Meyers Briggs Essay

This is the essay I wrote. I have a head cold, so hopefully it's not horrible writing. It's about me and that's the point:

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment, my type is ENFJ. This stands for Extroversion (E), Intuitive (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). According to the raw point ranges my E, S and F points fell under the ‘slight’ category and my J points fell into the ‘moderate’ range.

During the class before our assessments were handed out, we were asked to decide which type we were based on explanations of each group. I chose ISFJ. I was slightly surprised at first when I found out my result was Extroversion rather than Introversion. I tend to be quiet in class, think and understand before I speak, and sometimes “get lost in my own world.” However, after seeing the explanation of my assessment, the extroversion factor made more sense. I like to be alone sometimes, but I generally prefer to be with people and that’s where my energy comes from. I am attuned to the external environment as well as my own internal being. I enjoy talking with people I know and/or find interesting, as well as communicating through writing. I have many interests, but also focus on a few that have deeper meaning. I have a start stop tendency when getting to know people; I make an effort to get to know someone and feel energized afterward. Then I become shy and withdraw myself before picking up where I left off. I, both, live and then learn and learn and then live. This explains why my extroversion level is so low. I do love people and having an active social life, but I need a balance with my alone time. I think I get the best of both sides.

I also choose S instead of N before I received my assessment. However, after the fact Intuitive made more sense. Intuitive people have an inclination toward creativity rather than data and those types of details. I have taken a more specific psychology test that my father gave me. Creativity came up strongly for that test also. In our most recent class Artistic was part of my Holland Code. All of these accurately describe me because I am a dancer, writer, poet, photographer, and occasionally drawer. In developing my artistic abilities I use all of my senses, but when dealing with people I often feel like I have an extra sense, which is my intuition. I can speculate on situations and people and often be right.

I lean toward the Feeling side of the spectrum rather than the Thinking side, although it is only slightly. I make judgments based on my own opinions rather than being objective and analytical. I believe it is still analytical, but in a different way and I can be objective when I think it is necessary. According to the MBTI assessment I “make decisions based on personal values” and on my own “very clear sense of right and wrong,” which I “usually share openly.” This is true. I am very open about my opinions; however, I never push them onto other people. The assessment also said I draw conclusions about people “quickly and with certainty.” This is another true statement, which I have mentioned in previous reflection papers. I believe this reflect my intuitive nature as well as my preference for feeling. Another true statement is when I decided a person is “trustworthy and good, it is a difficult conclusion to dispel.” A good example of this is being told constantly by my friends and family that the man I care about is not a good guy. I have already formed my conclusion based upon how he has proven himself to me and as a result, I do no listen to or care about what they say. I am also confident in my decision due to the fact that I have never regretted befriending anyone.

The last section is Judging. This was the most defined section for me. I like close. I am rarely indecisive about anything unless I have to choose between triple chocolate cake an tiramisu. I like to make plans, plan events and know what I’m doing during the weekend ahead of time. I have a calendar, because I have so many social activities and responsibilities that I would not be able to remember otherwise. I have difficulty relaxing and doing anything fun if I have not finished my work first. In general I like to have control of my life. As a psychologist in training being this organized and in control is important. According to my assessment I can “be frustrated by those who are not as quick to decided and to act” as I am. This is probably one of the truest statements in the assessment. I have recently realized that most of my friends are perceiving people. They like or need spontaneity, have more things on their unorganized schedules than can reasonably fit, are rarely on time, and tend to make last minute decision. These are great people and I adore them, but it stresses me out. I want to change the world and “get things done,” which is difficult when I am late for something or plans are canceled. I am relatively in control of my life, however it is also nice to sometimes step back, take a breath and let life happen.