Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Exercise, Fitness and Sports for the 16 personality types

With exercise and fitness being one of my biggest interests, it got me thinking the other day what types of exercise and training environments would appeal to each of the different personality types. I think understanding personality types can be very useful in the athletic and exercise fields, for trainers/coaches and athletes/trainees in how to find out what types of sports/exercise you'd be best suited to and give you the best results/most satisfaction. Here's what I came up with

Extroverted Feeling (Fe) dominant –ESFJ (Fe-Si) and ENFJ (Fe-Ni)

They feel energised connecting and bonding with other people, so they’ll probably work best with group exercise sessions in a social, harmonious environment that allow them to connect with others. Good options for ESFJ’s and ENFJ’s might include group training sessions or classes (e.g. spinning, body pump, pilates etc.) or team/duo sports (e.g. football, soccer, netball, hockey, rugby, tennis etc.)

Extraverted Thinking (Te) dominant – ESTJ (Te-Si) and ENTJ (Te-Ni)

They feel energised by creating structure and plans to achieve the best end result - they want what will deliver them the best end result, so structure, plans and measures will sit very well with them – they’ll enjoy a clean and efficient environment that will best allow them to accomplish their goals – a combination of weight training and interval cardio training are well suited to ENTJ and ESTJ as both forms are extremely effective in delivering outstanding both fitness and body composition results - some good options for ESTJ’s and ENTJ’s might be a personal training from a highly reputable professional trainer or following a pre-formed training plan from a DVD, book or website that consistently delivers outstanding results (e.g. for weight training – Starting Strength is a great example)

Introverted Thinking (Ti) dominant – ISTP (Ti-Se) and INTP (Ti-Ne)

They feel energised discovering the principles by how things work, so they’ll enjoy learning and tinkering with/refining their training to find out what methods, techniques and programs give them the best results - they’ll probably prefer a more individual forms of exercise and sports (e.g. weightlifting, powerlifting, athletics, running, triathlons, kayaking, martial arts, rock climbing etc.) - if they receive coaching or personal training they’ll most likely want to understand how and why the exercise their doing works and will deliver them results before they do it.


Introverted Sensing (Si) dominant – ISTJ (Si-Te) and ISFJ (Si-Fe)

They feel energised by familiarity, reliability and stability in their work and environment, so they’ll prefer a form exercise that they can do regularly and incorporate into their daily routines, that has been known to be reliable in producing results and stood the test of time like weight training with free weights and/or cardiovascular training (walking, running, cycling) and/or popular/well known sports in a traditional institutions or familiar settings (e.g. at home, local gym, sports club or local park/neighbourhood).


Extraverted Intuition (Ne) dominant – ENTP (Ne-Ti) and ENFP (Ne-Fi)

They feel energised by exploring and connecting the world of possibilities and meanings, so they are more likely to get bored by exercise than any other type, so making exercise fun, varied, interesting, unconventional and changing in techniques and environments will often work best . I think an approach like CrossFit’s, may interest athletic ENTP and ENFP’s as they incorporate a variety of different training techniques/methods/ideas from different sporting codes and fitness disciplines ... there are also many clubs set up around the world if you want to train with others – but be warned it’s definitely not for the faint hearted!

Introverted Feeling (Fi) dominant – ISFP (Fi-Se) and INFP (Fi-Ne)

They feel energised by adhering to their personal feelings, values and beliefs - so exercise that has personal relevance/meaning/appeal to them will be the most attractive to them. They also tend to prefer an environment in which they can experience natural beauty, so a scenic and serene outdoor setting works well. Forms of exercise they may enjoy are hiking, trekking, trail running and open water canoeing.

Introverted Intuition (Ni) dominant – INTJ (Ni-Te) and INFJ (Ni-Fe)

They feel energised by envisioning a future change or transformation – so they’ll work best when they have a mental image/envision a transformation whether that be in body composition (losing fat or gaining muscle), getting faster, stronger, improving endurance etc., that they can keep in mind and work towards. They’ll probably lean towards individual sports and exercises such as weight training, bodybuilding/figure competition training, athletics, martial arts, triathlons/marathons, cycling and swimming.

Extraverted Sensing (Se) dominant - ESTP (Se-Ti) and ESFP (Se-Fi)

They feel energised by living in the moment and experience the outside physical world in rich detail – outdoor activities (preferably with a crowd!) are ideal as they allow for great sensory stimulation – ESTP’s and ESFP’s tend to most enjoy being involved with fast moving outdoor team sports such as football, soccer, basketball, rugby, hockey and ultimate frisbee or individual sports  (e.g. weightlifting, powerlifting, athletics, running, triathlons, kayaking, martial arts, rock climbing etc.) with partner(s) joining and/or competing with them.

