I'm a big believer of the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) for personality assessments. I've taken the free test on 16 personalities about three times over the years and I am definitely the infp-t personality type. I recently downloaded the extended guidebook of this type and it is helping me greatly in seeing how I function, my strengths and weaknesses etc. It is, as many users have said, 'spookily accurate' in the amount of detail the website and guidebook say about you, and one of the things that it cleared up for me was the detail of facing world injustices...
note: the infp-t personality is labeled the Mediator which falls under the category of 'Diplomats' on 16 personalities. Here are some of the things they said on the guidebook:
note: the infp-t personality is labeled the Mediator which falls under the category of 'Diplomats' on 16 personalities. Here are some of the things they said on the guidebook:
Diplomats find
the ideals of humanism rewarding: kindness, understanding, altruism, and growth
warm them like a bonfire on a chilly autumn day. These personality types envision a
prismatic, kind world.
The Intuitive trait plays a big part in this optimism, but it also makes Diplomats sensitive to injustices that would jeopardize that ideal world. They can be aggressive against forces they perceive as evil, and are capable of steely action when they feel they have moral high ground. Diplomats’ sensitive emotions may flare to outright combativeness if provoked; with self-righteous momentum and weighty ideals, these personality types can steamroll others. If they let inspiration trump rationality unchecked, they can sometimes go too far, damaging the very causes they hold dear, however justified the outrage.
Tempering this passion with cold practicality is a challenge for Diplomats. They are often reluctant to make and carry out tough decisions or plans lacking in empathy, and often struggle with carrying out a plan at all. They find greater satisfaction in abstract self-exploration and understanding the issues that affect those least able to defend themselves than mundane accomplishments and day-to-day tasks. Diplomats emphasize experience and understanding rather than calculable achievement.
Like a gardener planting in fertile earth, Diplomats sees the world around them with progressive change and gentle beauty. Diplomats feel connected to forces they may not fully understand, a deep sense of faith that may express itself, if not always through traditional religion, as spiritual belief. Diplomats pursue things with an underlying idealism and a sense of higher purpose; activism, spirituality, healing, the arts, and charity are common interests for these personalities. They have a conviction to serve a greater good, motivated by intangible rewards felt in the heart and soul.
In the Personal-Growth section:
The Intuitive trait plays a big part in this optimism, but it also makes Diplomats sensitive to injustices that would jeopardize that ideal world. They can be aggressive against forces they perceive as evil, and are capable of steely action when they feel they have moral high ground. Diplomats’ sensitive emotions may flare to outright combativeness if provoked; with self-righteous momentum and weighty ideals, these personality types can steamroll others. If they let inspiration trump rationality unchecked, they can sometimes go too far, damaging the very causes they hold dear, however justified the outrage.
Tempering this passion with cold practicality is a challenge for Diplomats. They are often reluctant to make and carry out tough decisions or plans lacking in empathy, and often struggle with carrying out a plan at all. They find greater satisfaction in abstract self-exploration and understanding the issues that affect those least able to defend themselves than mundane accomplishments and day-to-day tasks. Diplomats emphasize experience and understanding rather than calculable achievement.
Like a gardener planting in fertile earth, Diplomats sees the world around them with progressive change and gentle beauty. Diplomats feel connected to forces they may not fully understand, a deep sense of faith that may express itself, if not always through traditional religion, as spiritual belief. Diplomats pursue things with an underlying idealism and a sense of higher purpose; activism, spirituality, healing, the arts, and charity are common interests for these personalities. They have a conviction to serve a greater good, motivated by intangible rewards felt in the heart and soul.
In the Personal-Growth section:
The most important goals for Mediators are achieving a sense of identity and finding
a comfortable and productive balance between their emotions and their intellect.
These dreamers strive to find the answers to questions such as, “Who am I?” “What
is my purpose?” and “How can I make this world a better place?” However, these
questions, as well as Mediators’ tendency toward constant inner reflection, can
produce more questions than answers and more insight than action.
^^^^^ and that is what I need to work on... my goals are always vague...
In a way, personal growth means becoming a hero and fulfilling a hero’s quest in
one’s own life. Everyone has an image of what their lives should be, and growth is about finding a path to fulfillment while overcoming obstacles that get in the way.
For Mediators, it means, at least partly, opening their excessively inward natures
while remaining introspective enough to gain insights that help them craft their
vision for making their world a gentler place.
On the surface, Mediators appear mild and temperate, and in many ways, they are – which leads many people to underestimate the passion of Mediators. Within these gentle souls, their dedication to justice, peace, and equality churn like a storm. The self-worth of these types comes from a powerful sense of connection to these thoughts, and they often wonder why the rest of the world doesn’t feel the same. Mediators believe the planet would be a better place if others were more introspective. To people with this personality type, deep insights gained through self- exploration are a precious commodity –the more they feel they possess these deep insights, the more worth they see in themselves.
their insights to small groups or individuals. They’re likely to listen intently and internalize what
others say: Sometimes, these types fulfill their purpose best with silence. Listening and
understanding are enough to give them meaning. They’re the people in the workplace who lend
support to others, which may be more emotional than practical. Nonetheless, they provide an
attentive ear or a shoulder to cry on. Mediators regard positive human connection as an
affirmation of their own value, so they seek out ways to be attentive and encouraging in their
quiet way.
