You may have heard of archetypes, but did you know that your unique archetype is one of the keys to unlocking your personality? Originating in Plato and popularized by the work of analytical psychologist Carl Jung, archetype theory offers a way of understanding the main human motivations in society.
But what is an archetype? In short, Jung believed that we all internalize universal, mythical characters that represent fundamental, common experiences. When you know the archetype most strongly at play in your own mind, you can gain new self-knowledge. For example, you can use an archetypes list to get a better sense of what drives you, and what really makes you happy.
The following guide can be thought of as a type of archetype quiz, helping you identify your own traits. We’ll look at each archetype; what it means, the values it is associated with, and the careers it attracts.
You can think of archetypes of patterns of behavior that influence every aspect of your life. Each archetype definition is associated with different wants, needs, and sources of satisfaction.
Archetypes also influence the types of relationships you form, the kinds of people you attract, and how you respond to major events in your life. As you read through a description of each archetype personality, ask yourself this: which archetype are you?
In addition, give some thought to where you might find these archetypes in other aspects of your life. For example, can you find your partner, a sibling, your best friend or either of your parents on this list?
1. The Creative ArchetypeThe Creative values authentic self-expression, creativity and originality.
If you identify with this archetype, you have a relaxed, reflective personality and find it easy to see beauty in the world. You probably like bright colors and thrive when having new sensory experiences.
You will be happiest when you are making something from scratch, whether with your hands or with your words. On the other hand, you probably struggle with an instinct to make everything “perfect” and quickly become bored with repetition.
Unsurprisingly, the professions that come under this archetype tend to be artistic. You might be a painter, a musician or a poet.
However, The Creative can also find satisfaction in cooking, writing novels, or even just creative problem-solving.
Celebrity Creative Archetypes Include: Andy Warhol, Martha Stewart, Mozart, Mark Twain, J.K Rowling, Dr. Suess
2. The Performer ArchetypeOn the standard Jungian archetypes test, The Performer is described as someone who loves positive attention and wants to move others to experience strong emotions.
If you are The Performer, you probably get excited by traveling to new places and going to social events.
For The Performer, nothing feels better than knowing you’re entertaining others. However, you would even rather have some negative attention than no attention at all. As such, you might sometimes find yourself addicted to gossip or drama!
Any career that is linked to performing will fit this particular archetype. The obvious examples include acting, comedy, and magic.
That being said, even if you don’t entertain in your day job you may manifest your archetype elsewhere.
If you love to tell stories to your friends or make a fool of yourself to make others laugh, for example, then you might just be a Performer. Famous Performers include most actors (on stage and screen).
Celebrity Performer Archetypes Include: Madonna, Pink, Ellen Degeneres, Michael Jackson
3. The Athlete ArchetypeThe third of the Carl Jung archetypes, The Athlete is all about being physically active. If you fit this particular archetype, you probably prioritize fitness, are proud of your physique and follow sports pretty closely.
The Athlete is most fulfilled when achieving any goals (not just ones regarding fitness) and loves to track progress.
The major pitfall of this archetype is that you might also be highly competitive. This can drive you to success, but also into conflict!
In terms of your working life, you may be drawn to professional sport, dancing, and outdoorsy careers like farming or mountain guiding.
For you, the worst possible kinds of jobs involving sitting on a chair all day and not getting to go outside.
Celebrity Athlete Archetypes Include: Michael Phelps, Candace Parker, Anna Kournikova, Lebron James, Serena Williams
4. The Rebel ArchetypeWhile being aligned with The Rebel archetype may not sound so great at first, don’t despair.
The Rebel has justice and fairness as core values, so you probably fight for what is right at all costs.
Do you love freedom, pushing boundaries and making up your own mind? Find out if you are the Rebel Archetype with this free quiz (click here now).
As The Rebel, you’ll be happiest when you’re living outside the confines of society’s norm, especially when championing good causes. Nevertheless, you should be mindful of a propensity to go too far, as you might be at risk of breaking the law.
When it comes to finding the right career, you can easily be drawn to charity work and law in your quest for justice.
You won’t find joy in a job where you don’t get to set, or at least influence, the rules of the game. You might also find yourself attracted to protesting and advocating for social change
Celebrity Rebel Archetypes Include: Bob Dylan, Prince, Rihanna, Lena Dunham, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West
5. The Caregiver ArchetypeFor The Caregiver, the core values are empathy, compassion, and love.
If you embody this Archetype, you most likely give a lot to friends, family and even strangers. You are probably the first person people call when they need help!
You know you’re The Caregiver if you’re blissfully happy in the company of family and friends. The flipside is that you have a hard time saying “no” to requests, even when your resources are running low.
The types of careers that attract The Carer include teaching, counseling, medicine, alternative healing, and coaching.
For other caregivers, careers are not a top priority, so you may find more satisfaction in focusing on raising a family.
Since this archetype is often associated with tireless background work, there are few famous Carers. You don’t live for recognition from the general public so much as from the individuals whose lives you touch.
Celebrity Caregiver Archetypes Include: Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale, Michele Obama, Bob Doyle
