What's Your Personality?
I've been fascinated with discovering my friend's personalities lately.
Knowing how and why a person acts the way they do has intrigued me ever since I can remember. I went to school for Psychology for two years thinking we would sit around and take personality tests (unfortunately, it didn't work out that way). I believe my deep longing to understand people has really helped me in my relationships. For example, I tend not to get involved in petty arguments. If someone acts in a way that I find annoying, displeasing, etc... I just attribute it to a difference in personality. After all, I realize not everyone is going to find my personality so endearing. :)
So, like I said... I've been discovering my friend's personalities lately. I don't know how we got to talking about it, but it started with a conversation with one of my friends. We were discussing how we were different, but got along so well. And then I realized that most of my close friends have had opposite personalities than myself... organized, on-time, detail-oriented individuals. I guess I'm attracted to those who can help me in my weaknesses (which are all of the above). The same is true when it comes to my husband, Josh. He and I are both extroverts - but that's where the similarities end. We joke about our differences though, and thank God that He gave us each other to balance us out.
I have taken several different personality tests throughout my life. And they all say the same thing - it's like there's no escaping it. I'm an "I" on the DISC test and an "ENFP" on the Myers-Briggs. Here's a little break down of each.
The DISC personality test will place you in one of four different categories - D (Dominance), I (Influence), S (Steady) or C (Compliance). These are very broad categories that will sum up the basis of who you are. I fall in the "Influence" category on this test.
I (Influence) Personality Type
- You are optimistic, charming, and outgoing.
- You are a "people person."
- You genuinely like people, and you want them to like you.
- You trust people and enjoy bringing out their best.
- You are a consummate communicator. You enjoy telling stories and you tend to exaggerate.
- You enjoy meeting new people, working with others, and networking.
- You tend to ignore the rules (since you don't think they really apply to you).
- You are energized by working with people and you energize any group you work with.
- You see the "big picture" and you can be inspirational.
- You dislike details and you can be scattered.
Now, the Myers-Briggs test is much more detailed and specific. So if you're one of those that wants to know everything about yourself, what careers would be good for you, who you are compatible with, etc.... then definitely take this one! Each letter stands for a certain aspect of your personality. Mine, for example is "ENFP" which stands for: Extrovert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving.
ENFPs are both "idea"-people and "people"-people, who see everyone and everything as part of a cosmic whole. They want to both help and to be liked and admired by other people, on both an individual and a humanitarian level. This is rarely a problem for the ENFP, as they are outgoing and warm, and genuinely like people. Some ENFPs have a great deal of zany charm, which can ingratiate them to more stodgy types in spite of their unconventionality.
ENFPs often have strong, if sometimes surprising, values and viewpoints. They tend to try to use their social skills and contacts to persuade others gently (though enthusiastically) of the rightness of these views; this sometimes results in the ENFP neglecting their nearest and dearest while caught up in their efforts to change the world.
ENFPs can be the warmest, kindest, and most sympathetic of mates; affectionate, demonstrative, and spontaneous. Many in relationships with an ENFP literally say, "They light up my life." But there is usually a trade-off: the partner must be willing to deal with the practical and financial aspects of the relationship, and the ENFP must be allowed the freedom to follow their latest path, whatever that entails.
For some ENFPs, relationships can be seriously tested by their short attention spans and emotional needs. They are easily intrigued and distracted by new friends and acquaintances, forgetting their older and more familiar emotional ties for long stretches at a time. And the less mature ENFP may need to feel they’re the constant center of attention, to confirm their image of themselves as a wonderful and fascinating person.
In the workplace, ENFPs are pleasant and friendly, and interact in a positive and creative manner with both their co-workers and the public. ENFPs are also a major asset in brainstorming sessions; follow-through on projects can be a problem, however. ENFPs do get distracted, especially if another interesting issue comes along. They also tend towards procrastination, and dislike performing small, uninteresting tasks. ENFPs are most productive when working in a group with a few Js to handle the details and the deadlines.
That is me, spot on. It's kind of scary reading it actually... it's like, "how did they know?!?" :) Interestingly enough, Josh is an ESTJ on the Myers-Briggs. Basically, we think differently in almost every way. He's neat and orderly, I'm scatter-brained. Early means on-time for him, I'm good if I make it there on schedule. I love that in my personality description it states that I need a partner who is "willing to deal with the practical and financial aspects of the relationship," because that is completely true of Josh! He definitely makes me a better, more well-rounded person. We are a team and we compliment each other in the best of ways. I am so thankful and blessed that the Lord gave me him as a husband. :)
If you're interested in taking a test, click on the one above that you would like to take... or if you have an hour or so, take both! After you have chosen a test to take and discovered your personality type, click below to read more about yourself. If you do, be sure and leave a comment below and let me know what personality type you are... I'd love to know more about the unique way that God created you. :)
DISC: D (Drive), I (Influence), S (Steadiness), C (Compliance)
Myers-Briggs: Careers, Relationships, Personal Growth