Help me verify that I am an INTJ

[Mogura]

Reading through the various threads in this forum, I would have to say that I am truly envious of those individuals that have discovered their personality type right away or have known beyond all doubt that they are type xxxx.

I'm still trying to figure mine out. I've got the IN nailed. It's the other two letters that are giving me great consternation. In other words, I could be an INTJ, INFJ, INTP, or INFP.

Granted, a label isn't really all that important to me. And accurately identifying my personality type would create about as much personal hoopla as identifying my blood type.

But here's the thing. Over the past several (6-8) years, I have been through a series of extremely disatisfying jobs. To say that I am merely unhappy in those jobs would be a somewhat of an understatement. (Before going on I should mention that I work in IT on the infrastructure side of things.) I have decided in my mind that this cannot go on. I have to take whatever steps necessary to find some degree of happiness in my career, whether it be a few adjustments in my outlook or a complete change altogether (I would be willing to go that far).

That's what led me to initially purchase and read Do What You Are by Paul Tieger & Barbara Barron Tieger. The book is a pleasant read, and I would recommend it to anyone delving into the subject of using Personality Type to identify potentially satisfying careers for the first time. I was hoping that I could use the book to identify my own personality type and hence construct a satisfying career shortlist.

Well, as I had stated earlier, I was able to accurately identify half of my personality type (IN). However, I seemed to have failed in definitely identifying the other half. I see this as a failing of my own rather than that of the book. I have even spent countless hours taking online MBTI-based personality tests to no success--Results vary.

I have come up with two hypotheses as to why that is so: 1) I am smack dab in the middle on the T/F and P/J continuums, 2) I am subconsciously responding to test questions in a way that would manipulate the results to produce a "desired" outcome. As for the latter, 3 possible things are going on: a) the test was unimaginatively written (1 question, 2 responses) and neither of the responses seem desirable--but I am forced to choose, b) my mood at the time I am taking the test, and c) I am thinking too much.

I have kind of digressed, but I think everyone gets the point. (Of course, if you have a recommendation for an outstanding online test, pls feel free to post at link.) What I am hoping to achieve in this thread is that some of you who have the "been there, done that" experiences or know where I am coming from may be able to provide some insight or advice.

So I figured what I would do is talk about myself a little, explain why I do the things I do, and honestly answer any questions or hypothetical situations put to me.

Hopefully, this will prove fruitful and confirm whether I am an INTJ, INTP, INFJ, INFP, or a complete sociopath. I slapped a poll onto this message so all of you armchair psychologists out there can join in the fun.

[Solaris]

I found the most help in just reading different type descriptions, definitions of cognitive functions (Ni/Ne, Fi/Fe etc), and comparing how I used my functions to the different types. Personally, although I am ENTJ, I can lead with my Ni...although not in the way an ENTP would -- my point being that no one category will fit every person. As much as we NTs might like, we can't all be neatly ordered in a system.

[Mogura]

OK, I admit that I lie at every job interview (Shame on me, I know, I know... but we're like family, right? We can share these things with each other...). Every time I am asked the boringly predictable question, "Are you a team player?" I always look the interviewer in the eye and answer in the affirmative.

In our culture, we are brought up (or rather brainwashed into) thinking that being a team player is a good thing, and that anyone professing otherwise is labeled anywhere from "loner" to "pariah". Even the term "independent" has a certain negative vibe to it in today's society. Look at the popularity of typical team-based sports and leisurely pursuits (football, basketball soccer) vs. non-team-based sports and leisurely pursuits (ski jumping, mountaineering, surfing) in our own cultures to get an idea of the importance of being a team player. It can be argued that teams are the building blocks of coherent societies.

Of course, if I for once answered that question honestly, I might be able to shave 50 minutes off of my interview time and avoid some job roles that would no doubt later on cause me a great deal of stress.

Interviewer: "So Mog, are you a team player?"
Me: "Actually, no. I work better and more efficiently alone..."
Interviewer: "Yes. Well, don't let the door hit you on the way out..."

The truth of the matter is, I am not a team player, and I do work better alone. Unlike the rest of the E3X world, I do not see this as a weakness or a deficiency in character. I see it as a strength and the ultimate expression of absolute competence. I have pulled off some truly amazing feats in my career when I was allowed to independently focus and concentrate on the task at hand.

Every time I am assigned to a team in a non-lead role I inevitably become frustrated because either the team holds me back (bad) or makes me look bad through lack of motivation or incompetence on the part of its members (worse). I don't mean to sound arrogant, because I am not (well, if you are incompetent or lack confidence I may come across as arrogant to you). I just happen to know exactly what it takes to get the job done, to get the job done right, and to get the job done well in advance of the deadline--these are things I have more control over if I am working independently.

Of course, I would entertain the idea of a team lead role, but only if the team members were already motivated, are on the same page with respect to how a project should be executed and the degree of quality we are trying to achieve, and I am not required to mediate interpersonal strife.

Ahh... interpersonal strife... another thing that puts me off of the whole team concept. I never really understood why some people think it is OK to bring their personal dramas into the workplace. Drama is my euphemism. You may refer to it as "seeking attention" or "personal bullshit". Whatever you may call it, I do not have the time nor patience for it. I am pretty much a no-tolerance person when it comes to this sort of behavior. Hence another reason for my desire to work independently.

And my independence has nothing to do with my seeking personal glory. It would be easier for me to join a team and steal someone's ideas and present them as my own if that were my goal. No, to my company I am busting my ass to impress them. In reality, I am busting my ass to maintain my own high standards, which are often higher than my co-workers, my boss, and the company standard. Often I do not meet my own high standards. When this happens, look out because I become rather moody (yes, I take it personally).

So what do you think? Does this sound like an INTJ to you?

[Solaris]

So what do you think? Does this sound like an INTJ to you?


Heck, I'm an E and I don't like the team player question. I only want to be a team player if the team doesn't suck and isn't comprised of idiots -- and this is rarely the case, so they can keep their "team" to themselves.

You certainly sound INT to me, P or J, I don't know. That's a very hard thing to tell unless you really know a person, and a few anecdotes isn't a large enough sample.

Given your absolute way of thinking, it's highly possible you are INTJ.

*waits around for the INTs to weigh in*

[azelismia]

on the interview question I always say I can function perfectly well in either situation as a team player or on my own. Which is true, they aren't going to get their best work from me if I have to function as a true integral part of a team but I've never been in that situation, what they really want to know is how good your communication skills are. That's something I've worked on developing in the last ten years. I try to make sure everyone who needs to be in the loop is included in the email or if I implement a change that will effect someone in the dept I include them.

[Mogura]

Heck, I'm an E and I don't like the team player question. I only want to be a team player if the team doesn't suck and isn't comprised of idiots -- and this is rarely the case, so they can keep their "team" to themselves.

You certainly sound INT to me, P or J, I don't know. That's a very hard thing to tell unless you really know a person, and a few anecdotes isn't a large enough sample.

Given your absolute way of thinking, it's highly possible you are INTJ.

*waits around for the INTs to weigh in*

Thanks for the response. I will revisit this thread on a regular basis to provide more clues.

P or J is a tough one for me. At work decisions come to me somewhat readily. Make a well-informed decision, stick to it unless it is that awful, and move on. In my personal life decisions have been debilitating--what college to go to, what subject to major in, which job offer to take--life decsions usually stress me out.

