WB and MBTI... what's your personality type?

[Rift Zone]

Out of sheer random curiosity, I find myself wondering if personality type impacts affinity for hiking/being in the outdoors. So I ask if you would help shed some light on that for me by sharing what your personality type is, as gauged by MBTI... if you know your type, please share! Thanks!
(If borderline on something feel free to choose one that seems to suit you most often.)
And Happy New Year to you all!

[MuddyWaters]

ISTJ

Im happy being alone in wilderness
In fact I prefer it most of time.

Boggles my wifes mind, shes opposite.

[Rift Zone]

ISTJ

Im happy being alone in wilderness
In fact I prefer it most of time.
INTJ here. Yea, I know that one well. Being in wilderness is fulfilling for me too.

[Slo-go'en]

None of the above.

[Hatchet_1697]

INTJ

I enjoy the peace, nature, exploring, self-reliance, exercise, and challenges of hiking. Nothing beats it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[K-dub]

I N T J

I would say I am in good company, but I prefer to NOT be in anyone’s company. :-?

[Traffic Jam]

None of the above.

Yeah...none of them are exactly right for me. (Actually never heard of these labels before, had to look them up)

I am very different in my career than in my daily life but my natural personality is INF with a mix of both J and P. My coworkers would say ESTJ.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Depends upon my mood when I take the assessment/test. Generally INTJ or INTP. But never exceptionally strong in any one area. And I've gotten other results as well, usually E rather than I. I tend to be very in the middle of the "zones" when plotted on a circle graph. I would think most people have some degree of fluidity as mood, life events, environment, etc change the way we react to inputs. And, of course, knowing what your general tendencies are can make you more aware of the way you perceive the world - and then how you behave/respond - if you use that big brain you were blessed with. I's can try to be more E's when it would be beneficial, J's more P's when dealing with certain issues, etc. Gnothi seauton --- know thyself.

[Rift Zone]

Yeah...none of them are exactly right for me. (Actually never heard of these labels before, had to look them up)

I am very different in my career than in my daily life but my natural personality is INF with a mix of both J and P. My coworkers would say ESTJ.

There are 16 "personality types" (according to MBTI), while there are like 7+ billion different types of people. So mbti certainly has limited scope and applicability. However, I still find it to be rather insightful and informative; it does have a tendency to reveal 'trends'. I personally would encourage those who don't know their type to spend the 15 mins on a test to find out; it was certainly worth the time for me.

[LazyLightning]

I had to look up the list and use the dictionary a little but I'd go with INTP

I love being alone in nature, hiking solo and all the challenges that come with it, along with the natural beauty of it. I long for the next long distance hike I'm able to do, they all seem to short now and not quite the same....

[ldsailor]

Boy, don't I feel dumb. I had no idea what any of those acronyms stand for, so I googled it. Here is a link for anyone else who shares my bewilderment.

https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types

Oh, yeah. I'm first an INTJ with ISFP close behind.

[ldsailor]

If I could edit my previous post on the subject I would. My first thought was to look at the personality types and determine which one I am without taking the test available at the link I posted. Well, I took the test after I posted and I came up as a ISTJ -A. Surprise to me!

44361

[Slugg]

The Meyer's Briggs test is not "reliable" or "valid." The test doesn't encompass all possible "personality types" (basically it will categorize you some way even if you don't really fit there) and your result will change significantly depending on your current mood. Basically, it's bull****.

[Puddlefish]

The Meyer's Briggs test is not "reliable" or "valid." The test doesn't encompass all possible "personality types" (basically it will categorize you some way even if you don't really fit there) and your result will change significantly depending on your current mood. Basically, it's bull****.

Yep. A more valid personality indicator is What Hogswarts house do you belong to (http://time.com/4809884/harry-potter-house-sorting-hat-quiz/)?

Ravenclaw!

[tiptoe]

ISFJ-a, FWIW, based on an online MBTI. Somewhere, quite a while ago, I read a study that long-distance hikers are predominantly introverts. Surprise, surprise.

