The following tools have helped scores of people explore themselves in more depth. Most can be found online, and prices range from about $10 to $500-plus. Many will require the help of a professional to interpret and utilize to full capacity. If you're interested in trying these out, feel free to contact me for a list of URLs and local practitioners.
 
Enneagram - This is both a psychological and spiritual assessment. The Enneagram uses nine personality types to help people to recognize and understand typical patterns in human behavior. It covers a variety of factors such as external behaviors, underlying attitudes, one's sense of self, conscious and unconscious motivations, emotional reactions, defense mechanisms, and spiritual potential.
 
DISC - One of the more easily understood assessments, the DISC program is a model that is based on what is termed "temperaments". It looks at behavioral styles and behavioral preferences, and it categorizes people into one of four categories. Are you outgoing or reserved, task oriented or people oriented? Depending on the combination of each of these, you are either a Driver, an Inspirer, Steady or Cautious.
 
Astrology - Probably the most complicated in the list, Astrology's premise is that the planets in our solar system and their cyclical movements have a profound influence on our lives from the moment we are born. Each planet represents certain energies and special attributes, and their location in different areas of our life (family, work, travel, home, etc.) help us to understand the potential we have access to at any given time.
 
Myers Briggs Type Indicator- Using Carl Jung's psychological types, MBTI focuses on "preferences", allowing for understanding of personality styles, urges, desires, motivations, etc. This tool looks at 16 different types based on the way a person gains energy (Extraversion/Introversion), becomes aware of information (Sensing/Intuition), makes decisions on that information (Thinking/Feeling), and deals with the world around them (Judging/Perceiving).
 
StrengthsFinder - While the other assessments on this list are more psychologically oriented, the StrengthsFinder is geared toward individual talents. It is based on the premise that the most effective people are those who understand and leverage their strengths (e.g., talents). Talents are naturally recurring patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that can be productively applied. These are the things you do well "without even thinking about it."
 
Birkman Method - Another way to look at styles, preferences and patterns is through the Birkman Method. Birkman identifies everyday interpersonal style (usual behavior), stress behaviors and related underlying needs, areas of interest and organizational behavior.