What's a Type B personality (and why should you try to nurture one)?
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
You’ve maybe heard what a Type A personality is, but what about Type B? Explore Type B personality traits, its benefits and drawbacks, and how to cultivate it.
You’ve likely heard of people having a Type A personality. These are the people who are always busy, juggling multiple tasks at once (and somehow managing), and striving for success in all areas of their lives. You might even see some of those traits in yourself. But what if instead of being Type A, you’re more laid-back, less stressed, and happy to go with the flow? That personality is sometimes called Type B.
Type B personalities tend to be a bit more patient, relaxed, and flexible. They could be enjoying life at their own pace instead of constantly chasing goals. Maybe their priorities are different, or their approach to getting tasks done is just unique to them. These people might achieve a goal and then take time to enjoy the satisfaction of having met the milestone, instead of rushing right into the next big endeavor.
Even if you don't fully identify as Type B, there may be something you can learn from their approach.
What’s a Type B personality?
A Type B personality is most often described as an easygoing type of person. They tend to take life as it comes, don't worry too much about deadlines, and enjoy the journey more than the destination.
People with Type B traits prioritize personal happiness and wellbeing over the pressure to always be productive. They don’t usually rush to complete tasks or strive to be the best.
This doesn’t mean Type B personalities lack ambition or can't get things done. They simply approach life in a more balanced way. For them, work matters, but so does life outside work.
Type A vs. Type B
Type A and Type B personality types each have different qualities, and you might not fit perfectly into one type or the other. You might find that you identify as Type A in how you manage your time, but maybe you’re more of a Type B when it comes to work-life balance. Here are some side by side comparisons of how each type tends to respond to different experiences in life.
Stress and urgency: Type A personalities are driven and thrive under pressure, but their urgency and stress may lead to burnout. Type B personalities tend to take a laid-back approach to tasks, preferring to pace themselves.
Competitiveness: Type A people are competitive and want to succeed. Type B people value collaboration over competition, and they find success and satisfaction in enjoying the process.
Time management: Type A personalities are highly organized, relying on schedules and deadlines to manage their time, while Type B people tend to be more spontaneous and flexible.
Work-life balance: Type A personalities often struggle to disconnect from work and may feel guilty for taking breaks. In contrast, Type B personalities achieve a healthier balance by prioritizing downtime, socializing, and self-care.
Personal relationships: Type A people may be intense and impatient in social settings, often struggling to be present due to their focus on tasks. Type B people can be more patient and attentive, helping them listen and nurture stronger connections with others.
8 key traits of a Type B personality
If you’re curious whether you—or someone you know—might have a Type B personality, there are a few traits to look out for. Keep in mind that not all of these traits signal someone who is strictly Type B. Those who are Type A might only be that driven in certain places in their life. Maybe they’re very Type A at work, but once they clock out for the day they’re relaxed and flexible with how their evenings go.
1. They have a laid-back nature
Type B people have a relaxed attitude and don’t get easily frazzled or stressed, even when things aren’t going as planned. They approach life with a calmness that can be reassuring to others, especially in high-pressure situations.
2. They’re able to practice patience
They’re often willing to wait without getting frustrated, whether it’s standing in a long line, staying focused during an intense project, or staying engaged during challenging conversations. Type B people understand that not everything happens immediately, which helps them handle life’s ups and downs more easily.
3. They approach life with flexibility
Type B personalities tend to go with the flow when plans change. Rather than feeling thrown off by unexpected events, this type adapts quickly, which allows them to handle unpredictable situations with positivity.
4. They know what it means to prioritize creativity
Less focus on strict schedules or rigid plans can allow more space for creativity and innovative ideas, and Type B personalities know how to implement that. They may find creative solutions to problems or excel in fields such as design, writing, or the arts.
5. They have strong interpersonal skills
Type B people have a calm, patient nature, which makes them easy to talk to, and they tend to be good listeners. In social situations, they’re more focused on building connections than competing for attention or status. This can make them excellent friends, family members, and coworkers.
6. They have no issue enjoying the present moment
A person who is Type B is more likely to enjoy the moment and appreciate the little things in life. Whether it’s savoring a sunny afternoon, a meal with friends, or a leisurely walk, they know how to slow down and soak in the experience.
7. They approach tasks and to-do lists with less urgency
Type B people tend not to rush to complete tasks — they take their time. While this can sometimes lead to procrastination, it can also mean they’re better at managing stress and avoiding burnout.
