People with the choleric temperament are known for being strong-willed and confident leaders. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this temperament, including its strengths and weaknesses.
But before we learn about this temperament, let’s first understand the difference between “temperament” and “personality.” People use these two words interchangeably though their meanings differ.
Temperament is the natural part of who we are and how we behave. It’s believed to be influenced by our genes and is present from birth. Personality, however, develops over time and is shaped by our experiences. Think of temperament as the foundation. Personality, on the other hand, is the broader picture of who you become as you grow, learn, and change.
What is the Choleric Temperament?
According to the four temperament theory, choleric temperament is one of the four main temperament types.
Hippocrates, a Greek doctor, came up with the idea that a person’s behaviour is connected to how balanced their body fluids are. Hippocrates believed that a choleric personality was caused by too much yellow bile, which made people more assertive.
Cholerics are known for their leadership skills. They have a big drive and work really hard to hit targets. Determination is their superpower.
6 Signs You Have a Choleric Temperament
#1: You like to take the initiative.
If you have a choleric temperament, you’d definitely enjoy taking the lead. Handling responsibility comes easily to you. Whether at work, in a group, or with friends, you instinctively take charge and organise things. You always make sure things get done the way you think is best.
#2: You prioritise achieving goals above everything else.
Cholerics are extremely competitive and driven to succeed. With a sharp focus on their goals, they won’t let anything get in the way. If you stop at nothing to achieve success, you might have this temperament. Cholerics only rest when their target is met.
#3: You always speak your mind.
For you, communicating how you feel isn’t a problem. As a choleric, you’re known for your straightforward honesty. You say exactly what’s on your mind, even if it comes across as blunt. You just prefer to get to the point, instead of sugar-coating.
#4: You expect a lot from yourself and others.
People with a choleric temperament tend to have high expectations. They expect a lot from themselves and others. This is because they’re highly self-motivated. So if you’re constantly feeling pressured or pressuring others, you might be a choleric.
#5: You bottle up emotions.
If you’re a choleric, you might find yourself holding back emotions until you can’t take it anymore. Some cholerics are all about reaching set goals, so they bury emotions to stay on track. This can lead to pent-up frustration or anger that eventually erupts. This is a common pattern for cholerics who have this problem.
#6: You prioritise work.
One sign you might have a choleric temperament is if you prioritise work and productivity over relaxation. Cholerics don’t understand the language of breaks. They’re driven by their goals and often feel the need to chase it round the clock.
6 Strengths of the Choleric Temperament
#1: Cholerics are Ambitious.
Ambition is one of cholerics’ greatest strengths. They’re always looking for ways to move forward. They don’t shy away from challenges—they see them as opportunities to prove themselves. This ambitious nature pushes them to keep going till every box is ticked.
#2: They are Confident.
Cholerics are hardly people pleasers. They rarely seek unnecessary approval from others. If you have a choleric temperament, one of your biggest strengths would be your confidence. Cholerics know what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it. They trust in their abilities and decision-making. This is part of what makes cholerics go-getters.
#3: They’re Natural leaders.
Usually, cholerics are the first to step up when leadership is needed. They’re skilled at organising and delegating tasks for efficient results. Even as leaders, they work hard, leading by example. Their goal-driven nature inspires others to stay on track too. People tend to follow their lead because they’re assertive and clear about what they want.
#4: They are Disciplined.
Cholerics are naturally disciplined. Their ability to remain focused on goals is top-notch. Unlike Sanguines, they don’t easily get distracted. Cholerics create clear plans and stick to them. Whether it’s working towards a career goal or maintaining a fitness routine, cholerics always follow through.
#5: They are Independent.
Another key strength of the choleric temperament is independence. They are self-reliant. Instead of looking around, they always take the initiative. They don’t wait for the crowd to move before they do. This independence also makes them own up to their mistake instead of shifting blame.
#6: They are Decisive.
Cholerics are also known for their swift decision-making. They avoid analysis paralysis—getting stuck in an endless cycle of weighing pros and cons. And this strength inspires trust in other people. This helps them drive progress and lead effectively.
5 Weaknesses of the Choleric Temperament
#1: Cholerics may come off as Domineering.
Because cholerics are strong-willed and like to be in charge, they can sometimes appear bossy or controlling. When passionate about a goal, they may forge ahead without seeking input. This makes other people involved feel ignored.
While cholerics have good intentions and want to get things done, their approach sometimes stresses others. To do better, people with a choleric temperament should intentionally work towards being more open to others’ opinions.
#2: They may be Impatient.
Cholerics love momentum. They want constant progress. But this strength can also become a weakness. When things aren’t moving as quickly as they want, they may become a little testy.
Their high expectations—for themselves and others—can also make them hard to please. If standards aren’t met, they may become impatient and critical. Their drive and ambition are assets. These tendencies, however, make it hard for them to remain calm if things take a different turn.
#3: They are Argumentative
Cholerics can sometimes be argumentative. This usually stems from their strong confidence in their opinions. If need be, cholerics will defend their point of view, even if it causes tension.
For example, at work, a choleric might argue with a colleague over the best way to handle a project, even if the colleague’s suggestion is good too. The choleric may not always be open to hearing other perspectives. This weakness makes them difficult to work with at times.
#4: They Hate Vulnerability.
Vulnerability means being open and honest about one’s emotions, fears, and weaknesses. This is almost impossible for people with a choleric temperament. Cholerics are known for being confident and independent. They may fear coming off as weak or incapable.
Because of this, some cholerics avoid asking for help, even when they need it. While their confidence is a strength, not being vulnerable enough can create distance in their relationships.
#5: They May Seem Unempathetic
Cholerics’ results-driven nature can sometimes make them appear unempathetic. They may overlook others’ needs and feelings in pursuit of their goals. For instance, a choleric boss might push employees to work really hard without considering the emotional toll.
This doesn’t mean cholerics are heartless. It’s just that they focus so intently on the task at hand that they forget to be sweet. By being aware of this, cholerics can intentionally learn to be more considerate people.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, people with a choleric temperament are driven, ambitious, and confident. But, those strengths if extreme can sometimes flip into weaknesses. When cholerics or blends learn to balance their drive with a bit of patience, they become truly amazing leaders.
