Title: The Color Code
Author: Taylor Hartman, Ph. D
Basic Overview: Do you ever wonder why one child comes unglued if you get mad at them while your other could care less? This is a fantastic book that helps you understand different personalities–first and foremost, your own. By taking a short quiz at the beginning, you find out what “color” you are: red, blue, white or yellow. The main distinguishing factor between the colors is what motivates you. Reds are motivated by power, Blues by intimacy, Whites by peace and Yellows by fun. As the author explains, most people are a combination of colors, but you will have one predominant color or motivation.
The remainder of the book is divided into three parts. In the first, the author goes in great detail to explain each color, what motivates them, their strengths, and their weaknesses. It’s really fun to read and think, “I totally do that!” or “This is so my husband!” The second part of the book goes into how different colors interact with each other and how to have positive relationships with any color. Some color combinations just naturally complement each other and some combinations need a little help. The last part of the book talks about character development. Once you know your color, you’re better able to capitalize on your strengths and work on your short-comings. We’re born with a personality; what we do with that personality constitutes our character.
Parts I Liked Best: I really like the lists at the end of each color chapter. There are bullet points describing how each color is as an individual, a communicator, a goal setter, a career person, a parent, child, friend and committed companion. This is really useful in identifying what color your child or spouse might be and how to appreciate and accept how they act. There are also concrete suggestions about how you should or should not interact with each color. For instance, with Yellows (who are in it for the fun), it suggest that you do things like accept their teasing and give them creative activities. On the other hand, you shouldn’t be too serious in criticism or totally consume their time.
How This Book Made an Impact In My Life, Especially as a Mother (or why I just really liked it): My mother introduced me to this book when I was a teenager, and I can honestly say that I go back to it again and again. It always leaves me feeling better about who I am and reminds me of my strengths and why I might be prone to certain weaknesses. I also use it when someone (usually in my family) is driving me crazy! I read the lists and think, “Oh, they’re a Red!…That’s why they do that and this is what I need to do differently.” It really helps me appreciate their differences. It takes all the colors to make a rainbow!
The Power of Moms is an Amazon Affiliate. If you link to and purchase a book we recommend on Amazon’s website, we will receive a small commission. However, we only make honest endorsements on products we know and use ourselves. Thanks for your support!
I’m going to see if my local library has this. I know my husband and I have very different personalities and I would like to read what this says about dealing with each other. Thanks for sharing.