Another clue: I have a penchant for building infallible systems. I will put my own system through demanding, rigorous testing processes to make sure no one else can break it or use a loophole to circumvent it. However, when it comes to systems built by other people, I like to find the weaknesses in their systems. I like to beat their systems. I hate to admit it, but I sometimes get a "bad boy" rush from doing so. Maybe I am a sociopath...

[Solaris]

Thanks for the response. I will revisit this thread on a regular basis to provide more clues.

P or J is a tough one for me. At work decisions come to me somewhat readily. Make a well-informed decision, stick to it unless it is that awful, and move on. In my personal life decisions have been debilitating--what college to go to, what subject to major in, which job offer to take--life decsions usually stress me out.

Another clue: I have a penchant for building infallible systems. I will put my own system through demanding, rigorous testing processes to make sure no one else can break it or use a loophole to circumvent it. However, when it comes to systems built by other people, I like to find the weaknesses in their systems. I like to beat their systems. I hate to admit it, but I sometimes get a "bad boy" rush from doing so. Maybe I am a sociopath...

Oh yes, that is me too. In fact, I've been in a nice round of that just recently. Makes me nuts. I think that's an NJ sort of trait, because we tend to look long-term. Of course, we want the best possible outcome, so we stress in the present wanting to foresee the results of our current decision. It is this kind of over-analyzing/thinking that gets us sometimes mistaken for SJs I think.

In that state, do you eat more or eat less? Just a point of curiosity, I don't understand people that stress eat, I can't eat anything when I'm stressed out.

When I do run up against systems, I do like to know I could build a better one. However, my course in life has not given me that chance much. I tend to be more involved in people systems -- a surprise for an ENTJ, no? ;)

[BallentineChen]

OP, if the F/T J/P question really nags you, you should have the test professionally administered.

re: Your career conundrum, more easily said than done, but create your own niche. I'm an INFJ that thinks corporations can do a better job of making the lives of their employees more meaningful, and meanwhile make contributions to the communities they inhabit. I want to pursue consulting. Though the traditional idea of consulting is different from what I describe, I refuse to accept the idea I can only take what's offered to me. Of course, I don't expect it all to be rosy, but then again you are really looking for that perfect career.

I don't think you will be able to find your ideal job in that book, though it's a good book. You may be better off looking at all the jobs that are categorized under IN, listing the qualities you like of all the jobs, and figure out for yourself what kind of career has the most potential for all of those qualities.




The truth of the matter is, I am not a team player, and I do work better alone. Unlike the rest of the E3X world, I do not see this as a weakness or a deficiency in character. I see it as a strength and the ultimate expression of absolute competence. I have pulled off some truly amazing feats in my career when I was allowed to independently focus and concentrate on the task at hand.

Every time I am assigned to a team in a non-lead role I inevitably become frustrated because either the team holds me back (bad) or makes me look bad through lack of motivation or incompetence on the part of its members (worse). I don't mean to sound arrogant, because I am not (well, if you are incompetent or lack confidence I may come across as arrogant to you). I just happen to know exactly what it takes to get the job done, to get the job done right, and to get the job done well in advance of the deadline--these are things I have more control over if I am working independently.

Of course, I would entertain the idea of a team lead role, but only if the team members were already motivated, are on the same page with respect to how a project should be executed and the degree of quality we are trying to achieve, and I am not required to mediate interpersonal strife.

Ahh... interpersonal strife... another thing that puts me off of the whole team concept. I never really understood why some people think it is OK to bring their personal dramas into the workplace. Drama is my euphemism. You may refer to it as "seeking attention" or "personal bullshit". Whatever you may call it, I do not have the time nor patience for it. I am pretty much a no-tolerance person when it comes to this sort of behavior. Hence another reason for my desire to work independently.

And my independence has nothing to do with my seeking personal glory. It would be easier for me to join a team and steal someone's ideas and present them as my own if that were my goal. No, to my company I am busting my ass to impress them. In reality, I am busting my ass to maintain my own high standards, which are often higher than my co-workers, my boss, and the company standard. Often I do not meet my own high standards. When this happens, look out because I become rather moody (yes, I take it personally).


I'm sorry, but the entire post this was quoted from came off as incredibly self-serving. If you are truly concerned with your high standards, then you should be equally interested in implementing them in reality. The reality is that you need to deal with people to get things done, it should be a non-issue. People bringing their own shortcomings into everyone's shared work sucks, but you should deal with it objectively as an obstacle inherent in the process of acheiving whatever goal it is you're after. Forgoing leadership positions or opportunities to contribute for the sake of working independently does no one any good, especially yourself. The cliche key is effective communication. Don't be tempted to fork over your problems to the rest of the world.

[JMX]

I voted INTJ based on what you said and how you said it.

P or J is a tough one for me. At work decisions come to me somewhat readily. Make a well-informed decision, stick to it unless it is that awful, and move on. In my personal life decisions have been debilitating--what college to go to, what subject to major in, which job offer to take--life decsions usually stress me out.
I am the same way. Under extreme stress, INTJ's can switch into their shadow mode: ESFP. That's not true for me though; I go into ISFP mode but with deeper introversion than normal.

Just because some decisions are harder for you does not necessarily mean you are a P. The J/P preference simply indicates which function (of the two middle letters) you prefer to use when dealing with the external world. For introverts, the dominant function is introverted and the auxiliary function is extraverted, and so the J/P preference indicates an introvert's auxiliary function.

So what is your dominant (introverted) function?

Since you are sure about your Perceiving function (N), is it introverted or extraverted? Does your intuition provide insight and understanding of ideas and the world around you? Or does your intuition let you see possibilities in people and external objects? The former is introverted intuition (Ni); the latter is extraverted intuition (Ne).

By the way you described your experiences at work, I am guessing Ni rather than Ne. If so, that would mean you are an IN_J: introverted intuition (dominant) with either thinking or feeling as the extraverted (auxiliary) function. INTP and INFP both have extraverted intuition as the auxiliary function.

And, again, because of how you talked about your coworkers, I would rule out extraverted feeling (Fe) as your Judging preference. So that rules out INFJ.

That leaves INTJ: introverted intuition with extraverted thinking.

Welcome to the club. :laugh:

[RxTx]

You sound like an INTP to me - for the following reasons...

I think you're a T because you want to find a job by figuring out what's logically right for you, rather than going into something that feels right and not worrying any further. The fact that you are here and initiating a rational discussion about this suggests to me you're more T than F. Just because you're a T, doesn't mean you've got absolutely no F side.

Then I think P, because of the difficulty making life decisions, I think INTJs usually have a masterplan but sometimes struggle on minor decisions. A P would seek out more information and try to fully understand their type and generally have slightly less confidence about themselves. I think in team dynamics an INTJ would try to work out what was wrong with the team and attempt to take over or fix it in some way, whereas an INTP would be more focussed on their own work and, if necessary take on extra tasks to ensure they are completed to high standards.

Before anyone argues - I'm not an expert on any of this, so it's just my personal opinion!

[Mogura]

Oh yes, that is me too. In fact, I've been in a nice round of that just recently. Makes me nuts. I think that's an NJ sort of trait, because we tend to look long-term. Of course, we want the best possible outcome, so we stress in the present wanting to foresee the results of our current decision. It is this kind of over-analyzing/thinking that gets us sometimes mistaken for SJs I think.

