The Somewhat Intersting Life & Times of Hugh O'Connor

Strategic	The Strategic Theme enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route forward. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows you to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, you play out alternative scenarios, always asking "What if this happened? Okay, well, what if this happened?" These recurring questions help you see around the next corner. There you can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to cull. You cull the paths that lead nowhere. You cull the paths that lead straight into resistance. You cull the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and you cull until you arrive at the chosen path-your strategy. And, armed with your strategy, you strike forward. This is your Strategic Theme at work. "What if?" Cull. Strike.
Learner	You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other Themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts; the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned; the growing confidence of a skill mastered-these aspects of the learning process entice you. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences-yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes at the local college. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments in which you are asked to take on short-term project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a brief period of time, and then move on to the next one. The Learner Theme does not necessarily mean that you seek to become the subject matter expert, nor that you are striving toward the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the "getting there."
Connectedness	Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because, in your soul, you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but, nonetheless, we are part of something larger. Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another, nor from the earth and the life upon it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities. If we are all part of a larger picture, we must not harm-because we will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit-because we will be exploiting ourselves. We must not cause suffering-because we, too, will suffer. Your awareness of responsibilities such as these creates your value system. You are considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind, you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort in knowing that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend upon your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life's mysteries.
Self-Assurance	Self-Assurance is similar to self-confidence. In the deepest part of you, you have faith in your Strengths. You know that you are able-able to take risks, able to meet new challenges, able to stake claims and, most importantly, able to deliver. But Self-Assurance is more than just self-confidence. Blessed with the Theme of Self-Assurance, you have confidence in not only your abilities, but also in your judgment. When you look out at the world, you know that your perspective is unique and distinct. And because no one sees exactly what you see, you know that no one can ever make your decisions for you; no one can tell you what to think. They can guide, they can suggest, but you are the only one living your life. You alone have the authority to form conclusions, make decisions, and act. This authority, this final accountability for the living of your life, does not intimidate you. On the contrary, it feels natural to you. No matter what the situation, you seem to know the right thing for you to do. It may not be right for everyone, but you know that it is the right thing for you to do, given the situation. This Theme lends you an aura of certainty. Unlike many, you are not easily swayed by someone else's arguments, no matter how persuasive they may be. This Self-Assurance may be quiet or loud, depending on your other Themes. But it is solid. It is strong. Like the keel of a ship, it withstands many different pressures and keeps you on your course.
Ideation	You are fascinated by ideas. What is an idea? An idea is a concept, the best explanation of the most events. You are delighted when you discover, beneath the complex surface, an elegantly simple concept to explain why things are the way they are. An idea is a connection. Yours is the kind of mind that is always looking for connections; therefore, you are intrigued when seemingly disparate phenomena can be linked by an obscure connection. An idea is a new perspective on familiar challenges. You revel in taking the world we all know and turning it around so we can view it from a strange-but strangely enlightening-angle. You love all of these ideas. Because they are profound. Because they are novel. Because they are clarifying. Because they are contrarion. Because they are bizarre. For all of these reasons, you derive a jolt of energy whenever a new idea occurs to you. Others may label you as creative or original or conceptual or even smart. Perhaps you are all of these. Who can be sure? What you are sure of is that ideas are thrilling. On most days, that is enough.