8 Play Personality Types: What’s Yours?

Did you know there are 8 different play personality types for adults and children alike? 

According to Dr. Stuart Brown, we each have a primary and secondary play personality, and by identifying yours, you unlock a key component to creating more joy and delight in your life.

In episode 223 of the I’m Busy Being Awesome podcast, we’re talking about each of these play personality types and how using this framework provides a powerful roadmap for the ADHD brain to identify what lights you up with less overwhelm.

Play isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a vital ingredient for stress reduction, happiness, and overall well-being.

Tune in now to help you discover your play personality and how to prioritize it in your life more often.

You can listen to the episode above or stream it on your favorite podcasting app here.   

Prefer to read? No problem! Keep scrolling for the entire podcast transcript. 

In This Episode, You Will Discover

• Your specific play personality type
• Why it’s important to prioritize play
• Understanding how play personalities can help you connect with others

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Episode #223: 8 Play Personality Types: What’s Yours? (Transcript) 

Today we’re talking about the importance of play and how to understand what on earth you actually like to do for play as an adult. Because let’s be honest, in the hustle of our world today, finding time for leisure and play can seem next to impossible. In fact, that’s why I did a deep dive into creating time for play several episodes back – episodes 211 and episode 212.

Now what I’ve heard from people since then is, “but how do I even know what to do? I have no idea what’s fun. I don’t even remember what’s fun anymore.” 

Whether that’s due to:

• A relentless sense of needing to be productive
• Endless responsibilities of adulting and caring for others
• Constant feeling of pressure to mask who they are to hide their ADHD symptoms 
• All of the above

Many of us find ourselves feeling disconnected from what’s fun.

Today I want to explore a powerful framework to help you quickly uncover specifically what lights you up. This comes from the work of Dr. Stuart Brown, who is a psychiatrist and researcher, and he put together a fascinating theory called the 8 Play Personalities.

I think this is such an incredible framework, especially for those of us who feel quite separate from what we like to do for fun. I love that it can help us reconnect with our innate playfulness.

What Gets In The Way of Time For Play?

Pressure To Always Work

As I’ve shared in previous podcast episodes, many of us live in a society where we’re surrounded by a push for productivity.

We’re always thinking about and talking about getting things done. I know for myself and many of my clients that if we’re not super intentional about defining what “done” is and deciding ahead of time when we’ve done enough, we get stuck on the hampster wheel of productivity where we’re constantly pushing to achieve things and show results.

It’s like the internal messaging driving many of us is “If you’re not working, you’re wasting time.”

Now as ADHD brains, this pressure is extra tough because we’ve grown up with messaging that we’re lazy or need to work harder. For many of us with a later diagnosis, we often did need to work harder because we were trying to get things done using a neurotypical approach, which is just not effective for our brains.

Then our perfectionism kicks in because if we miss a deadline or run late, we think we need to make up for it by going even more above and beyond, which – in reality – both creates more work and makes us even more behind.

So we get stuck in this race without a finish line, and we think we can’t slow down to enjoy life because we feel like we should always be doing something “productive.”

Needless to say, slowing down to figure out what we like to do for fun falls to the backburner almost immediately. 

Caring for Others vs. Taking Care of Yourself

Similarly, many of us find ourselves – at certain parts of our lives – taking care of everyone else first.

For those of you who are parents caring for children, or you have someone in your family who needs additional support, or you’re caring for aging parents, you may find that time is quite limited, and you simply forget about your own needs and interests because you’re so focused on caring for others. 

I also want to stress that this isn’t your fault or the people you’re caring for’s fault. There is no fault here. It is just the reality that many people face, and I think it’s something to be aware of to better understand why many of us lose sight of what we like to do for fun as adults. 

The Masking Effect 

Finally, as ADHD brains, many of us end up masking as well. I have an entire episode on this topic in case it’s new to you – Episode 161 What is ADHD Masking. But essentially, we end up hiding who we are as people with ADHD behind a hypothetical mask in hopes of “fitting in” with everyone else and behaving in a way that’s considered “normal” by the majority of society. 

