The first time I heard about the Meyer Brigg personality test (MBT) was many years ago while attending a moms group. Back before the internet was big, we took the test on paper. I had no idea what this test was but it sounded intriguing. After answering over 100 questions, I tallied up my answers and was given 4 letters, the secret code to my personality. Was I extrovert or introvert? Sensing or Intuition? Thinking or Feeling? Judging or Perceiving? After figuring out my letters I was then able to read about my personality type. That test was spot on for me and that’s when I became hooked on personality tests. It was so fun to read about myself and maybe even realize that what I thought was maybe a weakness was really a strength. That my quirks and oddball traits were not really that quirky after all. Not only did it help me understand my own self better but having family or friends take the quiz and then reading about their personality helped me better understand why they did what they did. If you would like to take the MBT for yourself, head over to 16 personalities and take the free version. And in case you’re curious, I am an ESFP – The Entertainer. Basically, I hate routine and structure, I love people, breaking into song and dance and having fun. I’m kind of like an instant party!
Figuring out my MB and then other people in my family has been SO helpful. My mom is very much into traditions, we always have turkey or ham for Christmas dinner. I on the other hand do not hold to traditions, in fact I prefer that we don’t have a nice Christmas dinner because I do not want to cook and clean up from a giant meal. After my mom took the MBT and I read about her personality, I understand why she values the Christmas dinner, it’s how she’s wired. Which also explains why we are pretty much as opposite as you can be. She is structured and routine, I am free spirited and spontaneous.
Another great test is the Strength Finders test. I first took this test at a meeting for church leadership. Another fun test that helped me realize some unique strengths in my personality and why I do what I do. This lined up pretty well with my MBT as well but gave a different angle on some areas. One of my strengths is Adaptability, which explains why I love change and things don’t bother me as much as say my husband. I am also an activator so when I get an idea, I do it! Preferably the sooner the better. Which often leads to me jumping in and starting things without thinking through the logistics. This is where my husband and his strategic strength come in handy. Although at the time it doesn’t feel very handy, in fact it feels kind of irritating. I don’t want to plan or think, let’s just get going and do! Perhaps, this explain why I can decide on a whim to paint my entryway and it will be done two hours later. Also why I have started two businesses, taken spontaneous trips and when someone tells me something they want to do, I say, Let’s do it right now!
My last favorite test which is quick and easy is the five love languages. Most people have heard of the book or maybe even read it. If you haven’t, it’s a quick read with a very short test. Knowing how you receive love and how love is best expressed is crucial in your marriage and parenting. I can tell when I am crabby and feeling unloved, it’s usually because I need some quality time with my husband or family. My husband needs words of affirmation and physical touch (Duh) to fill his love tank. Easy peasy friends but also interesting and sometimes surprising what the answers turn up.
Learning what makes me tick, why I do what I do and overall having a better understanding of myself has helped me greatly in my role as a friend, parent, wife and human. It also helps people understand me better and hopefully I understand them better as well. Joining together with people who have similar strengths is always fun as well! And with every strength there is a weakness, so like Superman, it’s always nice to know what your kryptonite is.
