish they were more comfortable in their own skin.

Self-controlled – You don’t tend to overindulge in things no matter how tempting they are or how much you like them. You manage this either through greater self-control than most, or because you lack the cravings that haunt others.

Invulnerable – You are cool, calm and collected under pressure. While others might be freaking out, you keep your wits about you. You carry with you a sense that things will work out for the best and as such aren’t overly concerned or preoccupied with potential threats and risks.