Almost all of us have taken the 16 personality types to test on the internet. Keep on reading to learn about the MBTI personality types, such as the ISTP personality type.
We all enjoy a personality test and want to know what type of personality we have. It is fun and quirky, and we get to learn more about ourselves. Moreover, it is a lens through which we understand ourselves and can work better to improve ourselves.
The 16 personality test is a very famous test that people enjoy taking and indulging in. There are numerous personality types that they get to learn about, and it is a great way to interact. These personality types are known as the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator or the MBTI.
Under this indicator, there exist 16 different and vast personality types, all with additional features that are dominant in people. These personality types are based on the most common characteristics that define a human being.
To learn more about MBTI and its subparts, keep on reading. We will look closely at the ISTP personality type while also giving a brief overview of the other 15 personality types.
Let us begin!
Table of Contents
What is the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator?
The Myers-Brigg Type Indicator is a century-old test that allocates people with different personality types. With there being a total of 16 personality types, the test was created to see where people lay in the spectrum.
Also known as MBTI, the test is famous worldwide, and every person has either once in their lifetime undergone this test. We will dive deep and understand the motivation, history, and understanding behind the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator.
History of MBTI
The MBTI came to be with the notable figures Katherine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers in 1917. The eruption of this personality test was an interesting one. These two women conducted a vast experiment in the United States in the mid-20th century.
Katherine Briggs was utterly engrossed in understanding the different personalities and perspectives of other people. After reading Carl Jung, a renowned psychologist who came up with multiple theories, and his famous work’s translated copy of Psychological Types, Briggs tried to uncover the realities of human personality.
Briggs took an interest and began to learn and research personality types. This occurred after she met Isabel’s husband, Clarence Myers, who behaved and saw the world differently. Hence, the mother-sister duo decided to work together to understand personality and began the MBTI.
The four categories
Under the MBTI, there exist four categories through which a person’s personality traits are understood and determined. Each class is followed by a binary that enunciates the two personality types and how they are different from one another. Let us look at each one of them and understand what they mean.
Judging vs. perceiving
Judging and perceiving are two different personality traits that focus on how the individual approaches life, that is, perceives life.
Individuals more aligned with judgment prefer to have schedules up their sleeves and are more interested in following a structure and living an organized life. However, for those whose perceiving part is activated, their approach to life is flexible, and they enjoy a little bit of spontaneity in their life.
Sensing vs. intuition
The sensing and intuitive aspect of a person’s life surrounds an individual thought process, how they think and what they do to gather information. With thought process and gathering information are two aspects handled by this trait.
A person whose sensing trait is heightened is likely to gather information here and there. That is to say that the person uses their physical senses more frequently and is comfortable utilizing them when it comes to processing thoughts and gathering any form of data. On the flip side, an intuitive person would want to look and scavenge for a broader and more prominent place.
Thinking vs. feeling
When it comes to people who make decisions or partake in decision-making, they either think or feel. That is to say, they either make the decision with their mind or their heart.
It is relatively easy to understand these two. However, we will look into what makes a person a thinker or feeling-oriented. A thinker or a person who makes decisions with their head and mind employs logic, looks for facts, and prioritizes rational thinking. However, an individual whose feeling trait is heightened places a significant amount of effort on values, emotions, and relationships.
Extrovert vs. introvert
The extrovert and introvert nature of a person is highly visible. There are some people who do not like to interact and feel like social situations drain them, lowering their energy levels. We call them introverts. However, an extrovert thrives on social contact and feels energetic in the presence of others. Where these two traits are placed on two separate ends of the spectrum, they are also individuals who meet in the middle and are known as ambiverts.
Importance
The importance of these MBTI personality types and their tests is that it gives one a peek into what makes a person definitive. This versatile personality test further identifies different personality types, keeping the four traits mentioned earlier in mind. As such, we have the ISTP personality type, an accumulation of introversion, sensing, thinking, and perception.
Moreover, the MBTI personality test creates room for understanding. It makes a list of motivation and group interaction which in turn helps identify an individual’s strength.
What are the 16 MBTI personality types?
