In a world bustling with ambitions and dreams, motivation becomes the fuel that propels us forward. But have you ever wondered why some people are naturally driven while others struggle to find their inner spark? Enter Ayurveda, which offers profound insights into the diverse spectrum of personality types that are influenced by different factors, like Dosha.
According to Ayurvedic principles, each individual possesses a unique constitution, or “Prakriti,” determined by the balance of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Doshas govern not only our physical health but also our mental tendencies and emotional inclinations.
Understanding the Doshas
Before we delve further into how your personality and motivation type varies with your Dosha predominance, first let us understand each Dosha.
Every living being in the universe is made up of five elements or the Panchamahabhutas – earth, air, water, fire and ether. In our body, we have these 5 elements in various proportions. Depending on the proportion of these 5 elements, we categorise people into Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Vata
Vata has more of air element. Just like how air is moving and unstable, Vata people are highly dynamic.
Pitta
Pitta means fire, and fire means aggression and passion. Similarly, Pitta people are consistent.
Kapha
For Kapha, Earth element is predominant. Kapha people are sluggish, slow, lazy and lethargic.
Nobody has one single Dosha. Everybody is a combination of two or sometimes even a combination of all the Doshas together.
There are tons of Dosha and Prakriti quizzes online to identify your personality type. But most of them are not accurate. The best way to identfy your Prakriti or Dosha predominance is by consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.
Personality Types Based on Dosha Predominance
Your personality can vary based on your Dosha predominance.
Vata Person
If you are a creative visionary who is artistic, inspirational, with a naturally thin body type, dry skin and often having difficulties sleeping well, you are a Vata person.
Think Steve Jobs, Sundar Pichai, Amitabh Bachchan!
Vatas have their mind all over the place. Their mind hovers around 100 different thoughts at a time. They are restless and find it difficult to focus on a single task and lose interest and focus easily. Vatas always face a ‘this or that’ situation in their mind when it comes to making decisions.
If you ask me, I am a Vata person – super creative and super unorganized with a super wandering mind. I keep changing my mind, constantly wondering, ‘should I do this or that?’
Vata is a mixture of elements Air and Ether. It is free-flowing, light-spirited, ever moving. A balanced Vata makes you a visionary, creative, dreamer who is full of ideas.
The downside is you start a million projects and leave them unfinished because your mind is always wandering, moving from one job to another. Change drives you, while routine and regularity bring you boredom. And that’s why your motivation is easy come, easy go.
However, this is not a problem, but this is who you are!
So, the best thing to do is to not be fixated on doing just one thing for a long period. Instead, split your time to do different kinds of things and then rotate the same set of things.
Just like how your motivation comes and goes easily, it isn’t hard for you to be excited again about something. Also, you can organise your day by giving yourself a deadline.
Pitta Person
Pittas in Ayurveda are the passionate bosses we all have had. They are ambitious, sharp, disciplined, determined and powerful, yet impatient, irritable, angry, and fierce with a strong drive to accomplish whatever they set their mind to.
They have a fire in them to win, to accomplish and be successful. Also, they are steady and consistent. Think Beyonce. She is not bossy; she is the boss in her own words. That’s perfect Pitta.
P️ittas are highly motivated people and their ambitions can sometimes go beyond their capabilities, leading to burnout.
So, like I said for Pittas, embrace who you are.
The truth is that society is designed in a way to help Pitta people succeed. So, you can tone down your righteousness and emotions which can save you from conflicts with other people who do not match your motivation style. You can then focus on your ultimate goal without experiencing burn out.
Kapha Person
A Kapha person is slow, steady and resilient like the earth. They are the ever-flowing love and care we all yearn to receive.
I like to call it the “mom energy.” Kaphas are the most nurturing and supportive that you just want to give them a hug and tell them all your life’s problems.
Think Oprah!
About their motivation style, Kaphas are slow to start but are powerful once engaged. However, being very self-critical, they get anxious when their progress is slow.
The best thing to do is to accept that this is who you are – you may start slow, but as you progress, you gain speed and can be at your productive best. All you have to do is to be patient.
Whether you resonate with the airy whims of Vata, the fiery ambition of Pitta, or the steadfast resolve of Kapha, remember that true motivation springs from a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit. Embrace your innate nature, honour your unique journey and let Ayurveda lead you to a fulfilling life.
So, which personality type are you?