Okay.......so after my post last night (though raw and honest, and what I needed to write for myself), I thought that I should blog about something a bit more positive. Even though I do not usually blog quite as often as I have in the past week, I wanted this post to be more uplifting!!!
One of my favorite things is the MBTI! The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. If you want to read about it, go to the following website: http://www.myersbriggs.org/ Now, I know what some of you are thinking......not a personality inventory.....not something that is going to put me "in a box." But I challenge you to think differently! I challenge you to think of it as a self-exploratory tool.....something that helps you to understand yourself. Then once you understand yourself you can begin to understand and appreciate others (this is a BIG reason why I love the MBTI so much)!!! How nice would that be........to understand others too, huh? You can then have a new found appreciation for others knowing that they are not necessarily acting a certain way to make your life more miserable (well......I guess some people still may choose to do that). :-)
Typically if someone knows the MBTI at all.....they can peg me pretty well, fairly quickly. I am pretty extreme, or dominant in each of the categories. I know when I have been asked my type before.....often someone will say, that is what I figured. I don't mind......I am "okay" knowing my strengths and weaknesses. My name is Amy, and I am a ESFJ!
The "E" means extrovert. Honestly, what this comes down to for me is where I draw my energy. I am energized by being around people.......by interacting with the external world/environment. I am a verbal processor...most definitely. I am pretty expressive. I am typically drained if I am by myself for too long. I cannot sit in my office by myself for very long before I MUST interact with someone (yes, true, my poor co-workers). I am not the most talkative or outgoing person you will ever meet.......but those are sometimes misnomers of being an extrovert. I always L-O-V-E when someone finds out that an outgoing person is an introvert. Being social and outgoing does not "necessarily" define whether someone is an introvert or an extrovert (it can, but not always).....again, where do you draw your energy?? What energizes you??
The "S" means I am a sensor. I am a very practical person that uses facts and my senses when taking in information. I am detail-oriented. This category mostly deals with how someone takes in information. I prefer dealing with concrete facts, I understand ideas and theories through practical application and I typically trust my experience. I am a very strong sensor. Whereas I am completely fine being a sensor, I admire "N's"!! I wish that I could be more of a global thinker, more imaginative and remember "specifics" when they relate to the pattern. I wish I could be a bit more big-picture oriented. I like surrounding myself with N's.......both in friendships and in work environments (as long as they are patient with how strong my "S'ness" is). :-) Actually, a lot of my closer friendships are and have been with N's - I think I am drawn to them. :-)
I am also a "F" - which means I am a feeler. I make my decisions based on my feelings - and boy do I!! I notice in talking or writing I will start sentences with, I feel rather than I think. I am empathetic, compassionate and strive for harmony. I certainly strive for harmony almost all of the time. Now that is not to say I will not disagree with something, but I will certainly look to or for a way to bring about harmony - a resolution - some kind of closure even if it is that we agree to disagree. I will often assess the impacts of decisions on the people around me. How will others be impacted by this decision???? Sometimes I take this a bit too far and can be a bit of a people-pleaser.
Finally, I am a "J" - or a judger. No, this doesn't mean that I judge people. In fact, I think that I am a fairly open-minded person......and try not to judge anyone (but that has nothing to do with the MBTI). Instead, a "J" personality likes order, is organized, makes lists, is methodical. I make both short and long-term plans a bit too much (though honestly.......I have found my long-term plans rarely happen the way I plan......so I personally do not do this as much anymore). But I do like to have things planned. Often my mind just does this naturally....putting things in order......planning whatever it is immediately. Sometimes the S and the J can be a bit too much together (in my opinion) because in this world of "order" it must make sense too - all of the details. This "may" be why I lack an imagination - what my loving husband always points out to me - ha. I don't often "dream" because of this part of my personality (I think) - the S & J. But anyway.......also with the J, I like to have things decided and prefer to avoid last-minute stresses. That doesn't mean I never procrastinate.....but usually my definition of procrastination will probably be different than someone else. :-) But I must admit......as I get older.......I find myself wanting more spontaneity. Sometimes I long to be more spontaneous......and appreciate this in others.
The following is a typical description of a ESFJ - Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it. Like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal, follow through even in small matters. Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. Want to be appreciated for who they are and for what they contribute.
And yep, that pretty much describes ME exactly - for better or for worse!! ;-)
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