Common Questions

1. People don’t like being categorized. Does InnerKinetics® do that?

InnerKinetics® proceeds on the belief that all people are individual and unique. But just like all creatures, we share some similarities. InnerKinetics is a term we use to refer to our inner strengths. It’s an inner design that reveals why we think, feel and act the way we do. The term “temperament” can also be used to describe this inner design. Importantly, our InnerKinetics DO NOT limit us. It understands how we share strengths and how these strengths shape and mold us. To understand the intricacy of the world better, people categorize almost everything — trees, cats, dogs — and all for the purpose of reducing infinite differences in order to learn from what we have in common. We own our differences and should not be afraid of owning our similarities, too.

2. What do the letters mean?

Eight letters are used to identify temperament and type. They represent the two poles that each of the four questions create. The questions are:

• How do we favor recharging when all our inner energy has been spent? (E-I)
• How do we gather our information about the world around us and inside of us? (S-N)
• How do we make decisions based on the information we gather? (T-F)
• Which of two lifestyles do we prefer? (J-P)

These questions, in combination, provide us with information that helps us identify the similarities that make up each temperament.

3. Can a person be more than one temperament? I feel I am a little of all of them.

The question temperament asks is, “Which temperament are we dominantly, or which pattern of strengths best describes the drives and urges inside of us?” We can adopt strengths from other temperaments, sometimes out of necessity. But will always find our fulfillment when we are using and developing the strengths of the temperament that is dominant. Temperament is a default pole toward which we tend to lean in the way we think, feel, and act. Our true self is confused when we are led to believe we are two or more temperaments.

4. Can you change your temperament?

No, but you can modify it. That is, you can make the strengths of the temperament stronger or weaker. When people think they have changed their temperament, a more accurate way of looking at it is they have experienced an increased understanding of what their temperament is and how those strengths or urges are recognized by them.

Circumstances can demand we act according to the design of another temperament and we can even become skilled at the use of its strengths. Therefore, we can learn to think of ourselves as that temperament. Later we may realize that we feel more fulfilled as another temperament. Where we are fulfilled is where we belong. We often understand ourselves progressively.

5. Can a person be both an E or an I, S or N etc?

No, not really, because each pair of letters are opposite poles and we tend to lean toward one, not both. It is contradictory (and impossible) to say we lean toward both. Further, if we did lean toward both, we would be inwardly confused on a constant basis! This would also rob us of direction, a much needed element for successful living.

6. How early should I try to understand my child’s temperament?

As early as possible! The earlier the child knows we understand them, the sooner they will begin to bond with us. If their temperament is not clear to you, why not make your best guess in those early months and watch how they respond to you. If they respond negatively to the way you are understanding them, try the next likely temperament and act like that temperament would appreciate you to act. Become familiar with the different temperament descriptions so that you can know your child as early as possible.

7. Why is temperament/InnerKinetics® so important in bonding with your child?

Because it provides the best way to understand your child and when you act according to the child’s temperament, the child will realize you understand them. A child will not bond with someone who does not understand them, be it parent or friend. Nor will an adult bond with another person who does not show that they understand them.

8. How does it help in a relationship to know each other’s temperaments?

It means we can understand each other better. Without understanding each other, how do we suppose we can have the best relationship.

Misunderstanding is the basis of nearly all of the conflicts and difficulties that occur in a relationship. Therefore, if we are having a lot of misunderstandings, we need to know the other person better. Temperament is a way to know each other at the core in a detailed and accurate way.

9. Does InnerKinetics® help me have a really satisfying, happy life?

Yes, because the ancient Greek philosophers were right when they said, “Know yourself.” Without understanding how we function, we travel through life without really knowing ourselves and, as a result, make many a misstep.

10. Are weaknesses self-made?

Yes, and to say they are part of our temperament is to believe they are a part of us for life. Humans know they don’t have to keep failing and living in their weaknesses. They can do the opposite and live in their strengths. It’s wherever they focus that they create their energy and life. Know where you need to focus.

11. Are all temperament questionnaires the same?

No, nor do they all do the same job. Many give you categories that have nothing to do with temperament. Many (in comparison to the ones that are in the main line of research) are inadequately tested.

The reliable ones that identify your temperament according to what has been observed and researched for over 2,300 years are those that use the Myers/Briggs letters. These can be self-verified. Of course, you are the final judge of whether the questionnaire is valuable or not. Read INNERKINETICS, Your Blueprint for Happiness and Success for more information.

12. Why are there only two letters to identify a temperament?

Because the two letters of each temperament are the expression of the core of that temperament and the other two are very helpful additional information. Two letters will align you with the understanding of temperament over the last 2,300 plus years.

13. Is it any benefit to determine the temperament of someone who is autistic?

Yes. However, temperament will not cure autism, of course. But if the autistic person’s temperament is understood and they are treated according to their temperament, it provides a greater comfort to an autistic person, who can use all the comfort we can give them.

14. Why are the letters of the second and third columns used for the NT and NF temperaments and the second and last columns for the SP and SJ temperaments?

Because this aligns our understanding of temperament with the compelling story of the centuries and it is the only combination of letters that makes sense when the individual verifies their temperament.

15. Should we try to develop our core strengths, and how?

Yes. Our strengths are made to be developed and we feel the fulfillment when we use them and develop them. We develop our strengths when we use them, but we must also take care not to overuse them or misuse them. Understand them, develop them, and be all you were designed to be.

16. How do we become all that we can be?

By using and developing the strengths that make up our design (temperament or innerkinetics).

17. Is temperament an excuse for how we act?

No! Temperament is never to be used as an excuse for how we act. Our understanding of our temperament makes us aware of the challenges we must overcome. We must face our challenges. If we are using our temperament as an excuse, we are misusing it.

18. What will InnerKinetics® tell me about myself?

Yes, it will tell you a great deal about yourself! With the knowledge we have gained over all these centuries as we have consistently observed human temperament, we can now know ourselves in a detailed, profound, and realistic way. This knowledge releases us from false understandings of ourselves and false blame for our actions. With the latest research we know even more than we did 60 years ago and you will find it astounding how much the knowledge of temperament or InnerKinetics® can tell us.

19. Are the percentages true in all cultures?

First, all percentages are calculations and approximations. We cannot say it is true in all cultures because we have not gathered the data from all cultures, but it works with all cultures that we have had experience with and have gathered data and knowledge from.

20. What do the numbers at the bottom of the columns mean, if anything,?

They reveal the probable strength of our leaning toward the pole they identify — and all this as we have self-verified.