The Toothpaste TestDo you think that how you treat certain things relates to how you are as a person?

I do.

Take toothpaste, for example. Here is a short (fun) test to take to determine what type of person you are and the approaches you may take in life.

The Toss Test

  1. Do you squeeze every single last drop out of the tube before throwing it away?
  2. Do you give the tube one run up between your two fingers, get what you can easily, and then move to a new tube?
  3. Do you just look at it, see it is mostly empty, and then toss it?

If you answer “yes” to the first one, then your approach is one of being frugal. You manage your resources conservatively, probably save and budget well. You also may be persistent, ensuring everything is done completely.

If you answer “yes” to the second one, then your approach may be “good enough is good enough.” You cover what you have time for, and then move on to the next activity or project. You may be a “middler” in your work – your work is solid, but a few things are left dangling for someone else to pick up and complete.

If you answer “yes” to the third one, then your approach is more whimsical. You are willing to put in some effort, but get bored more easily and get eager to move on to something new. You also may be an experimenter, in that you are ready to try the next flavor or brand to see how it compares.

The Squeeze Test

  1. Do you squeeze the tube at its end and then roll it up as you go?
  2. Do you grab the tube and squeeze it in the middle?
  3. Do you squeeze the tube at the top?

If you answer “yes” to the first one, then you are neat person. You like things well-organized. You probably use checklists to ensure everything is done at the end of the day.

If you answer “yes” to the second one, then you like to grab projects and topics and just jump in. You like to mix things up, maybe without regard for what was already discussed or done.

If you answer “yes” to the third one, then you like immediate results and instant gratification. You have challenge in waiting for things to unfold; you just want it now.

The Top Test

  1. Is the toothpaste top always put back on or closed at the end of every use?
  2. Is the top always open?
  3. Does the top have gobs of dried toothpaste all around it?

If you answer “yes” to the first one, then you like to see things to their logical conclusion. You see project and initiatives through and ensure all is working as intended.

If you answer “yes” to the second one, then you may have a challenge in completing tasks. You may have your days filled with a lot of activity with little progress or closure at the end of the day or week.

If you answer “yes” to the third one, then you may be careless in your work. You may be more creative, too, focusing more on concepts and ideas rather than results.

So there it is. The Toothpaste Test. How did you do?

No wrong answers, just insights and, hopefully a little fun!

How did I do? I am a frugal, well-organized person who works to see projects to a successful conclusion. How about you?