Mediators respect themselves most when they believe they help victims of evil and injustice, especially when they simultaneously discover more about themselves. They want to see themselves as a humane force in the world, but not necessarily through big acts – just big ideas. Doing good may be personal or global, and their altruistic efforts can be as simple as boosting a single child’s self-esteem or as ambitious as working to solve world hunger. These heroes are likely to be more inspirational than hands-on, and they benefit from others organizing the rescue while they gently provide the emotional and motivational support.
Concern for others consumes Mediators, and they dream of ways they can help make the world a better place. They value integrity above all else. They have little patience for political movements or agendas, preferring to find individual ways to make a difference and support others. Making sure that those around them feel comfortable, providing them a shoulder to cry on, listening attentively to their concerns – these are just some of the ways that Mediators show respect to others. They feel they’re at their best when they help people they care about gain insight and a richer understanding of themselves. As a bonus, they end up liking themselves as well.
The blocks that build Mediators’ self-respect are more than simple good deeds. They live in a world of ideas and theories, and their notions always have a central human element. Their emotions sway their understanding, as if they possess a kind of ethical DNA that influences their attitudes and outcomes. Although their code may evolve, Mediators do good for others based on more high-minded purposes than simple, practical need.
The Mediator motto might well be: “I thrive to serve, and I serve to thrive.” But that
can’t be done from within a tightly cloistered existence. This is their challenge: to step
beyond mere dreams of good intentions and turn them into reality.
On the surface, Mediators appear mild and temperate, and in many ways, they are – which leads many people to underestimate the passion of Mediators. Within these gentle souls, their dedication to justice, peace, and equality churn like a storm. The self-worth of these types comes from a powerful sense of connection to these thoughts, and they often wonder why the rest of the world doesn’t feel the same. Mediators believe the planet would be a better place if others were more introspective. To people with this personality type, deep insights gained through self- exploration are a precious commodity –the more they feel they possess these deep insights, the more worth they see in themselves.
Mediators may boost their own self-esteem by contributing to a cause or even joining
a movement, but they’re less social warriors than philosophers and visionaries with
lessons to share, preferably in emotionally safe and inviting settings. They often work in helping or teaching professions, where they can more readily use their empathy and share
lessons to share, preferably in emotionally safe and inviting settings. They often work in helping or teaching professions, where they can more readily use their empathy and share
Mediators respect themselves most when they believe they help victims of evil and injustice, especially when they simultaneously discover more about themselves. They want to see themselves as a humane force in the world, but not necessarily through big acts – just big ideas. Doing good may be personal or global, and their altruistic efforts can be as simple as boosting a single child’s self-esteem or as ambitious as working to solve world hunger. These heroes are likely to be more inspirational than hands-on, and they benefit from others organizing the rescue while they gently provide the emotional and motivational support.
Concern for others consumes Mediators, and they dream of ways they can help make the world a better place. They value integrity above all else. They have little patience for political movements or agendas, preferring to find individual ways to make a difference and support others. Making sure that those around them feel comfortable, providing them a shoulder to cry on, listening attentively to their concerns – these are just some of the ways that Mediators show respect to others. They feel they’re at their best when they help people they care about gain insight and a richer understanding of themselves. As a bonus, they end up liking themselves as well.
The blocks that build Mediators’ self-respect are more than simple good deeds. They live in a world of ideas and theories, and their notions always have a central human element. Their emotions sway their understanding, as if they possess a kind of ethical DNA that influences their attitudes and outcomes. Although their code may evolve, Mediators do good for others based on more high-minded purposes than simple, practical need.
People with this personality type remind the world to think beyond petty and self-
centered concerns. They may not be on street corners shouting about the ways
humankind should live, but quietly, and in everyday ways, Mediators live with an eye
toward moral standards. This doesn’t mean their actions always align with their
ideals; nobody is perfect. However, when they take the moral high ground – mostly
in their thoughts and occasionally in the things they do – Mediators can look at
themselves with respect.
Being rational isn’t the same as being heartless, however, and injecting pragmatism
into a plan doesn’t have to water down compassion. Mediators may see rationality
and compassion as incompatible entities. This is a false dichotomy; in fact, being
sensible is necessary to making a difference in the world. Filtering principles, beliefs,
and visions through rationality while still honoring their emotional decision-making
preference allows these types to create goals that lead to more intentional results.
Although they aren’t naturally goal-oriented, Mediators may need to work toward goals to know whether they’re being effective. Good planning takes concepts beyond dreams and visions and turns them into action. Some research has found a correlation between individuals with anxiety and depression and people whose goals are vague. While this is by no means the case for all Mediators, it suggests that, with crisp and concrete goals, these types may feel better about themselves.
Although they aren’t naturally goal-oriented, Mediators may need to work toward goals to know whether they’re being effective. Good planning takes concepts beyond dreams and visions and turns them into action. Some research has found a correlation between individuals with anxiety and depression and people whose goals are vague. While this is by no means the case for all Mediators, it suggests that, with crisp and concrete goals, these types may feel better about themselves.
^^^^^ and that is what I need to work on... my goals are always vague...