How does a graceful, even-toed ungulate Survive the Serengeti?

How does a graceful, even-toed ungulate Survive the Serengeti?

Very well, thank you! 

I'm not crazy about taking personality tests and if ActiveRain had not suggested Surviving your Serengeti by Stefan Swanepoel, and made it part of a challenge, I wouldn't have bothered with this personality test either.  Or the book for that matter.  I have a pile of books sitting in my office that I keep meaning to get to, adding another to the pile was not in the plan!

But I'm nothing if not curious and competitive.  So I downloaded the first 2 chapters and took the quiz.

I enjoyed the first 2 chapters of Stefan's book, they were not at all what I expected and I'm looking forward to the release on March 1 so I can see it through.  The personality test was fun and easy.  After reading a few other reviews and explanations of the animals, I thought for sure I'd be an elephant.  To find out I'm a giraffe was a surprise!  Not so much after I read the explanation.

• They seek to make others feel like they're the most important person with whom they can spend time, and always put others needs first.

Yeah, 'bout that.  Sometimes this particular personality trait isn't so great.  It helps with business, that's for sure.  Being able to hone in on what's important to a client and make them comfortable in the knowledge that they are the most important part of any transaction has served me well.  I really do feel that way, though I've never really put it into words.  Always putting others needs first?  Yeah, I do it.  I've done it my whole life.  This is not always a good thing.  As a matter of fact, I could afford to do a little less of this on occasion. 

• They live according to personal standards that are higher than any given code of conduct, and incorporate dignity, honor, and respect in extending grace to others -- even when things have not gone their way.

Okay, this one?  This one really is me.  I don't mean to sound conceited or full of myself -- if you know me at all, you know that's not my nature.  But I do treat everyone I meet with dignity, honor, and respect.  It's the way I was brought up, the way I raised my children and the way I live my life.  There have been times I've wanted to kick a little mud at someone, but I haven't.  REALTORS have a Code of Ethics, so do I.  And mine is more stringent. 

I like this final paragraph in the giraffe explanation.  I think it sums up how I feel about most everything in life.

Grace represents style, finesse, kindness, and above all, doing the right thing -- a quality that will always advance our purpose in life, no matter what.

I think I like being a giraffe. Now hurry up and get that book on the shelves, I have much to learn and while I may be graceful about it,  I don't like to be kept waiting!  (Patience is where the giraffe and I differ!)