Your underlying personality impacts how you think, feel, and behave. It can inform your values and why you make the decisions you make. Knowing your personality can even help you communicate better, aid in personal growth, and improve your overall mental health. In short, your personality is a critical component of your identity.
However, despite its importance, it can be challenging to look at yourself objectively and figure out what personality type you have. For example, you may be able to tell that you have a bubbly personality, but beyond that, you’re not sure how that translates to the rest of your life.
That’s where personality tests come into play. From fun online quizzes to more reputable options like the Enneagram, Big Five, and Disc assessment, there’s no shortage of ways to dig deep and learn more about who you are. However, one of the most popular personality tests is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
The MBTI provides a framework for categorizing people into 16 different personality types. Here, we’re taking a closer look at this popular personality test, including what it is, the different types, and how you can figure out your Myers-Briggs type.
What is the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator?
The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used tool developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katherine Cook Briggs, based on the personality theories of Carl Jung. They developed the tool as a way to help people better understand themselves and those around them to create a more peaceful world.
The MBTI assesses people across four different areas, each representing a different aspect of personality.
- Introversion (I) vs. Extroversion (E): Reflects whether an individual prefers to focus their energy inward or outward. Put another way, this determines whether a person is energized or drained by social interactions.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (I): Represents how individuals prefer to gather information, through concrete facts and details (sensing) or through patterns and possibilities (intuition).
- Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F): Indicates how people prefer to make decisions, based on logic and objective analysis (Thinking) or on values and personal considerations (Feeling).
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Describes how individuals prefer to organize their lives, with a structured and planned approach (Judging) or a flexible and spontaneous approach (Perceiving).
By combining these factors, individuals are classified into one of 16 personality types, each characterized by unique preferences and tendencies in how they perceive and interact with the world.
Related: Type D Personality: What to Know About it (The Good and Bad)
The 16 Different Myers-Briggs Types
Each of the personality types offers a unique blend of strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for growth, providing valuable insights into how individuals navigate the complexities of life and relationships.
So, what are the 16 personality types? Here’s a quick breakdown of each of them.
ISTJ – “The Inspector”
ISTJs are dependable, detail-oriented individuals who excel in roles that require precision and following procedures and rules. They are known for their practicality, reliability, and strong work ethic, making them valuable contributors to structured environments where consistency and attention to detail are appreciated. They tend to be relatively quiet and action-oriented and value productivity.
ISTP – “The Crafter”
ISTPs are practical, hands-on people who thrive in dynamic environments where they can apply their problem-solving skills. They are resourceful, adaptable, and skilled at troubleshooting and improvising solutions on the fly. ISTPs enjoy exploring the world around them and are often drawn to careers that allow them to work with their hands and really value efficiency.
ISFJ – “The Protector”
ISFJs are compassionate, loyal people who prioritize the well-being of others. They are often found in caregiving roles, where their nurturing nature and attention to detail shine. ISFJs are dedicated to maintaining peace and harmony in their relationships and are valued for their reliability and selflessness. They are often warm and empathetic people.
ISFP – “The Composer”
ISFPs are artistic, free-spirited people who value self-expression and authenticity. They have a deep appreciation for beauty and aesthetics and are often drawn to creative pursuits like art, music, or design. ISFPs are sensitive, empathetic, and deeply attuned to their emotions and the emotions of those around them.
INFJ – “The Counselor”
People with the INFJ personality type are insightful and empathetic and have a deep understanding of human nature. They are driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world and often pursue careers that allow them to help others fulfill their potential. INFJs are known for their vision, creativity, and ability to connect with people on a profound level.
INFP – “The Healer”
INFPs are idealistic, introspective people with a strong sense of personal values and integrity. They want to live authentically and make a positive impact on the world. INFPs are creative, empathetic, and deeply compassionate, often finding fulfillment in helping others realize their potential.
INTJ – “The Mastermind”
INTJs are strategic, analytical thinkers who excel in devising long-term plans and innovative solutions. They are often incredibly smart and are driven by a desire to understand complex systems and concepts. INTHs are natural leaders, but they are also highly independent. They value efficiency, competency, and independent thinking. INTJs are also future-oriented and prefer to look at possibilities instead of the past.