I have to admit, the way you put it there did make me rethink the reason for the difficulty I encounter in making life decisions. It's not so much I have difficulty in making decisions per se. It's that I want the decision that I make to be the absolutely best option. In other words, I am seeking "perfection" in the outcome. I figure that I've got this one life to live and that I need to make "perfect" decisions or decisions that I won't later regret, because once the decision is made, there is no going back and undoing things. I need to make sure I get it right the first time.

This happens when I make decisions involving myself. When I make decisions that do not involve myself I do it rather quickly and move on. I cannot recall the last time I agonized over a decision at the office.

In that state, do you eat more or eat less? Just a point of curiosity, I don't understand people that stress eat, I can't eat anything when I'm stressed out.

I don't think that my eating habits usually change in these type of situations. The only times I have stopped eating completely was when I had broken up with girlfriends. Oh, well, I needed to lose the weight anyway...

However, I do become obsessive with the decision itself--to the point where it completely consumes me. I think about aspects of the decision all of the time (first thing in the morning when I wake up, last thing at night before I fall asleep), I gather more and more information so I can make a more "informed" decision. I badger my friends for their opinions.

When I do run up against systems, I do like to know I could build a better one. However, my course in life has not given me that chance much. I tend to be more involved in people systems -- a surprise for an ENTJ, no? ;)

No, not a surprise at all. I did read up on ENTJs (I secretly envy the E's) and learned that ENTJs like to be in charge of people systems. Heck, every other suggested career path for an ENTJ is a manager of some sort. Are you in management now?

OP, if the F/T J/P question really nags you, you should have the test professionally administered.

I wouldn't be against the idea, but I live in Japan, and there is not much interest in MBTI-based Personality Type here... at least from what I have seen. Believe it or not, the Japanese correlate personality to blood type (no joke!)

That being said, the next time I am back in the States I will probably set something up with a career counselor and take the test if need be.

re: Your career conundrum, more easily said than done, but create your own niche. I'm an INFJ that thinks corporations can do a better job of making the lives of their employees more meaningful, and meanwhile make contributions to the communities they inhabit. I want to pursue consulting. Though the traditional idea of consulting is different from what I describe, I refuse to accept the idea I can only take what's offered to me. Of course, I don't expect it all to be rosy, but then again you are really looking for that perfect career.

Regarding your view on corporations and social responsibility I tend to concur. I really never gave it much thought before. But I look at the world, and what it has become lately... greed and fear seem to rule... people have lost their compassion for the common man, etc. Corporations have certainly played a role in exacerbating the situation... and something should be done to address the outstanding issues.

While I was at Uni I did some research in environmental pollution. At that time, I decided that I did not want to work for a company that generated pollution or unnecessary waste or harmed the environment in some way. You can use your imagination as to which industries such a decision precluded. I did eventually find my way into a financial industry-related job (life insurance). The appeal for me was that we were creating and marketing products (annuities, mutual funds, etc.) that did not impact the environment. (Though it could be argued that some of the companies that the funds invested in did--but my immediate company was not harming the environment).

Back to what you were saying... yes, if you can create your own niche to mold your career/job to suit your personality/the way you get things done, then that would be just as good as well. It all depends on the understanding and flexibility of your employer/boss and their willingness to listen to and consider/support your vision and ideas. Unfortunately with my current and previous employers I was unable to do so. I had a couple of bad bosses that didn't listen to anybody (except their own bosses), but that's another story.

I don't think you will be able to find your ideal job in that book, though it's a good book. You may be better off looking at all the jobs that are categorized under IN, listing the qualities you like of all the jobs, and figure out for yourself what kind of career has the most potential for all of those qualities.

A good idea. I am not using only that book, but it's a good place to get some ideas.

I'm sorry, but the entire post this was quoted from came off as incredibly self-serving. If you are truly concerned with your high standards, then you should be equally interested in implementing them in reality. The reality is that you need to deal with people to get things done, it should be a non-issue. People bringing their own shortcomings into everyone's shared work sucks, but you should deal with it objectively as an obstacle inherent in the process of acheiving whatever goal it is you're after. Forgoing leadership positions or opportunities to contribute for the sake of working independently does no one any good, especially yourself. The cliche key is effective communication. Don't be tempted to fork over your problems to the rest of the world.

Well, there might be a little baggage there, and maybe I was ranting to a degree. It's just I have been on some really rotten teams in the past. In some cases the members were just incompetent or lacked motivation to see the project succeed. In other cases (well, most), the individual team members were just rotten at the core. They were perhaps unhappy with their jobs or the company or the project at hand, and they dealt with the situation by being highly uncooperative, disruptive, or downright nasty or vindictive.

If the team members have pleasant personalities and positive attitudes, then I have no problem working on that team. I would take positive attitude over technical competence any day.

I do not forgo leadership roles for the purpose of working independently. I forgo leadership roles because I lack the tools (or maybe patience) to motivate people. That is a deficiency, and yes, I know that I need to work on it.

I only have the strong desire to lead when my own leadership (i.e., boss) is incompetent at leading/managing. Otherwise, I would be just as happy to go on doing what I do.

How can I sum up my feelings on the subject of leadership? I do not want to be a leader, nor do I want to be a follower. And I definitely do not want to be controlled...

[BallentineChen]

I figured you were ranting to a degree, my intent was not to be abrasive. Perhaps you should redefine your view of leadership? As a camp advisor I found that many people have the false impression only certain types of people were suitable to be leaders, people who enjoy socializing, being in the limelight, charismatic, etc. I'm going to sound a little preachy, but I've learned the degree to which you're a leader is defined by the influence you have on the people around you, that is all. You may be interested in reading a book on it, you might find something you like.

Servant Leadership (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

[Randomnity]

Why are you sure of the N? I'm just questioning because your description sounds very similar to me, as an ISTP (we do have Ni as our tertiary function, like INTJs). Efficiency and independence are pretty much the ultimate ISTP workplace goals. Otherwise INTJ, as the high standards are not very INTP-like, and I didn't see anything suggesting F in your descriptions either.

[DrEast]

Here's a quick, dirty ISTP test:

Does this setnence annoy you?

[Solaris]

I have to admit, the way you put it there did make me rethink the reason for the difficulty I encounter in making life decisions. It's not so much I have difficulty in making decisions per se. It's that I want the decision that I make to be the absolutely best option. In other words, I am seeking "perfection" in the outcome. I figure that I've got this one life to live and that I need to make "perfect" decisions or decisions that I won't later regret, because once the decision is made, there is no going back and undoing things. I need to make sure I get it right the first time.

This happens when I make decisions involving myself. When I make decisions that do not involve myself I do it rather quickly and move on. I cannot recall the last time I agonized over a decision at the office.

Yes, you got to the underlying meaning very well there. That's really it for me too. I can make decisions that don't affect me, or aren't important quickly and easily, but if they are deemed "important" then I analyze and analyze until I am satisfied.



I don't think that my eating habits usually change in these type of situations. The only times I have stopped eating completely was when I had broken up with girlfriends. Oh, well, I needed to lose the weight anyway...