[Rift Zone]

The Meyer's Briggs test is not "reliable" or "valid." The test doesn't encompass all possible "personality types" (basically it will categorize you some way even if you don't really fit there) and your result will change significantly depending on your current mood. Basically, it's bull****.
It's a series of polarized dichotomies! And of course, polarized dichotomies are rarely representitive of physical reality, so your assessment does hold some validity. But BS? Na. Not so much... Not like that at all.


There are 16 "personality types" (according to MBTI), while there are like 7+ billion different types of people. So mbti certainly has limited scope and applicability. However, I still find it to be rather insightful and informative; it does have a tendency to reveal 'trends'...

[Slugg]

It's a series of polarized dichotomies! And of course, polarized dichotomies are rarely representitive of physical reality, so your assessment does hold some validity. But BS? Na. Not so much... Not like that at all.

It doesn't do what it claims to do. I think that makes it B.S. I had an entire lecture on it in college. A quick Google of "Meyer's Briggs Validity" will tell you the same.

[Tipi Walter]

After careful consideration I am a HCBMB---Hyper Critical Backpacking Misanthrope Bum. I used to be HDD---Homeless Dumpster Diver.

[Rift Zone]

It doesn't do what it claims to do. I think that makes it B.S. I had an entire lecture on it in college. A quick Google of "Meyer's Briggs Validity" will tell you the same.
Fair enough. I'm not saying you're wrong about that, but I wouldn't go so far as to say you're right about that either. It most certainly holds validity! How much validity, however, is open for discussion/interpretation.

[MuddyWaters]

It doesn't do what it claims to do. I think that makes it B.S. I had an entire lecture on it in college. A quick Google of "Meyer's Briggs Validity" will tell you the same.
The value of it is only that it teaches you that other people are different, and interact with the world around them differently. And to succeed in the workplace you have to be accommodating to this.

What the hell else would it be useful for?

It actually doesn't matter what type anyone is, just that you understand other people can be very different from you. Different people are suited for different jobs better. For instance, you wouldn't expect a strongly introverted person to be great at positions that require a lot of interpersonal interaction. And people that like to interact with others probably aren't going to be happy working by themselves.

[Tipi Walter]

Hitler was probably a ENFJ---"charismatic and inspiring leaders, able to mesmerize their listeners." Oh, and bat crazy genocidal murders. Left that part out.

[K-dub]

Yep. A more valid personality indicator is What Hogswarts house do you belong to (http://time.com/4809884/harry-potter-house-sorting-hat-quiz/)?

Ravenclaw!
Haha! I’m a Slytherin.. and “Divergent” too :eek:

[Traffic Jam]

The value of it is only that it teaches you that other people are different, and interact with the world around them differently. And to succeed in the workplace you have to be accommodating to this.

What the hell else would it be useful for?

It actually doesn't matter what type anyone is, just that you understand other people can be very different from you. Different people are suited for different jobs better. For instance, you wouldn't expect a strongly introverted person to be great at positions that require a lot of interpersonal interaction. And people that like to interact with others probably aren't going to be happy working by themselves.

I somewhat disagree. If I were typed prior to entering the career that I chose, there’s no doubt it would be the last on the list. I’m a shy, quiet, follower-type who usually defers to others. Yet, I was able to learn the skills needed for my job which includes interacting with the public and being an aggressive leader who is often in charge of life and death situations. The nice thing about learning those skills and behaviors is that it balances out my passive personality traits.
:)

[Traffic Jam]

Haha! I’m a Slytherin.. and “Divergent” too :eek:
Hufflepuff.

[MuddyWaters]

I somewhat disagree. If I were typed prior to entering the career that I chose, there’s no doubt it would be the last on the list. I’m a shy, quiet, follower-type who usually defers to others. Yet, I was able to learn the skills needed for my job which includes interacting with the public and being an aggressive leader who is often in charge of life and death situations. The nice thing about learning those skills and behaviors is that it balances out my passive personality traits. <br>
<img src="https://whiteblaze.net/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smilie" smilieid="1" class="inlineimg"><br>
<br>
The funniest thing was in leadership training courses.<br>
When solving problems in groups<br>
Where if you made a mistake , wrong first move ,there was no recovering from it<br>
Certain strong personality types would coerce the rest of their group into doing what they wanted first<br>
And then the group failed<br>
<br>
Where the groups that work together and got everybody's input and were slower to action succeeded.