We will be exploring the 16 different MBTI personality types. Here is how we will divide the subsection:
- The MBTI Personality Type
- Features and characteristics
- Notable figures with the same personality type
ISTJ
The ISTJ MBTI personality type stands for introversion, sensing, thinking, and judgment. An ISTJ personality is sincere, hardworking, and responsible. Notable figures who possess ISTJ qualities are Queen Elizabeth II, George Washington, Benjamin Harrison, and Harry S. Truman.
ISFJ
The ISFJ personality type stands for introversion, sensing, feeling, and judgment. An ISFJ personality is warm, responsible, and considerate. Notable figures who possess ISFJ qualities are Mother Teresa, Michael Caine, Louisa May Alcott, and Mary I of England.
INFJ
The INFJ MBTI personality type stands for introversion, intuitiveness, feeling, and judgment. An INFJ personality is romantic, insightful, dependable, and reliable. Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Nicole Kidman, and Jamie Foxx are notable figures who possess INFJ qualities.
INTJ
INTJ stands for introversion, intuition, thinking, and judgment. An INTJ personality is innovative, reserved, shy, and independent. Notable figures who possess INTJ qualities are Jane Austen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Isaac Newton, and C. S. Lewis.
ISTP
The ISTP MBTI personality type stands for introversion, sensing, thinking, and perceptiveness. An ISTP personality is action-oriented, analytical, and spontaneous. Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, Clint Eastwood, and Judy Finnigan are notable figures who possess ISTP qualities.
ISFP
ISFP stands for introversion, sensing, feeling, and perceptiveness. An ISFP personality is flexible, nurturing, and sensitive. Notable figures who possess ISFP qualities are John Travolta, Kevin Costner, Steven Speilberg, and Jacqueline Kennedy.
INFP
INFP stands for introversion, intuition, feeling, and perception. An INFP personality is a creative, perceptive, and idealistic individual. Notable figures who possess INFP qualities are William Shakespeare, Audrey Hepburn, Diana, Princess of Wales, and George Orwell.
INTP
The INTP MBTI personality type stands for introversion, intuition, thinking, and perception. An INTP personality is an intellectual, logic-driven, and imaginative individual. Notable figures who possess INTP qualities are Carl Jung, Albert Einstein, Meryl Streep, and Charles Darwin.
ESTP
The ESTP personality type stands for extroversion, sensing, thinking, and perception. An ESTP personality is outgoing, realistic, and curious. Notable figures who possess ESTP qualities are Madonna, Donald Trump, Bruce Willis, and Eddie Murphy.
ESFP
ESFP stands for extroversion, sensing, feeling, and perception. An ESFP personality is playful, friendly, and discreet. Notable figures who possess ESFP qualities are Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Bill Clinton, and Elizabeth Taylor.
ENFP
ENFP stands for extroversion, intuition, feeling, and perception. An ENFP personality is enthusiastic, creative, and optimistic. The late and admirable Robin Williams, Sandra Bullock, Dr. Suess, and Charles Dickens are notable figures who possess ENFP qualities.
ENTP
ENTP stands for extroversion, intuition, thinking, and perception. An ENTP personality is an inventive, enterprising, curious, and interested individual. Notable figures who possess ENTP qualities are Celine Dion, Tom Hanks, Walt Disney, and Alexander the Great.
ESTJ
ESTJ stands for extroversion, sensing, thinking, and judgment. An ESTJ personality is an individual who is efficient, outgoing, and systematic. Notable figures who possess ESTJ qualities are Bette Davis, Lyndon B. Johnson, the American President, George W. Bush, and Pat Summit.
ESFJ
ESFJ stands for extroversion, sensing, feeling, and judgment. An ESFJ personality is organized, friendly, and reliable. Notable figures who possess ESFJ qualities are Don Knotts, Danny Glover, Mary Tyler Moore, and Sally Field.
ENFJ
ENFJ means for extroversion, intuition, feeling, and judgment. An ENFJ personality is caring, diplomatic, and highly responsible. Notable figures who possess ENFJ qualities are Johnny Depp, Ben Affleck, Ben Stiller, and social right activist Martin Luther King Jr.
