Myers Briggs Personality Types...Which One Are You?

I have always believed that everyone is different, and that everyone has their own distinct personality. But how unique are we all really, in regards to personalities? A personality is the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.

Our personalities define us. They dictate how we act, how we love, and even how we respond in times of chaos and danger.

Based on Myers Briggs (MB) analysis and studies, there are 16 types of personalities. The foundation is 4 categories, or dichotomies, which is based on Carl Jung's theories. Each individual has a preference in each category. For example, I am an ENTJ. I am an extrovert, who uses intuition, thinking not feelings, and make decisions and move on, which is judging.

Below is the Myers Briggs breakdown of each of the 16 personality types. Use the 4 categories to find your four letter personality code, and read below for personality description.

Extrovert (E) - Outward world focus or Introvert (I) - Focus more inward

Sensing (S) - You take information as received or Intuition (N) - You add meaning and interpret information

Thinking (T) - You make decision based on logic and consistency or Feeling (F) - You make decisions based on people and circumstances

 Judging (J) - You prefer to get things done and make decisions or Perceiving (P) - You prefer to stay open to new information and options

• ISTJ - Systematic, Organized, Logical, Detailed oriented, Conservative, Decisive

• ISFJ - Warm, Detailed Oriented, Dependable, Realistic, Practical, Helpful

• INFJ - Intense, Insightful, Serious, Sensitive, Meaning Oriented, Creative

• INTJ - Innovative, Insightful, Independent, Determined, Logical, Critical

• ISTP - Analytical, Logical, Adaptable, Realistic, Adventurous, Independent

• ISFP - Caring, Compassionate, Idealistic, Loyal, Spontaneous, Patient

• INFP - Caring, Compassionate, Creative, Adaptable, Idealistic, Inquisitive

• INTP - Intellectual, Logical, Analytical, Questioning, Complex, Critical

• ESTP - Pragmatic, Active, Direct, Realistic, Troubleshooter, Adaptable

• ESFP - Sociable, Friendly, Caring, Observant, Generous, Open

• ENFP - Imaginative, Energetic, Warm, Caring, Insightful, Optimistic

• ENTP - Abstract, Energetic, Logical, Analytical, Enthusiastic, Independent

• ESTJ - Assertive, Active, Logical, Results Oriented, Analytical, Responsible

• ESFJ - Caring, Enthusiastic, Loyal, Appreciated, Empathetic, Cooperative

• ENFJ - Enthusiastic, Expressive, Imaginative, Expressive, Idealistic, Insightful

• ENTJ - Planner, Decisive, Assertive, Critical, Strategic, Logical

The small description I gave of each personality is just that, a small description. There is so much more to each us. MB shows there are some great aspects to each of our personalities, and some not so great aspects. It is important to remember that this breakdown does not determine traits, ability, or character.

As I read through the different personality types, I realize that they all are wonderful in their own way. I am who I am, and I do not plan on changing. I suppose I could be just as happy as an ISFP, which is my complete opposite, but I can also see how a lot of these personalities would clash with one another.

All of the types have good qualities, and technically no one personality is better than another.

If there are only 16 personality types, then why aren't people more similar? Besides learning about different personalities, I think MB shows us how character, ability, and traits are what really makes people good, great, or bad.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the MB personality test results and descriptions? What’s your personality type? Please share your thoughts!

All of the personality type data from this blog originated, and can be found on the website for The Myers & Briggs Foundation.

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Favorite Color...What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?

What is your favorite color? Everyone has a favorite color. We love certain colors because of how they make us feel, thoughts they bring, and even how they make us look.

Most of us never really think about why we like a certain color, and if asked to explain the preference one might actually struggle for an answer.

I know when my daughter asked me why I loved my favorite color I found it almost indescribable, because it was a feeling.

I am drawn to my favorite color instinctively, picking paint colors, clothing, and decorations without even realizing the similarities.

I find the psychology behind our favorite colors so fascinating I thought to dedicate a blog to the topic. I want to break it down by colors and what those colors say about those who love them.

I am going to use the primary colors, as well as a few others I believe to be very popular.

Here’s What Your Favorite Color Says About You

Red

Much like the color red, you are vibrant. You have a zest for life, and live it to the fullest. Red lovers are also very passionate and determined.

Blue

Those who favor blue are reliable, confident, and strong. Much like the ocean, blue lovers can be calm, cool, and stormy, but they value stability above all.

Orange

Much like the red lover, the orange lover is bold, friendly, and outgoing. They are also cravers of attention.

Yellow

The yellow lovers are knowledge seekers and generally happy people. They are intelligent and love to learn new things.

Green

Inspired by nature, the green lovers are consistent, loyal, affectionate, and generous. This color lover places high regard on self-worth and reputation.

Black

The black lover is artistic, moody, strong-willed, and determined. They can also be demanding, and somewhat closed off to others.

So there you have a very simple breakdown of our color preferences and a description of how that color preference may reflect who we are as individuals. It seems a bit odd and makes sense to me all at the same time. I find that the color analysis is spot on for me.

You will often find me wearing black. Black is simple, classic, slimming, and goes with everything. It is a close second to my favorite color. In case you are wondering my favorite color is blue. I like many shades of blue, but I prefer a rich, dark blue with a slight hint of gray.

What is your favorite color? Does the color analysis correctly describe your personality? Please share your thoughts!

“Blue has no dimensions, it is beyond dimensions, whereas the other colours are not … All colours arouse specific associative ideas, psychologically material or tangible, while blue suggests at most the sea and sky, and they, after all, are in actual, visible nature what is most abstract.” – Yves Klein

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Nice vs Good...How Do Others See You? How Do You See Yourself?

The terms nice and good are often used as if they are interchangeable, but they are not. Nice is defined as someone who is pleasant, agreeable, and amiable. Nice people don't like to ruffle feathers or deal with conflict.

Those who are "nice" may often take the easy way out. Basically nice is a facade. Nice is what others want you to see. To be fair, nice people are usually nice to be around, just don't expect them to make good decisions.

Good is defined as morally excellent, virtuous, honorable, and worthy. Good people can be nice but their decisions are based on their morals and values, not what they think will please others or to avoid conflict. Good people do the right thing, even when it's the hard thing. 

Like many people, I want to be accepted and liked, so I try to be nice. But in a choice between nice and good, it is always more important to me to be a good person and do what is right. Sometimes that means saying no or telling someone something they do not want to hear.

It takes courage and conviction to truly be a good person. I struggle daily because being nice is easier. Giving in and telling people what they want to hear is easier.

Nice vs good can be applied to many situations in our lives. I take pride in being a good mom, not a nice mom. I am nice to my children, but more importantly my girls are told no sometimes because there has to be limitations, and it is my job to set an example.

A nice mom may not set limitations because she doesn't want to deal with a tantrum or may fear her child being angry or upset with her. As a woman, ask me what kind of man I want and I will tell you I want a good man all day long.

So I ask you, where do you fall on the nice vs good spectrum? I always strive to be a good, honest person. Maybe too honest sometimes to truly be considered a nice person. Nice people give me pause, as there is an element of falseness within them.

Early on I question what's behind the mask a nice one wears, but if you give them enough time the mask will slip and much will be revealed. 

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