I Finally Took That MBTI Test Everyone Talks About

The 16 Personality Types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test

On Monday when I was looking for something to do to break up homework assignments I had remembered something a friend had said to me earlier that day. "What is your personality type?" And I had no way to answer because I had never taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test (or MBTI for short). So after a long time of putting it off because I didn't like the idea of taking a 100 question quiz, I finally took the time to do it. 

For some context, the MBTI is a test that evaluates the makeup of one's personality. The results are split into 16 categories with each result holding its own insights into the core values of who it belongs to. There are also four groups within the 16 that pair up the types based on similar traits. These groups are called the analysts, diplomats, sentinels, and explorers. Each result is defined by a nickname and a four-letter code (five if you count the identity trait). 

When I took the test I had no idea what I would get because I honestly knew nothing about the possible results. I had heard the different letter codes before but never bothered to figure out what they meant. The result I ended up getting was ENFJ, also known as "The Protagonist."

This personality type very much aims to do the right thing and serve a greater purpose in life. They want to positively impact the world around them. They also tend to be natural born leaders and teachers to those around them, even if it isn't intentional. Their goal is to become better to help those around them simply because it is what they feel should be done. They are motivation incarnate.

Initially this result surprised me! I often don't feel like a "protagonist" because I don't consciously try to be heroic in most ways and I try to stay humble and well-mannered to the point of almost being quiet. At least...that is how I perceived myself for the longest time. But then I sat back and thought about all I have experienced and changed in college over the past few years. I didn't initially want to be a big leader, yet I ended up becoming the President of a fraternity. I don't tend to be loud and boisterous, but when I talk I talk clearly and with intent. I often find myself giving advice more often than I receive it. And I somehow have a considerable population of campus regularly chanting my name for various reasons. So yeah, I think over time I have become this personality type out of necessity and circumstance. Honestly I can't complain! It was a slow progression of me coming out of my shell and embracing being a more open and influential person, and I enjoy it.

I know this result isn't definitive. If I take the test again in a couple years there is a good chance I'll get a different result. But for now it is nice to know I have grown as a person into someone who can inspire and naturally lead others.