One of the best things you can do in order to improve your emotional intelligence is to understand yourself.
Even though most of us get to know ourselves better once we get older and more experienced in life, a personality test can definitely help.

Obviously a personality test can’t be 100% accurate, since we all fit a mix of different categories. It’s still a great option to get to know yourself a little better.
This week’s article will be about the Myers-Briggs-Type Indicator.

MBTI

Have you ever heard someone describe themselves as an INTJ and wondered what those letters could mean? What these people are referring to is their personality type based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a self-assessment questionnaire that can be used to determine a person's personality type, strengths and preferences. The questionnaire was developed, based on Carl Jung's theory of personality types.

The MBTI focused on 16 different personality types.

Based on the responses to the questions, individuals are classified into one of 16 distinct personality types. The objective of the MBTI is to enable respondents to gain deeper insights into their own personalities, encompassing their preferences, aversions, strengths, weaknesses, potential career inclinations, and interpersonal compatibility.
It is important to note that no single personality type is considered superior to another. The MBTI is not intended to diagnose dysfunction or abnormality; rather, its purpose is to facilitate self-discovery.
The questionnaire comprises four distinct scales.

Extraversion-Introversion:
Carl Jung first looked at the difference between extraversion and introversion in his personality theory to help understand how people interact with the world. While these terms are well-known, their meaning in the MBTI is a bit different from everyday use.
Extraverts (or extroverts) are outgoing, like to be active, enjoy socializing often, and feel energized by being around others.

On the other hand, introverts are more inward-focused, thoughtful, prefer deep and meaningful interactions, and feel refreshed by spending time alone.

Sensing-Intuition:
This scale looks at how people gather information from their environment. Like the difference between being outgoing or reserved, people use both sensing and intuition depending on the situation. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator suggests that most people have a stronger preference for one of these ways. Those who prefer sensing focus on the real world and what they can see, hear, touch, etc. They like facts, details, and hands-on activities.

People who prefer intuition are more interested in patterns and ideas. They enjoy thinking about possibilities, imagining the future, and exploring abstract concepts.

Thinking-Feeling:
This scale looks at how people make decisions based on what they sense or feel. People who like thinking, focus on facts and clear data, using logic and fairness.

Those who prefer feeling consider personal feelings and emotions when deciding.


Judging-Perceiving:
The final aspect looks at how people deal with the outside world.
Those who prefer judging like order and clear decisions.

On the other hand, people who prefer perceiving are more open, flexible, and adaptable. These traits work together with other aspects of personality. Everyone engages in some extraverted activities. The judging-perceiving aspect shows whether someone is more extraverted when taking in new information (using sensing and intuiting) or when making decisions (using thinking and feeling).

The 16 personality types

• ISTJ - The Inspector: They are practical and reserved, showing loyalty, a sense of order, and respect for tradition.

• ISTP - The Crafter: They enjoy trying new things that help them learn directly.

• ISFJ - The Protector: Caring and dedicated, they always show they are ready to protect their loved ones.

• ISFP - The Artist: They are usually easygoing and flexible, often seem quiet, and have a talent for art.

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

• INFP - The Mediator: With high ideals and strong values, they try to make the world better.

• INTJ - The Architect: They are good at thinking logically and show both creativity and problem-solving skills.

• INTP - The Thinker: Quiet and thoughtful, they are known for having a deep inner life.

• ESTP - The Persuader: Outgoing and expressive, they enjoy socializing and focus on the present.

• ESTJ - The Director: They are confident, follow rules strictly, have strong values, and often take on leadership roles.

• ESFP - The Performer: They enjoy being the center of attention and have a fun, spontaneous personality.

• ESFJ - The Caregiver: They are kind and friendly, and they tend to think positively about other people.

• ENFP - The Champion: They do well in places where they can use their creativity because they are energetic and charming.

• ENFJ - The Giver: Famous for being loyal and sensitive, they are also known for being kind and understanding.

• ENTP - The Debater: They are very creative and do well in places full of ideas. They often start many projects, but sometimes have trouble finishing them.

• ENTJ - The Commander: Confident and good at speaking, they are great at planning and organizing projects.

In conclusion

Over time, people usually get to know themselves better. Life's challenges help shape who we are. A personality test can help with this self-discovery. However, it's important to remember that not everyone fits perfectly into set categories; most people have a mix of different traits.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help you understand your personality better.
Knowing yourself will also help you understand others.
To do well in both work and personal life, it's important to develop emotional intelligence and the first step towards that is to understand yourself.

Which personality type are you according to the MBTI? Give it a try:
Free personality test


Thank you for reading.