My 7 Dimensions of Personality (Part One)

I took a test online which is supposed to give me insights on certain aspects--of how I look at the world and those around me. I don't know if it is reliable. But I have to say it's pretty darn accurate (not all though, mostly lang).

Dimension #1: Modern versus Traditional
People who are more traditional tend to carry those feelings over into their search for love. For example, traditional types tend to believe that when a man and a woman go on a date, the man should pay. They're also likely to feel that red roses are the perfect gift for a first date and that idealistic weddings are the only way to go. For someone who is traditional, tried-and-true rituals are important to uphold.

Your score shows that you're more traditional. This means that in love, you're more inclined to follow time-tested dating patterns, especially at the beginning of a relationship. You may even come from a long line of daters who've taught you the many "rules" of courtship - both explicit and implicit. These kinds of dating traditions dictate what a man is supposed to do in a relationship and what a woman is supposed to do.

Dimension #2: Independent versus Connected
People who are highly connected tend to make their relationships with others a priority. They keep in close touch with family and friends when they can and are usually softhearted, empathic people.

Your score weighed more heavily on the connected end of the scale. This means that when a friend or a family member is in need, you're probably front and center doing whatever you can to help. This goes double when you're in a relationship. You seem to value the special bond that can be created when two people become involved and you'll likely go to great lengths to preserve it. Being connected creates a kind of warmth that naturally emanates from you. Others are apt to spot this caring nature and be drawn to you because of it.

Dimension #3: Easygoing versus Particular
Highly particular people tend to strive for perfection in whatever they do. They also tend to have refined, and at times expensive, tastes. Appearance can be important to particular types, so taking care of themselves is often a high priority.

In your case, you scored on the more particular end of the continuum. This indicates that you're one of those people who knows what you like. As a result, you're likely to have more discerning tastes than many people around you do. When you see something you want - whether it's a new car, a new coat, or even a new love - it can be hard to accept second best. You'd usually rather keep striving. That's what makes you particular. Because you like to be your best, you typically like to look your best too. In fact, you've probably received more than your share of compliments you on your put-together looks or great outfits. Being particular means you're apt to be more talented than most people are when it comes to self-care, style, and grooming. In this way, people like you tend to make a great first impression.

Dimension #4: Emotional versus Rational
Those who scored high on the rational scale are people who can usually take a step back during a heated situation in order to think out how best to respond. When provoked, their level-headedness makes them more likely to step back from an argument rather than fan the flames. Rational types are also typically strong thinkers who enjoy working through challenging problems to find a solution.

Your results indicate that you're more rational. This means that you're someone who is quite capable when it comes to logical reasoning. In fact, it's likely that you apply this valuable ability in a variety of situations, both personal and professional. You have a talent for observing what's happening in your own life. By being witness to events and your reactions to them, you can make more conscious choices for yourself. Not everyone has this ability. So be happy you have a good head on your shoulders. Being the voice of reason can be an attractive quality. It can also make you more compatible with the many people who'll come into your life.

See post below for con't. Part Two

My 7 Dimensions of Personality (Part Two)

Dimension #5: Humble versus Self-possessed

People who score highly on being self-possessed are generally confident types who believe strongly in their abilities. This feeling may translate into a sense of pride in their level of physical fitness, a sense of assurance about their intellectual abilities, or a high regard for their sexual prowess. Highly self-possessed people often have a charisma and energy that makes them the center of attention.

You scored on the more confident end of the continuum. (I'm not so sure about this. I see myself more on the other end of the spectrum.) This means that you possess a confidence that can energize your life so that each day becomes an adventure. When you see a new challenge, you're the kind of person who's likely to go after it with gusto, knowing that you have what it takes to make good things happen. This faith in your abilities can make you more willing to take risks than other people are. This trait can bode well for you in love. Feeling like hot stuff can give you the courage you need to approach an attractive person you'd like to meet, rather than letting the opportunity pass you by. You're also likely to keep yourself fairly socially active because you are usually comfortable interacting with others.

