You’ve probably heard about type A personality and its traits, but are you familiar with its counterpart? A type B personality is basically the opposite of type A. People with type B personality are usually described as relaxed, easy-going and flexible.

Some think that those with type B personality are lazy when, in reality, they just have a more carefree approach to life than the goal-driven type As. Wondering if you have type B personality? Here are six signs you might want to look out for.

1. You adapt well to change

While type A personalities usually have a rigid approach to life and work, type Bs are more flexible. This is probably what I envy most about B types: their capacity to adapt well (and quickly) to change. New situations can come up, meetings may be postponed, and plans canceled: type Bs are unfazed by it all.

Type A personalities, on the other hand, usually crack whenever there’s a change of plans as they thrive in structured environments and are meticulously organized. As type As hate wasted time, they rarely deal well with a sudden change of plans that might compromise their entire schedule.

Therefore, if you’re a type B, your flexibility may be an asset in the workplace. You’re generally okay with compromising, rather than feeling like you “won.” In addition, you’re that person who can accept new viewpoints and enjoy collaborating towards a common goal.

2. You have a tendency to procrastinate

Why do this now, if I can start later? If you’re familiar with this feeling, you may have type B personality. Whilst the tendency to procrastinate isn’t exclusive to only one personality type, when we compare type A and type B personalities the difference is clear: type Bs tend to procrastinate more.

This doesn’t mean that if you have a type B personality you’re lazier, or that everyone should follow the type A model of efficiency. It’s just that, because type Bs are less goal-driven and competitive than their type A counterparts, they also have a tendency to delay their tasks.

While type A personalities are driven by a desire to be successful in all of their endeavors, type B personalities don’t seek complex challenges unless absolutely necessary. This may explain why you can dwell in procrastination more often than your laser-focused type A peers.

3. You cope well with stress

Managing stress is a skill and one most type B personalities have. If you think you’re more relaxed than your type A peers, it is probably because you are.  And it’s not just me talking, science backs it up. Let’s go back a few decades.

In the 1950s, two cardiologists created the type A/B personality system. Their goal? Researching the possible causes of coronary disease. Friedman and Rosenman’s findings show that people who are more concerned with status and overwork themselves are more likely to develop heart disease (AKA type A personalities). Recent research shows the same.

What’s more, a study published in 2011 suggests type B personalities are less likely to develop some mental health issues, such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and/or depression. This doesn’t mean that a person with type B personality is free from stress, they just know how to cope with it better due to their adaptability. A 2014 study, for example, reveals that type Bs react less intensely when their goals aren’t met when compared with someone with a type A personality.

4. You don’t like to be rushed

Type Bs may cope well with stress, but they don’t like to be rushed in anything. Why? Once more, it boils down to the flexibility VS rigidity concern. If you have type B personality, a fixed schedule isn’t desirable. Deadlines may exist, but you don’t want to feel constricted by them.

This means, an employee with type B personality may look like a lazy and uncooperative person. They’re not. You can have a plan, but it only exists in your head. Therefore, unlike type A personalities, you don’t need to write everything down on your to-do list to complete it.

What’s more, as the type B personality is also about enjoying the process rather than chasing a particular outcome, these personalities usually like to work at their own pace, completing one project at a time instead of multitasking.

5. You tend to be an accommodating person

Another sign you may have type B personality is thinking whether you have a passive nature. Type A folks are famed for their tenacity, whereas type B personalities tend to be accommodating. What does this look like? Being collaborative, happy to share your success with others, and being content no matter the outcome.

At first glance, this carefree attitude looks ideal, but there’s also a downside of having a passive nature. People may take advantage of you in ways they probably wouldn’t dare around a type A person.

Don’t get me wrong, I love type B folks who are happy to agree to disagree and move on from a conflict. Nonetheless, some situations ask for assertiveness, so make sure you’re vocal about your boundaries and speak up whenever someone treats you unfairly. You’re an excellent supporter— just remember that sometimes you have to advocate for yourself.

6. You’re more concerned with the journey than the destination

Type B personalities embody the ‘carpe diem’ motto. Laid-back and relaxed, your type B person wants to see where the journey takes them, not focus on being “the best” or beating others during the process.

Competition is just not for you, and taking this relaxed attitude towards life is often helpful to cope with stressful situations. Yet, it may also limit your success. Consider whether you’re missing interesting opportunities for fear that they may be too challenging or not worth the effort.

You’ll probably never be as meticulous as a type A person, but that doesn’t stop you from setting more specific goals and working towards a project long-term. Your goals might be more general and long-term than what a type A would set out to achieve, but they can give your type B personality something to work towards.

The takeaway

Type A personalities may get more air time, but type B people also show many interesting attributes. In a nutshell, having a Type B Personality means you’re an easy-going and accommodating person with a strong capacity to cope well under stress.

Still, you may also have a tendency to procrastinate, which may prevent you from performing better at work/school. Whilst your carefree attitude allows you to adapt well to new situations, you could also do well to create more concrete goals that align with your vision.

Andreia Esteves
Andreia is an INFJ who used to think she was the only person in the world terrified of answering the phone. She works as a freelance writer covering all things mental health, and psychology related. When not writing, you’ll find her cozying up with a book, or baking vegan treats. Find her at: https://andreiaesteves.com/