Psychology, Personality, and Temperance

This weekend I had the awesome priviledge of taking a amplified version of the Myers-Briggs personality test. I found out that I was an Introvert (I), Intuitive (N), Feeling (F), Perceiving (P). I was really not enthused on taking this psychological test, but it kind of caught my attention as I took it. Upon finishing the test, I really didn't understand what the results meant. I thought to myself, Ok...I am an INFP...now what? The significant impact of this discovery did not help me until I was referred to a book which explained the meaning of what an INFP. As I read the very first paragraph, I was absolutely flabbergasted that this description of an INFP was TOTALLY parallel to my personality and characteristics. I'm going to share on my blog some of my profile as an INFP

"INFP's find their deepest meaning in life when they can contribute to the
creation of a better world for all people. And what INFPs want more than
anything else is to identify for themselves what their own "deepest
meaning" is. What path they will take with their lives? ... INFPs are
people oriented. They focus on human potential, and they base their
decisions on a careful and thorough-often painstaking-weighing of
values" (Brownsword 80)

As I read this information, I felt like I had came into my own. I felt like I could finally have a rational explanation of why I was the way I was. The most fascinating thing about being an INFP is that less than 1% of the population is an INFP. I felt so happy about my "different" personality. I don't think the I'm weird, but I'm definitely in a category of my own.

I am sure people are wondering what the significance of this post is to my topic that I'm blogging on. I'm getting there! Following the test and reading the interpretation, I was referred to a career guide by personality book, which listed all the types of professions people with certain personalities should purse. As I looked at the professions for the INFP's I was shocked to see ALL the things that I've ever wanted to be. An editor...a writer.. a research assistant..a counselor..a fine artist. All of these things appealed to me! I feel that this would be such a great tool in helping STUDENTS find their passion! If we could assess students with this test, they would get into fields which fitted them! It would solve so many problems. There would be less of changing majors, and more of pursuing one's PASSION through education. I am really excited about this, so excuse me if I'm kind of expressive and colorful. I think that's all for now.

Brownsend, Alan W. "It Takes All Types". San Anselmo, HRM Press, 1987.

Martin, Charles PhD. "Looking at Type and Careers". Gainesville, Center for Apps Press, 1995.