Personality

For the last few day's I have been researching personality types using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I have taken over 10 different tests loads of times each in an effort to find an accurate description of myself. I am aware that there are many pitfalls using these test but only if you accept them as truths rather then indicators.

Initially I was puzzled as to why every test I did gave me a different personality. There are a few reasons for this, the first is the fact that I have a well rounded personality so although I am naturally Introvert, I can be extrovert when I want to be. The other reason for the changing results is simply that in different situations and environments my personality changes because I have split personalities (no joke, I've got names for them) and of course we all tend to answer questions on the basis of what we think we should to do rather than what actually do do.

The indicator uses a four letter acronym,

the first letter is either Extrovert or Introvert,

next Sensory or iNtuition,

then Feeling or Thinking,

finally Judging or Perceiving

I came across a test which instead of giving you a single result, showed the percentage match to all personality types, here are my top 6 scores:

INFJ Counsellor – 84% INFP Healer – 84%

INTJ Mastermind – 82% INTP Architect – 79%

ENFP Champion – 70% ENTP Inventor – 68%

This shows perfectly the 6 main results I was getting, my extrovert results come from my confidence and ability as a salesmen having done door to door. Since then, in the work place I have become very extrovert (but it is an effort, and I can't be stoned) although I won't do this if someone I know is there. Anyone close to me though will know that I am definatly an introvert. At first I thought I was a thinker more than a feeler until I read this:

“In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" than analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted”

The more I thought about it I realised that I have consciously developed my detached thinking side as a defence because I used to get hurt easily. To be honest, I can still be hurt but only by someone I hold in high regard and it is much harder. With the last trait again, I regularly swing both ways. I love making plans but because of my problem-solving ability, I am completely comfortable going with the flow improvising as I go. If I have the time though, I'll make a plan. I mean for fuck sake I have spent the last three days solid (8am to 2am) trying to figure out the personality type of everyone I know, charting the results and putting together descriptive essays on each person. I am definitely a J. (ooh that reminds me)

So in my opinion I am an INFJ, a Counsellor or Mystic, so here's my description.

As an INFJ, my primary mode of living is focused internally, where I take things in primarily via intuition. My secondary mode is external, where I deal with things according to how I feel about them, or how they fit with my personal value system.

I am a gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individual. Artistic and creative, I live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

I place great importance on having things orderly and systematic in my outer world. I put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in my life. On the other hand, I operate within myself on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. I know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. I am usually right, and I know it. Consequently, I put a tremendous amount of faith into my instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the me not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Such as a consistently messy desk.

I have an uncanny insight into people and situations. I get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. I have had experiences that can only be described as psychic in nature. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the I don't really understand my intuition at a level which can be verbalised. Consequently, I am protective of my inner self, sharing only what I choose to share when I choose to share it. I'm a deep, complex individual, who is quite private and typically difficult to understand. I hold back part of myself, and can be secretive.

But I'm as genuinely warm as I am complex. I holding a special place in the heart of people who I'm are close to, who are able to see my special gifts and depth of caring. I am concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. I am very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict tend to 'snap' me into a state of agitation or charged anger from my normally peaceful state.

Because the I have such strong intuitive capabilities, I trust my own instincts above all else. This may result in my stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. I believe that I'm right. On the other hand, I am a perfectionist who constantly doubts that I am living up to my full potential. I am rarely at complete peace with myself - there's always something else I can be doing to improve myself and the world around me. I believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in my accomplishments. I have a strong value systems, and need to live my life in accordance with what I feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of my personality, I am in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, I have very high expectations of myself, and of my family. I don't believe in compromising my ideals.

I am a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. I make a loving parent and have strong bonds with my children. I have high expectations of my children, and guide them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in me being hard-nosed and stubborn. But the kids get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

I have a natural affinity for art, and also excel in the sciences, where I make use of my intuition. I am not good at dealing with minutia or very detailed tasks.

I am an individual who is gifted in ways that other types are not. Life is not necessarily easy for the INFJ, but we are capable of great depth of feeling and personal achievement.