In The Search Of Self-Discovery: Meyers Briggs Personality Test: INFP-T

I took a break from the blog to re-center myself. I have been casually applying for jobs doing interviews. Some though not all, leave me feeling not great. Now, rejection is a normal feeling to have it's usually nothing against you. Maybe another candidate has more experience, or you realize the schedule doesn't work with your current life circumstances. I try to live in the mindset that the "perfect job" will come around anytime. Then I ask myself, what IS my perfect job? Of course I am an adult with responsibilities and a kid. The bare minimum criteria for my job would be the following... 

1. Decent Pay

2. Good balance of work and personal life

3. Not too far from my home

4. Have good benefits 

    Simple enough, but I still felt there should be more than that. It's already hard enough to find a job that fits the criteria listed above. Why do I want to make my life difficult by adding more to my list that others may deem unimportant? I need to feel good about a job i'm doing. I want to find purpose in my work, help others or bring something to the table. This personal dilemma I was having made me think of something I had done in college to help me decide what career I would be well suited for. It had been a while since I had taken it, and I had forgotten what test it actually was. But, what it did do was jog my memory of another called test called the Myers-Briggs 16 personality test. 

Photo by Tsunami Green on Unsplash

What is the Myers Briggs Personality Test?

    The Myers Briggs test is a test that categorizes people into 16 different personalities. According to the Myers Briggs Company, the test has been used by more than 88 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 115 countries, and has become the go-to framework for people development globally. The assessment builds an understanding of strengths and blind spots. The assessment helps people understand how they might differ from one another. The results help individuals and teams handle differences in communication, conflict, managing change, making decisions, being a leader, or changing careers. 

What Do I Want This Test To Do For Me?

    I want this test to layout my strengths and weaknesses and learn how I can improve, as well as figure out what job I may be well suited for. I'm not a believer in that I can't change my habits or some aspects of my personality. I am under the assumption that the results gives me my baseline personality and from there gain the tools needed to succeed. I believe that when we go on auto pilot in life we revert back into our "set" personality. 

What Were My Results?

According to my test results, I am an INFP-T.  The description of the personality is described below. 

Strengths: 

• Empathetic 
• Generous 
• Open-Minded
• Creative 
• Passionate 
• Idealist

Weaknesses:

• Unrealistic 
• Self-Isolating 
• Unfocused 
• Emotionally Vulnerable
• Desperate to Please
• Self-Critical

Were My Results Accurate?

    Based on further reading of my personality type I felt this conclusion based on my answers were 95% accurate. Most of the things said in this article on my personality type is pretty accurate, especially my weaknesses. I can be very unrealistic when I think I take on more than I can handle, as well as self-isolating when things get uncomfortable. I get easily distracted by other tasks, I am for sure a people pleaser and don't like leaving people unhappy and look for positive feedback. The most accurate portion of the weaknesses listed that resembles myself is the weakness of being self-critical. I am my worst critic. When I do something wrong I think I am the stupidest person in the world and it's hard to snap myself out of it, and depending on my mistake I will think about it for days. 

    One weakness I needed more elaboration on understanding was the weakness of being emotionally vulnerable. I personally like it when people are able to express their emotions to me. I feel more connected with special that they decided to confide to me, and sometimes you need to articulate your feelings to SOMEONE, especially when going through a tough time. But, when explained what makes emotionally vulnerability a weakness is when we absorb other peoples negative moods and attitudes. In that regard, I would say it's pretty accurate. When people confide in me things that are sad, I can't stop thinking about and puts me in a negative headspace for the rest of the day especially if there isn't anything I can do to help. 

Am I Assertive or Turbulent?

    If you were wondering what the "T' in "INFP-T" meant. It means I am a Turbulent Mediator. Sounds chaotic, and I don't know how to feel about this. The INFP personality is divided into two sub categories. The first being Assertive, and second being Turbulent. What is the difference between the two? The main difference between the two is confidence. An Assertive INFP has more confidence than a Turbulent INFP. Now if I am being frank I struggle a lot with confidence and I always have a fake it to make it mindset. Outside I seem calm and relaxed, but inside i'm terrified and second guessing my abilities that I know I clearly have!

What Jobs Fit My Personality Type?

    In the article of my personality type, they don't really list out jobs specifically, but give some examples and characteristics of jobs that may work best for me. 

Characteristics To Look Out For In a Job For an INFP
Work that fosters...

• Creativity 

• Self-expression

• Service

• Foster Independence 

Characteristics to avoid in a job for INFP
Workplaces that are...

• High stress

• Hectic

• Bureaucratic

• Competitive 

    I feel categorizing these characteristics instead of listing out careers suited for INFP expands my job search. As long as the jobs I am looking for following the characteristics of what to look out for in a job best suited for an INFP individual It should help me narrow my search while not limiting me in my opportunities.

Improving My Weaknesses As An INFP-T

    I'm not done here. Everyone has weaknesses and that doesn't mean I'm not going to do anything about mine. I will take it on one weakness at a time to be my best self. I refuse to accept these weakness as something that I cannot change, the test has made me more aware or reaffirmed my suspicion's of my own short- comings. I recommend everyone take the test to get an idea of one's self and their strength's and weaknesses. It may not be 100% accurate for everyone, but it's a good first step in self-improvement and discovery. 

Resources:

 INFP Personality Summary

16 Personalities Free Personality Test

Myers-Briggs Company