You can see it on the faces of kids at the start of each school year. Some are excited, while others are scared to get on the bus. How children handle that moment reveals a lot about who they are.
Adults aren’t much different. We may not carry backpacks, but starting a new project, taking on a leadership role, or venturing into the unknown stirs the same feelings.
This is a moment of resfeber—the Swedish word for the restless rush of a traveler’s heart before a journey begins, when anticipation and anxiety mix together. We all feel it, but each of us responds to it in our own way.
That’s where Personality Intelligence and the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl styles come into play. By recognizing our natural style and understanding how it influences our reactions, we gain a deeper awareness of why and how each person experiences this unique mix of emotions.
Let’s explore how each style handles the first day of school and what it can teach us about navigating new territory.
The Eagle: Eager for the Challenge to Achieve and Win
Eagles are confident, assertive, and results-focused. They walk into the classroom ready to dominate. They evaluate the teacher and consider how they will demonstrate their capabilities this year. Their motivation comes from their desire to win and succeed. However, they may fear being limited by rules, restrictions, or a teacher who doesn’t let them carve their own path.
As adults, Eagles approach new opportunities with the same attitude. They set ambitious goals but can struggle when too much structure gets in their way.
The Parrot: Excited for the Adventure of Something New
Parrots are social, enthusiastic, and optimistic. They burst into school, buzzing with stories from summer. They can’t wait to make new friends in every class and dive into activities. They are energized by fun and interaction. Parrots may fear boredom, as the idea of a dull year feels overwhelming.
At work, Parrots eagerly embrace new opportunities. They bring positivity to the unknown, as it opens up possibilities.
The Dove: Hopeful for Creating Belonging and Connection
Doves are caring, helpful, and loyal. They ease into the new year, wondering who they’ll sit with at lunch and whether their friends will be in their classes. For them, school is about connection, safety, and acceptance. They fear rejection, such as being left out or feeling like they don’t belong.
As adults, Doves maintain the same sensitivity to new situations. A new job or project isn’t just about the work, it’s about whether the people around them will be kind and collaborative.
The Owl: Anxious About the Unknown Variables They Can’t Control
Owls are logical, precise, and organized. They walk in, holding their supply list, hoping the class will be structured and the expectations clear. They want to know the rules, how grading works, and what success looks like. They are eager to learn but fear ambiguity.
As adults, Owls maintain the same sense of precision. They approach new situations with trepidation and need all available information to feel comfortable.
What This Means for Adults
The back-to-school jitters aren’t just for kids. Starting something new constantly triggers our most personal fears:
- Eagles fear losing control.
- Parrots fear negativity.
- Doves fear disconnection.
- Owls fear chaos.
While the settings for children and adults may differ, their reactions are similar. Kids can’t escape the new school year just as adults can’t avoid the unknown. The bus ride never truly ends.
Every new role, project, or leap into the unknown brings the same feeling of resfeber, just like it did when we walked through the school doors at the beginning of each new year. What changes is our awareness. When we understand our natural style, our fears turn into opportunities for growth.
About Merrick Rosenberg
Merrick Rosenberg is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality framework and author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You. As an award-winning speaker and founder of Take Flight Learning, Merrick has helped hundreds of thousands of people unlock the power of personality styles to transform their communication, leadership, and relationships. He’s on a mission to make self-awareness accessible, fun, and unforgettable.