Matt & Kim – Daylight (nothing to do with Typology, but still catchy nonetheless)
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Sometime between 2004 and 2006 I had discovered a “test” that dealt with finding your personality. When I first came across it I figured it would be like every other personality test I had taken. Mostly vague and slightly inaccurate. However, this one in particular did not give the usual statements of your supposed self (you are quiet, you like to reflect, etc), no, it gave a much broader and detailed outlook of who I am as a person. And the answers had me thinking for years.
I’ve taken more than 5 sorters and I don’t think all of them were “licensed” since they were all free. But these are all of ones I’ve gotten.
INFP
INFJ
INTJ
ISFJ
ISFP
ISTP
This is the perfect example of why you should type yourself, after learning about all 16 variations. I had 6 answers given to me and I chose which one fits me best. Or what “role” I play more often then others. But I’ve noticed I can be 10 people in a matter of a week, which may cause others to be confused about whether or not they are seeing the “real” me.
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For those who are unfamiliar about the temperaments, I have provided a brief summary for you. If you like what you read I highly suggest searching for more information about MBTI (Meyers-Briggs Temperament Indicator).
BRIEF MEYERS-BRIGGS HISTORY
The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI) personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung understandable and useful in people’s lives. The essence of the theory is that much seemingly random variation in the behavior is actually quite orderly and consistent, being due to basic differences in the ways individuals prefer to use their perception and judgment.
“Perception involves all the ways of becoming aware of things, people, happenings, or ideas. Judgment involves all the ways of coming to conclusions about what has been perceived. If people differ systematically in what they perceive and in how they reach conclusions, then it is only reasonable for them to differ correspondingly in their interests, reactions, values, motivations, and skills.”
In developing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator [instrument], the aim of Isabel Briggs Myers, and her mother, Katharine Briggs, was to make the insights of type theory accessible to individuals and groups. They addressed the two related goals in the developments and application of the MBTI instrument: The identification of basic preferences of each of the four dichotomies specified or implicit in Jung’s theory. The identification and description of the 16 distinctive personality types that result from the interactions among the preferences.”
TYPE PREFERENCES
Extravert Characteristics
* Gregarious
* Assertive
* Talkative
* Social/outgoing
* Likes groups, parties, etc.
* Energized by interaction
* Expressive & enthusiastic
* Volunteers personal information
* Distractable
* Has many friends
* Easy to approach
Introvert Characteristics
* Energized by time alone
* Private
* Keeps to self
* Quiet
* Deliberate
* Internally aware
* Fewer friends
* Prefer smaller groups
* Independent
* Not socially inclined
* Enjoys solitude
* Thinks before speaking
Sensing Characteristics
* Concrete
* Realistic
* Lives in the present
* Aware of surroundings
* Notices details
* Practical
* Goes by senses
* Factual
Intuitive Characteristics
* Future-focused
* Sees possibilities
* Inventive
* Imaginitive
* Deep
* Abstract
* Idealistic
* Complicated
* Theoretical
Thinking Characteristics
* Logical
* Objective
* Decides with head
* Wants truth
* Rational
* Impersonal
* Critical
* Thick-skinned
* Firm with people
* Driven by thought
Feeling Characteristics
* Decides with heart
* Dislikes conflict
* Passionate
* Driven by emotion
* Gentle
* Easily hurt
* Empathetic
* Caring of others
* Warm
Judging Characteristics
* Decisive
* Controlled
* Good at finishing
* Organized
* Structured
* Scheduled
* Quick at tasks
* Responsible
* Likes closure
* Makes plans
Perceiving Characteristics
* Adaptable
* Relaxed
* Disorganized
* Care-free
* Spontaneous
* Changes tracks midway
* Keeps options open
* Procrastinates
* Dislikes routine
* Flexible
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THE 16 PERSONALITY TYPES
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INFJ – The Protectors
INTJ – The Scientists
INFP – The Idealists
INTP – The Thinkers
ISFJ – The Nurturers
ISTJ – The Duty Fulfillers
ISFP – The Artists
ISTP – The Mechanics
ENFJ – The Givers
ENTJ – The Executives
ENFP – The Inspirers
ENTP – The Visionaries
ESFJ – The Caregivers
ESTJ – The Guardians
ESFP – The Performers
ESTP – The Doers
You can read more about them here:
and here:
(my personal favorite)
TypeLogic
and here:
(also includes information on Enneagrams)
The 16 Types
Some people continue to bash the MBTI for slight inaccuracy or just plain denial of their true nature. I’ve see people behave differently after figuring out their types, like they are suppose to fit a mold and behave only as their “type”. Foolish, yes, but those who want to take it seriously end up learning more about, not only themselves, but about other types. That’s my main reason for constantly wanting to learn as much as I can. I want to see people in a different light. The MBTI has helped me in some ways.