For more information by people that have actually put more thought and research into their findings about exercise, fitness and sports and their relation to MBTI personality types check out The 8 Colors of Fitness by Suzanne Brue and Your Keys To Sports Success by Jonathan Niednagel.


Monday, May 24, 2010

Two and a Half Men Characters Personality Types

Two and a Half Men is a very popular TV comedy series created by Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn, about a free-wheeling, laidback jingle writer (Charlie), his overbearing, unlucky in love brother (Alan) and Alan's slow witted, underachieving son, Jake, who live in a beach-front house - owned by Charlie, with Alan and Jake moving in at the start of the series after Alan's divorce leaves him without a place to stay. Here's my analysis and personality typing of the main and some of the recurring characters.


Main

Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen) – ENFJ

Smooth, charismatic, charming dominant Fe that has the Ni cunning edge to it that can allows him to bed women with such ease.

Alan Harper (Jon Cryer) – INFP

Has the Fi dominant virtuous and subject values as the top priority of his psyche with a good dose of the Ne blend of clever and goofy sense of humour.

Quite strong Si-Te polar side with his attention to particular details.

Jake Harper (Angus T Jones) – ISFP

 Definitely comes across a literal (S), adaptive (P) easy going, go with the flow type as well as values-orientated (F).

I'm leaning to ISFP as it seems more like he has Te inferior (struggles with external logical structure i.e. his troubles at school), but possibly ESFP.

Berta (Conchata Ferrell) – INTJ

She's sharp tongued, witty, insightful and sees what's coming to the Harper brothers before they do due to her cunning Ni insight and delivers it with the cool, sharp tongue of Te.

Evelyn Harper (Holland Taylor) – ENTJ

She’s portrayed as a dominant, controlling, cold, heartless, superficial career woman/man eater – Te dominant type seems very likely.

Rose (Melanie Lynskey) – ENFP

Comes across as an ENFP - buoyant, optimistic, smart and bubbly.

Judith Melnick (Marin Hinkle) – ESTJ

I think she is a good example of an unhealthy ESTJ personality (polar to Alan's personality) - self absorbed, stone cold, overly bossy, rigid, controlling and takes advantage of others.

Recurring

Dr Herb Melnick (Ryan Stiles) - INTP
Kandi (April Bowlby) - ESFP
Chelsea (Jennifer Taylor) - ISFJ
Dr Linda Freeman (Jane Lynch) - INTJ

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Which type is least likely to be interested in Myers-Briggs/Jung Personality Theory?

Following up from my previous post on which type would most likely be interested in Myers-Briggs/Jung Personality Theory...

My initial thoughts was it would be one of the SJ (Guardians/Traditionalist) personality types (ESTJ, ISTJ, ISFJ, ESFJ) – they are generally the least open minded to new information of all types, they prefer things that are real and proven and dislike the abstract (which psychology or ‘psycho-bable’ is for many a sensor in general).

Looking at it from a more segmented perspective, dealing with the 4 key preferences:

Introvert or Extroverts? Extroverts are least likely to be interested in introspecting, which is needed to discover your own personality type, as well as the reading and researching required to learn about personality types (they’d generally rather be amongst other people)

Intuitive or Sensors? MBTI despite having growing practical uses, which sensors would appreciate, is heavily theoretical and still unproven, so it is not likely to be most sensors cup of tea.

Thinkers or Feelers? Thinkers generally prefer impersonal analysis and things/objects over personal analysis and human nature, so it’s more down the aisle of feelers.

Judgers or Perceivers? Judgers are generally less likely to be curious and looking to expand their knowledge than perceivers

So that gives us ESTJ – the type that would be least interested in the MBTI – right?

According to PersonalityCafe - who helped us confirm INFP’s are the most likely to be interested in MBTI - (surprisingly) NO! Out of all the personality types, ESFP’s have the least posts on their forum with only 78 threads and 676 posts, followed closely by ESFJ with 91 threads and 705 posts and ISFJ’s in third with 134 threads and 1455 posts in and finally ESTJ’s in fourth with 115 threads and 1550 posts.

It makes sense that 3/4 types with the least posts on the forums are SJ’s (as I hypothesised), but ESFP’s having the least amount of interest (posts) and ¾ also being feelers? Interesting...

School / College Stereotypes (MBTI-style)

Common School / College stereotypes based on Myers-Briggs / Jung personality types.

