Clarifying Your MBTI Type: Steps to Ensure Accurate Typing

It can be confusing to receive different results from multiple MBTI tests, especially when several types seem to resonate with you. Here are some steps to help you determine if you might have been mistyped and to clarify your true type.

Understanding the MBTI Preferences

First, it's essential to understand the key MBTI preferences that form the foundation of your type:

Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)

Do you feel energized by social interactions (E) or by spending time alone (I)? Reflect on how you behave in different social situations.

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

Do you focus more on concrete information and details (S) or on patterns and possibilities (N)? Consider the information you pay attention to in your daily life.

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

Do you prioritize logic and objectivity (T) or personal values and feelings (F)? Think about your decision-making processes and the reasons behind your choices.

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

Do you prefer structure and decisiveness (J) or flexibility and spontaneity (P)? Consider how you plan and execute your tasks.

Reflecting on Your Behavior

The next step is to reflect on your behavior in various situations. Consider how you react under stress, how you make decisions, and how you interact with others.

For a deeper understanding, keep a journal for a week, noting your interactions and feelings in different scenarios. This can help clarify your preferences and provide concrete examples of your behavior.

Identifying Patterns

Review the traits associated with each of the types you've tested (ESTJ, ISTJ, ENTJ, INTJ). Identify which traits resonate most with you and which do not. Understanding the specific cognitive functions associated with each type can also help you narrow down your true type.

For instance, INTJs and ENTJs are both intuitive and thinking types but differ in their orientation toward the external world, introverted vs. extraverted.

Taking a Comprehensive Test

Some tests are more thorough than others. Consider taking a more in-depth MBTI assessment or consulting with a certified MBTI practitioner who can guide you through the process.

Seeking Feedback from Others

Another valuable step is to seek feedback from friends or family. Sometimes those close to you can provide insights into your behavior that you might not see yourself.

Considering Life Experiences

Reflect on significant life experiences that may have shaped your behavior and preferences. Sometimes environmental factors can influence how we express our personality.

Being Open to Fluidity

Remember that personality can be fluid. It's possible to exhibit traits from multiple types, especially if you are in a transitional phase of life or adapting to new circumstances.

Conclusion

The ultimate goal of understanding your MBTI type is self-discovery and personal growth. If you feel that you embody traits from multiple types, it might be worth exploring how those traits manifest in different areas of your life. It's also important to remember that MBTI is just one framework for understanding personality and should be used as a tool for insight rather than a definitive label.