The Idealist

I recently took the Myers-Briggs again just to see if my personality changed with all the work I’ve done personally and professionally over the years.

The last time I took one was about 20 years ago in a different company during a leadership seminar. After going through the questions again, I fell into a group category called the idealist. But, I’m not sure whether I fall in one of two specific categories within that group as I share traits in both.

I am definitely extroverted (E) living off the energy of others around me. Even if I had the house for the day to myself, I have to get out and explore. Isolation is cool in moderation or times of focus. Outside of that I go be around energy.

I am a very abstract thinking kind of guy. Often times going beyond the moment which makes me very intuitive (N) in nature. I love idea playing and examining theories. Which is an obvious reason IBtP was born.

I’ve been told as well as think it of myself, that I am a feeler (F) and very relational. Sort of an empath if you will. It’s not uncommon for me to use intuition and a lot of heart to make decisions. My concern for humanity and others to become the best version of themselves drives me to do more for them.

The last letter is the difficult one. I’m a bit of go getter and love to button up loose ends which could mean I fall into judging (J) as decisive or focused are often how others describe me. But, I’m not exactly a planner. I like to leave options open and rely on my intuition above which is more perceiving (P) in nature.

So this ultimately lands me in either a ENFJ or a ENFP for my personality types.

An ENFJ is a charismatic and driven empath who just wants to love and be loved. It describes me as quick witted and passionate. Pulled-together and articulate. Dedicated to just about everything I do whether that’s building a career that I love, spreading a meaningful message through charity work, or creating a romantic relationship that will go the distance.

As an ENFP I am defined as a passionate, friendly motivator who just wants to see others reach their potential. Which is almost exactly what I tell people when they ask me about my job what I love most about it. I get to help my customers and my teams find the best version of themselves everyday and realize their own potentials.

As this ENFP type, I am told I love people and I find my job in motivating and supporting those around me. I am all in when something new is upon me and I am asked to participate in it. I often share what I learn from others so others can succeed. I can simply see hidden potential in nearly everyone and everything.

Both fit for a description of me, but probably lean in more on ENFP. Is it possible that I flex between two personality types on the fly? Do circumstances in real time as I work and play have me shift into one type over the other? Does that make me someone with multiple personalities? I’m not sure what to think.

But, I did land on being an idealist. I love that title and it fits. Maybe that’s the lesson here. Don’t pigeon hole yourself. Be agile and be able to flex when needed between one or the other. Find your group and play within that group. Find others both like and not like you in type, so you can find your grounding or meaning in what you’re doing. I love helping artisans as a group find their muse as an idealist for example.

Maybe you all can let me know based on what you read this month which one I am more than the other. I’d be interested in reading what you might think. Please throw it in the comments below and let me know.

Happy holidays tomorrow and cheers!

✌🏻 Shawn