“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew” (St. Francis de Sales).

I’ve always thought learning about personality types was fascinating. When I was growing up, I loved taking personality quizzes in magazines and learning about myself (who doesn’t want to know what ice cream flavor they would be?). At my core, I had an aching desire to understand myself.

The Four Temperaments

One of the most prominent personality theories in the Catholic sphere is the four temperaments. As defined by Lorraine and Art Bennett, authors of “The Temperament God Gave You,” our temperament is “the sum of our natural preferences; it shapes our thoughts, ideas, impressions, and the way we tend to react to our environment and to other people.” The four temperaments (sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, and melancholic) originated thousands of years ago. Hippocrates, the first to develop personality theory, defined the four temperaments according to four types of fluids of the body. Modern scientists have since expanded on personality and temperament theories and used them to provide insight into human nature.

Here is a brief description of each temperament:

Melancholic

The melancholic temperament is characterized by perfectionism and idealism. Melancholics are sensitive and deeply concerned with justice, and they may struggle with depression and pessimism. In the workplace, melancholics are often organized and goal-oriented, but they can be self-critical.

Choleric

The choleric is a strong-willed, passionate temperament. Cholerics are rational and reasonable, will take charge of any situation, and will always let you know what they’re thinking. In the workplace, cholerics are energetic leaders, and doers, but they may have a tendency toward impatience.

Sanguine

The sanguine is fun-loving, creative, and definitely a “people person.” Sanguines tend to look on the bright side and are usually outgoing and compassionate to others. They want to make others happy and are open with their emotions. In the workplace, sanguines are cheerful, enthusiastic, and communicative, but they may struggle with a lack of discipline.

Phlegmatic

The phlegmatic temperament is reserved, reflective, and dependable. Plegmatics are characterized by their calm, sometimes almost lethargic, attitude. They are excellent listeners and have great empathy. In the workplace, phlegmatics are relaxed, easy-going, and focused, but they may struggle with timidity.

How Can Your Temperament Help You?

In the Workplace

The more you understand your personality and your natural reactions, the more you can set yourself up for success. A sanguine may be wonderful around others but have to work more to maintain his or her focus in solo work. A phlegmatic may excel in solo work but have to work on his or her confidence when presenting ideas to a group. A choleric is likely a natural leader but may have trouble with patience. A melancholic may have a great work ethic but struggle with self-criticism and perfectionism.

I used to constantly struggle with anxiety over every project I was working on. As a melancholic, I am prone to perfectionism and tend to put way too much pressure on myself, and I react negatively (even if just internally) to criticism. When I realized why I was reacting in this way, I was able to take steps to consciously place less pressure on myself and remind myself that perfection is unattainable. My self-talk has changed, and I can better prepare myself for situations that may have negatively affected me before.

In Your Relationships

We all know that the better we understand ourselves, the better we can relate with others. For example, people who process events and experiences internally (like the phlegmatic and the melancholic) may need time to themselves before opening up to others. Alternatively, cholerics and sanguines may do better when they process things externally (i.e., “talking out” their feelings).

My boyfriend struggled to understand why I was reluctant to discuss a negative experience. As a melancholic, I am an internal processor. When I explained that I needed time to think it through and understand my own thoughts on the issue before sharing, everything became more clear to my boyfriend.

In Your Prayer Life

In the spiritual life, more self-knowledge leads to a closer relationship with God. The more you understand your strengths and weaknesses, the more you can strive for sanctity. A choleric’s strong will can help in maintaining discipline in the spiritual life, but he or she may need to work on cultivating patience. A sanguine, sensitive to the needs of others, will be willing to help and pray for others but may need to work on cultivating discipline. A phlegmatic will often excel at maintaining peace but may struggle with laziness. Finally, meditation and contemplation may come easily to the melancholic, but he or she may struggle with despair.

In my own spiritual life, realizing that my mind is prone to despairing thoughts has helped me cultivate trust. I have had to work on cultivating trust in God, and I continue to build that trust daily. 

Consider spending some time reflecting upon your own temperament. Gaining knowledge about yourself can equip you to deal more effectively with whatever life throws your way.

Mary Grace Dostalik, born and raised a Texas girl, recently graduated from Benedictine College with a major in evangelization and catechesis. She is a dancer, a writer, and a wanna-be explorer. Mary Grace loves to spend her spare time choreographing dances, going on runs, practicing calligraphy, and searching for the best chai tea latte. She is doing her best to go wherever God calls her, whether it be Oklahoma, Kansas, Ireland, or back to Texas. Mary Grace is currently living her dream of serving the Church by working as the marketing and communications manager at a parish in Frisco, Texas.