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At 1/19/2007 08:47:00 AM, 
Joanna
I'm an ISTJ.
Like you, I've taken this test many, many times, and always it comes out the same. I've not found many women who share this personality type, and this has always made me fee like I don't relate to other women very well (though I love reading this blog!). I've found guy friends that share this personality, many of them computer programmers like myself, and we communicate very well. I've heard that, typically, women communicate to build relationships and men to share facts. The ISTJ personality in me tends to communicate to share facts, and "calling just to talk" has never really made sense to me. My job fits my personality type very well- meticulous, attention to detail, practical application, logical, etc.
ISTJs have a distaste for and distrust of fanciness in speech, dress, or home. The ostentacious is abhorred, and a neat, orderly, and functional home and work environment is preferred. Durability of furnishings are of primary concern, aesthetics given slim consideration. The clothes of an ISTJ tend to be practical and durable rather than in the latest style or luxurious. "No nonsense" in both food and clothes seems characteristic of this type who tend not to be attracted by exotic food and beverages, or places.
This totally describes me, and observers often call me 'down to earth', and I jokingly describe myself as 'practical to a fault' and 'boring'.
Whether at home or at work, this type is rather quiet and serious. ISTJs are extraordinarily persevering and dependable. The thought of dishonoring a contract would appall a person of this type. When they give their word, they give their honor. ISTJs can be counted on to conserve the resources of the institution they serve and bring to their work a practical point of view. They perform their duties without flourish or fanfare; therefore, the dedication they bring to their work can go unnoticed and unappreciated.
This describes much of how I minister. I'm good at the dutiful, behind-the-scenes stuff. I'd SO much rather plan the details of, cook the food, and set-up for a youth group party than hang out during it. I'll design the website or flyers for an event, whether I plan on going or not. I love being able to use what I'm good at- the 'boring' stuff, to allow others to be freed up to do what they're good at- whether it's relational or musical or artistic- without having to worry about the administration and details. Details are my thing.
At 1/19/2007 09:19:00 AM, Nancy
I'm an ENFJ and as far as career and interests go, it is a perfect fit. I'm a psychologist and have long-standing passions for writing, music and art. Had I not studied psychology, it would have been commerical art/graphics.
My scores on a couple of these factors were more in the middle, reflecting some balance. Using Daniel Goleman's (emotional intelligence model) theory, I'd agree with him, that finding balance in our ways of knowing and being and doing is probably the healthiest/most adaptive. For instance, knowing when to retreat and when to reach out. When to think things through and when to respond quickly. How to balance the needs of others with our own concerns. It is when we are rigid in our patterns that we begin to run into trouble.
At 1/19/2007 09:36:00 AM, Unknown
I am ENFJ. Not too many surprises there. I have to admit, I take the results personally. LOL
Most of the descriptions fit me...probably more than I want to realize. Total Caregiver, (oldest born).
As I take these, sometimes I wonder how much my environment contributed...probably a lot. I am the oldest, had a lot of responsibility, during my childhood and teen years my "world" could be chaotic and emotionally hard. I have been taught to respect others feelings sometimes to my own detriment. I usually will think of others to the point where I internally get frustrated and tired of "giving up me" a lot. On the other hand, I will try to assert myself, but then will feel "bitchy" many times. It's a hard line for me.
I don't like conflict, but will speak my mind to those I trust (or that I don't mind attacking LOL-my husband).
I am trying to learn how to work in the environment I am in-working at church. I still fight moments of "feeling intimidated" with the men on staff...I tend to hold them and their ideas above mine. When I don't feel "heard" I, unfortunately, feel "dismissed" and frustrated. However, I do take it on myself, feeling like maybe I am not communicating well. I will immediately "feel" that they know what they are doing, and I need to support that. Then I will get frustrated, thinking...well why can't I contribute and have important ideas. So, I tend to have a lot of "crap" going through my head ALL Of THE TIME!
I get that many of them are introverted and visionary types. I respect that, it is just hard to merge the personalities sometimes. I do feel that we flock to those we feel comfortable with.
I think most of us want a "staff" flow that is unifying. Hopefully, that will come with time (new staff, new way of doing things).
In the mean time...I acknowledge, I am a nut job...LOL.
Thanks Julie, I think it's fun to hear about the women on this blog...since unfortunately we are virtual.
I'm an INXJ. The "X" is because I fell 50/50 on the Thinking/Feeling portion.
This description very much fits me. I tend to work hard at everything I do, almost to fault because I can judge myself rather harshly. I love ideas and logic, which leans toward the "Thinking" side. My whole purpose behind ideas and thinking is the application of those ideas to life.
I do tend to be very private. I share who I am, my vision and dreams, with very few people. I'm also a good decision-maker. I'm able to take a lot of information in and make sense of it to come to a decision.
