Personality — MBTI

I have always known that I am an introvert. Though in early life I was unhappy about it, now I
am comfortable being introvert and, personally, find strength in it, as it helps to me focus down,
think and understand the things I face. But the other three dichotomies have been new and never
have the differences been so vividly displayed as in the class.

Why learn about type? (MBTI Org)

C.E Jung, through his clinical practice, has noticed that people had significant differences in how
they used their basic mental functions, such as how they take in information and how they
evaluate this information and take decisions. People are predisposed to perform these basic
processes in one of the two opposite ways. For instance, a Sensing (S) type focuses on concrete
details while an Intuition (N) type focuses on the patterns and meaning. Although the same
person can use both ways at any time, it’s more natural, like writing with the dominant hand, for
him to use the method aligned with his personality.

This innate personality is shaped as a result of performing these basic functions, by utilizing the
right brain and left brain, in a certain way since birth. These fundamental differences in basic
functions lead to the significant personality types that we exude. As a result, the personality
differences at times hinder our social interactions, as individuals perceive each other as odd.
Therefore, understanding these differences is essential for better coordination and harmony in
professional and social life.

My personality (16 Personalities):

On the day of the class, after the test, I am declared as a INTJ type. In a retest taken yesterday, I
am evaluated as the same type but with significant skewness in the distinctions. Perhaps the first
time I had been wary while the other time I might have been decisive. The introversion was
expected, even my group mates expected it, but the other 3 traits have been new till I got a better
understanding of them
Introvert – Strength in Reserve (16Personalitiesv): Despite a prevailing taboo
on introverts, a major chunk, image (level of blueness and purpleness indicate
extroversion and introversion), of population in each country is introverts.

Well, it’s not due to gender differences. Even across genders the divide has been
quite even. This fundamental difference exemplifies orientation or source of energy
– whether from interactions with the outer world or through reflections and ideas in
inner world. Further Jung has described – “If a man thinks, feels, acts, and actually
lives in a way that is directly correlated with the objective conditions and their
demands, then he is extraverted. The introvert is distinguished from the extravert
by the fact that he does not, like the latter, orient himself by the object and
objective data, but by subjective factors.” The extravert easily makes attachments
and has an outgoing and candid personality. The introvert is more concerned with
internal thoughts and feelings and is not as outwardly social as the extrovert.
Personally, I prefer quiet environments with fewer people, having grown up in such
surroundings, and this has shaped my inclinations. As a result, I often come across
as awkward in social interactions, especially with strangers and high-energy
individuals. Although it's mentally taxing to be around them, I admire extroverts for
their social effusiveness. While I accept my introversion and its role in helping me
produce results, I recognize the need to occasionally adopt a more extroverted
approach for effective cooperation and teamwork. Without this, I wouldn't be able to
influence the group, and my ideas would remain unknown, misunderstood, and
unimplemented.
Intuition (N) – Thought at every scale: Intuition is one of the mentally opposite
processes which represent how information is taken in. An intuitive type pays
attention to patterns, possibilities and meaning to the received information. While a
sensing type focus on objectivity, specific and concrete facts. Furthermore, the
intuitive leans towards imaginary, future and what if scenarios, while the Sensing
roots himself in the present.
I don’t perceive many patterns but I heavily try to understand and ascribe meaning
to almost everything I come across. During childhood, I used to fantasize and find
pleasure in some weird adventure games. My dad also used to remark negatively
that I am a dreamy one. Even now, I often think of future but most of the time only
worst-possible scenarios crop up. This leads to constant remembrance of past
failures and regrets, ending in fear of future and anxiety.
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality”, said Seneca. Stoic philosophy
heavily emphasizes of staying in present. Clearly, being in the moment helps to
attain inner peace and focus on task at hand, which comes naturally to a Sensing
type. I can see the benefit. An intuitive type can see the bigger picture but systems
thinking and mam advocate to see the trees and the forest. I need to rein in my
preference and be more balanced in how I take in information.
Thinking (T) – How does this help? : This type is about the underlying
mechanism of how the information is evaluated and decision is made. Thinking type
follow a logic-based mechanism while Feeling type follow a value-based one.
Thinking type are impersonal, critical and some what apathetic, while Feeling type
are empathetic, compassionate and tender hearted.
I would say this has been an acquired preference since childhood. During
adolescence, I am deeply influenced by the scientific approach. Even before that,
my admiration for scientists laid an inclination towards science, particularly physics.
Though I wasn’t able to pursue a career in Physics, the scientific approach, the
logical approach, a constant propensity to understand and assign meaning stayed
with me. I believe that doing so brings order and predictability to life.
However, the negative side is apparent. I come across as very awkward in social
interactions, with colleagues, friends, strangers and relatives. It’s hard for me to
empathize, go with the flow and have a comfortable conversation with anyone.
Even in class groups, I find it easier to discuss in chat rather than in person. At
times, I am emotional, but most of the time I emphasize a logical approach, so
perhaps this preference has been acquired.
Judging (J) - Making Things as They Ought to Be: This personality describes
how people interact with the external world. Whether prefer making decisions and
having things settled and planned out or approach world in a more flexible and
adaptable manner. Whether valuing stability, predictability or preferring
spontaneity, leaving things open ended and going with the flow.
Because I value success a lot, I dislike the go with flow attitude, which I think is way
too open-ended and surely results in failure. A popular business quote - “Hope is not
a strategy”, underlines the reasoning. But, Marcus Aurelius said, “You don’t have to
an opinion about everything”, implying liberation from self and highlighting open-
mindedness. Open-mindedness lets us pursue at times incredible opportunities.
Recently prior to knowing this dichotomy, I have been making efforts to be more
open minded. I see the benefit – at times, different perspectives of the same
problem are offered, and these help in a better understanding and often leading to
better solutions.

INTJ – Architect:
Overall, it seems my personality is Architect, role is analyst and strategy is constant
improvement. I don’t know what more to say about the personality but I agree with
the role and strategy.

The attributes of Rational, Independent, Curious, Arrogant, Critical, Dismissive of

emotions and Socially clueless would sum me up.
Furthermore, when the personality type statistics are checked, INTJ is one of the
rarest < 3% and I can understand my predicament. But I felt relieved when I have
noticed some incredible personalities had the same personality. But I had to caution
myself that just having the personality match is not sufficient.

Caveats:
I have understood the limitations and validity of MBTI. But even across other
profiling such as Enneagram and RBS evaluated me to having a similar personality.
When I fed my responses of RBS and Ikigai to ChatGPT it evaluated me to INTJ
personality. And even the Enneagram report gave a similar assessment. So I believe
my predispositions and see the areas of improvement.
That’s all for now, Ciao!!