However, I do become obsessive with the decision itself--to the point where it completely consumes me. I think about aspects of the decision all of the time (first thing in the morning when I wake up, last thing at night before I fall asleep), I gather more and more information so I can make a more "informed" decision. I badger my friends for their opinions.

Oh yes, interpersonal stress is the quickest way to make me not desire food. I also do the overthinking, asking others, and then more overthinking process too. I think it's sometimes confused for something it isn't -- I really want their thoughts because I want to gather more information, find out if they know/see something I didn't, and then go back to my thinking. I am extremely selective about who I ask though.



No, not a surprise at all. I did read up on ENTJs (I secretly envy the E's) and learned that ENTJs like to be in charge of people systems. Heck, every other suggested career path for an ENTJ is a manager of some sort. Are you in management now?

No, not right now. I decided to go back to college -- public relations/communications. I will be a manager of some sort. I secretly envy Is because you don't "get" society at large and don't care because you don't need them for energizing interaction.



Are you from Japan, or just *in* Japan? How in the world can they get personality type from blood type? Interesting.


Quote:
Originally Posted by DrEast To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)
Here's a quick, dirty ISTP test:

Does this sentence annoy you?


Not anymore! ...ok, no it really does, because the original is still there

*tries to slam her Grammar Nazi back into the closet*

[azelismia]

Here's a quick, dirty ISTP test:

Does this setnence annoy you?


I think that would annoy more than one type.

[Mogura]

Why are you sure of the N? I'm just questioning because your description sounds very similar to me, as an ISTP (we do have Ni as our tertiary function, like INTJs). Efficiency and independence are pretty much the ultimate ISTP workplace goals. Otherwise INTJ, as the high standards are not very INTP-like, and I didn't see anything suggesting F in your descriptions either.

I considered S at one time. I am pretty meticulous and detail-oriented, which I assumed were typical S traits. People have often commented to me that I "don't miss a thing", and good friend/colleague went so far as to suggest that I have a bright future in IT auditing, should I choose to pursue that path. Also, I do enjoy going to places with beautiful surroundings/scenery. I like spending time outdoors, too.

But after reading descriptions of the various S types I ruled it out. Like many Ns I have voices in my head--no, it's not schizophrenia--what I mean to say is that I have at least 3-4 thought processes going through my brain at any given moment. By the end of the day I am mentally exhausted. There is also the stroll test. I will go for a stroll somewhere, and I will constantly be thinking about something and not even notice where I have been or what I have passed by. Do you know those tests where you are shown a before/after photo of a room, where some objects have been moved or removed (in the after shot), and you have to recall what has changed about the room?--I fail miserably at those.

It annoys me to some degree when people try to talk to me while I am concentrating or focused on something. I have a particular disdain for people who jibberjabber while I am watching a TV show or movie because I am intently focused on listening to the dialog. I see patterns all around me. The patterns are more interesting to me than the raw data itself. When there are 2 points of data that are known to be connected, I can connect those points, offering a logical or reasonable explanation for their relation, or how point A became point B. I am not a fan or repetition. I would rather create a system or process, and then hand it off to someone else to do the boring repetitive part.

Truth be told, I could be moderate or borderline with S, as I seem to be able to slip into S roles rather easily. Don't know how long I could do them though.

Here's a little story. A few months ago I had built up alot of job-related stress. It was affecting me so much that it was ruining my weekends--I was thinking about work-related problems even on days I didn't have to go into the office. I took a month off and went on a skiing holiday. At the beginning I didn't know how to ski--couldn't even get off the lift without having a spectacular crash of some sort. And when I would ski down even the slightest grade of hill it was a terrifying experience. The worst part about falling down in skiing is not the fall itself--it's having to get back up--at least when you are a beginner. Stopping is no picnic either. So, going down the hill I had to focus on the grade of the slope, my turns, controlling my speed, etc. Then there is also the cold, the wind, other people crowding the slope, etc. Well, you can probably appreciate that I had alot going on in my head when I was going down the hill. And the one thing that I wasn't thinking about was work. Yeah, in the terrifying exhiliration that is a beginner's ski experience I had completely forgotten about my troubles at work. By the end of the month I was hitting the intermediate-advanced runs...





Mogura added to this post, 2 minutes and 54 seconds later...

Here's a quick, dirty ISTP test:

Does this setnence annoy you?

I noticed the spelling error straightaway, but it didn't elicit an emotional response on my part. I just assumed that you were typing fast as hell, and that you couldn't be bothered going back to correct your mistake. You must be a hurried person...





Mogura added to this post, 30 minutes and 0 seconds later...

Oh yes, interpersonal stress is the quickest way to make me not desire food. I also do the overthinking, asking others, and then more overthinking process too. I think it's sometimes confused for something it isn't -- I really want their thoughts because I want to gather more information, find out if they know/see something I didn't, and then go back to my thinking. I am extremely selective about who I ask though.

As I mentioned, it's only the rare occasion breakups that affected my appetite. But I have to mention that interpersonal stress has affected me in other ways. I tend to develop digestive problems when this is at its worst. This is caused by dealing with interpersonal problems, office politics, petty B.S. at work. My agonizing over life decisions usually does not affect my health. I tend to eat alot more when I am sedentary. For example, I like to munch on something when I am studying for a long time. I gained 40 lbs while I was a university student!

My thoughts exactly on the overthinking. However, when I consult with friends, it's less that I am asking their opinion, but more that I am trying to discover if there is something I hadn't previously considered or if there is a thought process or a different angle that I could incorporate in my decision process. I think you said the same thing along those lines.

No, not right now. I decided to go back to college -- public relations/communications. I will be a manager of some sort. I secretly envy Is because you don't "get" society at large and don't care because you don't need them for energizing interaction.

Believe it or not, I don't care for being alone. I feel so lonely in my apartment alone sometimes that I will grab a book or a magazine and head down to my nieghborhood Starbucks to knock off a few hours. It's nice in the morning because the coffee is freshly made the music is soft and there are a handful of people (8-10) spread out through the spacious, abundantly windowed 2nd floor. The afternoons grate on me when the housewives with screaming babies, obnoxious teenagers and throngs of other people take up residence in my sanctuary. That is when I make a bee-line for the door.

I love that quote, "I love humankind. It's just people I can't stand..."

Are you from Japan, or just *in* Japan? How in the world can they get personality type from blood type? Interesting.

In Japan. I am an American expatriate. Been here 10 years. Originally came to learn Japanese by completely immersing myself in the language and culture.

As for personality and blood type, it is a typical East Asian thing--Japan, China, and Korea. Japanese people are pretty superstitious. 80% of the population believes that ghosts are real. Some palm readers and fortune tellers enjoy celebrity status. In my mind its up there with Astrology--a bunch of scientifically unproven hooey...

[Solaris]

I would imagine you have now been successful in mastering the Japanese language. I have a friend who may spend a year teaching in Korea, I fully plan to visit her if she goes. Once I finish my degree, I may go do that myself.

Did you just up and go off on your own? I rather admire that. I took off for another part of the country, but stayed in country.

[Mogura]

I would imagine you have now been successful in mastering the Japanese language. I have a friend who may spend a year teaching in Korea, I fully plan to visit her if she goes. Once I finish my degree, I may go do that myself.

Did you just up and go off on your own? I rather admire that. I took off for another part of the country, but stayed in country.