Of course, all these areas have their negatives as well! I don't like to live with chaos in my mind, so sometimes slot things prematurely. My high expectations for myself also reflect in my expectations of others. I don't trust people easily, so tend to be slow to develop closer relationships, even though I really want them! :)
I'm an ESFJ. Over the years, my "F" is decreasing a little, and my "J" softening a little, but I'm still very VERY "E"!
God has been working in my life in the area of "control" (as in - I'm NOT, God IS!) This fits the description to a "T"! Also hilarious (or maybe not so) is the comment about abstract theoretical concepts -- I do indeed dislike the esoteric discussions that seminary professors seem to initiate on the ridiculous "angels-on-the-head-of-a-pin" type of arguments!!!
All ESFJs have a natural tendency to want to control their environment. Their dominant function demands structure and organization, and seeks closure. ESFJs are most comfortable with structured environments. They're not likely to enjoy having to do things which involve abstract, theoretical concepts, or impersonal analysis. They do enjoy creating order and structure, and are very good at tasks which require these kinds of skills. ESFJs should be careful about controling people in their lives who do not wish to be controlled.
At least according to the "personality page" site I am suited to be a teacher and a pastor! I just don't want to be the domineering, "I'm the pastor so look at me and shut up" type of pastor... ;)
Actually, since I am interested in working in the field of pastoral care, it's a good fit. Finally. I figured out what I want to be when I grow up.
Just to make life fun, I'm married to an INFP. Our girls are ISFP and ETFJ. Yeah. we are a mixed bag!
deb
At 1/21/2007 12:42:00 PM, Lydia
Have y'all seen the Meyers-Briggs prayers:
ISTJ: Lord help me to relax about insignificant details beginning tomorrow at 11:41.23 am e.s.t.
ISTP: God help me to consider people's feelings, even if most of them ARE hypersensitive.
ESTP: God help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they're usually NOT my fault.
ESTJ: God, help me to not try to RUN everything. But, if You need some help, just ask.
ISFJ: Lord, help me to be more laid back and help me to do it EXACTLY right.#
ISFP: Lord, help me to stand up for my rights (if you don't mind my asking).
ESFP: God help me to take things more seriously, especially parties and dancing.
ESFJ: God give me patience, and I mean right NOW.
INFJ: Lord help me not be a perfectionist. (did I spell that correctly?)
INFP: God, help me to finish everything I sta
ENFP: God,help me to keep my mind on one th-Look a bird-ing at a time.
ENFJ: God help me to do only what I can and trust you for the rest. Do you mind putting that in writing?
INTJ: Lord keep me open to others' ideas, WRONG though they may be.
INTP: Lord help me be less independent, but let me do it my way.
ENTP: Lord help me follow established procedures today. On second thought, I'll settle for a few minutes.
ENTJ: Lord, help me slow downandnotrushthroughwatIdo.
(source: http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/mbti%20prayers.htm)
:D
At 1/22/2007 04:55:00 AM, Pragmatic Mystic
INFJ, all the way, every time I take it. And a Demeter/Persephone, Queen of Hades (rather than Persephone kore) mix as well.
So glad I found you via Cybercircles...*waves hello* from Middle England across the pond. I'm a Catholic who converted from Islam who taught at an Orthodox Jewish school, but who has had Goddess leanings for a very long time. Gael Baudino's "Strands of Starlight" resonated so deeply when I was a teenager, it took me by surprise. So here I am, having used Catholicism to make a definitive break from the religion of my childhood, ready to move on into my *real* spirituality. I have to say, I give thanks for my previous religious experience - it has all acted as scaffolding to help me climb to where I've needed to be.
Read Sue Monk Kidd's "Dance of the Dissident Daughter" last March and LOVED it. Must check out this month's discussion.
Blessed be,
Ixx
So to get this started ...
I'm an INFP.
Apparently INFP make up only about 1% of the population. That seems strange since I know a few, but perhaps our personality draws us to similar causes.
I liked this description - Quiet, reflective, and idealistic. Interested in serving humanity. Well-developed value system, which they strive to live in accordance with. Extremely loyal. Adaptable and laid-back unless a strongly-held value is threatened. Usually talented writers. Mentally quick, and able to see possibilities. Interested in understanding and helping people.
The part about laid-back unless a value is threatened is very true. There are things I am passionate about and usually surprise people in my intensity to defend them.
I found this next part amusing - INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right. I'm becoming more okay with conflict - usually in debate without personal elements. But I try to bring it back to the personal. I think I've sounded like a broken record recently as I try to keep reminding (men) in the whole women in ministry debates that when they say women are not equal to men (in whatever language and spin they choose) that it hurts women. I think it confuses a lot of them who see it merely as a theological issue (the whole "it's not personal it's business" line that I think it utterly absurd).
I am an idealist who wants nothing less than to change the world. I see the gospel through that lens. I see Jesus as a revolutionary who turned the expectations of the kingdom upside down.