Myer's Briggs

“I’m an introvert.”

“I’m spontaneous and more perceiving.”

“I only pay attention to facts and logic.”

I froth at the Myer’s Briggs personality test. There’s something alluring about categorising and finding out who we truly are, and then wearing a label like ‘ISFJ’.

But as you all know how I am about labels - (if not here’s a good intro) - it can actually lock us into a personality type identity.

Telling yourself “I’m an extrovert.” will encourage more extroverted behaviours (ie going to parties, talking to strangers). Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, your actions will follow on from the identity you’ve given yourself.

Also, there’s a belief that these tests are forever. But really, they’re just a snapshot of where you are now. They don’t factor in growth, learning and change.

“Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions…”

- Mahatma Gandhi

Sure it’s fun to label, but to what extent should we believe them?