Dimension #6: Down-to-earth versus Dreamy

Individuals high on the dreamy scale include those people who would choose the bubbles of champagne over a glass of wine simply because it seemed a more romantic gesture. Highly dreamy people tend to see the magic in life. They may also actively seek out ways to make their love relationships special so that each day becomes an occasion.

People who are more down-to earth prefer life's everyday moments to grand gestures that seem over-the-top. They are realists who aren't easily swayed by styling or symbolism. For the most part, down-to-earth people would rather avoid glossy exteriors to get closer to what's on the inside. This tendency typically holds true across the board - in their friendships, in professional life, and in love.

Your score weighed more heavily on the down-to-earth end of the scale. This result indicates that you're the kind who realizes that although romance can be nice, it takes more than hearts and flowers to keep the world turning. Rather than focus your attention on fairytale dreams, you usually like to live in the here-and-now of reality. As a result, you often find happiness in the small pleasures present in everyday life: a good cup of coffee, a solid night's sleep, or a sunny day. These are things that others might overlook, but you can truly appreciate them. This easy sense of satisfaction with life can come across to others in a very engaging way, particularly in love. Those around you likely recognize the value you place in little things and appreciate your willingness to accept situations and people as they are. This kind, genuine nature is sure to draw others to you in life and in love.

Dimension #7: Pampered versus Rugged

Individuals who are more pampered include people who appreciate the many creature comforts associated with civilization. Pampered types typically prefer that their recreation be of the indoor variety.

You fall on the more pampered side of the line. (Nah, I'd like to believe I'm in the middle of both.) This suggests that while you probably aren't opposed to a little fresh air and sunshine, you tend to prefer the kind of relaxation that only indoor activities can offer. Whether you're shopping in a mall, sitting in a theatre, or relaxing at home with a good book, you appreciate the ease of being inside. Pampered types like you will take a massage and a good meal over a hike and campfire almost any day of the week. Facing the elements typically isn't your idea of a good time. In love, it will be important to find a partner who also likes this brand of leisure. If not on the same level as you, at least enough so you can share the kinds of experiences that you value.

Blink

I just finished reading Blink. As the front cover states, the book is about the "power of thinking without thinking". It talks about the kind of thinking that happens in a blink of an eye when we see or do something for the very first time. For the author, it is about those two seconds where your mind reaches instant conclusions that are the most powerful and most important of all.

Most of us would disagree and think it is not rational to reach a definite decision that fast about something without gathering enough facts first. We always want to sort out all the information that we can get and spend so much time on deliberating before we actually act and decide on a certain matter. And as what the author has pointed out, we end up making inaccurate and ineffective decisions because of the overload in information. He suggests that we do thin slicing-gather less information and zero in on the critical pieces. That way we become more effective.

For someone like me who always makes it a point to consult the facts book first and yet still usually ends up making (or guessing?) sablay na first impressions on people and situations, I should start considering the author's advice and listen more to what my snap judgments are telling me. Let's see if I can make a better sense out of each situation (and people) once I start considering the first two seconds.

Tribute to the Silent Workers

Humility is a great value to have. I admire those people who practice it everywhere they go or at least those who try to make the effort. These people don't find the need to flaunt what they have or feel the need to be recognized all the time. I have come to name them the 'silent workers'. They silently work and just do their own thing without seeking any attention or asking for anything in exchange. They don't do the talking but they actually walk the talk. Some people love to brag and bark (and bark) without doing anything fruitful. All air, nothing else.

In my work, I have come to learn that silent workers are the most effective people. They produce real RESULTS. Furthermore they don't come looking for credit, because it comes to them without any effort at all. They have this certain air of confidence, not the all out "I know I'm great" confidence kind, but the quiet genuine confidence which is a whole lot better than the first kind. They don't feel the need to announce to the world what they do, because their work evidently speaks for itself. They don't feel the need to follow suit with what the others are doing. They just remain focused and intent on delivering good results.

Humility should be the next best policy.

Be Different. Think Different.

My dad gave us this bookmark and told us to read it. Hopefully raw we could pick up a thing or two in it.

