Personality tests can tell you so much about yourself. You may learn more about your learning styles, how to best connect with others, and why you're prone to certain behaviors. However, in order to get the most out of these tests, you need to take them honestly — which can be harder than it sounds. It can be so tempting to circle the answers associated with who you want to be, rather than who you really are. If you have struggled to take personality tests honestly in the past, here are a few tips to keep you honest the next time you sit down to take an assessment.

1. Don't dwell on it.

Read the question, fill in your answer, and move in. The longer you spend pondering which response is best associated with you, the more likely you are to be less-than-honest. The first response you are drawn to is likely the one best associated with your true personality. If you are really struggling with dwelling on the questions, you can set a timer for yourself. Give yourself 10 seconds to fill in an answer after reading each question.

2. Ask yourself what someone else would say about you.

If you find yourself feeling tempted to fill in answers that represent the "dream you" and not the "real you," consider putting yourself in someone else's shoes. In other words, ponder how a friend or family member would answer the question. If the question is "are you more likely to start a conversation or join in after the fact", for example, think about how your friends may perceive you in a group and what they would say about this behavior.

3. Take the test when you're well-rested.

If you take the personality test late at night when you're exhausted, you're more likely to let emotions, rather than rationality, drive your responses — so you might not be as honest. Prepare for the personality test like you would an exam at school. Get plenty of sleep and eat a good meal before you take the assessment.

4. Take breaks.

Most personality tests are not timed. To avoid getting swept up in the test and therefore less honest with your answers, take breaks partway through. You might want to, for example, answer 10 questions before pausing for a drink or a couple deep breaths. Take a break whenever you start to feel like you're over-thinking things and not answering honestly.

If you follow these tips, your personality test results will more accurately reflect the real you. For more information, reach out to companies like the Career Assessment Site.