8. They maintain work-life balance
Type B personalities understand the importance of relaxation and personal time, so they don’t let work take over their lives. They’re more likely to take breaks for hobbies, socializing, and fun without feeling guilty about it.
Benefits and drawbacks of a Type B personality
The Type B personality comes with several advantages, but, like any personality type, it also has some potential drawbacks. If you have a Type B personality, you might find that you need a bit more motivation or structure in your day to day. Here are some areas where you excel and where you might benefit from a little extra attention or effort.
Benefits of a Type B personality
Less likely to feel stressed: People with a Type B personality tend to handle stress well, while still enjoying a relaxed approach to life. This can help reduce anxiety, which can benefit both your physical and mental health.
A better work-life balance: Prioritizing downtime, relaxation, and time with loved ones helps prevent burnout, and Type B personalities thrive at maintaining the balance. It can also enhance overall happiness and fulfillment in personal and professional lives.
Creative and innovative: Holding more space for creativity can allow Type B personalities to tackle and solve problems innovatively.
More likely to have strong relationships: An easygoing nature, patience, and empathy can help build strong, lasting bonds with friends and partners.
Drawbacks of a Type B personality
Lack of urgency: A Type B personality’s relaxed approach to most areas of their lives may create challenges in managing tasks in fast-paced environments, like the workplace.
May be overlooked in competitive environments: Preferring to work at their own pace can lead to missed opportunities for advancement for Type B personalities, despite being qualified for promotions or further responsibilities at work.
Structure may feel difficult: In organized or rule-heavy settings, Type B people can feel overwhelmed, because they may feel a lack of autonomy. If this sounds like you, check out these 12 ways to find relief from overwhelm.
10 tips to cultivate a Type B personality
Even if you naturally lean toward a more driven and high-stress Type A personality, it’s possible to develop some of the relaxed, go-with-the-flow traits that define a Type B. Balancing both personalities may help you reduce stress, improve your wellbeing, and establish healthy boundaries with work and play. Here’s how to bring more B into your life.
1. Practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment
Staying present in the moment is something Type B personalities typically do well. By practicing mindfulness, you can train your brain to slow down and focus on what’s happening right now, instead of constantly feeling the pressure to check things off your to-do list.
You don’t have to spend hours meditating to see the benefits — just take a few minutes each day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and focus on your surroundings. This can help you develop a more relaxed, patient mindset. Here are some ways to start meditating daily.
💙 Start your own mindfulness practice with our Mindfulness for Beginners series, led by Jeff Warren.
2. Set flexible goals to help challenge a rigid mindset
Instead of giving yourself hard deadlines for every task, set goals that allow some flexibility. For example, switch from saying “I need to finish this project by Friday at noon,” to “I’d like to make good progress by the end of the week.” A more open-ended approach can give you room to be creative and reduce stress. Here are some ways to add flexibility to your work setup.
💙 Get specific on the goals you wish to set (and why) with help from Jay Shetty’s The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals.
3. Take regular breaks throughout the day to prevent overwhelm
Type A personalities tend to power through tasks without taking breaks, which can lead to burnout. To cultivate a Type B mindset, make a point to step away from your desk regularly. Take a few minutes to stretch, take a walk, or have a quick chat with a friend.
These small breaks can help you recharge and prevent stress from building up. Plus, giving your mind time to rest can lead to more creativity and problem-solving when you return. Learn about micro breaks and the importance of taking them at work.
💙 Take a quick, mindful break a few times throughout the day with Chibs Okereke’s One-Minute Reset breathing meditation.
4. Embrace hobbies without the pressure to excel at them
Pick up a hobby you enjoy—maybe painting, gardening, cooking, or playing an instrument—and do it just for fun. Don’t worry about being perfect or mastering it. Simply enjoy the process of learning something new and doing something you like. This can help you relax, reduce stress, and enjoy leisure time more.
💙 Release yourself from The Pressure to Be Perfect while engaging in hobbies you enjoy with help from Jay Shetty.
5. Let go of the need for control
If you find yourself getting anxious when things don’t go exactly as planned, practice letting go a little. Start small. Allow someone else to make decisions and try not to obsess over every detail of a project. Accept that not everything will go perfectly, and be okay with that. This might feel uncomfortable at first, but it can help you reduce stress and develop a more laid-back attitude.
💙 Develop Resilience to help you bounce back from adversity when something doesn’t go according to plan with this guided exercise led by Tamara Levitt.