50 Tips on How to Make A Difference
1. Say something positive everyday.
2. Believe in miracles but don't depend on them.
3. Never allow anyone to intimidate.
4. Don't work for recognition but do work worthy of recognition.
5. Remember the credo of Walt Disney: Think. Believe. Dream. Dare.
6. Never comment on someone's weight unless you know it's what they want to hear.
7. Seek respect rather than popularity.
8. Seek quality rather than luxury.
9. Start a "read again" file for articles you might want to enjoy a second time.
10. Look for opportunity that's hidden in every adversity.
11. Remember that when your mom says "you'll regret it" you probably will.
12. On your birthday send your mom a thank you card.
13. Never let the odds stop you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.
14. Be happy with what you have while working on what you want.
15. Celebrate even small victories.
16. Don't forget that a couple of words of praise or encouragement can make someone's day.
17. Whenever you hear an ambulance siren say a prayer for the person inside.
18. When in doubt smile.
19. If it's not a beautiful morning let your cheerfulness make it beautiful.
20. Marry someone your equal or a little bit better.
21. Remember that a minute of anger denies you 60 seconds of happiness.
22. Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it.
23. Don't write something you don't want others to read.
24. When taking a true or false test, remember that any statement that includes the word any, all, always, never or ever is usually false.
25. Never tell anybody they can't sing.
26. Become the world's most thoughtful friend.
27. Remember that anything worth doing is going to take longer than you think.
28. Remember that bad luck as well as good luck seldom lasts long.
29. Root for your team to win not for the other team to lose.
30. Accept triumph and defeat with equal grace.
31. Learn your great-grandparents' names and what they did.
32. Savor everyday.
33. Share the remote control.
34. Remember it's not your job to get people to like you, it's your job to like people.
35. Never miss a chance to shake hands with Santa.
36. Remember that the only dumb question is the one you wanted to ask but did not ask it.
37. Spend time with lucky people.
38. Stand up for your right principles even if you have to stand alone.
39. Remember that everyone has bad days.
40. Marry someone who loves music.
41. If you know you are going to lose, do it with style.
42. Remember that not all right are popular and not all popular are right.
43. Work diligently.
44. Live simply.
45. Think quickly.
46. Fight fairly.
47. Give generously.
48. Laugh loudly.
49. Pray faithfully.
50. Love deeply.

Nicole, if you're reading this. Alam ko na how to be different and Think Different! Hehe

Warning: Vague post!

Sometimes I feel like detaching myself from the rest of the world. I don't want to have to care about what every single people think or have to say. Is that even achievable today?

Sometimes I feel like giving up and just not care anymore if I fail. I don't want to be Superwoman anymore, though I think I have long given up on the idea anyway.

Sometimes I want to hit the stop button, throw out the remote control, and just sit the whole day and not have to think or worry about anything.

The past few days, I have been detached. I have not given a damn at all. I did not care one bit. I did not become Superwoman either. I altogether have taken out the play and rewind buttons. And guess what? It feels surprisingly good. If only I could muster the strength to continue being this way...

How long to earn a Big Mac?

The results are in..

by The Associated Press

How long to earn a Big Mac? <-click on the link for a better looking chart :)