Queen Bee: ESFJ, ENFJ, ESTP, ENTJ
Captain of the Cheerleaders: ESFJ, ESTP, ESFP
Sidekick Cheerleaders: ESFP, ESFJ, ENFP
Jocks: ESTP (loud jocks), ISTP (quiet jocks)
Geeks: INTJ, INTP, INFJ, ISTJ
Quiet, shy girl: ISTP, INTP, ISFP, INFP
Artsy one: INFP, ENFP, ISFP
Flamboyant one into Drama: ENFP, ENFJ, INFJ, INFP, ISFP, ESFP
Butch Girl: ESTJ, ENTJ
Feminine Guy: ENFP, INFP, INFJ, ISFP, ESFP
Class Clown: ENTP (the smart-alec), ESTP (the jock)
Pimp: ESTP, ESFP
Goth: INFP
Emo: INFP
Loud, annoying one: ESFJ, ESFP
College journalist: INFJ, INTJ, ISTJ, ISFJ
School gossip: ESFJ, ESFP
Promiscuous Girl: ESFP, ENFP, ESTP

Date Ideas for Different Personality Temperament Types

Stuck on ideas for a date, here are some quick ideas based on Keirsey’s 4 personality type temperaments:

SJ’s (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ) are known as traditionalists or guardians –they tend to prefer safe, conventional dates such as going to the cinemas or staying at home to watch a popular movie (they tend to prefer one that’s getting rave reviews, rather than a unknown movie that could be a diamond in a rough or a stinker), meeting for a coffee at Starbucks, having lunch/dinner at a popular restaurant (again try to go for one that’s been getting good reviews rather than an unknown restaurant), picnic at a scenic spot, going for a walk along the beach or river together, visiting a historical monument (for the STJ’s) or popular art gallery (for the SFJ’s).

Dates to avoid: any highly unconventional or high risk/dangerous dates

SP’s (ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP) are known as artisans and experiencers – they tend to enjoy dates that give them rich physical sensory stimulation such as scenic bike rides, bowling, ice skating, surfing, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing/abseiling, snorkelling/scuba diving, crafting (xSFP’s in particular), paintballing/laser tag (xSTP’s in particular), mini-golf, tennis, go-carting, going to a sports game, bungee jumping, water slides, music concert (xSFP’s in particular), taking a dance class together (xSFP’s in particular) etc.


Dates to avoid: any dates that have minimal sensory involvement/stimulation

NT’s (INTJ, INTP, ENTP, ENTJ) are known as the intellelectuals and conceptualizers – they tend to enjoy dates that give them intellectual stimulation such as taking a class together (language/cooking/music/wine appreciation), going to a science museum, seeing a stand up comedy act (most comedian’s are ENTP personalities), watching a documentary film or playing chess/cards/tactical/strategy games/sports together.


Dates to avoid: any dates that will involve minimal intellectual stimulation

NF’s (INFP, INFJ, ENFP, ENFJ) are known as the idealists and visionaries – they enjoy learning about people most, so activities they are most likely to enjoy are, visiting a new city/town, seeing a theatre or stage production, music concerts (mostly non-mainstream or acoustic music), seeing a film (mostly foreign or non-mainstream films), possibly with an opportunity for deeper conversation over a coffee or drink at the end, if there is not much opportunity during the activity. Overall, I think for NF’s the company is much more of a priority than the location or the activity – they want to get to know you at a deeper level than just being fun/activity partners like SP’s.

Dates to avoid: any dates with minimal opportunity to communicate and get to know each other on more than a superficial level.

Scrubs Characters Personality Types


Scrubs is a medical comedy-drama TV series created by Bill Lawrence that combines slapstick humour, surreal fantasies and tear-jerking drama better than any other show I've seen (at least from seasons 1-5). Here is my analysis and typing of the main, supporting, recurring and minor/guest characters:

Main

Dr John Dorian AKA J.D. (Zach Braff) – INFJ
  
He spends a lot of time lost in his own head envisioning the future and always sums up the big picture lessons he learns from the events of the episode (synthesising/global focus) - he also demonstrates the characteristic eye roll to the upper left strong Ni users show (Ni is a rear left brain cognitive function).

His auxiliary Fe is shown in the charm and charisma he exudes in his interactions with patients.

Zach Braff being an INFJ himself helps.

Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke) – ENFP

She is very smart, but often ditzy, scatterbrained, can be sensitive to criticism/easily hurt/overwhelmed and a bit socially awkward/unsure of herself, which tends to suggest the Ne-Fi combo.

Has an Si-Te fetish/polar side to her personality too which shows up in her obsessiveness over certain details in her life.

Again, Sarah Chalke being an ENFP herself helps.

Perry Cox, M.D (John McGinley) – INTJ

He has dominant Ni which holds a 'better' view of how things should be and is excellent at shifting perspectives and gaining insight that others miss, with auxiliary Te that is efficient, results orientated and competitive.

