Getting to know myself through various personality tests is kind of exciting. Will the results be so accurate to the point that it's scary? Or will the results be so different from how I see myself that I'd question the test's credibility? It would be really interesting to know if these tests are really capable of understanding one's very complex personality.
To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to take two of these tests, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and R-I-A-S-E-C Profile, after some well-placed prompting from our professor.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test
I first took this test two years ago, and have been taking it once in a while. However, I learned that, contrary to what I usually hear from my friends, whom had their personality types change every time they take the test, I remain an INFP-T all throughout my college years.
Personally, I don't think I've changed much since so I'm not surprised. I think this is because, even though I put in more effort to get out of my shell, I've never really changed my introverted-ness. This is apparent because I can never stand being in a large crowd for too long. If I do, I get all anxious. The same goes for talking in front of a lot of people, I get all clammy and would just start ranting nonsense. I'd rather much engage in one-on-one talks with someone of my choice.
Furthermore, I've always been an idealist--I always have this ideal situation or story in my mind that gets all messed up when reality comes in--which is very stressful, thank you very much. And I don't see myself changing that certain trait of mine anytime soon. However, I also tend to avoid heading into conflicts as much as possible. Now that I think about it, that's probably why I've become very open-minded and never one to judge. And I think that these traits can be used to become a better leader.
My idealism can also serve as a stepping stone for me to strive to get as close as I can to that ideal state that I have in mind. And if I can encourage other people by serving as a good example and actively pushing them, there is a high chance that the people will be able to do better. This is all based on my belief that a leader has to be able to inspire others through words and actions.
R-I-A-S-E-C Profile Test
For this type of test, I got 26, 24, and 17 for Artistic, Social, and Enterprising, respectively. It is somewhat consistent to how I see myself as I feel that I'm more of a social worker than an artist. I don't believe I have the creativity. But, I have a high appreciation for art and music. As for enterprising, I'm not as surprised since I've always dreamed of having a bakeshop or cafe of my own.
With regard to the jobs recommended, however, I don't think I'm fit for them. Most of them are in the line of education. Sure, I love kids. But, I don't think I'm teacher material with my existing stage fright that keeps me stuttering in front of people. The only times that I can get on stage without making a fool of myself is when I'm singing. And, even then, I would need to have my guitar with me to somehow act as my buffer from the audience's attention.
On the other hand, I would LOVE to become a recreation worker, specifically in the field of sports. I've loved playing sports ever since I was a kid. And I know for a fact that having a career that is connected to sports will give me the motivation and drive to do my best in that job. So, if ever I get into any sports-related career, I would really feel fulfilled.
After comparing the results of the two tests, I found out that my MBTI is contradicting with my R-I-A-S-E-C Profile. According to MBTI, my level of introversion is very high, having gotten 69% over my 31% level of extroversion. While, in the R-I-A-S-E-C Profile, "Artistic" is placed at the middle of introverted-ness and extroverted-ness, so I have no qualms with that. But "Social" and "Enterprising", on the other hand, is found on the extrovert side of the scale. This finding has convinced my that tests aren't enough to fully understand the complexity of a person. Nevertheless, even with their contradicting results, they have helped me better understand myself.
