Sensing, Thinking, Judging

As if there was ever any doubt, we have confirmed that I am an introvert but perhaps not quite as rigidly so as the 100% result from the quiz indicates. Apparently, I am also (i) sensing vs intuitive, (ii) thinking vs feeling, and (iii) judging vs perceiving. It is true, though, that the results in these categories is much more even with less that a 60-40 split in the first two areas and not much more than 60-40 in judging vs. perceiving.

Sensing vs Intuitive: One who senses is more practical, concrete and realistic whereas the intuit is imaginative, abstract and theoretical. Actually it's more than these traits, but I have chosen ones that I think were influential in placing me in the sensors category and keeping me out of intuition side. Supposedly, however, a true S tends to focus on details while I think that I tend to see the general picture. In that regard, I think I am more of an I, and it probably explains why the test declares me fairly close to the border line.

Thinking vs Feeling: This was very close to an even split, and when I look at the traits I find myself leaning toward the feeling side of the ledger, for I can identify with dislikes conflict, gentle, empathetic, and caring. But I can be fairly logical, rational and critical (meant in the academic sense as opposed to being critical of others, I trust), which probably nudged the results, ever so slightly, over to the thinking side. Possibly, on any random day, I'd get a different result in this category.

Judging vs Perceiving: I am pegged somewhat firmly at a judger because I tend to be good at finishing, organized, structured, scheduled, and I am responsible. However, I'm not over the top in any of those areas; there are certainly people who are a lot better at structure and scheduling than I am, for example. Also, I can certainly procrastinate like a true perceiver, and also like them, I tend to be adaptable and relaxed, and I like to keep my options open.

So there you have it; I am an ISTJ, an Examiner. I am definitely an Introvert but less definitively a Sensing, Thinking and Judging sort of guy. However, the site's synopsis of my ISTJ type seems pretty accurate: ISTJs are responsible, loyal and hard working. They have an acute sense of right and wrong and work hard at preserving established norms and traditions. Because of their deep sense of duty they are dedicated to everything they do and are very dependable. ISTJs care deeply for those closest to them.

This additional descriptor seems to fit me closely as well: While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings. And there's also this: at work, ISTJs get things done on a timely basis. They honor deadlines, and they believe in thoroughness. A half-finished joy is not a job well done. As long as they can fulfil their responsibilities, they feel useful and thereby satisfied ... Their work does not have to be fun, but it has to count toward something productive.

I hereby request that the rest of the family to go to mypersonality.info and take the quiz. It doesn't take long and might provide grist for discussion at some future gathering of the clan.

The I of ISJT

It's official; I'm an ISTJ — Introverted-Sensing-Thinking-Judging —because personality.info has told me so. I've been meaning to take the test for years but alway found a reason to demure, mainly, I suspect, because the site wants you to register in order to take this little quiz and get the results. You see, I had been there previously, maybe more than once, but was off-put by this requirement. Finally, however, after KGMom's recent piece, I decided to forge ahead, regardless. What I found wasn't a particularly stunning revelation. I mean to say, one should know oneself fairly well after dwelling on this blue planet for six decades. I've posted the results are below and will ruminate upon them further down.



By George, I really am an introvert!! That's no surprise but the degree to which they have me pegged might give one pause. However, I could pretty well tell whenever they were asking an introvert/extravert (sic: they say extravert rather than extrovert) question. When there's only two choices, however, I found myself having to chose the inny response every time: hence the 100%. But that might leave the impression that I am a total recluse, fit only to dwell on a mist-shrouded mountain top, and such is not quite the case.

However, when I regard the list of introvert traits, it's just about bang on, so the test must be pretty darn accurate: energized by time alone; private; keeps to self; quiet; deliberate; internally aware; fewer friends; prefer smaller groups; independent; not socially inclined; enjoys solitude; thinks before speaking. My main caveat would be the part about enjoying solitude. To some degree it's true, and I suspect more so with me than many others, but I also like to have my loved ones around. A few hours of solitude manages to fill my need for alone time quite well, thank you very much. Mind you, when Cuppa and I are together in the house, we each tend to be off doing our one thing, so that's a type of solitude. However, I do find it comforting to know that she's there and that I can find her and greet her as often as my little heart desires. Which is sometimes quite often. Oddly enough that need for contact is more true for me than it is for her, who is supposedly more extraverted.

I think I'll stop there today and perhaps get back to the S, J and T in a subsequent post. Meanwhile, if you're new here, I have blogged about introversion previously: Introversion, and I'm an Innie. There may be some halfway useful information in those posts if you happen to be interested in this topic.