[Dogwood]

The Meyer's Briggs test is not "reliable" or "valid." The test doesn't encompass all possible "personality types" (basically it will categorize you some way even if you don't really fit there) and your result will change significantly depending on your current mood. Basically, it's bull****.

That's my assessment in that my values and mood are subject to change as new info becomes part of my understanding. Too often the questions were phrased that forced me into a choice that not always reflected my worldview nor the way I process it. I have no need to constantly rate things statically including my personality into neatly understood singular personalities. I recognize many of those personality definitions in myself at various times and under varying situations.


It's a series of polarized dichotomies! And of course, polarized dichotomies are rarely representitive of physical reality, so your assessment does hold some validity. But BS? Na. Not so much... Not like that at all.

You're right about polarized dichotomies not representative of a physical reality which I struggled mightily, but it goes beyond the physical reality. The test is formulated and phrased in a way that forces me to accept a reality, a worldview perception, and more importantly a mental processing of the world that I don't personally always recognize. I've actually tried to intentionally get away from thinking and perceiving rigidly along lines of polarized dichotomies. It stinks to me. It's a limiting way to perceive and process reality. It's a cause of much conflict analagous to tribal thinking and identity politics, identity tests, etc.

Slugg is correct. Psychologists have voiced problems, limitations, and the unreliability with the Meyers Briggs test. Some still recognize it as having some worth... not for myself or others who don't process and perceive the world along polarized dichotomies. It's not simply individuals the test comes to erroneous limiting conclusions but entire cultures, spiritual disciplines, etc.

Tests like this force people into nice neat easier to analyze categorical boxes.


TU Idsailor for posting the link.

[Lone Wolf]

i'm a blue-blazer. a contrarian. no type here

[Traffic Jam]

i'm a blue-blazer. a contrarian. no type here

You’ve earned it.

[Furlough]

Yep. A more valid personality indicator is What Hogswarts house do you belong to (http://time.com/4809884/harry-potter-house-sorting-hat-quiz/)? Ravenclaw!
INTJ and Hufflepuff

[Dan Roper]

Somewhere in one of the hiking books on my shelf there is a statistic that about 60% of society is "E" (extrovert) and 40% I (introvert) but that the ratio on the trail is more than flipped. More than 2/3rd of long distance hikers are reportedly introverts. I recall the passage well, as the author then describes some extroverts on the trail - a group marching into a shelter site late at night loudly singing "When the Saints Go Marching In."

[Rift Zone]

I'm Ravenclaw.

[tdoczi]

Somewhere in one of the hiking books on my shelf there is a statistic that about 60% of society is "E" (extrovert) and 40% I (introvert) but that the ratio on the trail is more than flipped. More than 2/3rd of long distance hikers are reportedly introverts. I recall the passage well, as the author then describes some extroverts on the trail - a group marching into a shelter site late at night loudly singing "When the Saints Go Marching In."

whoever came up with those stats wasnt on the AT in the middle of the thru hiker bubble.

that or the extroverts would only be 1/6th otherwise.

[Dogwood]

Somewhere in one of the hiking books on my shelf there is a statistic that about 60% of society is "E" (extrovert) and 40% I (introvert) but that the ratio on the trail is more than flipped. More than 2/3rd of long distance hikers are reportedly introverts. I recall the passage well, as the author then describes some extroverts on the trail - a group marching into a shelter site late at night loudly singing "When the Saints Go Marching In."
This an another example of dichotomous thinking in an attempt to place people into and an either or two types of personalities. True false black white on off conservative right liberal left. The reality is the world isn't always defined like this. Ir comes from a limited way of thinking about things...and it very often limits potential, creativity, and innovation.


A textbook example is one my nieces was told by a mathematics teacher in her early H.S. years "people are either good or bad at math." She was struggling with her math grades when she was told this. She started to believe she was on of those "bad" at math. She had little aptitude for math. If she had believed that going through life with that limiting belief that would have become an excuse for not optimally applying herself at math education. She's now a sophomore at Auburn as a straight A mathematics student pursing a mathematics degree and wants to go to MIT for Advanced Applied Mathematics eventually seeking a career with NASA. Imagine if she had continued believing the limiting mindset label(categorization) that the HS mathematics teacher tried saddling her? I wonder how many other people go through life with limiting non empowering categorization because some "authority" ' told them this is the way you are?

