Discover your personality type to help you make better choices

Have you ever wondered why people behave differently in the same situations? Is there someone whom you absolutely cannot click with no matter how hard you try and will most definitely get into an argument with if you are put into a project together? Why does some people seem more outgoing, likable and more social than others while some others simply hates socializing? How can some people go for a holiday spontaneously while some others needs months and months just to decide where to go, and then even more time to plan and organize their trips? The answers are all in your personality type!

A radio show I was listening over the radio discussing how differences in personality types affects the relationships between couples got me interested in the topic again. I'm sure many of you would have heard of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and might have even taken it before. It is basically a test that you can take to determine your personality type, which will help you in understanding yourself and other people better, as well as serve as a helpful guide to help you decide career options or restructure your current job. Using the tool to help you make proper choices does play a big part to ensure your career success. However, one point to note is that it is a measure of your preferences and not strength nor ability.

Apparently I am an "INTP", and the following paragraph more or less describes me perfectly:

"Logical, original, creative thinkers. Can become very excited about theories and ideas. Exceptionally capable and driven to turn theories into clear understandings. Highly value knowledge, competence and logic. Quiet and reserved, hard to get to know well. Individualistic, having no interest in leading or following others."

I've also learnt that I'm part of a lonely bunch of people, sharing this profile with just 3.3% of the population and putting me under the likes of Albert Einstein, Rene Descartes, Charles Darwin, C. G. Jung, Isaac Newton, and Socrates amongst others. Here's a quick link to an online test if you have not taken it before, and you also can check out here to give you a brief description of the other personality types(there's a total of 16).

The following also best describes my likes:

• Love theory and abstract ideas
• Truth Seekers - they want to understand things by analyzing underlying principles and structures
• Value knowledge and competence above all else
• Have very high standards for performance, which they apply to themselves
• Independent and original, possibly eccentric
• Work best alone, and value autonomy
• Have no desire to lead or follow
• Dislike mundane detail
• Not particularly interested in the practical application of their work
• Creative and insightful
• Future-oriented
• Usually brilliant and ingenius
• Trust their own insights and opinions above others
• Live primarily inside their own minds, and may appear to be detached and uninvolved with other people

With the above in mind, some possible job fits would be:

• Scientists - especially Physics, Chemistry
• Photographers
• Strategic Planners
• Mathematicians
• University Professors
• Computer Programmers, Systems Analysts, Computer Animation and Computer Specialists
• Technical Writers
• Engineers
• Lawyers / Attorneys
• Judges
• Forensic Research
• Forestry and Park Rangers

Obviously, I'm not doing any of the above roles yet but it does gives me some food for thought(strategic planning or photography sounds interesting to me) and a better idea of my next career move. Often, people also get into conflicts because of the difference in personality types. If I apply the knowledge gained from this tool to potentially avoid tension by moderating my own thoughts and try to speak the other person's language in order to build rapport.

All in all, I find a MBTI a useful tool to understand myself and other people better. Now, why not give it a try, discover your own personality type and that of your friends, family and colleagues and I'm sure it'll put you on a good footing towards success! Here's the link again in case you've missed it!

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