"getting to know myself"

as part of my job this summer, my boss suggested that i "get to know myself better." she stressed the importance of knowing who you are and where you stand when you're working with individuals that challenge you daily on matters of the heart. so i took what's called a Meyers-Briggs test. I answered about 75 questions and was categorized as a INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging). This is what the assessment had to say about me...

"INFJs have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.

INFJ (counselors) are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them."

I wouldn't say that I'm a perfect match to this description, but it's pretty dang close. Apparently I'm a rare breed, but I could have told you that (haha). I am not sure how much better I "know myself" after taking this and I think it makes me sound way better than I actually am, but I thought it was kind of interesting to read through. If you have the time you should google "meyer-briggs personality assessments" and try one for yourself.

Other famous INFJ's: John Bradshaw, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, John Calvin, Nicole Kidman... Wow, that sounds like a lot to live up to. If only my life could mirror that of Mother Teresa or Nelson Mandela... sheesh.


{xo. jarah}