walking

talks with friends

my dog

a good novel

flamenco & Spanish dance

castañuelas

hot chocolate (dipping with bread and salted butter) in winter

cold orxata (dipping with fartons) in summer

green color 

I love to learn. Whatever the subject, I will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for me. I am energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance in competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what I learned, and the growing confidence of a skill mastered –this is the process that entices me. My excitement leads me to engage in learning experiences. It enables me to thrive in dynamic
work environments where I am asked to take on short period of time and then move on to the next one. My learner theme does not necessarily mean that I seek to become
the subject matter expert, or that I am striving for the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the 'getting there'.

When faced with a complex situation involving many factors, I enjoy managing all the variables, aligning and realigning them until I am sure that I have arranged them in the most productive configuration possible. In my mind, there is nothing special about what I am doing. I am simply trying to figure out the best way to get things done. But others, lacking this theme, will be in awe of my ability. 'How can you stay so flexible, so willing to shelve well-laid plans in favor of some brand-new configuration that has just occurred to you?' But I cannot imagine behaving in any other way. From the mundane to the complex, I am always looking for the perfect configuration. Confronted with the unexpected, some complain that plans devised with such care cannot be changed, while others take refuge in the existing rules or procedures. I don’t do either. Instead, I jump into the confusion, devising new options, hunting for new paths of least resistance, and figuring out new partnerships –because, after all, there might just be a better way.

I see the potential in others. Very often, in fact, potential is all I see. In my view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And I am drawn toward people for this very reason. When I interact with others, my goal is to help them experience success. I look for ways to challenge others. I devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. And all the while I am on the lookout for the signs of growth – a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, a glimpse of excellence or of 'flow' where previously there were only halting steps. For me these small increments –invisible to some- are clear signs of potential being realized. These signs of growth in others are my fuel. They bring me strength and satisfaction. Many seek me out for help and encouragement because on some level they know that my helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to me.

My achiever theme helps explain my drive. Achiever describes a constant need for achievement. I feel as if every day starts at zero. By the end of the day, I must achieve something tangible in order to feel good about myself. And by 'every day' I mean every single day –workdays, weekends, vacations. No matter how much I may feel I deserve a day of rest, if the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, I will feel dissatisfied. I have an internal fire burning inside me. It pushes me to do more, to achieve more. After each accomplishment is reached, the fire dwindles for a moment, but very soon, it rekindles itself, forcing me toward the next accomplishment and relentless need for achievement.

My achiever theme brings me the energy I need to work long hours without burning out. It is the jolt I can always count on to get me started on new tasks, new challenges. It is the power supply that causes me to set the pace and define the levels of productivity for my work group. It is the theme that keeps me moving.

Relator describes my attitude toward my relationships. In simple terms, the relator theme pulls me toward people I already know. I do not necessarily shy away from meeting new people. In fact, I enjoy the thrill of turning strangers into friends, but I do derive a great deal of pleasure and strength from being around my close friends. I am comfortable with intimacy. I deliberately encourage a deepening of the relationship. I want to understand other’s feelings, goals, fears, and their dreams; and I want them to understand mine.