So we had to take this personality test; Myers-Briggs Personality Test (MBPT). After answering about 50 questions, I've been classified as an ISTJ, which really stands for "introverted, sensing, thinking, judging". We have been told to reflect on our outcomes. Honestly, I don't think these tests tell you anything. It's like reading your horoscope; sometimes you feel like they've got you on the money but other times they are so far from the truth that you just have to laugh to yourself.
ISTJs are commonly thought of as inspectors. "They are quiet and reserved individuals who are interested in security and peaceful living. They have a strongly-felt internal sense of duty, which lends them a serious air and the motivation to follow through on tasks. Organized and methodical in their approach, they can generally succeed at any task which they undertake.
ISTJs are very loyal, faithful, and dependable. They place great importance on honesty and integrity. They are "good citizens" who can be depended on to do the right thing for their families and communities. While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings."
What does all this mean to me? Nothing. Yes, I feel that some points of the ISTJ profile fit me but I'm sure other personality types can identify with some of these points as well. In all honesty, I just think this test was created by two men who have nothing to do. Despite my cynicism toward this test, it did nail one important personality trait of mine. It accurately characterized me as an introvert. I remember telling Ben as I lay in agony in the hospital bed :-) that I have never initiated a conversation. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a tiny bit. But I would say about 99.1% of all my relationships (whether friends, acquaintances, etc) were initiated by the other person. I cannot figure out why I am like this. If someone speaks to me, I most certainly engage them in conversation but if it were left up to me, I would probably smile a friendly smile at them and keep going about my own business. This is something that I need to work on. I need to be more proactive with regards to meeting new people rather than reactive.
And I also agree that I have an awesome sense of humor and can be really fun to be around when you get to know me! So maybe this test isn't completely uselss. :-)
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It's funny. After having taken the test myself and read the profiles on the other Myers Briggs exam, I am able to pinpoint with amazing accuracy the personality types of those I'm close with. Are there variables in our lives that make the personality stereotype open to small amounts of fluctuation? Of course. But the results are mostly on point. I think we are seldom able to see ourselves as other see us and that may cause us to disagree with our own results.
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