Up until about 2 years ago, if anyone had asked me to describe myself in just a few words, “outgoing” and “extroverted” would definitely have been 2 words on that list. I thought, “Well, I love theatre, I love being on stage, I love doing crazy things with my friends – I’m totally an outgoing extrovert!” I thought I knew myself pretty well, but it turns out, I was only basing my knowledge on what I hoped other people were seeing. I didn’t really actually know myself at all, and it wasn’t until a career counselor suggested that I take some personality and career assessment tests that I began to tune in to my real, authentic self.
So, I thought I’d share what I found to be the most fascinating test with you – the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Sounds a bit intimidating, I know, but it’s actually fairly easy set of yes/no questions. A free online version can be found here:
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
After you complete the test, it gives you the results right away. Turns out, I’m an INFJ, which stands for Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging. Imagine my surprise at being classified as an introvert! But after the career counselor explained to me that introversion and extroversion are actually defined based on where you pull your energy from (extroverts thrive off of being around other people; whereas, introverts tend to gather their energy from within), it made me think. This description really did fit me more comfortably – new social situations made me anxious and shy, large crowds overwhelmed me, and most of my motivation came not from other people, but from my own thoughts and ideas. It was a little “a-ha!” moment.
I’m not implying that this test will give you all the answers, but in your quest to discover your true life path, you need to know your true self and any little bit helps, right? Once you get your test results, do a little Google searching on your 4-letter profile and see how it fits. Some websites will also offer possible career paths for your personality type, as well as famous individuals who share your profile. Have fun!
I’m an INJF – what are you?
The INFJ theme is foresight. They use their insights to deal with complexity in issues and people, often with a strong sense of “knowing” before others know themselves. Their talents lie in developing and guiding people. They trust their inspirations and visions, using them to help others. They thrive on helping others resolve deep personal and ethical dilemmas. Private and complex, they bring a quiet enthusiasm and industry to projects that are part of their vision. Great careers for INFJ’s include: career counselor, special education teacher, architect, holistic health practitioner, speech/language pathologist, therapist, writer, editor.
Gosh… it sounds like me! I always knew that I was an intovert though…and crowds are NOT a comfortable place – even big groups, where I tend to want to be in a corner having a real conversation with someone in private. Enjoying your blog!
I’m an ENFJ… very similar. Apparently the “n/j” combo is relatively rare, because it’s rare to be both an intuitive thinker and a judger. It’s been helpful for me to realize that I am an intuitive rather than a logical decision maker, and therefore to try to go with the flow and not pressure myself too much if I don’t know what I want to do right away. I spent my 20s wandering through a few jobs and a three different universities, and loved every minute! I really like what you’re doing here.
We are the rare ones indeed Becs! only 2.4% of the population are ENFJ and 1.5% are INFJ
ISTJ here! Seems pretty accurate.
(Hope the website link works.)
It worked! And yes totally – I can definitely see the resemblance
Very accurate. I took a more detailed version of the test a few years ago. Same result with the online test. I’m ENFP.
I’m laughing a little because you were surprised to learn you were an “I”, you share many of the Myers Briggs with your Dad who is an INTF. Personaly, I’m an ENFP. I will tell you, I have completed this test 3 times as well as another…the results almost never change even if you REALLY want them to!
Daniella – that is SO true! I have taken a couple different Myers Briggs test and it ALWAYS comes up with the same result! I find it hard to believe that you’re an “E” though….that’s so unlike you. ahem. sarcasm. ahem.
Hey Eran – catching up on your old posts and just HAD to pipe up and say that I am ENFJ and ALWAYS thought I was an introvert instead, so I was very surprised. Funny how you are just the opposite!
I love your site…even though I am 50
Found it via the Lady Bloggers Society and glad I did.
I have bookmarked it and will visit often. Blogging is new to me, and I have only been at it for about a month and a half. It’s been all good so far. Hope you drop by and say hello.
Thanks,
Allie
.-= Allie´s last blog ..Introducing My Niece Pam…The Diva Stylist- =-.
@Allie thanks for stopping in! I honestly think age can have nothing to do with a quarterife crisis or quest. If I was really in my quarterlife, I’d be living ’til I was 124!
I am an INFJ, too! I first took the test years ago, and it has helped so much in figuring out where my strengths are socially, professionally, etc. I recommend it to everyone looking for a little insight into their personalities. Also, I just stumbled on your blog, and I think it’s wonderful. Thank you for all the insight you share!
@Emily thanks for popping in, fellow INFJ-er! We are a rare breed – something like only 1% of the population are INFJ
I happened here from the Perfect Protest and this post caught my eye – I’m CRAZY about MBTI……….. mine is ESTJ and I actually have a whole series on my blog about this