Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Addendum to My Last Post...

So upon further review (and my friend Lawrence who said he is 6000000 percent sure I'm an INFP), it turns out that I'm pretty sure my personality type is actually still INFP, not ISFJ. Its funny though, I'm pretty sure that in taking the test again a few weeks ago, I was answering out of what my job pushes me towards. I am more of an N personality, which focuses more on big picture rather than small details, but in my job I am often forced to look at details. I am also more of a P, but as my job often forces me to be more timely and organized, professionally I am forced to be a J. Also, American culture tends to be more S and J, and so culture also presses me towards those types rather than what I truly am as an individual. Obviously it is all very nuanced and each type is on a spectrum, and I'm definitely on the border of P and J.
But I have always thought of myself as a strong N, so it was surprising to me to see when I took the test a few weeks ago that I was an S. I am definitely a big picture person, I'm not very good with details. Although I do think that the descriptions of ISFJ fit me fairly well, I think INFP fits me a little better.

About INFP's (me!):

Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.
INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right. They don't want to feel badly. This trait sometimes makes them appear irrational and illogical in conflict situations. On the other hand, INFPs make very good mediators, and are typically good at solving other people's conflicts, because they intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them.
INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".

I don't know why I so much love the Myers-Briggs, but I think it is fascinating and very helpful in understanding myself and others.

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