In the world of play, everyone is unique and has their own way of having fun! We believe that understanding your play personality can help you find the activities that bring true joy and make you feel alive. So let's dive into the different play personalities, as described by Dr. Brown at the National Institute of Play.
The Joker
Do you love making people laugh and playing practical jokes? If so, you might be a Joker! These playful souls find joy in making others smile, watching comedy, and being mischeivious. Silly is the name of the game and a Joker often finds no shame in being outrageous and goofy.
Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are two actors who are known for their Joker personalities, particularly Jared. They would often play pranks of cast and crew members. At one point, the crew decided to retaliate and dumped a bucket of water on the both of them as they were descending a ladder into a tunnel.
The Kinesthete
Do you feel most alive when you're moving your body, you might be a Kinesthete. These active individuals love to play by engaging in physical activities such as sports, dancing, or hiking. The joy in play is found in the movement of the body for them.
One example of a Kinesthete is the famous actor and wrestler, Dwayne Johnson. He is known for his love of physical activity and often posts videos of his workouts on social media. He also loves to play sports and has been known to play basketball, football, wrestling, and even the occasional Polynesian dance.
The Explorer
Do you have an insatiable curiosity and a love for adventure? If so, you might be an Explorer. These curious souls love to explore the world around them and learn new things. Delving deep into the unknown with no goal other than to find out, "what's out there?" is how they play.
Carl Sagan is a famous example of an Explorer. He was an astronomer and astrobiologist who was known for his curiosity and love of learning. He was a pioneer in the field of astronomy and was one of the first to study the possibility of life on other planets. He was also a prolific writer and wrote many books on the subject of astronomy and space exploration.
The Competitor
Do you love to win and challenge yourself? If so, you might be a Competitor. These driven individuals love to compete and test their skills. The joy in play for them is found in the challenge and the thrill of winning.
One example of a Competitor is the famous tennis player, Serena Williams. She is known for her competitive spirit and drive to win. She has won 23 Grand Slam titles and is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
The Director
Do you love to organize and lead others? If so, you might be a Director. These creative souls love to plan and execute projects. They tend to be in charge and get enjoyment out of organizing and directing others towards a goal.
Oprah Winfrey is a famous example of a Director. From her humble origins as a local TV News Anchor in Nashville, she has gone on to become one of the most influential people in the world. She is known for her ability to organize and lead others towards a goal. She has also been a pioneer in the field of media and has been a driving force behind many social movements.
The Collector
Do you love to collect objects or experiences? If so, you might be a Collector. These detail-oriented individuals love to gather items or memories that are meaningful to them. The joy in play for them is found in the process of collecting and appreciating these things.
Jay Leno is well known for his love of cars and motorcycles and is a great example of a Collector. He has a collection of over 200 vehicles, including a 1906 Stanley Steamer, a 1931 Duesenberg Model J, and a 1963 Chrysler Turbine. He also has a collection of over 100 motorcycles, including a 1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, a 1948 Indian Chief, and a 1958 Ariel Cyclone.
The Artist/Creator
Do you love to create and express yourself? If so, you might be an Artist/Creator. These imaginative souls love to express themselves through art, music, and writing. The joy in play for them is found in bringing things into existence that they feel are missing in the world.
Elon Musk is a great example of an Artist/Creator. He is known for his ability to tackle tough challenges and bring the seemingly impossible into existence. He has built up many companies, including SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. He is also known for his ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems.
The Storyteller
Do you love to tell stories and share your experiences and ideas? If so, you might be a Storyteller. These expressive individuals love to share their thoughts and experiences with others. They get great pleasure out of bringing stories and ideas to life through any sort of activity.
A great example of a Storyteller is Jim Henson. He was the creator of the muppets and is credited for such well beloved movies as The Muppet Movie, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. He was also the creator of Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock. He was known for his ability to tell stories and bring characters to life through puppetry.
Remember, everyone is a mix of different play personalities, so don't be afraid to explore and experiment. The most important thing is to find the activities that make you feel most alive and bring more play into your life. Happy playing!