[Dogwood]

Here's some more:

A thru hike is a vacation.

Thru hikes are selfish.

I'm too ??? to thru hike.

Younger generations are so entitled.

Younger people are irresponsible.

Getting older means ???

[Traffic Jam]

[QUOTE=tdoczi;2232833]whoever came up with those stats wasnt on the AT in the middle of the thru hiker bubble.

that or the extroverts would only be 1/6th otherwise.[/QUOT

The introverts hike elsewhere...at least I do. I’ve never hiked on the AT during “thru hiker season.”

[RockDoc]

ISTP, same as Amelia Earhardt and Lance Armstrong, among other great explorers and athletes.

Woody Allen? Wait a minute!

[4eyedbuzzard]

I think there might be some degree of confusion here regarding this subject. Just as people may be right vs left handed, it doesn't mean that they are exclusively one way or the other. Such as when typing a post here in this forum, everyone has elements of all psychological types and use and display elements of all of them. It's more just a preference as to which way you tend to lean. And in most people, it's no where near as dominant as the example of being right vs left handed. Most of us are much closer to ambidextrous psychologically than we are with our physical handedness.

[Traffic Jam]

I think there might be some degree of confusion here regarding this subject. Just as people may be right vs left handed, it doesn't mean that they are exclusively one way or the other. Such as when typing a post here in this forum, everyone has elements of all psychological types and use and display elements of all of them. It's more just a preference as to which way you tend to lean. And in most people, it's no where near as dominant as the example of being right vs left handed. Most of us are much closer to ambidextrous psychologically than we are with our physical handedness.

During my psych rotation, everyone in the class had to come up with a question as an exercise for learning about each other. My question was, which personality disorder fits you best? Ha ha! It was interesting...people like being able to identify and label themselves, even if the label carries a negative/outside social norms connotation.

[tdoczi]

[QUOTE=tdoczi;2232833]whoever came up with those stats wasnt on the AT in the middle of the thru hiker bubble.

that or the extroverts would only be 1/6th otherwise.[/QUOT

The introverts hike elsewhere...at least I do. I’ve never hiked on the AT during “thru hiker season.”
unfortunately the times when i can go hike for a week means dealing with them if I happen to want a hike where they are.

that and theyve gotten harder to avoid. i thought i was going on a hike safely behind the bubble last year and couldnt have been more off.

[Gambit McCrae]

I was surprised how incredibly accurate the test described me(ESTJ). It was even a little creepy lol

[FlyPaper]

It's a series of polarized dichotomies! And of course, polarized dichotomies are rarely representitive of physical reality, so your assessment does hold some validity. But BS? Na. Not so much... Not like that at all.

I find it curious the contempt some have for MB. It is a binary partition (actually a series of 4 binary partitions) of an underlying trait that is more of a continuum. What is curious is the hostile view that if a model is not perfect, it is therefore BS. We all accept imperfect models in SOME areas to process reality. Global warning scientists cannot perfectly predict climate. Does that make they whole field complete BS? (whether it is BS or not does not hinge on perfection of prediction). Just an example, not trying to start a tangential debate.

As for me, when I first took a MB test, I was absolutely floored by how well the description of my type pegged me. My wife had the same experience and knowing each other's personality type was extremely valuable in helping us understand our differences with humor and much reduced conflict. Did either of us ever thing that our MB was going to be perfect? Of course not. There is a wide range of utility between "totally perfect predictor" and "complete BS", and almost all ability to understand and deal with reality requires us to operate between those two poles.

[Slumgum]

So well stated, Flypaper. I think when some folks sit in front of their computers they undergo transformations into trolls.

Certainly it is possible to "game" the test. Even when the test is taken with the correct intent and honesty there can be some variance. But the overall validity of this tool is beyond question especially when applied to a large group as in this case.