In a way, yes. But I did my homework beforehand. Before that I upped and went to Hawaii...

I've been to Korea several times. Good food. People are genuinely warm and inviting. If you get the chance, I say go...

[Solaris]

In a way, yes. But I did my homework beforehand. Before that I upped and went to Hawaii...

I've been to Korea several times. Good food. People are genuinely warm and inviting. If you get the chance, I say go...

As my best friend is Korean, and has family there, it's more a matter of when I will go. Plus, I practice a Korean martial art and would like to see more of where it comes from.

I often like the idea of just getting up and going. I like it because it will make me grow and push me. It's so tempting sometimes.

[Mogura]

A little more background info... Ideally, I would like to work for a company whose mission/goal is to make a positive impact on the environment, nature, or humanity. I currently work in the financial industry, and oftentimes I get the feeling that I am just a cog in a machine whose purpose is just to help fat cats get fatter (though if I was one of those fat cats I probably wouldn't be complaining).

So, I wondered if I might be an F or whether there was a bit of F in me. I looked at typical F type careers--special education teacher, nurse, substance abuse counselor, customer service representative. And while I admire and have great respect for the people in those noble careers, they (the jobs) come off as too "touchy feely" for my level of comfort.

I look at it this way... If I was a medical doctor, I would most likely be a Gregory House type of doctor. I would enjoy the challenge of researching and diagnosing a mystery illness, I would like to work in a close-knit team, and I would like to make a positive impact on humanity by contributing the knowledge I gained from the work as well as helping the patient at hand to recover. I probably would not enjoy dealing with the day-to-day sniffles, etc. of your typical off-the-street patient which House abhors and works hard to avoid.

If I had to choose a "touchy feely" career that I would be comfortable with, it would most likely be something to do with animals, say a veterinarian. As I love animals I have no qualms about getting touchy feely with them. And it tears my heart out every time I hear of a case involving cruelty to animals.

Some of you might chime in to say that I should pursue a career path in (human) medicine or veterinary medicine. That's pretty much out of the question. I just don't have the financial resources or the time to pursue such a path. Plus, I am not a fan of rote memorization, which is typical of a great part of the medical curriculum. Memorizing the names of hundreds of muscle groups, nerves, etc. is certainly not my cup of tea. And truth be told, that which I have memorized today, is usually forgotten tomorrow. I enjoy learning about systems more--trying to understand how a system works and what could be done to make the system more efficient or robust.

One of the things I enjoyed about my college physics course was that I only needed to memorize a handful of equations, and on an exam or homework problem, if there wasn't an exact equation available to solve the problem readily (there never was), I could derive a formula that would fit the bill. I loved the elegance and efficiency of it all--only memorize 4-5 equations, yet you could derive up twice or three times as many to solve a plethora of different problem types. That was cool. Alas, with physics it was not meant to be. While I enjoyed the subject matter and the course and learning this elegant way of problem solving, I was lucky to escape with a "C"... And that was just 1st year physics!

And on the elegance of systems, this is why soccer happens to be my only favorite team-based sport. It is elegant and fluid as it is efficient: all you need is a ball, an even number of players, and a piece of ground. No need for expensive, complicated equipment, complex rules, and protective padding. Skill is more important than genetic advantage or brute force. For these reasons I consider soccer to be poetry in motion.

But you won't see me painting my face or chest or rioting the streets over soccer or anything for that matter. That is just something I cannot fathom or understand. While I enjoy a good game, I consider it pretty low brow to get so worked up about a sport that one would make a fool of oneself or one would willingly inflict violence on others. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Anyway, these are just a few of my thoughts to give everyone some info on myself. I hope I don't come across as elitist in some of the things I have said. Well, maybe some things could be construed as elitist, but I am just trying to be 100% honest, so those willing to assist me in my quest would have good data to go on.

Thanks to everyone who has given valuable insight input so far. Your reponses are much appreciated.

[Fej]

I would also like to know if I am really an INTJ. As I think I'm probably one of the dumbest people if not the dumbest in this forum.

[AgentofGaming]

I would also like to know if I am really an INTJ. As I think I'm probably one of the dumbest people if not the dumbest in this forum.

No intelligence is not a requirement to fit a personality type.

And why do you think you are one dumb? I haven't found that so. From your language I can tell you're a bit more well-coordinated than some other people the forum; your introductory posts sends the message across descriptively enough.
Your posts have been shorter compared to others however; I'd conclude that it can arise out of the four reasons:
1) You feel your short posts are self-evident and don't require elaboration
2) You are not uncomfortable putting your elaborations out in the open/susceptible to criticism
3) You may be encountering difficulty in properly expressing your thoughts
4) You may not have had the experience required to elaborate on them but wished to provide an opinion anyways

As far as I can tell I haven't found you dumb but perhaps lacking in confidence the way you express yourself is indicative of such.

[sriv]

I would rule it down to INT now. At this point you only have two choices. Go look at the in-depth descriptions of normal habits, actions, ways of life of INTJs and INTPs. There are quite a few differences.

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

See if a lot of traits match you on this link.

[Fej]

Thanks Agent. You are right, I am probably lacking confidence. haha amazingly enough the biggest reason I said I thought I was dumb was because of my short posts and seeing how much more everyone else can write about a given topic. I am a combination of all the four reasons you gave, #3 being the most predominant .

Wow, you could tell so much about me just by looking at the way I write :)!

[Solaris]

Thanks Agent. You are right, I am probably lacking confidence. haha amazingly enough the biggest reason I said I thought I was dumb was because of my short posts and seeing how much more everyone else can write about a given topic. I am a combination of all the four reasons you gave, #3 being the most predominant .

Wow, you could tell so much about me just by looking at the way I write :)!


Gotta love N in action, and there it is.

[AgentofGaming]

Thanks Agent. You are right, I am probably lacking confidence. haha amazingly enough the biggest reason I said I thought I was dumb was because of my short posts and seeing how much more everyone else can write about a given topic. I am a combination of all the four reasons you gave, #3 being the most predominant .

Wow, you could tell so much about me just by looking at the way I write :)!

About the confidence thing, from what I've discovered:
Just put yourself and your ideas out there. If you never let other people see your ideas and provide feedback you'll never know if an idea of yours is good or bad.
If it's good it's all great and you find it worth it. If not just handle the situation, or maybe it's just them.
If there's no feedback either it's really good or there's just no good comment to it, no need to dwell on it (no one else is).

I find that if you think too much about external considerations it's only detrimental to your confidence and hence your ability to express yourself. You can see how that goes in a circular loop and you end up with doing nothing and hiding everything. Of course you should think but not to the extent where you have to question yourself in every negative way possible, it's not your job to do that (otherwise we wouldn't need critics). Don't try to be infallible either its the equivalent of not doing anything.

As for #3, its a forum not an IM, you have all the time in the world (overstatement, but you get the point). Take your time to make a good post, find the words to describe the foggy concept and if the word doesn't look right check the thesaurus for a better one. Even use analogies and anecdotes if need be. Then proofread, even twice and if that fails there's always the precious edit button.

[Mogura]

I've been doing some more reading... I'm now beginning to wonder if I might be ENTP. My primary function is Intuition while my auxiliary function is Thinking. If I had to choose my weakest function it would be Feeling. So, this all seems to fit with ENTP.