While there are many challenges when it comes to this topic, when we look at it through the lens of play, this act of hiding our unique characteristics can make it even harder for us to discover what we really love to do.

Why Play Is So Important

I think it’s also important to pause for a minute to talk about why play is so important in the first place.

Play isn’t just nice-to-have. In fact, according to Brown, play helps to:

Improves our creativity and problem-solving skills

When we play, we are able to explore new ideas and experiment with different solutions, which can help us develop our creative thinking skills and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

Reduces stress and anxiety

When we play, we are able to relax and forget about our worries for a while. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

improves social skills

Play is a great way to connect with others and build relationships. It can also help us to learn how to cooperate and work together.

Play helps to improve overall well-being

Play is simply fun, and it can make us feel good. It can also help to boost our mood and reduce feelings of depression.

Helps Us Stay mentally sharp

Play can help to keep our brains active and engaged. This is important for preventing cognitive decline as we age but also for our ADHD brains.

Builds resilience

Play can help us to cope with stress and adversity. It can also help us to develop new skills and resources.

Play Is A vital part of our happiness

Play allows us to reconnect with ourselves and find our passions.

Discovering Your Play Personality Type

As we dive deeper into the world of play, I next want to explore Stuart Brown’s 8 Play Personalities.

These personalities serve as essential archetypes that capture the different approaches to play.

For those of us with ADHD and ADHD tendencies, this framework offers a valuable tool to explore what we’re naturally inclined to do when it comes to play. 

In my previous episodes on fun, we talked about creating a fun menu. I think knowing the different play personalities helps categorize what’s on your menu so much more easily. These personalities will give our brains a clear path to start exploring what we might enjoy without feeling overwhelmed by all the different options out there.

I also found that it helps me to better understand important people in my life even further, too. So as you listen to the different personalities, I encourage you to listen for both yourself and the others you might want to better understand, too. 

I’m going to start with a quick list of the 8 different types, and then I’ll go further into depth on what each one looks like and how you might know if this is a style of play that might be fun for you.

I’ll also mention that Brown believes we all have a main play personality but that most of us have a secondary play personality, too.

Brown’s 8 Play Personality Types

• The Joker 
• The Kinesthete (or Kinesthetic)
• The Explorer 
• The Competitor 
• The Director
• The Collector
• The Artist/Creator 
• The Storyteller 

So let’s talk about which each one of these is, and I invite you to listen carefully to which ones stand out the most to you. By understanding this, you’ll have a much clearer direction or point of focus when it comes to diving in and creating more time for fun going forward. 

1. The Joker Play Personality:

This personality is all about humor, fun, and not taking life too seriously. Jokers love to make people laugh and are often the life of the party.

Activities for Jokers:

• Stand-Up Comedy: Enjoying or trying stand-up comedy.
• Pranks and Gags: Playing harmless practical jokes or pranks.
• Improv Theater: Participating in improv theater workshops.
• Comedic Movies and TV Shows: Watching funny movies and TV shows.
• Creating Memes and Jokes: Crafting humorous memes and jokes.

Key Aspects of the Joker Play Personality:

• Sense of Humor: Jokers find humor in everyday situations and make others laugh.
• Spontaneity: They’re quick thinkers and enjoy spontaneity.
• Joy in Making Others Laugh: Brightening others’ days with humor.
• Light-Hearted Approach: Not taking life too seriously and encouraging a carefree atmosphere.
• Positive Energy: Bringing a positive vibe to social gatherings.
• Adaptability: Using humor to ease tension and make the best of any situation.

Embrace Your Inner Joker: If this sounds like you, embrace your sense of humor. Engage in activities that make others laugh and create a joyful atmosphere through comedy, witty banter, or playful interactions. Share the gift of humor and light-heartedness with those around you.

