I always take personality tests every once in a while, just to know if and when my personality does change. The test that I have always believed has been the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator or MBTI test. It has consistently provided me the most accurate assessment of my personality, and has directed me toward the resolution of many personality-related issues.
I took the test twice recently, using the tests provided by similarminds.com, once doing the Enneagram + MBTI (yesterday), and once more doing the pure MBTI one (today).
Both times the results I got showed me to be a ENFJ (Extroverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging), quite contrary to what I had always gotten previously: INFJ (same as ENFJ only Introverted instead of Extroverted). (Read more about the different types)
As far as my life goes, I’ve always tested to be an INFJ, with the occasional anomalies (I was declared an INTJ once, while twice declared an INFP). The one thing that almost never changes has always been my inclination toward Introversion and iNtuition.
I had had a 50/50 between Introversion and Extroversion before, during and after my stint in serving National Service in the army, but never before had I gotten more than a 50% for Extroversion. Last night my Extroversion score was 56% (staggering if you could read my mind and take note of how Introverted I think I am) while today’s score showed a more subtle 51.52% on Extroversion.
Now I’m wondering how accurate all this personality testing really is.
If this test was accurate, and I believe it to be, then can I presume that personality is really a malleable thing that we massage into what fits us best for each situation? Perhaps my move to Australia created a need for me to socialise, thus increasing my Extroversion for the time being, and of which would revert back to Introversion once my psyche decides enough is enough?
I honestly think so.
ENFJ – “Persuader”. Outstanding leader of groups. Can be aggressive at helping others to be the best that they can be. 2.5% of total population.
Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)
Donn, fragments 
Speaking as a qualified type professional, most practitioners agree that your type pattern does not change. You may mature, but your basic pattern remains the same throughout the course of your life. What WILL change is a) your circumstances; b) your self-awareness; c) the way you interact with the “test” each time you take it. So the upshot is that it’s not about the “test” per se; it’s about the model (Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types) that INFORMS the assessment which is important. The assessment is reported to be at best accurate 70-75% of the time, so it’s not a good idea to rely on it for foolproof reporting. (And I’m talking about the bonafide MBTI, not the freebies and cheap knock-offs that aren’t validated at all — NOBODY knows how accurate they might be.)
A couple of resources for you:
http://www.INFJ.com
http://www.BestFitType.com
Enjoy!
Thanks, whoever you are 🙂
I checked out both sites, but especially the INFJ.com one, and I love it!
Regarding the free tests: the tests at simlarminds.com aren’t too shabby, and dubious as one can be of free online tests, they do seem to point me somewhat correctly in the general direction, having been the first to show that I MIGHT be INFJ (and it certainly upped my interested in personality typing).
Intrigued with the prospects of knowing my personality better, I obtained a copy of “Please Understand Me II”, and that too had pointed me toward INFJ.
Personality is certainly a very interesting topic. Thanks again for your comments! 🙂