INTP – “The Architect”
INTPs are analytical, intellectually curious people who tend to excel in exploring complex ideas and theories. They have a natural talent for problem-solving and enjoy delving into abstract concepts and possibilities. INTPs are independent thinkers who value intellectual freedom and are driven by a thirst for knowledge.
ESTP – “The Promoter”
ESTPs are energetic, action-oriented people who thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. They have excellent people skills and are natural risk-takers who enjoy living in the moment and seizing opportunities as they arise. ESTPs are charismatic, adaptable, and skilled at thinking on their feet, making them effective leaders and entrepreneurs.
ESTJ – “The Supervisor”
ESTJs are practical, responsible individuals who excel in roles that require structure, organization, and clear direction. They are natural leaders who value efficiency, competence, and results. ESTJs are often found in managerial or supervisory positions where they can apply their strong work ethic and leadership skills to achieve their goals. ESTJs are methodical, decisive, and practical.
ESFP – “The Performer”
People with the ESFP personality type love other people. They’re vivacious and friendly people who love entertaining and bringing joy to those around them. They have a zest for life and are often the life of the party, captivating others with their charm and spontaneity. As their name suggests, ESFPs are natural performers who enjoy being the center of attention and thrive in dynamic social settings.
ESFJ – “The Provider”
ESFJs are warm and nurturing people who tend to prioritize the well-being of others. They are natural caregivers who thrive in creating harmonious environments and fostering a sense of community. ESFJs are deeply empathetic and derive fulfillment from supporting and nurturing the people they love.
ENFP – “The Champion”
ENFPs are enthusiastic and imaginative people with a passion for exploration and self-discovery. They are driven by a desire to inspire and uplift others and are often found pursuing creative or humanitarian endeavors. They like making things happen, so it’s not uncommon to find them in leadership positions. ENFPs are charismatic, empathetic, and adept at connecting with people from all walks of life.
ENFJ – “The Teacher”
ENFJs are charismatic and inspirational leaders who are passionate about making a positive difference in the world. They are natural teachers and mentors who excel in motivating and empowering others to reach their full potential. ENFJs are deeply empathetic, intuitive, and skilled at building meaningful connections with people. They also enjoy problem-solving and focusing on the future.
ENTP – “The Visionary”
ENTPs are innovators with a wide variety of interests and capabilities. They are intellectually curious people who thrive on exploring new ideas and possibilities. They are natural problem-solvers who enjoy challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. ENTPs are charismatic leaders who excel in brainstorming and strategizing innovative solutions to complex problems.
ENTJ – “The Commander”
ENTJs are strategic, assertive leaders who excel in roles that require vision, decisiveness, and effective execution. They are natural planners who thrive on setting ambitious goals and rallying others to achieve them. ENTJs are confident, results-oriented people who are not afraid to take charge and lead by example.
Related: Type C Personality: All You Need to Know
How to Find Your Type
Determining your MBTI type can be valuable for self-discovery and personal development. The easiest way to find your type is to do an online assessment. You can take one from the official MBTI website or find a free alternative online.
If you can’t take an assessment, sometimes you can reflect on your preferences and get a good idea of where you might be. Take time to reflect on your natural tendencies in various situations, take each of the four areas, and decide where you fall. For example, are you more extroverted or introverted? If you’re more extroverted, you’ll be one of the “E” profiles. Work your way through the other four letters to get your complete profile. Again, keep in mind that an assessment will be the most valuable tool as it can be difficult to know these sorts of things about ourselves.
If you aren’t sure about some questions in the assessment or can’t determine where you fall in the basic four categories, consider getting some feedback from friends or family members. They may be able to see you more objectively than you see yourself and can provide some basic insight.
Related: What to know about the Type B Personality
Takeaway
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is an excellent tool for self-discovery and personal growth. It can help individuals get a clearer understanding of their values, motivations, behaviors, and more. When used as a tool for personal development, the MBTI can help people improve their communication skills, reach their goals, and strengthen their overall mental health and well-being.
Disclaimer: This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