[Rift Zone]

I find it curious the contempt some have for MB...
yea. It is kinda novel to see some scoff at mbti only to champion Hogwarts houses. You guys know all of them have the same origins, right? Right and wrong is misunderstanding, more like what flavor you prefer: enneagram, sloan/global5, that tri-matrix-corporate-environment one... take your pick, they all support the same science, be it "soft" or not.

[Rift Zone]

As for me, when I first took a MB test, I was absolutely floored by how well the description of my type pegged me. My wife had the same experience and knowing each other's personality type was extremely valuable in helping us understand our differences with humor and much reduced conflict. Did either of us ever thing that our MB was going to be perfect? Of course not. There is a wide range of utility between "totally perfect predictor" and "complete BS", and almost all ability to understand and deal with reality requires us to operate between those two poles.
I had a similar experience. I (intj) was dating an INFJ. They gave me the test in 6th grade, but never made it relevant so I rediscovered mbti looking to gain some insight into how to better communicate with with my very emotional and human-centric girlfriend, while I'm pretty much Spock. Daymn, we both learned a whole lot about ourselves and each other. At least I knew why I was so weird to most of the population. Lol


44385

[FlyPaper]

yea. It is kinda novel to see some scoff at mbti only to champion Hogwarts houses. You guys know all of them have the same origins, right? Right and wrong is misunderstanding, more like what flavor you prefer: enneagram, sloan/global5, that tri-matrix-corporate-environment one... take your pick, they all support the same science, be it "soft" or not.

Agreed. The test as I recall is basically a long series of choices, such as "which do you prefer 'justice' or 'mercy'?". Even when taking the test, we're all somewhat conflicted and understand that specifics of a real scenario would greatly affect our answer. But being a willing participant, I was able to pick an answer for each one without overthinking and understood that not much hinged on a single answer. That's why there's perhaps 100+ questions depending on the specific test. And then, when processing the results, use it as an aid to self-awareness rather than a box. I've found it quite valuable to understand both myself and others better and can benefit from that without also having to put myself or others in a box. If the benefits are real (and they've proven to be very much so in my own life), how can that possibly be categorized as BS?

[tdoczi]

i have one somewhat random thing to say about whether or MBTI is worth anything-

if you have ever read about the thing that happens between ENFPs and INTJs, i can assure you, there is absolutely something to it.

[Rift Zone]

And then, when processing the results, use it as an aid to self-awareness rather than a box. I've found it quite valuable to understand both myself and others better and can benefit from that without also having to put myself or others in a box. If the benefits are real (and they've proven to be very much so in my own life), how can that possibly be categorized as BS?
For real, try not to take it too seriously. And also for real! -the "science" on it is messy and tenuous, so granted all this personality crap has little substantiation though rigorous science, but it none the less holds validity and insight. Like it or not, this is by far the most succinct and probably the most accurate way to express what I am:

70% Introversion
67% iNtuition
87% Thinking
77% Judging

Global5/Sloan : RCOEI
Primary type is Calm
extroversion: 30%
orderliness: 78%
emotional stability: 92%
accommodation: 18%
inquisitiveness: 87%

Enneagram 'tri-type': 5w6, 1w2, 3w2 -sx/so

[KnightErrant]

Years ago when I took the test the first time, I got INTJ. More recently I took it again for a class in my MA and got INTP, but the percentage of the J/P was around 49%/51%, so pretty borderline on the judgement/perception. Funnily enough, I prefer to think of myself as INTP purely based on a Harry Potter comparison chart where the INTJ was Voldemort and the INTP was Hermione, ha!

The way I see it, all personality typing tries to put people in neat little boxes, which inherently involves making generalizations, but I still think it can be insightful if you recognize the limitations. When I lived in Morocco, my roommate was working for a consulting firm that paid for her to get trained as a StrengthsFinder coach, which is a similar thing: take the quiz, get your top 5 strengths (out of a list of 34), and then get coached on how you can use your strengths to maximize your potential at work, etc. I probably wouldn't have paid for the service, but when she made our friend group her "guinea pig" clients, I found it a valuable experience. Less for identifying/valuing my own strengths and weaknesses, which I was already pretty aware of, but more about learning how to see the value of different characteristics in others. There were qualities that I wouldn't have even considered "strengths" because I might find them annoying, but with the lens she provided, I could see the value in them, or at least have a better understanding of why another person might approach a task differently than I would.