When I first took the test the first time a few years ago, I got INFP. Parts of what I read fit me, but I ended up being on the fence. One thing I’ve read, INFPs are dreamy in appearance, mostly in the eyes I’ve noticed, and that doesn’t particularly go with my demeanor. And INFPs are basically relaxed individuals (P trait), unlike me who can be extremely rigid in thoughts and movements. That’s what threw me off and I found another temperament sorter and my results then went to INFJ. Only one letter difference, yet the difference is obvious.
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Just for kicks, I’ll break down my personality to show you a little about myself and the INFJ type.
I – I’m an introvert. Sometimes it may not seem that way because INFJs are known for being “wannabe extraverts” (and some I’s will have a lower scoring ‘I’, causing them to seem more outgoing).
But I’ve calmed down over the years and my ‘I’ trait has grown stronger, meaning I now avoid crowds completely. But sometimes if I am in public for long hours, I get amped up and seek more time out in the world. I spend too much time in my head, it’s killing me. Oddly enough the ‘I’ is my strongest trait.
N – I rely on my intuition to make my decisions. I can sometimes tell what someone is thinking. And I can almost always feel someone else’s emotions, which can be very energy draining, especially when I’m not sure where the hell these feelings are coming from in a location. What’s “strange” I guess is the fact that I just know things (that can freak people out) and end up being right about something.
I don’t always need something concrete to understand something. But since my N/S is somewhat balanced, so I consider myself a concrete intuitive. N’s look to the future, I do sometimes, but for the past year I can never see past 10 minutes from now. I currently live each day as it comes.
F – Yeah, I’m a feeler, so what? That does not mean I sit around and cry all day. It means I more often base decisions on what I’m feeling at the moment, instead of the logical “right” thing to do. Some Feelers are more in control of their emotions, while some Thinkers can be emotional. According to my results I’m roughly 50/50 with my F/T.
But my T side appears to be hidden, but will present itself in a short amount of time. As an INFJ I’m supposed to be all caring and shit, but some days I just don’t care. I do things for others because I feel pressured to, probably a Feeler trait. On my “up” days I don’t mind helping others, but part of me regrets for “giving in”. I’m not trying to be complicated, I promise..
J - Judging does not necessarily mean I judge people all the time. It’s just not true. If you do not gain my attention, then you are free to go. I will however write someone off as being important or unimportant to me within the first 20 seconds of meeting them. And that’s usually if they approach me first, I don’t just befriend everyone without doing some examinations.
But with my intuition I can tell within a few seconds whether or not I want to know a person. If I get really bad “vibes” then I’ll walk away, with politeness, of course. My J is also my other strongest trait. However, Js are often associated with having our “shit” together while being structured. Mentally I do, more so than physically. My room is a mess, but I can always locate things that I need.
Also everyone has a “shadow” type. For example, mine would be ESTP, which is the opposite of how I normally behave. Under stress one’s shadow type may reveal itself, causing one to “derail”. When I’m down and migraine ridden, my ESTP side will present itself. I become more outspoken, highly critical, prone to looking for arguments, living for moment, putting off deadlines and schedules, somewhat lazy, shunning intellectual thoughts and conversations.
Hmm..my ESTP shadow has been visiting me a lot lately. True story.
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So I’m ending my informational rant here. I hope you learned something, even if it will just leave your mind as you go about your day. So be it. But first, I’m sure inquiring minds want to know..
Here are a few links where you can take the MBTI test. I suggest taking them all and then go from there. And always remember to answer based on how you know yourself, preferably at home. Do NOT answer how your “work” self performs, that will end up null and voiding the whole point of this assessment.
Tomorrow’s post I will go into Enneagram types. Yes, more personality shit.
Gut!