Personality Types

I have actually been interested in personality types for a while. It was actually two entertainers on YouTube who inspired me to learn about them. So doing this assignment I knew what my Myers-Briggs personality type was, which is INFP. However learning about the other two personality assessments and even doing a quiz to see what my Keirsey Temperate was interesting. As you can tell from the photo above I was given idealist. I’ve always thought I was the opposite of an idealist due of the childhood I had, but I guess I was wrong; it must have had the opposite effect. Reflecting on my life now, there are four simple truths, which are connected to me being idealistic. 

Firstly, I am always trying to find new ways to make myself a better person. Whether it is following people on social media to inspire me to be better, reading inspirational stories or learning new ways to be healthy, I am always trying to be a better person. By trying to be a better person I have become better a person. I have become involved in activities which involve helping others like the El Salvador Social Justice trip, the Post-Secondary Education Fund for El Salvadoran Youth and even applying for a Conflict Studies and Human Rights University program that would set me up for a job helping others. All of these activities or opportunities would help me grow as a person by helping others and focusing on others instead of myself. By learning that I am an idealist through the Keirsey personality test it shows that I hope for more in life than what is given. By being an idealist, it will help me help other people, as I will never give up because I believe there is something better. Thus, being an idealist connects to my need to be a better person as it allows me never to give up because I know there is always something better.

Secondly, I make either most or all of my decisions based on intuition. My earliest memories of making decisions are remembered by thinking of the emotions I felt. Even today I choose my decisions based on what I feel is right, because I’d rather be happy with a decision then choose what is right. By deciding based on intuition I tend to choose the wrong choice sometimes, but I always learn a valuable lesson from these ‘wrong’ choices. By basing my decisions on what I feel is right or wrong, I don’t settle for less or base it mainly on something that can be taken away. My idealistic ways shine through with basing decisions on intuition as my decision tend to lead to creating harmonious situations for others and myself. Idealism goes hand in hand with deciding based on intuition because they both deal with choosing what is right based on feelings. Idealists know there is better and intuition is the feelings related to what is right and wrong. Thus being idealistic and deciding based on intuition are connected.

Thirdly, I am a perfectionist with terrible time management skills. I have high expectations for myself, in all regards of life; however, my time management skills are terrible. I would rather be entertained than do homework and sometimes I need the distraction from homework. Although when I do get around to working I always doubt my abilities and need to do it right on the first time. Thus, when doing assignments, I start at the last possible second in order to avoid stressing too much over it. Most of the time, this leads to handing in assignments late though. Most wouldn’t involve poor time management skills with being idealistic, but for me it is. I feel my poor time management skills are due to the perfectionist part of me. As a perfectionist, I never think I am doing it right. Thus, I stress over what to do and at the last minute decide just to do whatever. This cycle is reoccurring every time I receive an assignment. By learning that I am idealistic based on the Keirsey Assessment there is the perfectionist characteristic involved although in the report they refer to it as having strict standards. Thus being a perfectionist fits in with being idealistic.

Fourthly, I am an introvert. When I was younger I loved being around a ton of people and it was what made me happiest, but as I’ve grown up this has changed and I'd rather be by myself or around those I close to me. Learning more about people with how they act, the underlying tones they have and the differing views are what I believe has changed this. Now I would rather stay inside on the weekend and interact with only those I know or trust. In fact, much to the description in the lesson I am re-energized by being alone and de-energized by being around people. For example after school I must relax before I can do anything productive as I need to re-energize after being surrounded by hundreds of people all day. I usually watch TV shows or videos online to center myself. Being introverted it allows me to focus on what is right and wrong, as I take the time to reflect on what happens each day. This focus is what shapes the ideals I try to live up to. Thus being introverted is another example of why I am idealistic. 

Learning of the different personality assessments has opened my eyes up to what would make me happy. I have always wanted to be a doctor and still do, but I know if that does not happen I will be happy doing something else. When I changed one of my applications for university to the Conflict Studies and Human Rights, it was based on how I was changed coming back from El Salvador. For others to learn about the different personality assessments will give them insight into what is a good fit for them. For example, it would be a good idea for schools to have all students do one of these tests to help them decide what they want to do in the future. I know from personal experience that high school can be confusing if you have no clue or idea what you want to do after, especially when there is no one to help you prepare.