6. Make space for intentional time with people you love
Spend quality time with friends and family, and focus on being fully present with them instead of worrying about your to-do list. This can help strengthen your connections, and lead to more fulfillment and happiness. Here are 15 ways to build rapport and strengthen your bond with people you love.
💙 Hold space in your connections to practice Tamara Levitt’s Kind Communication approach to love and relationships.
7. Adopt a “good enough” mindset to combat perfectionism
Remind yourself that work projects, chores at home, or creative hobbies don’t have to be perfect — they just need to be done well enough to meet your goals. This mindset shift can free you from constant pressure to be a perfectionist and help you enjoy your accomplishments. Here are six tips to help you stop being a perfectionist.
💙 Explore your relationship with being perfect with our meditation on Perfectionism from The Daily Calm.
8. Schedule downtime to rest and reconnect with yourself
If you tend to stay busy all the time, block out specific times for relaxation or activities that make you happy, like reading, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones. Here are 12 ideas to get you started.
💙 Follow along with Jay Shetty as he shares tips for Scheduling Me-tings with yourself to make time for doing things that make you happy.
9. Enjoy on the process, not the outcome
When you're working on a project, exercising, or cooking dinner, pay attention to the steps you’re taking and the experience itself, rather than rushing to finish. This can make even mundane tasks more enjoyable and help you feel less pressured. Practice embracing the power of the present moment with these seven tips.
💙 Sharpen your focusing skills with our 7 Days of Focus series led by Tamara Levitt.
10. Limit multitasking and learn to be present with one thing at a time
Pay attention to one task at a time to help you feel less scattered and more in control. Single-tasking can help you be more mindful, which helps develop a calmer, more relaxed approach to life.
💙 Stay present and focused on what you’re doing in the current moment by learning how to Settle Down by Single-Tasking with Jay Shetty.
Type B personality FAQs
Can someone have both Type A and Type B personality traits?
It’s completely possible to have both Type A and Type B traits. Most people don’t fit neatly into just one category.
You might find that in some areas of your life—like work or school—you have more Type A tendencies, such as being organized, driven, and time-focused. But in your personal life or hobbies, you lean toward Type B traits, enjoying more relaxation rather than pressure to achieve.
Personality is flexible and changes depending on the situation. Find a balance that works for you, so you can push yourself when necessary, but enjoy life too. Here are 11 tips to get started on living your best life.
Is Type B personality linked to better mental health?
A Type B personality can be linked to better mental health, especially when it comes to managing stress. Type B people are generally more laid-back and don’t feel the same urgency as Type A people do. This can lead to lower stress levels and a more balanced approach to life.
Since Type B people are often better at prioritizing relaxation and taking things as they come, they might have an easier time managing anxiety or stress-related health issues.
However, mental health is influenced by many factors, including environment, support systems, and personal history. Everyone’s experience is unique, and a mix of Type A and Type B traits might provide the healthiest overall balance for some people.
How can Type B personalities improve productivity without losing their relaxed nature?
Improving productivity doesn’t mean Type B people have to sacrifice their relaxed nature. The key is to find productivity methods that fit an easygoing style.
Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps.
Focus on one task at a time and give yourself realistic, flexible deadlines.
Use reminders or set gentle time goals to help you stay on track without adding pressure.
Work in short bursts with regular breaks, which can help keep your energy up and prevent the stress of trying to push through long stretches of work.
Focus on steady progress rather than perfection to boost productivity while maintaining a stress-free approach.
What jobs are best suited for Type B personalities?
Type B personalities often thrive in careers that offer flexibility, creativity, and opportunities for collaboration. Careers in fields like the arts, education, counseling, and design often align well with Type B traits.
Jobs that allow for flexible schedules or a degree of autonomy, like freelancing or entrepreneurship, can also be a good match. The key is finding a career where the work environment doesn’t demand constant pressure or strict deadlines, so you can stay true to your nature while still being productive.
Can meditation help Type A personalities adopt more Type B traits?
Meditation can help Type A people looking to embrace more Type B traits by encouraging mindfulness, which helps you focus on the present moment rather than constantly worrying about the future.
By practicing mindfulness, you can train yourself to slow down, reduce stress, and become more comfortable with not being in control.
Regular meditation can also improve patience and help you manage stress more healthily. Even just a few minutes of daily meditation can make a noticeable difference in helping Type A personalities shift toward a more relaxed, balanced mindset.
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