Featured Wellness and Mindset

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): A Powerful Tool For Self Development

posted by:
January 21, 2023

One of the most famous psychological tests today is the MBTI inventory. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-assessment report designed to identify an individual’s personality type. Based on their research on Carl Jung’s theory of personality types, Isabel Myers and her mother, Katherine Briggs, developed the questionnaire.

The Myers & Briggs Establishments that the MBTI fulfills acknowledged criteria for validity and reliability. According to the test’s official website, it has a test-retest reliability rating of 90% and an accuracy rating of 90%.

Information from the MBTI assesses personality preferences and is a valuable tool for self-development. In this article, we will discuss the MBTI assessments and how they can effectively assist personal growth. 

The Basics of the MBTI

The MBTI condenses Jung’s theory and identifies eight personality preferences, divided into the four pair groups listed below:

Extraversion (E)

Extraverts focus their energy on the external environment, on other people and things. They are motivated by social interactions, and being alone causes their batteries to deplete quickly.

The following are characteristics for extraverts….

  • Viewed as “outgoing” or a “people person.”
  • Enjoys being in groups and like working with others.
  • Wide range of friends and social groups

Introversion (I)

Introverts focus their energies inward, on their individualized inner world. They become motivated when they have time to themselves, and even when they are having fun in the company of others, they rapidly become depleted when they are around other people.

The following are characteristics for introverts…

  • Viewed as “reflective” or “reserved.”
  • Feel an essential need for alone time
  • Spends a lot of time reflecting

Introversion and extraversion are on two opposite ends of the spectrum and you may finding yourself identifying with characteristics from both. You can be an ambivert, a type of personality that straddles the middle of the introverted and extraverted spectrum. You may do well in social situations and alone time. 

Sensing (S)

Sensors focus on the “raw data” they can see, hear, and touch, which are their most recent impressions. They interpret factual information and heavily rely on the past to determine how they will behave in the future. People that appreciate this style tend to be busy and practical. They prefer to focus on the present moment.

The following are characteristics for sensors….

  • Begin with facts before evaluating whole picture
  • Rely more on experience and less on words and symbols
  • Practical and keep an eye on the bottom line.

Intuition (N)

Intuitive people pay close attention to their gut feelings, instincts, and capacity to make sense of contradictory information. They are skilled at identifying connections between seemingly unrelated information and reading between the lines. This inclination tends to make people theoretical and abstract. They are more concerned about the future than the present and search for ways to improve.

The following are characteristics for intuition….

  • Jump between many solutions and ideas to solve problems.
  • Like to first consider the big picture before discovering the facts.
  • recall events by reading the “between the lines” of what they represent.

You can display characteristics of both sensing and intuition as they are more of a spectrum than a binary. Everyone will, in fact, occasionally employ both sensing and intuition, but you will typically choose one over the other.

Thinking (T)

Thinkers employ logical analysis to solve problems and make rational conclusions based on facts and objective criteria. They prefer to have particular guidelines for right and wrong and detest vagueness. They place the highest priority on truth, justice, and fairness. Workplaces with a meritocracy might be easier for them.

The following are characteristics for thinkers….

  • Value technical and scientific fields were logic is essential
  • Make decisions head and desire to be fair.
  • Believe telling the truth is more important than being tactful.

Feeling (F)

Feelers base their decisions on their moral compass and social norms. They place a great deal of value on relationships and connections. They are less concerned with the cold, hard facts and more concerned with their own moral compass and other people’s sentiments when deciding what is good and wrong.

The following are characteristics for feelers….

  • Value harmony and become nervous when it is missing
  • Compassionate and often makes choices with their heart
  • Believe that using tact over speaking the “cold” truth is more important.

Thinking (T) and Feeling (F) preferences relate to your decision-making process, which may involve either objective reasoning or subjective feeling.  Although some will display characteristics of both, a person naturally displays more tendencies toward one than the other. 

Judging (J)

Judgers take a planned, ordered, and precisely calibrated approach to life, developing both short- and long-term plans to assist them in achieving their objectives. They dislike uncertainty and change, preferring to know what they are getting into instead. For them, schedules and “to-do” lists are consoling.