City and No. of Minutes
Tokyo 10 / Nicosia, Cyprus 19 / Prague, Czech Republic 39 / Los Angeles 11 / Brussels, Belgium 20 / Tallinn, Estonia 39 / Chicago 12 / Milan, Italy 20 / Warsaw, Poland 43 / Miami 12 / Taipei, Taiwan 20 / Vilnius, Lithuania 43 / New York 13 / Barcelona, Spain 21 / Beijing 44 / Auckland, New Zealand 14 / Paris 21 / Budapest, Hungary 48 / Sydney, Australia 14 / Stockholm, Sweden 21 / Istanbul, Turkey 48 /Toronto 14 / Singapore 22 / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 53 / Dublin, Ireland 15 / Lyon, France 24 / Bratislava, Slovakia 55 /Zurich, Switzerland 15 / Manama, Bahrain 24 / Santiago, Chile 56 / Frankfurt, Germany 16 / Dubai, United Arab Emirates 25 / Kiev, Ukraine 56 /Geneva 16 / Moscow 25 / Buenos Aires, Argentina 56 / London 16 / Rome 25 / New Delhi 59 / Vienna, Austria 16 / Athens, Greece 26 / Bangkok, Thailand 67 /Berlin 17 / Riga, Latvia 28 / Bucharest, Romania 69 / Hong Kong 17 / Seoul, South Korea 29 / Sofia, Bulgaria 69 /Luxembourg 17 / Johannesburg, South Africa 30 / Bombay, India 70 / Montreal 17 / Lisbon, Portugal 32 / Manila, Philippines 81 /
Munich, Germany 17 / Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 33 / Mexico City 82 /Copenhagen, Denmark 18 / Ljubljana, Slovenia 35 / Caracas, Venezuela 85 / Oslo, Norway 18 / Worldwide average 35 / Jakarta, Indonesia 86 /Amsterdam, Netherlands 19 / Sao Paulo, Brazil 38 / Lima, Peru 86 / Helsinki, Finland 19 / Shanghai, China 38 / Nairobi, Kenya 91 / Madrid, Switzerland 19 / Bogota, Colombia 97

Residents of Tokyo have the highest purchasing power in the world, edging out people in Los Angeles, Sydney, London and Toronto, according to a new survey by the Swiss banking giant UBS that uses the "Big Mac" as its benchmark.

Tokyo scored at the top of the survey, which aims to eliminate variables such as exchange rates, even though it is one of the most expensive cities in the world, UBS said in the "Prices and Earnings" report released Wednesday. "Wages only become meaningful in relation to prices -- that is, what can be bought with the money earned," it said.

The bank calculated the "weighted net hourly wage in 14 professions" and divided it into the local price of "a globally available product," for which it chose McDonald's flagship hamburger. "On a global average, 35 minutes of work buys a Big Mac," it said. "But the disparities are huge: in Nairobi, 1.5 hours' work is needed to buy the burger with the net hourly wage there. In the U.S. cities of Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Miami, a maximum of 13 minutes' labor is needed."

In Tokyo, it takes a mere 10 minutes. Bogota, Colombia, came in last among the 70 cities surveyed at 97 minutes.

Oslo world's costliest city The UBS survey, conducted every three years, rated Oslo as the most expensive city on the basis of the cost of a basket of 122 goods and services, excluding rent. It was followed by London; Copenhagen, Denmark; Zurich, Switzerland; Tokyo; Geneva; New York; Dublin, Ireland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Helsinki, Finland.

The least expensive cities were Manila, Philippines (So I guess I made the right decision of not leaving this country after all. Di ako lugi sa Philippines. Haha); Delhi; Buenos Aires; Bombay and Kuala Lumpur.

UBS said that if the cost of housing was included, "life is particularly expensive in London and New York."

The bank also compared wages. In that contest Copenhagen was tops, with an index of 118.2. For that comparison, New York -- in fifth place -- was taken as the base with an index of 100. Second place went to Oslo, followed by Zurich and Geneva. London was in sixth, followed by Chicago, Dublin, Frankfurt and Brussels.

At the other end was Delhi, with an index of 6.1. "In the cities of Western Europe and North America, workers in 14 representative professions earn a gross hourly wage averaging US$18 (euro14); in the Eastern European and Asian cities examined, the figure was only US$4-US$5 (euro3.10-euro3.90)." But taxes and social security payments take a big bit in northern Europe, with Scandinavian and German cities losing ground.

Wages high, standards high in U.S.
Rankings were similar to the last survey in 2003, with changes resulting largely from shifts in foreign exchange rates, the study said. New York and Chicago dropped in the expensive cities ranking, mostly due to the weaker dollar.

"Shanghai and Beijing, meanwhile, remain comparatively inexpensive despite an economic boom because the national currency, the renminbi, has so far resisted pressures to appreciate."

Workers in Seoul, South Korea, work the longest. Those in Paris have the shortest work week.
"Based on a 42-hour work week, Asian workers labor about 50 days a year more than their peers in Paris," it said.

The study said a dollar earned in Los Angeles, after deducting taxes and Social Security contributions, is worth more than in Chicago, New York, Miami, Toronto and Montreal.

