Understanding Your Personality

There are four main personality types: extroverts, introverts, sensing types, and thinking types. The way each individual type approaches the world is conditioned by his or her dominant personality trait. So if you've recently been wondering why you seem to have a difficult time making friends or why you tend to excel in one area of life while struggling in another, this article should help clarify things for you.

Before we look into each of these personality traits, a little background information just might be necessary. Temperament theory divides people into four groups: temperamental "types": introverted (I), extroverted (E), sensing (S), and thinking (T). Another theory, Jungian psychology, divides people into two groups: introverts (I) and extroverts (E). We all fall between these two extremes, but a person's dominant temperament type or personality trait is the one that becomes most apparent in the way he or she interacts with other people.

So what exactly are our four temperamental types? 

The extroverted type is an outgoing person who is constantly scanning his environment for new ideas. An extroverted type is always eager to explore new situations and may appear slightly reckless. These types prefer to look at the big picture first before getting into the nitty-gritty details. The introverted type is very reserved and may seem aloof to those around him. An introverted type is one who prefers to expend his energy in reflection. An introverted type would rather concentrate on one activity at a time with great concentration. These types pay attention to details before moving ahead.

The sensing type closely examines the world around him with his senses and prefers to have a concrete plan of action before taking action. Sensing types make good public servants, doctors, and accountants because they are detail-oriented people who are good at organizing things. The thinking type appears cool and aloof, but this is only because he thinks things through before taking action. A thinking type is careful not to lose objectivity in the heat of an argument and is not easily provoked into an emotional response. These types are good at planning things and making decisions.

The following discussion assumes that you have already read The Understanding Yourself Test. If you haven't, doing so will help you to better understand your personality type and why you act the way you do.

Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)

If you are an extrovert, then your dominant trait is extraversion. Extraverts are concerned with the outside world. They enjoy being around people, love to talk, and find their energy source in the company of others. Unlike introverts, they derive little energy from being alone; indeed, they need a fair amount of external stimulation to feel their best. You can identify an extrovert by his or her sociability, talkativeness, and quickness to respond to outside stimuli.

If you are an introvert, then your dominant trait is introversion. Introverts prefer to turn their energies inward toward their own thoughts and ideas rather than external perceptions. They are more reserved in social situations and make fewer gestures than extroverts do. Introverts are more retiring and less obviously energetic or talkative than extroverts. You can identify an introvert by his or her self-reliance, reserve in social situations, a steady stream of ideas, and preference for solitary activities such as reading or thinking.

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

If you are a sensing type, then your dominant trait is sensing. Sensing types are concerned with the immediate physical environment. They make decisions based on concrete facts rather than abstract thoughts and information. These types tend to be more practical than idealistic, preferring to live in the present rather than the future or past. They like facts over fiction and are practical problem solvers who enjoy taking action without delay. You can identify a sensing type by his or her pragmatic approach to life, pragmatism, and ability to "fix things."

If you are an intuitive type, then your dominant trait is intuition. Intuitive types tend to have strong imaginations and often appear imaginative and dreamy. They prefer to spend their time in the future, immersed in fantasy. Intuitive types often appear to be more restless than sensing types because they are always planning and never seem to be in a hurry to get anything done. These types can often come up with unique solutions or new insights when faced with a problem. You can identify an intuitive type by his or her daydreaming, ability to come up with new ideas, and tendency to vacillate.

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

If you are a thinking type, then your dominant trait is thinking. Thinking types prefer the logical analysis of information over its emotional impact. They are more skeptical than sensing types and are often noted for their unwillingness to accept anything at face value. They can be very critical of things that they don't understand. Their criticisms may sound harsh, but this is because they are always trying to look for the best solution possible. You can identify a thinking type by his or her logic, criticism, analytical approach to problem-solving, and tendency not to get emotionally involved in other's problems or desires.

If you are a feeling type, then your dominant trait is feeling. Feeling types prefer emotion over logic; they tend to be more subjective than thinking types and focus on feelings rather than cold facts. They prefer to discuss their personal feelings rather than facts and often become upset when facts are disputed. These types tend to be more sensitive to their own emotions than logic. You can identify a feeling type by his or her emotional approach to problem-solving, tendency to become upset when facts are disputed, and sensitivity to emotional issues.

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

If you are a judging type, then your dominant trait is judging. Judging types base their decisions on accurate perception of facts and ideas rather than on feelings or appearances because they prefer the best solution possible that accurately reflects the situation at hand. They value fairness and equality in life and like things done with precision and accuracy where possible. These types tend to be very organized and prefer a predictable environment over one that presents challenges. You can identify a judging type by his or her tendency to value precision and accuracy, desire for fairness, dislike of change, and need to be organized.

If you are a perceiving type, then your dominant trait is perceiving. Perceiving types base their decisions on flexibility and adaptability rather than accuracy of perception or ideas. They also tend to accept what they perceive at face value rather than searching for the best solution possible that accurately reflects the situation at hand. These types prefer excitement and changes in their environment over predictability and order. You can identify a perceiving type by his or her flexibility, desire to accept whatever is presented at face value, preference for exciting new experiences over predictability, and a strong need for independence in life.

How to Use Your Dominant Trait

According to Myers-Briggs, the best way to use your dominant trait is to act in accordance with that trait. The reasoning behind this is that it's healthy for each of us to live our lives through these three dimensions - we must learn what motivates us, what we can ignore, and what sources of inspiration we can draw from. For example, if you are feeling type, you shouldn't try to pretend like you're a sensing type because you will just end up getting frustrated as the facets of your personality shift. Instead, just be yourself and follow your intuition.

It's also important to think about the times when you might be wrong about the type of person you are. Once you get to know yourself better, you will gain the ability to better account for any instances where you might have been incorrect. Then, when you find yourself in similar situations in the future, you will be able to apply your newly acquired knowledge to make the right decisions.

So if you're trying to figure out what type of person you are, take it from me: be yourself. It's the most important thing you can do.

So what's your type?

What are some key takeaways from this article?

What types of personality do you tend to fall into the most?