Brain Typing

I've always been interested in this and I found this article and it makes it easy to understand. There is also a test that you can take. Follow the links at the end and you should be able to find it there. Put your letters together and you can find a more detailed explanation of who you are at the links or by Googling. I, for instance, am an ISFJ the definition is too long to include here, so Google away. It sure helps to understand other people and what makes them tick and how not to get too ticked off at people. :) Some people are just made annoying.

Myers-Briggs Teaches Typing

By Melinda Lavorante

No, not keyboard typing; brain typing! We are all created wonderfully unique by the hand of the God of this universe. He put His loving touch into every hair and every pore on our bodies, and He also blessed us each with a personality. No two personalities are exactly alike, yet there are obvious similarities among people's personalities. Man has tried to define these types in many ways. The type that Gretchen asked me to write about for you is the Myers-Briggs typing (also developed by Keirsey-Bates).

Do you like to take time to think things through before responding? Do you enjoy metaphors and analogies, and often find yourself being general and figurative? Do you trust facts rather than your own feelings on a subject? Do you like adapting to new situations and challenges? If all of these apply to you, then you may be an INTP like me! An INTP is one of the 16 personality combinations of the Myers-Briggs typing method.

There are four categories in this kind of typing. In each category there are two options. A person can be labeled either option, so they come up with a four-letter brain type. Let's examine each of these areas. Keep in mind that you don't have to totally subscribe to either of the options. You can easily have characteristics of both. However, the one that you most are like is the one that you name in your brain type.

Extroverted (E) and Introverted (I)

A lot of people (including myself, initially) think that extroverted are people-lovers and introverts are nothing short of hermits. Of course, that is quite a generalization. By definition, extroverts tend to be energized by other people, and introverts are more energized by spending time alone. Both groups can enjoy being with people, yet while extroverts don't easily tire from being with others, introverts hit their limit and need time alone to "recharge." Extroverts are concerned with what other people think of them, while introverts often are not as worried about public opinions. This is sometimes why introverts make better public speakers.

As Christian girls trying to live for the Lord, those of us who are extroverted needs to be cautious to listen to people better and not do all the talking, while the introverted need to know when to open up and share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles with others.

Sensing (S) and Intuitive (N)

Sensors are the concrete, down-to-earth, practical, and literal people in this world. Intuitives are the dreamers, and the ones with imaginations. They can be a bit scatter-brained at times. Sensors are set on doing things in a step-by-step matter, consistently working towards a set goal, while Intuitives will achieve their goals by leaps in a roundabout manner.

Sensors can often be too practical, without consideration for human personalities and errors in mind, while Intuitives may have their "head in the clouds" and forget the necessities and implications of everyday life.

Thinking (T) and Feeling (F)

A person strong in the Thinking characteristic, when faced with a problem, will most likely step back to assess the situation, not letting emotions or personal subjection get in the way. They may seem heartless and uncaring, yet they realize that logic is more important to base their foundation on than ever-changing emotions.

Feelers are the more emotional type (often viewed as overemotional or weak--which is not always true), who considers the affects on other people of the outcome of their decision. They see exceptions to set rules, when human feelings are involved, and feel it is important to not only be truthful, but tactful also.

While Thinkers are motivated by the desire for achievements and accomplishments, Feelers are driven by the desire to be appreciated.

Thinkers should be cautious about being too judgmental, while Feelers may need to put more of a foundation on their decision-making than personal feeling.

Judging (J) and Perceiving (P)

If you've ever known a nit picking, exacting person, then you've probably met a Judger! Judgers are known for not resting until their work is done, for setting goals and working towards them (and getting them done in time!), and having the emphasis of their work be getting the job completed.

Perceivers, on the other hand, are much more flexible. They enjoy starting projects and working on them, but are less concerned about completing them. They like adapting to new situations and will change goals as new information comes available. While Judgers work now and play later, Perceivers tend to play first, and then work later if there is time.

Judgers need to be careful not to neglect family members and people's feelings when trying to get jobs completed. Perceivers need to keep away from laziness and being disorganized to the extent that it hinders their work.

What usefulness is there in knowing your brain type? Firstly, it can help you to understand yourself and others. If your half of the room that you share with your sister is always tidy, and your sister's half is always messy, it doesn't mean your sister just messes up her room on purpose. It can just mean she is a Perceiver and needs to work harder to keep things cleaner, while your Judging personality automatically demands cleanliness for your comfort.

Knowing your brain type can also help you cultivate your interests. I have always been interested in designing things. Finding out that I am an INTP, I realize that that is one of the strong characteristics in my type! Now I know that it isn't just a whim or passing thing, but rather something rooted in my personality. I can now better use this talent to serve the Lord.

Of course, there is always the temptation to think that because you're a certain brain type you must act that certain way, or that you'll always act in the manners set forth. You have to remember that nobody fits into a personality mold perfectly! You will be constantly borrowing characteristics from other brain types, and your preferences and talents on things will depend a lot of the circumstances and situations you are in. Having a brain type label is only a guide to your behavior. It isn't a limit, and it isn't an excuse. We should all try to improve our faults and become better people for our Savior, always bringing honor and glory to Him, no matter what brain type He has blessed us with!

This has only been a brief analysis on this kind of brain typing. For more information on brain typing, visit http://www.braintypes.com/ and http://www.keirsey.com/. Some Christian friends of ours do the first one, and the second is a secular site. Always be careful about secular thoughts and contents, especially when it comes to psychology.