Most of you have probably taken some form of personality test throughout your life. I’ve taken a ton; in fact, I recall a handful of job applications that had a variation of personality test on them. Personality tests are cool because they help us gain a better awareness of ourselves and how we operate in the world.
My favorite of the personality tests is the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI). Like other personality tests, it breaks people down into one of 16 possible personality types. You get a “score” which spells out four letters that represent an aspect of personality.
- Extroversion vs. Introversion
- Sensing vs. INtuition
- Thinking vs. Feeling
- Judging vs. Perceiving
The sixteen personality types are derived from the above traits; for example, ENTJ, ISTJ, INFP, etc.
The eight personality traits consist on a continuum; for example, we all have a little thinking and feeling in us; however, the test will show you which of those aspects is stronger.
My MBTI result has been ISTJ for a while now. ISTJ means that I tend to be more introverted, sensing, thinking, and judgmental.
Your score should be seen as a starting point for self-awareness, not merely a label. These letters can also change over time. Depending on which version of the test you take, you can get a nifty profile that will likely blow your mind with how well it describes you. For example, ISTJs like me tend to be very driven individuals with a knack for details and orderliness. We thrive in the logistics!
The more research you do, the more you can learn about how you relate to the world and those around you; for example, my wife and I differ in some areas (she’s an ISFP). There is one site that lets you plug in each partner’s type and it will generate the areas of conflict that you are likely to have (link below).
The goal of taking personality tests is not place you in a box (I tried being in a box once, super uncomfortable); rather, these tests are tools to help you gain awareness of who you are and how you tend to interact with your environment.
I have included some free links below where you can figure out your personality type. Remember, personality isn’t constant and can change over time. One aspect is not more superior to the other.
Have fun!
Resources:
Personality Central MBTI Relationships Site
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