Isabel Briggs Myers, and her mother, Katharine Briggs, created the MBTI in 1962 based on Carl Jung’s Theory of Psychological Types. They wanted to make his theory more accessible so that people could better understand themselves and each other.
Each MBTI contains four letters to create sixteen combinations. The letters represent preferences in our behavior. There are plenty of tests out there, but below is a simplified explanation of each letter:
Are you inner (I) or outer (E) world focused?
Extrovert (E)
You are energized by being around people and you are good at energizing them as well.
Introvert (I)
You are energized by being in your inner world and prefer more alone time.
Do you take in information through your senses (S)? Or look for patterns and meanings (N)?
Sensing (S)
You are concerned more with what you can hear, taste, touch, see, and smell. You are a practical person who lives in the physical world.
Intuition (N)
You look for meaning and patterns. You are good at living in the abstract and are more focused on ideas.
When making decisions, are you more logical and objective (T)? Or personal and emotion-based (F)?
Thinking (T)
When making decisions, you prefer to be logical, impersonal, and consistent.
Feeling (F)
When making decisions, you decide more from the heart and with compassion.
Do other people see that you live your life more structured (J)? Or flexible and adaptable (P)?
Perceiving (P)
To others, you seem more flexible, spontaneous, and adaptable.
Judging (J)
To others, you seem more organized, have a structured way of life, and are task-orientated.
The 16 types are categorized into:
Analysts
“Intuitive (N) and Thinking (T) personality types, known for their rationality, impartiality, and intellectual excellence.”
Diplomats
“Intuitive (N) and Feeling (F) personality types, known for their empathy, diplomatic skills, and passionate idealism.”
Sentinels
“Observant (S) and Judging (J) personality types, known for their practicality and focus on order, security, and stability.”
Explorers
“Observant (S) and Prospecting (P) personality types, known for their spontaneity, ingenuity, and flexibility.”
The Human Connection 