What's Your Personality Type And What Does It Mean?

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When it comes to your personality, you might think you know a lot already - you’re outgoing, or more reserved, you think with your heart first, or your head - but how much do you really know? That’s where the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) comes in! It’s a test that breaks down every part of your personality, and gives you a specific personality type...Because, when it comes to who you are, there’s so much more than meets the eye.

This might feel a little confusing at first, but bear with us! So, when it comes to figuring out your personality type, the MBTI uses a mixture of different letters that relate to personality preferences that everyone uses at different times. The eight letters are split into four categories that represent opposite preferences:

• How you interact with your surroundings - Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)
• How you see the world and process information - Observant (S) or Intuitive (N)
• How you make decisions and cope with emotions - Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
• How you approach work, planning and decision making - Judging (J) or Prospecting (P)

Then, depending on how you fit into each category, your personality type will be made up of a variant of those letters (one from each category), so you could be an ENTP or an ISFJ for example. Get it?

Let’s take a look at the categories in more detail, and see which famous people fit them (and check out who you’re like!)

ANALYSTS:

Intuitive (N) and Thinking (T) personality types, known for their rationality, impartiality, and intellectual excellence.

Architect (INTJ): You’re actually one of the rarest personality types out there, and someone who loves perfecting the details of life, and applying creativity and rationality to everything you do. Famous Architects include: Michelle Obama, Elon Musk, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even characters like Gandalf and Katniss Everdeen.

Logician (INTP):You’re a flexible thinker and enjoy taking an unconventional approach to many aspects of life. You’re someone who will seek out unlikely paths, and mix your willingness to experiment with personal creativity. Famous Logicians include: Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, Elliot Page, and Kristen Stewart.

Commander (ENTJ): Get this, you make up only three percent of the population! You’re a natural born leader, and pretty decisive person, who strives to accomplish what you put your mind to, with momentum. But that doesn’t mean you’re careless. You gather necessary information to construct your creative visions but just don’t hesitate for long (or procrastinate) before acting on them. Famous Commanders include: Gordon Ramsay, Whoopi Goldberg, Jim Carrey, and Malcolm X.

Debater (ENTP): You’re a bold and creative person, who thrives on knowledge - and playing devil’s advocate, always looking to deconstruct and rebuild ideas with great mental agility. You’ll continue to pursue your goals vigorously despite any resistance they might encounter. Famous Debaters include: Tom Hanks, Sarah Silverman, Celine Dion and characters like Jack Sparrow.

DIPLOMATS:

Intuitive (N) and Feeling (F) personality types, known for their empathy, diplomatic skills, and passionate idealism.

Advocate (INFJ): You approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. And, you’re the rarest personality type of all. But you still leave your mark on the world, taking concrete steps to realise your goals and make them happen. Famous Advocates include: Martin Luther King, Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman.

Mediator (INFP): You’re probably quite quiet, open-minded, and imaginative, and have a caring and creative approach to everything you do, holding deep relationships with people that you love. You make up a small portion of the population, so may sometimes feel misunderstood or out of step with the world. Famous Mediators include: Alicia Keys, Tom Hiddleston, Julia Roberts and characters like Frodo Baggins and Arwen.

Protagonist (ENFJ): You’re a warm person, with strong ideas and values, and you love helping others. You’re also a natural-born leader, full of passion and charisma, and take pride in guiding others to work together and improve themselves and their community. Famous Protagonists include: Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Malala Yousafzai, and Jennifer Lawrence.

Campaigner (ENFP): You’ve got a really vibrant energy and consider yourself a true free spirit, and the life of the party. You love big ideas and actions that show hope and goodwill toward others, and love making social and emotional connections. Famous Campaigners include: Robert Downey Junior, Will Smith, and characters like Carrie Bradshaw and Willy Wonka.

SENTINELS:

Observant (S) and Judging (J) personality types, known for their practicality and focus on order, security, and stability.

Logistician (ISTJ): You’re pretty reserved and have quite a rational outlook on life. You’re careful in carrying out your actions and do so with methodical purpose. Logisticians are a vital core to many families, and organisations that uphold traditions, rules and standards, like law offices and the military. Famous Logisticians include: Natalie Portman, Sting, Denzel Washington and characters like Hermione Granger.

Defender (ISFJ): You’re a warm person who is efficient and responsible, giving careful attention to practical details in your daily life, but open to change and new ideas too. And even though you’re sensitive, you have well-developed people skills and robust social relationships. Famous Defenders include: Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, and characters like Samwise Gamgee and Captain America.

Executive (ESTJ): You are a sensible person who follows your own judgement. Because of this, lots of people see you as a stable force in their lives, giving them solid direction and advice. You think honesty and dignity are the most important, and are valued for your clear guidance. Famous Executives include: Judge Judy, Frank Sinatra, and characters like Dwight Schrute and Robb Stark.

Consul (ESFJ): You love people and enjoy taking part in your community. You’re pretty popular and enjoy taking the spotlight and leading people forward to victory and fame. You support your friends and loved ones and do everything you can to make sure everyone is happy. Famous Consuls include: Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Danny Glover and characters like Dean Winchester and Monica Geller.

EXPLORERS:

Observant (S) and Prospecting (P) personality types, known for their spontaneity, ingenuity, and flexibility.

Virtuoso (ISTP): You’ve got quite an individualistic mindset, and don’t really need external guidance to reach your goals. You love to explore with your hands and eyes, literally touching and examining the world around you with curiosity. You’re a natural maker, moving from project to project, and learning from the world around you. Famous Virtuosos include: Bear Grylls, Olivia Wilde, Michael Jordan and characters like Arya Stark and Indiana Jones.

Adventurer (ISFP): You’ve got an open mind, and love new experiences and people. You use the world around you to push the limits of social convention, experimenting in beauty and behavior and not wanting to be boxed in. Famous Adventurers include: Lana Del Rey, Frida Khalo, and Britney Spears.

Entrepreneur (ESTP): You’re energetic and action-oriented, and always have an impact on your immediate surroundings. You’re a people person who loves laughing and entertaining...and being the center of attention. If an audience member was asked to come on stage, you’d volunteer. Famous Entrepreneurs include: Madonna, Eddie Murphy, Samuel L. Jackson and Jack Nicholson.

Entertainer (ESFP): You love vibrant experiences, engaging in life eagerly and taking pleasure in discovering the unknown. You’re very social, and love the spotlight, and there’s no greater joy for you than just having fun with a good group of friends. Famous Entertainers include: Adele, Elton John, Steve Irwin and Miley Cyrus.

What personality type are you? Take the test and then let us know over at @NCS!