A have been doing a lot of reflecting lately about myself and why I am the way I am, so I have a conversion with my favorite artificial intelligence, and she and I determined my personality type is a Cyclical Scanner. If you know me, let me know if you agree.

Cyclical Scanner Personality Type

Cyclical Scanners are a subtype of the Scanner or Multipotentialite personality, defined by their tendency to revisit the same interests, hobbies, or projects repeatedly over time. Instead of focusing on one project or career path indefinitely, they cycle through various interests, sometimes abandoning a pursuit for months or even years, only to return to it later with renewed enthusiasm.

Key Characteristics of Cyclical Scanners

Recurring Interests:

Cyclical Scanners often have several interests or passions that they cycle between. Unlike Sequential Scanners, who move from one interest to another without returning, Cyclical Scanners revisit their past projects or hobbies over time.

The time between revisiting interests can vary—it could be weeks, months, or even years before they feel the urge to return to something they previously set aside. Seasonal or Trigger-Based Engagement: Their interest in a project might be linked to external factors, such as seasons, personal milestones, or specific events. For example, they might garden intensively during spring and summer but then switch to writing or painting during the fall and winter.

External triggers, such as a relevant event or new information, can reignite their interest in a past project. For example, the release of a new tool or technology in a field might pull them back into a related project.

Strong Initial Engagement:

Like other Scanners, Cyclical Scanners often immerse themselves deeply when they first take on a project. They may learn quickly, absorb as much as possible, and make significant progress in a short amount of time.

This deep engagement is part of the initial excitement, and it often propels them forward during the first stages of a project.

Natural Shifting Away from Projects:

Over time, as the project becomes more routine or reaches a maintenance phase, the Cyclical Scanner’s interest begins to fade. They might feel satisfied with the progress they've made and no longer feel the need to continue pushing forward with that particular endeavor.

However, unlike Sequential Scanners, who may never return to a previous interest, Cyclical Scanners often feel a pull back toward their past projects, rekindling their interest and diving back in as if no time had passed.

Long-Term Project Accumulation:

Over time, Cyclical Scanners may accumulate a variety of ongoing or incomplete projects. These projects don’t feel like failures to them, because they know they’ll come back to them eventually.

They often have a collection of “shelves” in their mind (or even literally) where they store these projects for later. When they feel the urge to revisit, they can dust them off and pick up right where they left off.

Broad Skill Set with Deep Knowledge in Cycles:

Cyclical Scanners may develop deep knowledge or proficiency in various areas, but this knowledge is often built up over time through repeated cycles of engagement. They may not focus deeply on one area for years, but by revisiting it regularly, they can achieve a high level of expertise.

This cycle also prevents burnout. By taking breaks from an interest and switching to something else, they allow themselves to return to each passion with fresh energy and a new perspective.

Challenges of Being a Cyclical Scanner

Perceived Inconsistency:

To others, Cyclical Scanners may seem inconsistent or unfocused. People might not understand how someone can be deeply engaged in one project for months and then suddenly shift to something else without finishing. This inconsistency can sometimes make it difficult to fit into traditional work environments, where sustained focus on a single subject or career path is expected.

Feelings of Guilt or Self-Judgment:

Cyclical Scanners might experience guilt about their shifting interests, especially if they’ve internalized societal pressures to “stick with one thing.” They might feel as though they’re abandoning their projects when, in fact, they’re just taking a break.

Over time, they might judge themselves harshly for not finishing things immediately, even though they know they will return to those projects eventually.

Difficulty in Managing Multiple Projects:

Because they revisit old projects while simultaneously starting new ones, Cyclical Scanners might struggle to manage their workload. This can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of projects they want to work on at once.

Managing time and prioritizing which project to work on next can be a challenge, especially when different interests compete for attention.

Lack of External Recognition:

In professional or traditional settings, Cyclical Scanners might find it difficult to receive recognition for their skills, since they don't follow a straight, linear path of expertise. Employers or peers may value continuous progress in a single field, while the Scanner’s cyclical nature might be misunderstood.

Strengths of Cyclical Scanners

Depth Across Multiple Areas:

By revisiting interests over time, Cyclical Scanners build a deep understanding of multiple subjects. They are like “seasonal experts,” who return to their areas of interest with new insights gained from other fields or projects they’ve worked on in the meantime.

This can lead to highly innovative thinking, as they are often able to make connections across different areas that others wouldn’t see.

Renewed Passion and Energy:

The cyclical nature of their interests means that when they do return to a project, it’s often with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Rather than burning out on a single task, they allow themselves to recharge by engaging in something different for a while.

This approach can lead to breakthroughs and creative solutions that wouldn’t have come about if they had stayed focused on one project for too long.

Natural Multitaskers:

Cyclical Scanners can manage a variety of projects and interests, often juggling multiple things at once. They are comfortable with shifting focus between different tasks, which makes them adaptable and able to thrive in dynamic environments.

Patience and Perseverance:

Even though they switch between projects, Cyclical Scanners often show long-term perseverance. Over the course of years, they might complete projects that others thought were abandoned, achieving their goals in a non-linear fashion.

They don’t give up on their interests—they just follow a timeline that works for them.

Strategies to Thrive as a Cyclical Scanner

Own the Cycle:

Accept that cycling between interests is part of your nature. Embrace it as a strength, not a weakness. Rather than feeling guilty for leaving a project temporarily, recognize that it’s part of your process, and trust that you’ll return to it when the time is right.

Keep a “Project Log”:

Maintain a list or log of all your ongoing projects and ideas. This way, when you cycle back to an old interest, you can pick up where you left off without losing momentum.

Keeping notes on your progress and ideas for future improvements can help smooth the transition when you return to a project after a break.

Time Your Engagements:

Since your interest may wax and wane over time, schedule periods where you focus on each project. This can be based on seasons, personal rhythms, or external deadlines that help you stay on track.

For example, you could designate certain times of the year for specific interests (e.g., winter for writing, spring for gardening) or rotate between projects on a weekly or monthly basis.

Communicate Your Style:

If you work with others, explain your cyclical nature. Let them know that while you may shift focus, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost interest. This helps manage expectations and ensures that your contributions are understood and valued, even if they don’t follow a traditional path.

Find Cycles Within Projects:

When working on long-term projects, break them down into smaller cycles of engagement. Tackle one aspect of the project at a time, allowing yourself to step away and return with fresh ideas for each cycle.

Work in Project-Based Environments:

If possible, choose careers or environments that allow for project-based work. Freelancing, consulting, or working in roles that involve a variety of short-term projects may suit you better than traditional long-term commitments.