2. The Kinesthete Play Personality:

Thrives on physical movement, sensory experiences, and a strong connection to the body.

Activities for Kinesthetes:

• Dancing: Love for dancing, whether in classes, at home, or at parties.
• Yoga and Mindful Movement: Engaging in practices like yoga, tai chi, or qigong.
• Sports and Physical Challenges: Enjoying sports like rock climbing, martial arts, or obstacle courses.
• Hiking and Nature Exploration: Finding joy in being in nature, walking, and hiking.
• Cooking and Baking: Preparing meals and experimenting with recipes is a tactile and sensory experience.

Key Aspects of the Kinesthete Play Personality:

• Body Awareness: Highly attuned to their bodies and sensory experiences.
• Love for Movement: Deep love for movement, whether through dance or sports.
• Sensory Exploration: Enjoy exploring the world through touch, taste, or smell.
• Mind-Body Connection: Seek practices that enhance the connection between the mind and body.
• Physical Challenges: Thrive on physical challenges and pushing boundaries.
• Nature Connection: Find joy in nature, connecting with the earth and physicality.

Embrace Your Kinesthete Play Personality: Engage in activities involving physical movement and sensory experiences to connect with your body, enhance sensory awareness, and promote well-being.

3. The Explorer Play Personality:

Thrives on embracing the thrill of the unknown and welcoming new experiences.

Activities for Explorers:

• Traveling to New Places: Finding joy in visiting unfamiliar places, whether near or far.
• Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Connecting with nature and satisfying their exploration desire.
• Trying New Foods: Going on culinary adventures, sampling dishes from different cultures.
• Learning New Skills: Enjoying the process of acquiring new skills, from hobbies to languages.

Key Aspects of the Explorer Play Personality:

• Curiosity: Naturally inquisitive and eager to learn about the world.
• Open-Mindedness: Receptive to different cultures, ideas, and experiences.
• Thirst for Adventure: Craving adventure and seeking opportunities outside their comfort zones.
• Flexibility: Adaptable and comfortable with uncertainties in new territories.
• Embracing the Unknown: Key to embracing this play personality is being open to new experiences, seeking adventure, and nurturing curiosity.

Embrace Your Explorer Play Personality: Seek out new experiences, whether through travel, learning, creativity, or adventurous activities. Maintain an open mind, nurture your curiosity, and actively venture into uncharted territory, both physically and intellectually.

4. The Competitor Play Personality:

Driven and thrives on challenges, rivalry, and the desire to win.

Activities for Competitors:

• Sports and Games: Engaging in competitive sports, board games, or card games to experience the thrill of competition.
• Puzzle Solving: Enjoying puzzles, riddles, and competitive challenges, including crossword competitions and escape rooms.
• Team Challenges: Participating in team activities with common goals, like pub quizzes, trivia nights, or workplace team-building exercises.
• Physical Challenges: Taking on physical challenges such as marathons, obstacle courses, and endurance races.
• Gaming: Finding satisfaction in video games, both single-player and multiplayer, driven by competition and high scores.

Key Aspects of the Competitor Play Personality:

• Drive for Success: Motivated by the desire to succeed and achieve goals, thriving on self-challenges and competing with others.
• Adversity as Fuel: Viewing adversity and competition as opportunities for personal growth and excellence.
• Goal-Oriented: Setting clear goals and valuing measurable progress while relishing the journey toward achievement.
• Team Spirit: Enjoying both individual and team challenges and appreciating the camaraderie that comes with group competitions.
• Continuous Improvement: Committed to personal growth and constantly refining skills to maintain excellence.
• Resilience: Embracing setbacks and losses as learning opportunities and using them to fuel determination for improvement.

Embrace Your Competitor Play Personality: Fully engage in competitive activities, set clear goals, embrace challenges, and learn from setbacks to fuel your competitive spirit and continuously grow. Whether it’s sports, games, or personal goals, celebrate progress, stay resilient, and maintain good sportsmanship while enjoying the journey to excellence.

