Play isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Just like we have different learning styles or love languages, we each have our own way of playing—ways that light us up, help us recharge, and invite us into flow.
Dr. Stuart Brown, a psychiatrist and play researcher, identified eight distinct play personalities—eight natural styles of engaging with the world in joyful, energizing ways. Understanding your personal play style (or blend of styles) can help you reconnect with play in a way that feels natural—not forced or childish, but truly fulfilling.
This is especially helpful in adulthood, when “play” often gets buried under to-do lists and responsibilities. But the truth is: the more we align with our play personality, the more alive, creative, and connected we feel.
Below are the 8 play personalities. Which one feels most like you? And how might you plex it into your life?
Rate each Play Type: How much does this describe you?
(1 = Not like me at all, 3 = Somewhat like me, 5 = Totally me)
1. Joker
You love making people laugh and joking around. You feel most energized when you’re being silly, telling funny stories, or lightening the mood with humor.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
2. Kinesthete
You love moving your body—running, dancing, or playing sports. You feel most energized when you’re physically active or exploring new ways to use your body.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
3. Explorer
You love discovering new ideas, places, or experiences. You feel most energized when you’re learning, trying new things, or seeking adventure.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
4. Competitor
You love testing your skills and challenging yourself. You feel most energized when you’re competing in games, sports, or any contest.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
5. Director
You love leading, organizing, and making plans happen. You feel most energized when you’re in charge of events, projects, or group activities.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
6. Collector
You love gathering and organizing things you care about—whether objects, ideas, or memories. You feel most energized when you’re curating your collections or organizing your world.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
7. Artist/Creator
You love expressing yourself through art, music, or crafts. You feel most energized when you’re making something new or bringing your ideas to life.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
8. Storyteller
You love telling stories, acting, or imagining different worlds. You feel most energized when you’re sharing narratives, roleplaying, or exploring fantasies.
Rate: 1 2 3 4 5
🎭 1. JOKER
Loves humor, silliness, playfulness with others
- 🟡 Micro: Send a goofy voice note or meme to a friend
- 🔵 Routine: Make up a funny nickname for a daily task (like “Queen of Carpool”)
- 🔴 Mega: Take an improv or laughter yoga class
- 🟣 Epic: Go to a costume party as your wildest alter ego
- 🟢 Solo: Watch a stand-up set while doing chores — and mimic the delivery
💃 2. KINESTHETE
Loves movement and physical play
- 🟡 Micro: Do a stretch or wiggle dance when you stand up
- 🔵 Routine: Walk or dance during your podcast time
- 🔴 Mega: Try a new movement class — pole dancing? tai chi?
- 🟣 Epic: Take a solo trip built around hiking, surfing, or dancing
- 🟢 Solo: Put on one song and move however your body wants
🌍 3. EXPLORER
Loves discovering new places, ideas, and experiences
- 🟡 Micro: Take a different route home or use a new mug
- 🔵 Routine: Try a new food, podcast, or café each week
- 🔴 Mega: Sign up for a weekend retreat or workshop
- 🟣 Epic: Travel solo somewhere you’ve never been — no itinerary
- 🟢 Solo: Explore a thrift store, museum, or bookstore with no goal
🏆 4. COMPETITOR
Loves challenge, games, and improvement
- 🟡 Micro: Play a quick brain game or time yourself on a chore
- 🔵 Routine: Challenge a friend to a step-count or water-drinking contest
- 🔴 Mega: Join a league, race, or skill-based challenge
- 🟣 Epic: Organize a friendly “Olympics” or competition for your friends
- 🟢 Solo: Set a personal record goal — and reward yourself when you hit it
🎬 5. DIRECTOR
Loves planning, organizing, leading activities
- 🟡 Micro: Organize your to-do list like a game board
- 🔵 Routine: Create mini “events” for everyday tasks (like “Monday Morning Coffee Club”)
- 🔴 Mega: Host a game night, theme dinner, or community circle
- 🟣 Epic: Produce a local event, workshop, or getaway for others
- 🟢 Solo: Plan a mini solo “retreat” day just for yourself
💎 6. COLLECTOR
Loves curating, organizing, and discovering treasures
- 🟡 Micro: Take a photo of one beautiful thing each day
- 🔵 Routine: Start a small collection — of quotes, textures, or teas
- 🔴 Mega: Visit a flea market or antique fair
- 🟣 Epic: Curate an exhibit or host a “show and tell” night with friends
- 🟢 Solo: Create a private Pinterest or scrapbook of joyful things
🎨 7. ARTIST/CREATOR
Loves expressing through hands-on making
- 🟡 Micro: Doodle during a phone call
- 🔵 Routine: Set up a small creative corner for regular making
- 🔴 Mega: Take a class or start a collaborative project
- 🟣 Epic: Do a 30-day creative challenge or exhibit your work
- 🟢 Solo: Make something for the joy of it — and don’t show anyone
📖 8. STORYTELLER
Loves stories, imagination, and emotional connection
- 🟡 Micro: Narrate your day in your head like a character
- 🔵 Routine: Share a personal story on social or with a friend
- 🔴 Mega: Take a writing, acting, or storytelling class
- 🟣 Epic: Perform or publish something — even just for a group of friends
- 🟢 Solo: Journal from your “inner character” or write fiction just for fun