ENTJ
The ENTJ personality type stands for extroversion, intuition, thinking, and judgment. An ENTJ personality is an individual who possesses strategic, logical, and ambitious living. Notable figures who have ENTJ qualities are Jim Carrey, Harrison Ford, Margaret Thatcher, and Bill Gates.
ISTP personality type
Now that we have gathered some information about MBTI and the four definite traits, we shall place our keen attention on the topic of this article: ISTP personality type. As stated above, an individual with an ISTP personality type is an introvert, uses physical senses, is a thinker, and is very perceptive.
Personality
An individual with ISTP personality traits represents approximately 5.4% of the population, evenly distributed between men and women. Known for their problem-solving skills, discovery-oriented mindset, and tolerance, ISTPs take pride in their abilities.
Delving deeper into the specifics of ISTP traits, these individuals are exceptionally adaptable and tolerant in challenging situations. Their heightened logical acumen makes them quick thinkers, leveraging their skills to engage in practical, helpful actions. While they are highly supportive, ISTPs tend to be private individuals who don’t readily share personal details with others.
Despite their reserved nature, ISTPs enjoy participating in fun activities and experiences that stimulate their senses. They thrive on hands-on exploration and learning through active engagement in various projects and pursuits.
ISTPs have a knack for dissecting and understanding the intricate details of objects and situations. Their helpful nature extends to assisting others with their projects whenever possible.
Characterized by a blend of fun-loving spontaneity and calm introspection, individuals with ISTP traits tend to approach life with a realistic, pragmatic outlook. They make decisions based on logic and factual information, often acting swiftly and occasionally becoming deeply involved in others’ endeavors. However, their spontaneity may lead them to change plans unexpectedly at times.
Qualities of people with ISTP personality type
Reserved
Spontaneous being their middle name, people with the ISTP personality type are highly reserved and quiet. They do not share much about themselves but get along with people they share similarities.
Detached
People with ISTP personality traits are usually emotionally detached. That does not mean they do not have emotions, but rather are unaware of others’ feelings. They may appear insensitive and usually distance themselves from others’ emotions. However, they tend to ignore such emotions until it takes a drastic turn.
Looking for something new
As objective as they may be, ISTPs are spontaneous, owing to their wise nature. They enjoy going out on adventures and indulging in various activities. They love experiencing new things and taking a lot of risks. They love to do extreme sports such as bungee jumping and skydiving.
Goal-directed
People with ISTP personality traits are factual and goal-oriented. They place great emphasis on results and want to focus on their original goal. They are highly motivated and want to introduce solutions to issues before it worsens or gets out of hand.
Calm and collected
As detached or silent individuals may be, ISTP personality traits are very level-headed. They may appear to be stoic, quiet, and incapable of interacting, but they do have strong emotions regarding people. Regardless, in matters of crisis, havoc, or mayhem, ISTP remain objective, calm, and collected and use their problem-solving abilities to assist in the situation.
Strengths and weaknesses
We have learned a great deal about people who associate with the ISTP personality type. However, some particular strengths and weaknesses make them a part of this personality trait. Let’s look at the strengths first.
Strengths
- Independent: Individuals with ISTP personality traits are independent thinkers and enjoy it as well. They do not like to be bound by external factors. They want to take solo, separate actions that can lead them to an adventurous life.
- Problem-solvers: ISTP personality type possessors also are great problem-solvers. They are quick thinkers and great decision-makers that can assist with problem-solving techniques.
- Creative and rational: Where ISTP personality type possessors value rationality and take decisions based on logic, they are also very creative beings. They enjoy partaking in innovative events and projects that require them to use their hands.
- Observant: The people who channel their ISTP personality type use their senses very often. They are, therefore, extraordinarily alert and in touch with their surroundings.
- Critical: Critical thinking makes people with ISTP very good decision-makers and problem-solvers. They are able to think outside the box and look for a new perspective.
- Adventurous and spontaneous: The perceptive nature of ISTP individuals invites them to take adventurous and involuntary actions. They love to make unruly plans and indulge in adventurous activities.
- Relaxed: People who associate themselves with ISTP are usually well-composed, calm, and comfortable. Nothing really rattles them, and they handle things with care and extreme caution.