5. The Director Personality

The Director Play Personality is characterized by a strong desire for organization, structure, and leadership. 

Director Play Personality Activities:

• Event Planning
• Project Management
• Strategic Board Games
• Leadership Roles
• Home Improvement & DIY Projects

Key Aspects for the Director Play Personality:

• Organization
• Leadership
• Attention to Detail
• Problem-Solving
• Structured Play

Embrace Your Director Play Personality: Find enjoyment in structured activities, utilize your organizational and leadership skills, and take charge of planning, guiding, and problem-solving in various aspects of your life. Whether it’s events, projects, or strategic games, embrace your natural ability to create order and structure.

6. The Collector:

The Collector Play Personality is characterized by a strong desire to gather, collect, and curate different items or experiences. 

Collector Play Personality Activities:

• Collecting Hobbies (e.g., coins, stamps, comic books)
• Travel and Exploration for Experiences
• Documenting and Journaling (e.g., travel journals, scrapbooking)
• Building Libraries (books, knowledge)
• Accumulating Art and Craft Supplies

Key Aspects for the Collector Play Personality:

• Enjoyment in Gathering and Curating
• Attachment of Sentimental Value
• Keen Attention to Detail
• Love for Sharing Collection Stories
• Focus on Preservation

Embrace Your Collector Play Personality: Celebrate your passion for gathering, organizing, and curating meaningful items or experiences. Whether it’s collecting, journaling, or preserving memories, find joy in these acts of personal significance and sharing your stories with others.

7. The Artist/Creator Play Personality

The Artist/Creator Play Personality is characterized by a strong desire to engage in creative and artistic activities. 

Artist/Creator Play Personality Activities:

• Painting, Drawing, Designing
• Writing and Storytelling
• Music and Musical Instruments
• Crafting and DIY Projects
• Cooking and Baking

Key Aspects for the Artist/Creator Play Personality:

• Self-expression through Creative Activities
• Experimentation with Techniques and Materials
• Emphasis on Individuality and Style
• Emotional Fulfillment from the Creative Process
• Sharing and Inspiring Others

Embrace Your Artist/Creator Play Personality: Find joy in various forms of creative expression, whether it’s through painting, writing, crafting, or cooking. Use these activities to convey your thoughts, emotions, and individuality while sharing your work to inspire and connect with others.

8. The Storyteller:

The Storyteller Play Personality is all about the love of narratives, both creating and sharing them. 

Storyteller Play Personality Activities:

• Oral Storytelling
• Writing Fiction
• Blogging and Journaling
• Theater and Acting
• Podcasting

Key Aspects for the Storyteller Play Personality:

• Passion for Narrative
• Strong Communication Skills
• Emotional Connection to Content
• Imagination and Creativity in Storytelling
• Fulfillment in Sharing Stories with Others

Embrace Your Storyteller Play Personality: Find joy in crafting and sharing narratives, whether through oral storytelling, writing, acting, or podcasting. Use your passion for stories to convey emotions and ideas effectively while connecting with others through the power of words.

Tips for Embracing Your Play Personality Type:

Choose Playful Activities: Select activities that resonate with your Play Personality to experience genuine joy.

Prioritize Playtime: Recognize the importance of play for stress reduction, happiness, and improved well-being.

Explore New Hobbies: Try out activities that align with your Play Personality or secondary play style for a refreshing change.

Share Your Play Personality: Discuss your Play Personality with others to create understanding, strengthen relationships, and find common enjoyable activities.

Incorporate Play at Work: Consider integrating elements of your Play Personality into your professional life to enhance your work experience.

If you want to explore this work further, join us in We’re Busy Being Awesome where we not only learn the tools, but we apply them to our lives and as we work with our brains. 👉 Head to imbusybeingawesome.com/group to learn more and sign up.