My personality type is an XSTP…the X simply means im split even between introvert and extrovert.
Before we all went on the race we took the myers briggs personality test and came out with our personality types…we asked each other what they were and it helped us understand one another better than we did before hand. It was a great tool.
When I took it I got my results and then briefly skimmed the description of what the letters meant and found nothing really new so I moved on…. which in fact was accurate with my personality type.
One of the most abused facets of this test is when we find out we are either an introvert or extrovert…in my opinion anyway.
I found that we used this as an excuse for our behavior and tendencies rather than just a better way to understand what one another needed.
At final debrief I was laughing at myself because although I had the option to be upstairs in my bedroom by myself (even though I shared it with three other girls) I still chose to be downstairs in our living room. We had four full days and I might have spent an hour or two in that room other than for sleeping. If people were up, I was in the living room with people. Sometimes id be a part of what was happening and fully engaged and other times id sit there watching and observing or playing solitaire on my itouch.
Our squad leader who had lead through month five asked me if I thought id become more of an extrovert on the race. My answer surprised me lol I think it has very little to do with personality type. Before I was overwhelmed by people and by things happening because I lived out of insecurity and worried what others might think of me…it was too much to be in a room full of people always being fully aware of what I looked like and what I should be doing. I dont think I became more of an extrovert on the race because I dont think its about that. I grew in my security as a daughter. It came out of a pursuit after identity. If im secure in who I am than theres no scary risk in offering myself up and sharing who I am with the people around me. Im not seeking anything from the other people in the room… ive got nothing to prove and therefore its not draining to be in the room.
Im not against finding out your personality type, it can be very helpful. But I think we need to always remember that its second class information… find out the things your Father says about you and live from that before you define yourself by four letters of the alphabet.
