The All-Natural Privileges of Each MBTI Personality Type
Have you ever noticed that some people seem to naturally possess qualities that you just don’t have? They are super organized, while you can’t find your keys when they’re in your pocket. They are quick-witted, while you stare like a deer in the headlights when you are asked an unsolicited question. They get straight A’s, while you struggle to pull C’s. They are excellent public speakers while you struggle to put together a coherent drive-thru order.
Of course you’ve had similar observances because we all have. But in addition to taking notice of these qualities, have you ever wished that you could possess them? Because your life would be so much easier if you did?
Did you say yes? Phew! I’m not the only one. ?
Definition of All-Natural Privilege
In my post, Stop Worrying About Privilege and Be Grateful, we discussed the definition of privilege that is commonly used today, and I referred to the MacMillan Dictionary definition of privilege:
1. a special benefit that is available only to a particular person or group
1.a. something nice that you feel lucky to have
An all-natural privilege is a special benefit that is only available to you, and a particular group of other people, simply because you were born with it. It is something that you will possess for your entire life. Others can work to obtain it, but it will never truly be a part of who they are, in the way that it is a part of who you are.
Linking This Thought to the MBTI Personality Types
I have a natural desire to gain a better understanding of both myself and others, which makes me a bit of a personality type nerd. My favorite personality type theory is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which is rooted in Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. If you’re not familiar with the types, I have a couple links at the end of the post that will lead you to more information.
According to most personality type theories, including MBTI, your type is all-natural. You are born with it, and it does not change. There are common strengths and weaknesses within each type. Those strengths are what I am referring to when I use the term “all-natural privilege.”
Why Recognizing Your MBTI Type is Important
Understanding your type, as well as the other types, will help you become a Deliberate Thinker. As Isabel Briggs Myers, one of the developers of MBTI theory, said, understanding your type will help you:
. . . understand [your] own gifts and the appropriate use of those gifts.
This “appropriate use” is what will lead you to realize your full potential.
In addition, understanding the other types eases the tensions that are often caused by perceived privileges, as expressed by Isabel Briggs Myers:
When people differ, a knowledge of type lessens friction and eases strain. In addition it reveals the value of differences. No one has to be good at everything.
Lastly, understanding the all-natural strengths (privileges) you have, based on your type, will help you embrace the title of my prior post, Stop Worrying About Privilege and Be Grateful.
Keep scrolling for the all-natural privileges of each type.
The All-Natural Privileges of Each Type
This section is based on the personality types presented by 16 Personalities. Their type indicator model combines MBTI with The Big Five (another personality theory). I chose to use 16 Personalities as my source because they’ve done a thorough job of outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each type.
If you don’t know your type, there are links to two different type indicator tests below.
INTJ – Architect
- Strategic thinker
- Confident
- Independent
- Decisive
INTP – Logician
- Excellent at analyzing connections
- Innovative
- Objective
- Honest and straightforward
INFJ – Advocate
- Insightful
- Inspiring and convincing
- Determined
- Altruistic
INFP – Mediator
- Very creative
- Idealistic
- Harmony seeking
- Dedicated
ISTJ – Logistician
- Honest/Direct
- Practical
- Calm
- Jack-of-all-trades
ISFJ – Defender
- Supportive
- Patient
- Loyal
- Empathetic
ISTP – Virtuoso
- Optimistic
- Able to prioritize
- Both creative and practical
- Both spontaneous and rational
ISFP – Adventurer
- Charming
- Curious
- Artistic
- Sensitive to others
ENTJ – Commander
- Efficient
- Energetic
- Self-confident
- Strong-willed
ENTP – Debater
- Quick thinker
- Excellent brainstormer
- Original
- Charismatic
ENFJ – Protagonist
- Tolerant
- Reliable
- Natural leader
- Charismatic
ENFP – Campaigner
- Curious
- Observant
- Able to relax
- Excellent communicator
ESTJ – Executive
- Dedicated
- Strong-willed
- Orderly (enjoys creating order)
- Excellent organizer
ESFJ – Consul
- Dutiful (strong sense of duty)
- Sensitive and warm
- Good at connecting with others
- Loyal
ESTP – Entrepreneur
- Original
- Perceptive
- Rational
- Sociable
ESFP – Entertainer
- Bold
- Observant
- Showman
- People person
The Takeaway
This is not an extensive list of every strength that each type possesses, and, of course, your strengths are not limited to those assigned to your type.
My hope is that this list will raise your awareness of at least one strength (all-natural privilege) you have so that you can focus on it, rather than your perceived weaknesses, as you work toward realizing your full potential.
I also hope that you’ll recognize that you have many all-natural privileges to be grateful for.
Let’s use the Comments to encourage each other . . . What type are you, and what all-natural privilege are you going to focus on? How will you use the privilege to develop life-changing habits that will help you realize your full potential? No one will have access to your email except me, and you can enter a user name if you prefer.
Until next time . . . STAY CURIOUS!
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