He also has a bit of Se fetish shown up in his love of sports (basketball and hockey) and physical training (a lot of INTJ totally dig fitness training).

Christopher Turk (Donald Faison) – ENFP


He is fun loving, buoyant, optimistic and enjoys goofing of with abstract trains of thought with his BFF JD - I suppose ESFP is a possibility as his character isn't as concrete or clear cut as some of the others, but I think ENFP fits WAY better in terms of the dynamic of his relationship with JD.

Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes) - ESFJ

She's a warm, caring, compassionate nurse that is the resident den mother at Sacred Heart and by far the most grounded with her traditional and conservative views.

Janitor (Neil Flynn) – INTJ

He has a rich introverted imagination, ingenious, enjoys role playing (e.g. being a doctor, ghost and Chief of Medicine etc.), has numerous aliases, is a budding inventor (knife wrench, pen-straw, drill fork, business card printer/paint gun combo) - all characteristics of an Ni dominant individual.

Like Cox, his approach to implementing the Ni is Te-style systemic and results orientated.

Dr Bob Kelso (Ken Jenkins) – ISTJ

A clear introverted thinking directive type (IxTJ) that seems more focused on maintaining and preserving (Si) rather than growing, progressing and improving the hospital which would more likely suggest Ni.

Supporting

Todd Quinlan (Robert Maschio) – ESTP
Theodore ‘Ted’ Buckland (Sam Lloyd) – INFP
Jordan Sullivan (Christa Miller) – INTJ
Doug Murphy (Johnny Kastl) – INFP
Keith Dudemeister (Travis Schludt) – ISFJ
Laverne Roberts (Aloma Wright) - ISTJ

Main (Season 8/9)

Lucy Bennett (Kerry Bishe) – ENFP
Denise (Eliza Coupe) – INTJ
Drew Suffin (Michael Mosley) – INTJ
Cole Aaronson (Dave Franco) - ENFJ
Sonja ‘Sunny’ Dey (Sonal Shah) – ENFP

Recurring

Phillip Wen (Charles Chun) – ISTJ
Lloyd (Michael Schwarz) - ESTP
Lonnie (Michael Hobert) - ISTP

Guest/Minor

Patricia Wilk (Michael Learned) – ESFJ
Private Brian Dancer (Michael Weston) - ISTP
Sam Dorian (John Ritter) – ENFJ
Dan Dorian (Tom Cavanagh) - ENTP
Ben (Brendan Fraser) – ENFJ
Dr Kevin Casey (Michael J Fox) - INFJ
Jill Tracy (Nicole Sullivan) - ENFP
Franklyn (Masi Oka) – ISTJ
Harvey Corman (Richard Kind) – ISFJ
Stephanie Gooch (Kate Micucci) – ENFP
Ladinia “Lady” Williams (Kit Pongetti) – ESFJ
Julie Keaton (Heather Locklear) – ENFJ
Hooch (Phill Lewis) – INFJ
Troy (Joe Rose) – ESFP
Billy Calahan (Colin Farrell) - ENFJ
Doug Townshend (Dick Van Dyke) – ESFJ
Marco Espinosa (Freddy Rodríguez) – INTJ
Josh the medical student (DJ Qualls) - INFP
Paige Cox (Cheryl Hines) – INFJ
Peter Fisher (Jay Mohr) - ENFJ
Jason “Cabbage” Cabbagio (Shaughn Buchholz) - ISFP

Kylie (Chrystee Pharris) – ISFJ
Danni Sullivan (Tara Reid) - ESFP
Dr Kim Briggs (Elizabeth Banks) - ENFP
Dr Molly Clock (Heather Graham) – ENFP
Jaime ‘Tasty Coma Wife’ Moyer (Amy Smart) - ISFP
Julie Quinn (Mandy Moore) – ENFP

Sean Kelly (Scott Foley) – INFP
Jake (Josh Randall) – ISTJ
Nurse Paul Flowers (Rick Schroder) - ESFJ


Monday, May 17, 2010

Which is the ultimate ALPHA male and most masculine personality type?

Alpha Male is defined by wikipedia as "in social animals, the individual in the community with the highest rank."

One thing clear from the definition is the reference to dominance (directiveness) in the social context. Extroverted Feeling (Fe) is the cognitive function that deals with influencing external dynamics with it's focus on the social setting (unlike Te which focuses on the structural setting), so guess who is going to be naturally best at playing the social game? That's right you guessed it Fe dominants - ENFJ's and ESFJ's - as this is the area where they derive their energy from and are most stimulated by - I would say ENFJ's in particular are most likely to come of as alpha male types as Ni gives them more of a unique edge.

