The previous article looked at why it is important to know your personality type. This article will focus on one personality type test although others are available.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely-used personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types based on their preferences in four dimensions:
The Four Dimensions of Personality
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): This dimension describes where you get your energy from. Extraverts are energized by interacting with others and being in lively environments, while introverts recharge by spending time alone or in quieter settings.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): This dimension reflects how you perceive information. Sensors focus on concrete, factual information and details, whereas intuitives are more interested in patterns, meanings, and possibilities.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): This dimension determines how you make decisions. Thinkers prioritize logic and objective criteria, while feelers base their decisions on personal values and the impact on others.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): This dimension describes your approach to structure and spontaneity. Judgers prefer a planned, organized approach to life and decisions, while perceivers are more flexible, adaptable, and open to new experiences.
How to find out your personality type
To find out your MBTI personality type, you can take a MBTI assessment. Here are the general steps:
- Take a Test: There are several versions of the MBTI test available, both free and paid. The official MBTI assessment is administered by trained practitioners and can be taken online through the Myers-Briggs Company or other authorized organizations. There are also many free versions available online that can give you an indication of your type.
- Answer Honestly: The test consists of a series of questions about your preferences and behaviour in various situations. Answer the questions as honestly as possible to get an accurate result.
- Get Your Results: After completing the test, you will receive a four-letter code that represents your personality type (e.g., INFJ, ESTP). Each of the 16 types has a detailed description that outlines typical traits, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.
- Reflect on the Results: While the MBTI can provide valuable insights, it’s important to remember that it is a self-reported tool and should be used as a guide rather than a definitive statement of who you are. Reflect on your results and see if they resonate with your self-perception and experiences.
More resources
Here are online resources where you can take the MBTI or similar personality assessments:
Remember, the MBTI is one of many tools that can help you understand yourself better and is most useful when combined with other forms of self-reflection and personal development activities.