I never really thought of myself as an E because I was never one of those life-of-the-party, go up and talk to strangers types. But on the same token I work with alot of eccentric types in my IT department, and I am always bewildered by how socially inept and communicatively-challenged some of them can be.

Well, the only thing I am really sure of right now is that I am NT. This is all so confusing...

[Solaris]

I've been doing some more reading... I'm now beginning to wonder if I might be ENTP. My primary function is Intuition while my auxiliary function is Thinking. If I had to choose my weakest function it would be Feeling. So, this all seems to fit with ENTP.

I never really thought of myself as an E because I was never one of those life-of-the-party, go up and talk to strangers types. But on the same token I work with alot of eccentric types in my IT department, and I am always bewildered by how socially inept and communicatively-challenged some of them can be.

Well, the only thing I am really sure of right now is that I am NT. This is all so confusing...

Well, I'm an ENT, and have talked a lot with other ENTs online. Between them and myself, I've noticed that many are not super social and outgoing. I think, often, we all think to be an E you have to be like an ESFP or ESFJ, and this isn't so. Being an E is just about where you find more energy -- in the presence of others, or alone. Both will feel good at times, but which one do you really *need*? I know that the more people I meet and talk to in a day, the more energized I become (even if I started out in a bad mood). That said, I also like to spend time alone and am often perceived as shy. I think that ENTs have their unique challenge in that they want to be around people and talk to them, but we have such different interests and ways of thinking (that makes us think the others are often stupid) that we either don't know how, end up not wanting to, or just aren't welcome.

I can identify heavily with INTPs. I have purposely developed my introverted side, and that's how it presents itself. My journal is full if rambly ideas and musings. I've read some INTP descriptions to check that I wasn't an INTP when I began this whole process, and I'm really just not. When I get super stressed or am projecting my introverted side, though, that's what comes out.

[Mogura]

Well, I'm an ENT, and have talked a lot with other ENTs online. Between them and myself, I've noticed that many are not super social and outgoing. I think, often, we all think to be an E you have to be like an ESFP or ESFJ, and this isn't so. Being an E is just about where you find more energy -- in the presence of others, or alone. Both will feel good at times, but which one do you really *need*? I know that the more people I meet and talk to in a day, the more energized I become (even if I started out in a bad mood). That said, I also like to spend time alone and am often perceived as shy. I think that ENTs have their unique challenge in that they want to be around people and talk to them, but we have such different interests and ways of thinking (that makes us think the others are often stupid) that we either don't know how, end up not wanting to, or just aren't welcome.

I can identify heavily with INTPs. I have purposely developed my introverted side, and that's how it presents itself. My journal is full if rambly ideas and musings. I've read some INTP descriptions to check that I wasn't an INTP when I began this whole process, and I'm really just not. When I get super stressed or am projecting my introverted side, though, that's what comes out.

It's hard to say which I *need*. For me it's more of a "the grass is always greener on the other side" type of conundrum. For example, when I am alone for long periods of time I desire to be around people. When I am around people for long periods of time (especially true with crowds), I desire to be alone (or at least away from the crowd). I live in Tokyo, so I tend to avoid crowded places whenever possible.

My ideal work environment would be to have my own quiet office where I can concentrate on the task at hand. However, I would need to break up the day with frequent Starbucks runs with my colleagues. It might be worth noting that when I go on Starbucks breaks with colleagues, it's usually with individuals from departments external to mine. I just don't seem to click socially with people within my own department. Many are reclusive and not very friendly, but most would probably say that they are too busy to go on a coffee run. I am busy, too, but I make time for my Starbucks runs. I do have one good friend in the IT department. He also stands out from the crowd as he is friendly, outgoing, and is interested in a wide range of subjects beyond IT.

But the reality of my work environment is that I work in a cubicle with no walls. I look forward, to my left, and to my right, and I see somebody (and there is somebody sitting behind me as well). I feel extremely self-conscious whenever I surf the Internet and view non-work related content--to the point where it's not as enjoyable. The workplace is loud. Some of my colleagues feel it is appropriate to yell across the room if they have something to communicate, rather than walking over to the person's work area to communicate the information. Phones ringing, people doing conference calls on speaker phone, etc. I definitely need to escape this environment or I feel I will go batty. Often I will go to Starbucks to suit this purpose. But there are other times I will seek out an unused office, take a laptop with me, and get things done--so much eaiser to concentrate in this type of environment. For this reason, I also go into work 1-1.5 hours early--when no one is around I can get alot done.

I was reading up a bit on hierarchy of functions. If I had to put mine in order of usage, it would probably go like this: 1-Intuition, 2-Thinking, 3-Feeling, 4-Sensing (3 and 4 is kind of a tough call). This is consistent with ENTPs.

Could I be a misanthropic ENTP or ENTJ?

[Solaris]

You could just be a guy who doesn't like his job. I like people, ok love people, but I can't work in a cube farm like that. I am restless and want to interact with people face to face. However, I prefer to be moving or doing something while I do that (I can be mistaken for ESTJ in this way). It's really because I often want my body to keep up with my brain.

Your ideal job sounds pretty ok to me. So I guess I'm not that helpful there. I'm private, so I don't want people staring at me when I concentrating. The ENTs I've spoken to online often feel misanthropic it seems. We want to be around people, but they don't often seem to understand us, nor do we fully understand how to interact with them.

Your self-identified order of preferences is ENTP, not ENTJ. Although, I can sometimes lead with my Ni. Try taking the cognitive processes test, there's a link to it someplace (I'm too lazy to find it right now). It'll give you an idea of how you use your various functions. Don't put too much stock into what type it gives you, just look at the preferences and their usage.

[JasonM]

To the OP, intuitively, you sound like an INTJ. The fact that you have high standards and basically dislike others hindering those standards sounds like a preference for "TJ" over the other three.

As for myself, I think I'm an INFJ. I also am not a team player, but the reason for this is extreme introversion. I simply hate dealing with people. I'd much rather have a nice quiet corner office where I could work by myself and not be bothered. Even though I'm an "N," I actually enjoy small talk over other forms of social communication. The reason for this is that during small talk, I can zone out and basically communicate on auto pilot; I'm basically not sharing anything with the other person. I'm embarassed to share my true feelings. Others might disagree, and I don't have the time to carefully plan what I say so it's to my satisfaction. That's why I prefer Internet communication. As you can see, our reasons for not being a team player are different. Therefore, if I'm an INFJ and I'm representative of most INFJs, then you probably aren't one.

[Mogura]

Some thoughts... In the research I have done on NTs so far I often hear (or read) something about NTs being interested in theory over practicality. I did my undergraduate degree in engineering, and I was exposed to all sorts of scientific theories. At the time I really didn't care too much for the theories--I just wanted to know which equations to use in a given situation well enough to get a good grade in the course. And while today I recognize that theory is important, it's not something that excites me.

But, I do seem to have a natural knack for developing theories. Now, these aren't Nobel prize-winning theories (well, they are more like working hypotheses anyway). I usually quickly recognize a pattern of data points or events, develop a working theory or hypothesis to explain the pattern as well as predict a likely outcome, and 8 times out of 10 I am spot on. I seem to be "naturally talented" in doing this.

So, while I don't really get exciting learning and applying the theories of others, I do get excited and enjoy applying theories of my own. I also enjoy problem solving...