I had a similar experience when a different roommate had me read The Five Love Languages. I expected self-improvement fluff, but found it surprisingly insightful. That one ranks how you give/receive love/affection in terms of words, gifts, touch, time, and service. It's primarily intended for improving romantic relationships, but I have since found it helpful when trying to get along with friends, parents, and siblings.

All of that loops back around to the fact that as a very introverted, analytical person (INTJ/INTP), human connection doesn't necessarily come easily for me. If personality typing like MBTI or Strengthsfinder can give me a lens to understand others more categorically-- and therefore clearly-- I figure it's only helping me become more empathetic and capable of examining situations from multiple perspectives. If others see it as nothing more than fancy astrology, that doesn't reduce its usefulness to me.

Regarding the trail, I thru-hiked nobo at the tail end of the bubble this year, and I found it deeply satisfying as an introvert. Being introverted doesn't mean you are antisocial, just that you recharge your batteries best alone. Even with 10-15 people at a shelter or campsite, I found plenty of alone time in my tent and while actually hiking. During "real" life as a teacher, I don't socialize much because all my time away from work is best spent alone recharging. On the trail it was just sort of flipped. I spent my "work day" hiking mostly alone for 8-12 hours, and then had the energy to be social with other hikers in the evening if I felt like it.

[Astro]

ENTJ
I guess someone had to be the first here. :)

[Rift Zone]

Years ago when I took the test the first time, I got INTJ. More recently I took it again for a class in my MA and got INTP, but the percentage of the J/P was around 49%/51%, so pretty borderline on the judgement/perception. Funnily enough, I prefer to think of myself as INTP purely based on a Harry Potter comparison chart where the INTJ was Voldemort and the INTP was Hermione, ha!lol. Nice. Well, Einstein was INTP too, so you're in good company on that one as well. They're not as cool as INTJs, but they're alright. Lol.


The way I see it, all personality typing tries to put people in neat little boxes, which inherently involves making generalizations, but I still think it can be insightful if you recognize the limitations.exactly. Nor is it an exact science. I'm rather sociable, and I'm a romantic at heart; so the profiles are gonna say things like not not every emotionally engaging... not very affectionate or attentive to friends and lovers... not the case for me. The got that one wrong on me. Oh well, get used to the fact statistics lie, but they too are usually pretty wise. Be real about it and it's a powerful tool.


I had a similar experience when a different roommate had me read The Five Love Languages. I expected self-improvement fluff, but found it surprisingly insightful. That one ranks how you give/receive love/affection in terms of words, gifts, touch, time, and service. It's primarily intended for improving romantic relationships, but I have since found it helpful when trying to get along with friends, parents, and siblings. that one is good to! Very simple, equally powerful.


Regarding the trail, I thru-hiked nobo at the tail end of the bubble this year, and I found it deeply satisfying as an introvert. Being introverted doesn't mean you are antisocial, just that you recharge your batteries best alone. Even with 10-15 people at a shelter or campsite, I found plenty of alone time in my tent and while actually hiking. During "real" life as a teacher, I don't socialize much because all my time away from work is best spent alone recharging. On the trail it was just sort of flipped. I spent my "work day" hiking mostly alone for 8-12 hours, and then had the energy to be social with other hikers in the evening if I felt like it.
Yea, very easy to moderate how much social time you want on the trail! I found my groove too.

ENTJ
I guess someone had to be the first here. :)
My mom is entj! You'll never take me alive! Lol

[theinfamousj]

ESTJ and a Slytherin. While I appreciate that so many of you are uniquely yourself, I am exactly the model ESTJ who is written about to great wordiness on personality type blogs the internet over. I am the actual person who the ESTJ's Owners Manual (seen floating in the depths of Tumblr) was based on. Efficiency, especially systems efficiency, is my most favorite thing. And yet I hike slowly and spend time noticing my surroundings. My efficiency thrill comes in optimizing my eating, sleeping, hygiene, and clothing systems, not in getting as far away from where I started on the trail as quickly as possible.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[illabelle]

I'm INFP Ravenclaw. Who knew?