Are you an introvert or an extrovert? A sensor or intuitive? Feeling or thinking? An ESFJ or an ENTJ? Understanding your personality type has many benefits. To start, it can help determine what career paths are best for you. It may also help you to learn how to work well with coworkers and lead a team. Generally speaking, understanding your specific personality type can provide you with valuable insight into who you are and how you can succeed in your career.

 

These days, personality quizzes have become incredibly popular. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is perhaps one of the most prominent, and many people swear by it. Another frequently used personality test is the Enneagram of Personality, which separates people into nine types based on their characteristics.

 

So why does it matter?

 

People sometimes make the mistake of assuming that other people share the same opinions, beliefs, attitudes and characteristics as they do. Such assumptions can negatively affect relationships, both in the personal and professional realms.

 

When someone interacts with the world, they often react and behave in a certain way. This is how we try, or not, to adapt to most situations. Knowing your personality type can help you understand how your behavior affects those around you. Because perceptions are formed by our unique personalities, personality type can be a valuable element of self-discovery that can lead to a greater understanding of ourselves, which facilitates communication with others.

 

Furthermore, you may be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses more clearly, giving you the opportunity to adjust your career and lifestyle choices accordingly to maximize your personal growth. Finding new solutions to problems can also be made easier by knowing your personality.

 

Ultimately, you may find greater happiness, fulfillment and success once you gain a better understanding and align your life choices with your personality type.

 

Nevertheless, personality tests are not without limitations.

 

In the end, our personalities are much more complex and nuanced than a simple personality test can reveal. It may give you a better sense of who you are, but it may not tell you everything. Thus, when choosing real-life options based on your personality, make sure to use your judgment.

 

You may also be inhibited by overemphasizing your personality type in a way that prevents you from growing and trying new things in life. Remember that there is never a black and white answer for your life, and you may fall somewhere in the middle. So, don’t discount the other part of you because you may not comfortably fit into either category (for instance, “extrovert” vs “introvert”).

 

Even so, personality tests can be informative and entertaining if you don’t get too caught up in them. So if you haven’t done so yet, try filling one out and see what you discover!