I love knowing how people think, what makes them do the things they do, and how they process things. This is probably why I think that they Meyers-Briggs personality test is great. I was really skeptical at first, not knowing what my results would be, but it was spot on in every way. The World Race had me take the personality test back when I first was accepted to go on the trip. The result I got states that I am an ISFP, Introvert Senser Feeler Perceiver. In an effort to let y’all get to know me a bit better I’m going to break that down and tell you what that looks like in me.
Introvert. I literally got zero points on the extrovert scale of the personality test. I am truly an introvert in every way. This doesn’t mean I don’t like people or don’t get along well with people, it just means that I draw energy from time alone or with one or two friends and not from being in a crowd. Being in a crowd of people that I don’t know is really hard for me. It takes so much energy and I need lots of time to process after. I also like to think much more than I like to talk, which is why I’m a pretty quiet and reserved person. I don’t like shallow conversations and small talk, also I’m generally really awful at it. If I’m going to take the time to ask someone a question, I genuinely want to know the answer and what is going on in their life. I want to know how to love people well and how to pray for them and be a blessing to them. I also hate being the center of attention, I’d much prefer to work behind the scenes and let others take center stage. I express myself much better in writing since I have a chance to mull over my words and thoughts first. Combined effect of me being an introvert and my past, it is hard for me to let people in to really get to know me, not that I don’t want people in my life, its just hard to be open with people until I know they’re not going anywhere. I have a very hard time pursuing relationships and friendships with others, but I really love when someone takes the time to pursue them with me.
Senser. This means I focus on details and specifics. I’m not always a “big picture” person. I like to know how things are going to work out before hand. I notice details and remember facts about people. More often than not this means that my perceptions of people are incredibly accurate. Very rarely have I misjudged someone’s personality or character. I like to live in the moment and try to be fully present wherever I am, devoting my whole attention to what is going on right then. I trust my actual experiences much more than theories or hearing about things from others. I’m a hands-on learner. When I’m working on things I like to have step by step instructions and to work at a steady pace, but on my own time frame.
Feeler. I feel things deeply. I make decisions based on my emotions more than based on facts. I’m very warm and friendly and compassionate towards everyone. I can be very diplomatic and tactful, which has served me well in the business world. Humility and compassion are characteristics I value in people above most everything else, and it is easy for me to discern when people are being insincere in these areas. I love to compliment people. I’m motivated through affirmation and not through criticism. When criticized it takes a lot to process through it and tends to make me shut down for a while, especially if done in front of others. If you criticize me in front of people you can basically expect for me to be silent for the rest of my time with you, it would be much better received one on one. Also I avoid conflicts and arguments like the plague. I’m very much a people pleaser and absolutely hate when others are mad at me or I have to call them out on something.
Perceiver. I question the rules and boundaries, not necessarily to break them, but to understand them better and why they’re there. I’m indecisive, ask any of my friends, they’ll tell you this is extremely true. I’m not always aware of time and even though I hate being late I often am not on time. I like flexibility in my plans, to be able to keep my options open. Play first and work later is how I tend to operate and the procrastination often gets me in trouble. I love to be spontaneous, some of my absolute favorite days have been when a friend has called and said, “Be ready in an hour, we’re going on an adventure!” So great. I love exploring and being random, especially with people I love, I love making memories like that.
Overall my personality type in comparison to the others is the quietest. ISFPs usually have no desire to be leaders or to have control over people. We’re the free spirits and artsy, musical people. I especially feel like music is a much better expression of myself.
So now you know how my brain works, haha. What about you? How do you think and operate? I would truly love to build solid friendships and relationships with others, especially before I leave for 11 months.