I have been giving this whole Personality Type thing alot of thought lately--even more than I probably should. I feel that I have reached a critical juncture in my life, where I know that I cannot go on doing things the way I have been doing them thus far. Over the past 10 years I have had 4 fairly unsatisfying jobs, all similar roles in similar environments. I will admit that the pay was good and I did gain some valuable experience. However, I was never really proud of my position or title or the department/group I was assigned to.

I am not one to idly sit by and watch my life pass before me. I know that I must do something to improve my situation, and it is up to me to make that happen. But as for what that change will be, I am still thinking about it. Hopefully, uncovering my type will help to point me in the right direction.

Thanks to everyone for their input thus far...

[Solaris]

Some thoughts... In the research I have done on NTs so far I often hear (or read) something about NTs being interested in theory over practicality. I did my undergraduate degree in engineering, and I was exposed to all sorts of scientific theories. At the time I really didn't care too much for the theories--I just wanted to know which equations to use in a given situation well enough to get a good grade in the course. And while today I recognize that theory is important, it's not something that excites me.

But, I do seem to have a natural knack for developing theories. Now, these aren't Nobel prize-winning theories (well, they are more like working hypotheses anyway). I usually quickly recognize a pattern of data points or events, develop a working theory or hypothesis to explain the pattern as well as predict a likely outcome, and 8 times out of 10 I am spot on. I seem to be "naturally talented" in doing this.

So, while I don't really get exciting learning and applying the theories of others, I do get excited and enjoy applying theories of my own. I also enjoy problem solving...

I have been giving this whole Personality Type thing alot of thought lately--even more than I probably should. I feel that I have reached a critical juncture in my life, where I know that I cannot go on doing things the way I have been doing them thus far. Over the past 10 years I have had 4 fairly unsatisfying jobs, all similar roles in similar environments. I will admit that the pay was good and I did gain some valuable experience. However, I was never really proud of my position or title or the department/group I was assigned to.

I am not one to idly sit by and watch my life pass before me. I know that I must do something to improve my situation, and it is up to me to make that happen. But as for what that change will be, I am still thinking about it. Hopefully, uncovering my type will help to point me in the right direction.

Thanks to everyone for their input thus far...

Well maybe the theories didn't challenge you enough? Or maybe, you just need personal ownership for theories to matter to you? I know people like this. They, too, found similar fields unfulfilling after a while, and were stuck on what they should do next.

I am in a somewhat similar place myself. I find I am extremely impatient about my progress not being instant, even when I know it won't be.

[Capwolf]

Mogura, I'd put you at INFP, or maaaaybe but I wouldn't put money on it INTJ. My INFP friends are not particularly touchy-feely or emotionally expressive (at least with outsiders), but they are very tuned-in to their inner beings and hasty with other decisions. "This happens when I make decisions involving myself. When I make decisions that do not involve myself I do it rather quickly and move on." The 'grass is always greener' conundrum and the self-consciousness at work/need for solitude to be productive feel very IF to me. Introverted NFs, like extraverted NTs, don't always look the way we expect them to look just going by the traits. While ENTs are as Solaris said, you don't strike me as ENT at all, misanthropic or not. You could be, who knows, but you don't present yourself like the ENTs I know.

[Mogura]

Mogura, I'd put you at INFP, or maaaaybe but I wouldn't put money on it INTJ. My INFP friends are not particularly touchy-feely or emotionally expressive (at least with outsiders), but they are very tuned-in to their inner beings and hasty with other decisions. "This happens when I make decisions involving myself. When I make decisions that do not involve myself I do it rather quickly and move on." The 'grass is always greener' conundrum and the self-consciousness at work/need for solitude to be productive feel very IF to me. Introverted NFs, like extraverted NTs, don't always look the way we expect them to look just going by the traits. While ENTs are as Solaris said, you don't strike me as ENT at all, misanthropic or not. You could be, who knows, but you don't present yourself like the ENTs I know.

Thanks for chiming in.

No disrespect to INFPs, but I really hope that I am not one. The career suggestions for INFPs would not suit me well at all. For example, creative arts--I suck at art; education--Not cut out to be a teacher; religion--Bwahahahah, yeah right; health care, not interested. At least with the book I am researching with right now, those are the only career fields listed.

That being said, it does kind of bother me when I am unliked by an individual or group. I once had a particular co-worker (same team) that really had it in for me. I had no problems with her, as I pretty much have a "live and let live" approach to life. But this woman for some reason or other tried damn hard to get me fired. There was never any confrontation of altercation between us--she just worked in the shadows towards her goal of getting me in hot water/trouble with management. We even tried mediated meetings to try and find out what her problem with me was--they didn't go anywhere, so everyone else was as clueless as I. Anyway, the fact that she did not like me, and would go to great lengths to cause me problems did bother me quite a bit. I think that most INTJs would easily shrug off that type of situation, no?

I have no problems expressing my emotions. I will say what I feel when I am asked, and have no problem communicating it. I just don't offer up my emotions in a in-your-face way.

What do you think?





Mogura added to this post, 18 minutes and 57 seconds later...

Well maybe the theories didn't challenge you enough? Or maybe, you just need personal ownership for theories to matter to you? I know people like this. They, too, found similar fields unfulfilling after a while, and were stuck on what they should do next.

It was college, so all I really cared about was solving the problem and moving on. I didn't appreciate the theories as I should have. I don't think it was lack of challenge. Just that I was so swamped with balancing my heavy courseload with working, I didn't have time to stop and smell the theory roses.

But now I think about it. I don't really care about theory for the sake of theory. If there is a theory that has a practical application that can make a system more efficient, robust, or better, then that is something I care for...

[Solaris]

It was college, so all I really cared about was solving the problem and moving on. I didn't appreciate the theories as I should have. I don't think it was lack of challenge. Just that I was so swamped with balancing my heavy courseload with working, I didn't have time to stop and smell the theory roses.

But now I think about it. I don't really care about theory for the sake of theory. If there is a theory that has a practical application that can make a system more efficient, robust, or better, then that is something I care for...

Sounds like you were very pragmatic in college. That's usually an NTJ trait.

Efficient is one of my favorite words. I dislike inefficient things. Not that I am obsessed with being efficient, but some people think I am at times.

There are a few things about which theories interest me, but I usually do see some sort of real world application. Actually, now that I think about it, I can't think of a theory I do like that I don't know some useful application for.

I'd like to reiterate that people are not always going to fit neatly into these boxes in MBTI. I had a hard time typing myself. I didn't believe, at first, that I was an ENTJ because they were so awful sounding in some of the descriptions. When I looked at the overall way they apply themselves to people and situations, though, I realized that's very much how I operate. I thought I was ENTP for a while, but I'm a bit too organized and opinionated, and don't like arguing quite as much as they seem to. Plus, time schedules are extremely important to me. Also, when I read the types and how they act under stress, I completely saw myself in the ENTJ description.

[Mogura]

I'd like to reiterate that people are not always going to fit neatly into these boxes in MBTI. I had a hard time typing myself. I didn't believe, at first, that I was an ENTJ because they were so awful sounding in some of the descriptions. When I looked at the overall way they apply themselves to people and situations, though, I realized that's very much how I operate. I thought I was ENTP for a while, but I'm a bit too organized and opinionated, and don't like arguing quite as much as they seem to. Plus, time schedules are extremely important to me. Also, when I read the types and how they act under stress, I completely saw myself in the ENTJ description.