What should be noted is that all personalities have the ability to appear directive (as we all have an external dynamics function that we have conscious use) and can appear as 'alpha males'', but some will find it more draining than others, depending on where the external dynamics function is situated in their hierarchy i.e perceivers will find it more draining to take charge, particularly introverted perceivers, as opposed to judgers, particularly extroverted judgers (Te and Fe dominants) who will be the most stimulated by taking charge of dynamics.


Which personality type is most likely to be interested in Myers-Briggs/Jung Theory?

My initial thinking was definitely one of the NF (Idealist) personalities – in The Art of Speed Reading People, Tieger mentions “for the philosophical idealists life is a journey of self-discovery – a perpetual search for meaning. Their mission is to understand as much about themselves and others as they possibly can, in order to achieve their potential” – is this not the essence of the MBTI/Jung Personality theory? Helping people understand themselves and others better.

But, lets look at it from a more segmented perspective, dealing with the 4 key preferences:

Introvert or Extroverts? Introverts are much more likely to be interested as they prefer introspecting, which is required to discover your personality type in the first place, and lets be honest there's a whole lot of reading, which many extroverts will find draining (they'd probably rather be amongst other people discussing it).

Intuitive or Sensors? Whilst MBTI does have a wide and growing range of practical applications, it’s very much theoretically based, which means Intuitive types are much more likely to be interested.

Thinkers or Feelers? Feelers tend to be more interested in personal analysis and human nature than thinkers who are generally more interested in impersonal analysis and things/objects.

Judgers or Perceivers? Perceivers are generally more likely to be curious and looking to expand their knowledge than judgers – so they’d be more likely to find out about or stumble upon MBTI in the first place.

So, that makes sense that an NF is the most likely to be interested in Myers Briggs/Jung Personality theory, but are INFP actually the most likely to be interested in it?

Well, PersonalityCafe forums seems to agree – out of all the forums for individual types INFP’s by far have the most posts - looking at it on 17/5/2010 they have 1574 threads and 40014 posts, the next highest being INFJ’s with 952 threads, 21053 posts followed by, ENFP in 3rd with 730 threads, 15404 posts.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Quick Personality Type Test

...only 2 questions!

1. My sense of identity and biggest strength is based on:

A) My original minded conceptual perspective of the world and strong visionary drive that pushes towards how things should be in the future (go to Q2)

B) My ability to directly influence the social environment through my understanding of social norms, nurturing and guiding people and ability to read and understand others (go to Q4)

C) My ability to weigh up new information coming, so I can make subjective judgements based on my own feelings, values and morals to develop my own understanding (go to Q3)

D) My ability to directly influence the external environment through my objective understanding of structures and systems, logical decision making and planning/scheduling (go to Q4)

E) My ability to weigh up new information coming in, so I can make subjective judgements based on my personal sense of logic to develop my own understanding (go to Q3)

F) My conservative perspective of the world based on what is known to have worked effectively for me from past experience and/or proven reliable over a long period of time for others. (go to Q2)

G) My engagement in and ability to process what is happening in the present which I perceive in terms of patterns/interconnected meanings/impressions/emerging possibilities (go to Q5)

H) My engagement in and ability to process what is happening in the present which I perceive in terms of the literal physical details present (go to Q5)

2. I am more interested in:

A) Structures and Systems (if you answered 1A, you are most likely an INTJ, if you answered 1F you are most likely an ISTJ)

B) Humanity and Values (if you answered 1A you are most likely an INFJ, if you answered 1F you are most likely an ISFJ)

3. I perceive this new information through:

A) Literal physical details (if you answered 1C previously you are most likely an ISFP, if you answered 1E you are most likely an ISTP)

B) Patterns/interconnected meanings/impressions/emerging possibilities if you answered 1your are most likely an (if you answered 1C previously you are most likely an INFP, if you answered 1E you are most likely an INTP)


4. I primarily direct using:

A) My internal predictive insights based on pattern and impressions (if you answered 1B previously you are most likely an ENFJ, if you answered 1D previously you are most likely an ENTJ)

B) What has proven to work effectively based on past experience or over a long period of time for others (if you answered 1B previously you are most likely an ESFJ, if you answered 1D previously you are most likely an ESTJ)

5. I sort through the new information I perceive based on:

A) My personal feelings and values (if you answered 1G previously you are most likely an ENFP, if you answered 1H previously you are most likely an ESFP)

B) My personal sense of logical understanding (if you answered 1G previously you are most likely an ENTP, if you answered 1H previously you are most likely an ESTP)