Is A Personality Test Actually Helpful?

Today on my YouTube channel, I discuss how the Myers-Briggs (MBTI) personality test has been beneficial for me and for Lynn. But, are these tests actually legitimate? Can they really be helpful for everyone?

Know thyself is a popular phrase, which has been around for thousands of years. It has been increasingly popular recently among millennials. Particularly in our abundant society, where we are bombarded with options for what to buy and how to spent our time, we find ourselves asking, “what do I really want in life?”

Although some would debate the legitimacy or importance of “knowing thyself,” I am convinced it is vital to making wise decisions. I’m not talking about what sort of clothes or food to buy, although those decisions may be indirectly affected by your self-awareness. I’m referring mainly to goal-setting and career choices.

Self-awareness is a gateway to confidence in the path we are on. For example, last summer I discovered that my MBTI type is ENFP (see this link for more information on this Type). Learning about this personality type has helped me understand why I flip-flop so much from one job to another and why I like to explore so many different hobbies and interests.

As a result, I have decided to pursue a career with greater variety from day-to-day, and one in which I can be highly independent. When I think about getting another job working for others, on a payroll, with expectations to put in a certain number of hours, I get sick to my stomach. Understanding the ENFP personality type helps me to be okay with this sick feeling. This is who I am. I don’t need to “grow up and get a real job.” I just need to find a career that suits who I am and what my preferences are.

A warning: if you complete a personality test (I recommend the one at 16personalities.com), and you find it hard to agree with the results, forget about it. Don’t try and fit yourself into that box. Personality test results should be freeing, not constricting.

If you want to discuss this further with me, please get in touch with me. If you are in the Southern-Manitoba area, let’s get together. I would love to have a conversation about this and help you know yourself better.