ENFJ-T
Do you recognize these letters?
They represent one of 16 personalities assigned by Myers-Briggs. Based on a series of questions, these 4 letters indicate how you perceive the world and make decisions.
According to Myers Briggs, ENFJ suggests I have strong ideals and values.
At some point in our lives many of us have taken personality assessments such as this.
These types of tests have their drawbacks from the perspective that they force you into a box. Example - We have situations when at times we are introverted versus extroverted and vice versa.
Regardless of how accurate or fun these types of tests can be, I believe they have little value….
Whether you have completed assessments for a new job or personal interest, the subconscious message is that you are a “type” and “you are who you are”.
Who cares what an assessment says about who you are today!
If you have a growth mindset, then you view yourself as constantly changing and developing.
Psychologist, Carol Dweck, coined the term "fixed mindset" for those who see themselves as “unchangeable." In other words, you define yourself by who you are right now.
Since consistent behaviors are best used to define personality, then wouldn’t changed behaviors reflect a changed personality?
In addition to not getting locked into a personality type, here are some steps to develop a growth mindset:
- What are your current self views? Your behaviors reflect your identity therefore your first step is to accept that identity can change. If you think this isn’t possible think back to who you were 5 or 10 years ago. Has your identity changed without you realizing? This time you can take charge.
- Add the word “yet” to your vocabulary. This will put you into a growth rather than fixed mindset. For example, “I don’t understand my colleague, yet!” or “I don’t know how to play the piano, yet!” or “I haven’t met my sales goals, yet!” Think of yourself as a work of art that isn’t finished. You are a work in progress.
Personality tests are strictly labels. If you allow this label to identify who you are today it becomes your truth. When people are depressed they believe they are depressed all the time.
Don’t let these tests give you the idea that your personality is fixed or the narrative of who you are.
Have a great weekend,
Karl
The more sacred an idea is to us— that is, the more deeply it is tied to our identity— the more strongly we will defend it against criticism. James Clear
Anyone who isn't embarrassed by who they were last year probably isn't learning enough. Alain de Botton