The following are characteristics for judgers….

  • Plan work ahead to prevent rushing before the deadline.
  • Value being detail and task oriented.
  • Finding organization and making lists

Perceiving (P)

Perceivers have a carefree, spontaneous approach to life, preferring to keep their choices open rather than develop a specific course of action. They enjoy adjusting to new circumstances and find routines’ daily grind tedious. They look for flexibility in their life because they consider rigidity restrictive.

The following are characteristics for perceivers….

  • Like to keep plans to a minimum
  • View your work as play or combine the two.
  • Few deadlines as being flexible.

When it comes to how a person views the outside world, the personality traits of judging (J) and perceiving (P) are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Judgment-oriented people are organized and make formal decisions, whereas perceiving-oriented people tend to plan less and adjust to change better. 

The 16 Myers Briggs Personality Types 

Analysts

INTJ – The Architect: High logical, they are both very creative and analytical.

INTP – The Thinker: Quiet and introverted, they are known for having a rich inner world.

ENTJ – The Commander: Outspoken and confident, they are great at making plans and organizing projects.

ENTP – The Debater: Highly inventive, they love being surrounded by ideas and tend to start many projects (but may struggle to finish them).

Diplomats

INFJ – The Advocate: Creative and analytical, they are considered one of the rarest Myers-Briggs types.

INFP – The Mediator: Idealistic with high values, they strive to make the world a better place.

ENFJ – The Giver: Loyal and sensitive, they are known for being understanding and generous.

ENFP – The Champion: Charismatic and energetic, they enjoy situations where they can put their creativity to work. 

Sintinels

ISTJ – The Inspector: Reserved and practical, they tend to be loyal, orderly, and traditional.

ISFJ – The Protector: Warm-hearted and dedicated, they are always ready to protect the people they care about.

ESTJ – The Director: Assertive and rule-oriented, they have high principles and a tendency to take charge.

ESFJ – The Caregiver: Soft-hearted and outgoing, they tend to believe the best about other people.

Explorers

ISTP – The Crafter: Highly independent, they enjoy new experiences that provide first-hand learning.

ISFP – The Artist: Easy-going and flexible, they tend to be reserved and artistic.

ESTP – The Persuader: Out-going and dramatic, they enjoy spending time with others and focusing on the here-and-now.

ESFP – The Performer: Outgoing and spontaneous, they enjoy taking center stage.

MBTI And Self Development

The conscious realization of your true self, beyond the ego is a personal growth and self development process described as individuation by Carl Jung. According to Jung, it is the method by which one finds oneself and develops into who one truly is. It is also the process of self-realization, discovering and experiencing meaning and purpose in life.

Through improved self-knowledge and understanding of others, Myers-Briggs is utilized to identify individual leadership styles and help people become better leaders. Effectively utilizing the MBTI can aid in the development of emotional intelligence, and research has shown that emotional intelligence and leadership aptitude are related.

How Do We Recognize Our Weaknesses?

The MBTI is a strong tool in our path to self-development and success.  It is a model that will deepen your comprehension of how others perceive you. You can find, follow, or broaden your pathway with a better understanding of both you and others. 

Understanding the importance of personal growth can help you recognize that one personality function may be more beneficial than another in a particular situation.

Bottom Line: Self Awareness Is Key

Self-awareness is the starting point for personal development. It entails comprehending your needs, wants, flaws, routines, and everything else that makes you who you are.

Looking inward isn’t always easy and takes courage. Being self-aware is fundamental to becoming the best version of yourself. Self-awareness has numerous advantages, including improved listening and empathy, enhanced critical thinking and decision-making abilities, strengthened relationships, and improved leadership skills.

The MBTI is a powerful tool for self-awareness as it offers feedback about a person’s preferences without passing judgment.

What Are Superfoods?

November 17, 2022 No Comments

The term superfood refers to foods or food groups high in nutritional benefits while also having minimal calories. They are high in vitamins, minerals, and

Read More »
, ,