Pusher
The driven, task focused part which wants to take action
"Just do it."
Total Character Score
3.7
Character Statements
I will push through tiredness to get a task done.
3.7
I make lists in my head of what needs to get done.
3.7
No matter how much I get done, I think that I should have done more.
3.7
Your Pusher is the part of you which gives you:
A powerful work ethic, and a desire to be as productive as possible
An action orientation, and impatience with anything that keeps you from taking action
A high sense of urgency, a desire to make forward progress as quickly as possible
Being
The patient, relaxed part that wants to rest, reflect and enjoy the present
"Be here now."
Total Character Score
3.7
Character Statements
I am a patient person. I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere.
3.7
I actively prioritize being present and mindful in my life.
3.7
I often have a hard time getting started on a task, project, or activity.
3.7
Your Being is the part of you which gives you:
A relaxed, laid-back, chill attitude
Patience, a preference for taking your time, enjoying the moment, stopping to smell the roses
A desire to be as present as possible, to live fully in this moment.
Overuse Patterns
Your score of 3 suggests moderate risk of over-using Being.
You may be over-using your Pusher if:
You overwork yourself, pushing yourself past your limits, ignoring your need for rest.
You feel impatient with anything that slows you down
You multi-task: you are so focused on the next task that you’re not fully present for the current task
You feel that no matter how much you do, you should have done more
You have difficulty switching off your active mind. You think a lot about what needs to be done. Incomplete tasks nag at you.
You feel guilty if you stop working.
You rush from task to task, completing them in a rote manner. You are more “human doing” than “human being.”
You have difficulty staying in the present moment; you keep busy as a way of not having to feel difficult feelings like uncertainty, disorientation, sadness, fear.
You can be reactive, emphasizing speed of response to a stimulus over wise action.
You seek stimulation, and get antsy when you don’t have something to do.
Your score of 3 suggests moderate risk of over-using Being.
You may be over-using Being if:
You prioritize your inner state over external concerns. Creating a calm, coherent mind and heart feels more important to you than taking action in the world.
You are patient to a fault, waiting for circumstances to “feel right” before you act. You can underestimate your capacity to create that feeling through taking action.
You have a tendency to withdraw and disengage from anything that might disrupt your sense of inner harmony.
You experience a lot of inertia; it can be difficult to get yourself started.
You sometimes delay taking action, which can look like procrastination or avoidance.
You can fall into patterns of passivity or complacency.
You can disappear into your inner world, feeling reluctant to translate vision or desire into action.
Addressing Overuse
You can address overuse of Pusher by accessing the following strengths of Being:
Make a commitment to focus your attention on one task at a time. As an experiment, practice by putting down your fork between bites of food. Don’t prepare the next mouthful until you have savored and swallowed the current one. See if you notice a difference in the experience.
Learn to insert pauses: to connect to purpose behind your actions, to calm your nervous system, to rest/recover.
Identify what renews and refuels you when you’re depleted; prioritize this.
When your attention is consumed with your to-do list, practice pausing, and finding something you are grateful for right now.
You can address overuse of Being by accessing the following strengths of Pusher:
Focus on starting... don’t worry about what follows, simply take the first step.
Focus on baby steps: identify a small step which is 100% within your control, which you can take right now (not tomorrow!)
Reflect on how the feeling of completing an important task. Make a commitment to complete one item on your list today.
Balancing Pusher Being
Why does Pusher/Being Balance Matter?
Achieve results and enjoy the journey
Balance activity and rest, so you don’t burn out
Connect your actions to your intentions to live with more meaning and purpose
How do you know when Pusher and Being are balanced?
You can insert a pause before you respond to a stimulus, and your actions feel like a choice rather than a reactive compulsion.
You can stop working and rest without guilt.
You know that your value in the world is a blend of what you do and who you be.