Maybe the approach I am taking (the direct approach) is not the best way in determining my Type. Perhaps I should try a more indirect approach. Your comment gave me the idea that I should look at how the different Types react under fire.

Any suggestions for Web sites that would have this info?

[elsdfr]

Do you have a large penis? INTJs have large penises...

[Solaris]

Maybe the approach I am taking (the direct approach) is not the best way in determining my Type. Perhaps I should try a more indirect approach. Your comment gave me the idea that I should look at how the different Types react under fire.

Any suggestions for Web sites that would have this info?

I found this one helpful:
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Do you have a large penis? INTJs have large penises...

Wow, now I'm *really* glad I'm an E. I'd look creepy with a penis!

[Mogura]

Do you have a large penis? INTJs have large penises...

Size doesn't matter. It's what you do with it that counts. :thumbsup:

[Mogura]

Would an INTJ have come to the same conclusion:

"If they had killed Gilligan, they probably would have gotten off the island a lot sooner..."

[Beery Swine]

You definitely sound INTJ to me. That is, you sound like me. Why not try this test:

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I think its fairly accurate, and if its not just google for another, but it pegged 3 other people I know to a solid T (not thinking, but the metaphorical "T"). Also read the four descriptions/portraits of the IN personalities, see which one most resmbles you.

[Mogura]

You definitely sound INTJ to me. That is, you sound like me. Why not try this test:

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I think its fairly accurate, and if its not just google for another, but it pegged 3 other people I know to a solid T (not thinking, but the metaphorical "T"). Also read the four descriptions/portraits of the IN personalities, see which one most resmbles you.

Thanks for the link. The results are in... (drumroll)

Your Type is INTJ (Strength of preference)

Introverted 28
Intuitive 25
Thinking 75
Judging 33

[Solaris]

Thanks for the link. The results are in... (drumroll)

Your Type is INTJ (Strength of preference)

Introverted 28
Intuitive 25
Thinking 75
Judging 33

Well, whatever else you are, you are also a T for sure. The others are fairly low. But again, without looking at the big picture of "you" then it's hard to be accurate. Read the descriptions, ask people who know you well. To me, it seems this is the best way for most people to figure out their type if they have doubts from test results.

[Mogura]

Well, whatever else you are, you are also a T for sure. The others are fairly low. But again, without looking at the big picture of "you" then it's hard to be accurate. Read the descriptions, ask people who know you well. To me, it seems this is the best way for most people to figure out their type if they have doubts from test results.

I don't know how others are in approaching these tests, but for me some of my responses may change depending on my mood at the time of taking the test. I really have to force myself to answer in a way which is representative of my behavior over a long period of time (i.e., my life), rather than how I wish I could be.

The low traits could merely indicate that I am more middle of the road rather than on extremes of any continuum. This could also explain why one day I wake up as an INTJ, another as an INTP, another as an INFJ, and so on.

When I read the overall description and mannerisms of an INTJ, I often feel, "that's me". However, when I observe other INTJs in action, especially in dealing with people (e.g., lack of compassion/tact in responses, bruskness, snappy tone), I often think "that's not me... maybe I'm some other type..." Bleh...

[ElstonGunn]

If it's really important to you, just say that you're an INTJ or whatever you'd prefer to be. It's not like someone is going to prove you wrong. Who could?

[ssrprotege]

Thanks for the response. I will revisit this thread on a regular basis to provide more clues.

P or J is a tough one for me. At work decisions come to me somewhat readily. Make a well-informed decision, stick to it unless it is that awful, and move on. In my personal life decisions have been debilitating--what college to go to, what subject to major in, which job offer to take--life decisions usually stress me out.

Another clue: I have a penchant for building infallible systems. I will put my own system through demanding, rigorous testing processes to make sure no one else can break it or use a loophole to circumvent it. However, when it comes to systems built by other people, I like to find the weaknesses in their systems. I like to beat their systems. I hate to admit it, but I sometimes get a "bad boy" rush from doing so. Maybe I am a sociopath...

Oh, here's the one with the same problems as I have. P or J is a *very* tough one for me, I still have no idea which one really is. But what you wrote quite describes me. I am quite indecisive on personal matters, but when it comes to something related to school - let's say being a student is a 'job' - I become very decisive.

And "Another clue" section applies to me....





ssrprotege added to this post, 1 minutes and 47 seconds later...

If it's really important to you, just say that you're an INTJ or whatever you'd prefer to be. It's not like someone is going to prove you wrong. Who could?

True that someone will prove me wrong, but personality type is all about who oneself is, not "whatever someone prefers to be." To accurately access oneself, I think taking others' comments and/or advice is also important.

[Svenn]

I have to take whatever steps necessary to find some degree of happiness in my career, whether it be a few adjustments in my outlook or a complete change altogether (I would be willing to go that far)...

I was hoping that I could use the book to identify my own personality type and hence construct a satisfying career shortlist...

I have kind of digressed....

What I am hoping to achieve in this thread...

So I figured what I would do is talk about myself a little, explain why I do the things I do, and honestly answer any questions or hypothetical situations put to me...

Hopefully, this will prove fruitful...

All of these scream goal-oriented, planning, practical - very much J,
You say you digressed, which is P, but you were clearly annoyed by it
and tried to keep focused on the topic at hand (J). P's rarely apologize
for going off-topic.

[knock7]

You sound like an INTP to me - for the following reasons...

I think you're a T because you want to find a job by figuring out what's logically right for you, rather than going into something that feels right and not worrying any further. The fact that you are here and initiating a rational discussion about this suggests to me you're more T than F. Just because you're a T, doesn't mean you've got absolutely no F side.

Then I think P, because of the difficulty making life decisions, I think INTJs usually have a masterplan but sometimes struggle on minor decisions. A P would seek out more information and try to fully understand their type and generally have slightly less confidence about themselves. I think in team dynamics an INTJ would try to work out what was wrong with the team and attempt to take over or fix it in some way, whereas an INTP would be more focussed on their own work and, if necessary take on extra tasks to ensure they are completed to high standards.

Before anyone argues - I'm not an expert on any of this, so it's just my personal opinion!

I read the initial post and this is exactly what I was going to say.

[errrzarrr]

I myself have doubts if I am INTJ or INTP. I feel more identified with INTJ descriptions I read, but I have INTP's traits too (less). But when I read the Differences among J and P alone I feel I am more a P. I will do the test again.

[Mogura]

I think you're a T because you want to find a job by figuring out what's logically right for you, rather than going into something that feels right and not worrying any further. The fact that you are here and initiating a rational discussion about this suggests to me you're more T than F. Just because you're a T, doesn't mean you've got absolutely no F side.

I re-read your post and I got to thinking that perhaps identifying my ideal career by using my Thinking function (i.e., figuring out what's logically right for me) may not be the best approach. After all, I must admit that I am miserable in my jobs, present and past, so I should hold Mr. "T" accountable for that. I wouldn't be opposed to using my "F" function to identify a suitable career (I'm all for out-of-the-box-type thinking), but I've done so much to restrain Mr. "F" over the years, I don't know if it would be any use to me in terms of making big decisions, such as career paths, etc...