"Although the highest wages are paid in New York, it also has the highest cost of living anywhere in the Americas," it said. "Thanks to their much higher wages, after buying the basic basket of goods and services, workers in North American cities have far more left over for vacations, luxury items or savings than their counterparts in Latin America. The average purchasing power in Central and South America is just a third of the level in the North American cities."

Selective Perception

I've been reading a book by Edward de Bono. There is a chapter which discusses perception--the way of looking at things. Each one of us has different ways in analyzing and looking at things and situations. This can be attributed to differences in our background, culture, values, and personal experiences. So what I may think as proper may not necessarily be so for another. What I may see as beautiful may just turn out to be ordinary for another. It also can't be ignored that our perceptions more often than not are tainted with our own biases.


One also can't deny that as much as we want to be objective, our emotions and feelings inevitably ride on our perceptions. We only see what we want to see. We only will pick what we expect to see. As de Bono puts it, "Our perception is rarely objective, it is usually selective." Here is a classic example given by the author,


A husband suspects that his wife is having a secret affair. Whenever she is out shopping or with friends he suspects she is meeting her lover. When she returns, his suspicions cause his perception to pick out those things which reinforce his mistrust. No matter how many objective facts presented into the case (such as perhaps the wife is indeed a shopaholic or the wife really has a lot of friends), I don't think one would be able to convince the husband in thinking otherwise. His feelings have controlled how he sees his wife already.


And let's say he indeed finds out she is having an affair, he is very upset and thinks back over all the details of their married life, picking out minor incidents which 'prove' that she never really loved him at all. Again his strong feelings and emotions have ruled over his objective perception of the situation and of his wife. As what the author says in the book, "If you are looking for oranges in a supermarket, your eyes will pick out oranges. If you are looking for breakfast cereal, your eyes will select cereal."


Aahhh! So now I know what it's called, selective perception. Inasmuch as I hate admitting it, this happens to me all the time especially when I'm asking for a sign or in search for an answer. I'm not sure anymore whether I should indeed take it as a sign or dismiss it for plain selective perception. I'm really disappointed, all this time that I thought was a positive sign, a coincidence perhaps or a could-be-happening possibility turns out to be a major dud pala. It must have been an unconscious effort on my part in having to always select out only the good suitable pieces, in filtering out the unwanted bits, in editing out the boring details so that I end up happy, hopeful and positive.


The book points out that we need to learn how to become a good manager of our feelings so that we can enjoy them and not get carried away by them. If we let our strong emotions and feelings control our perception, our reality becomes distorted and restricted. But then if we drop our strong feelings altogether, then we become robotic and would not be interested in perceiving anything at all. Kaya as the old cliche goes, we must strive for the perfect balance.

Strictly Yes or No

I don't like being in that little gray area. I don't like to second guess all the time and not know the answers to the why's. I'd rather be either in the black or white area so that I would know absolutely where I stand. I want to know the exact answers and not have to beat around the bush nor chase that person beating around the bush. From now on, it's either a YES or a NO for me. No more maybes.

I used to dwell often in the maybes. I was always unsure about myself; apprehensive to do things, scared to make decisions, hesitant to say things aloud. I figured I'd stay in the neutral zone so that if things don't go as planned, the consequences wouldn't be as harsh. I would always have a 50-50 chance of being right (or wrong for that matter). There are also lesser disappointments since the expectations could go either way. You're not really expecting anything good but you're not expecting anything bad either. Whichever way, wala lang. Kebs ka lang.

But then I discovered being in this mode will eventually begin to eat you up alive. Being in that hazy gray area of uncertainty all the time is like walking with your eyes closed. Are you going to trip? Are you going to bump into something? Maybe. Siguro. Baka hindi. Baka oo. After awhile, you just get tired of thinking and thinking, having to second guess all the time whether you're going to fall or not. I want to be able to know and be sure that I won't fall (or will fall, whichever). I don't really care as long as I know.

I don't want to be vague and I will stop being one starting today. I don't want to read ambiguous people and I will stop getting to know them. I promise!