Weaknesses
These weaknesses that make an ISTP personality type do not define the individual. However, these are prevalent aspects of their nature that can be altered, controlled, or worked on. Let us look at them.
- Lack of awareness: ISTP personality type usually includes a lack of understanding of others’ emotions. They are not in touch with other peoples’ human emotions and lack the ability to reconnect. It is not deliberate but rather a part of their nature, owing to their thinking and introverting nature.
- Sarcastic: Owing to their witty nature, an ISTP personality type is highly enamored with sarcasm. They love to use sarcasm in their daily conversations and usually go undetected.
- Stubborn: Because they are critical thinkers, observant, and independent, they are also very determined.
- Private: A part of the ISTP personality type is being private and reserved. In some aspects, it is admirable and good to remain confidential in certain situations. These individuals are private in matters that may adversely affect them.
- Easily bored and distracted: Owing to their spontaneous and perceptive nature, ISTP personality type possessors are easily bored and get distracted. They possess an adventurous spirit, so they are always on the run to find something better or experience something new. However, their easily bored and distracted nature compels them to leave projects unfinished and done halfway through.
- Avoid commitment: People who like to practice practicality, like the one with ISTP personality type, also believe to be people who avoid commitment. They avoid relationships and are not comfortable with responsibilities.
- Risk-takers (not the business kind): Where taking risks is fantastic for business ventures and something that is prevalent in ISTP personality traits, it is not good in everything. ISTP personality traits include taking risks in every matter, whether it is in their career or their projects.
Exciting information about people with ISTP personality type
There is some information where we have learned a lot of detail about people with the ISTP personality traits. This information is just facts or little out-of-the-ordinary experiences that are usually seen in ISTPs.
Here are some very notable factors and things present in an ISTP personality person:
- Are more comfortable carrying out heavy-duty workloads. They are individuals who find themselves working better in occupations such as skilled trades, technical fields, agriculture, law enforcement, and military aspects.
- They are more objective and autonomous in nature. That is to say that they remain focused on their goal whether they are at work or in other corporate settings. Moreover, they ensure, promote, and value stability, security, achievement, and independent living and growing
- These highly engrossed and objective-driven individuals are less likely to complete college because of their knack for doing something better.
- Highly motivated and focused as they may be, these individuals are likely to suffer from heart issues in the longer run.
- A person with ISTP personality traits lacks the ability to use social coping resources and is prone to run away from and avoid commitments.
- They are individuals who are critical yet very detached and emotionally guarded.
Careers
Technical support, product design, and law enforcement are fields where individuals with an ISTP personality type often excel. These individuals thrive in roles that allow them to make practical contributions and engage in hands-on work.
ISTPs are known for their problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions, which suits them well in autonomous roles. They prefer tasks that involve immediate action rather than extensive planning or conceptualization, which they find tedious. ISTPs have a keen interest in understanding the mechanics and intricacies of how things work.
Career paths that involve outdoor activities or provide an adrenaline rush appeal to ISTPs. However, they typically avoid leadership positions and prefer to work independently rather than in teams. When they do take on leadership roles, they approach them with passion and calmness, striving to be fair and providing innovative solutions. Despite their strengths, ISTPs can be critical and stubborn, especially under stress.
Other than police officers and technicians, here is a list of jobs that a person with the ISTP personality type can perfectly carry out:
- Police officer
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Mechanic
- Electrician
- Firefighter
Cognitive ability
Whether a person with ISTP personality type or someone with ESFP, all possess specific cognitive abilities linked to their personality trait. Before we explore the person’s cognitive ability with the ISTP personality type, let’s learn about its paradigm.
Four aspects are present in cognitive ability, dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior. As the name suggests, the chief function is the prominent determinant of the ISTP personality, and the auxiliary function plays the secondary role. The tertiary and inferior aspects of the individual’s cognition are not as well-known but may appear if one is stressed.
Let us go through each of them, from inferior to dominant, in understanding someone with the ISTP personality type.
Inferior: Extrovert with feelings
As the name suggests, an ISTP personality type would have inferior extrovert feeling functions. These tend to be hidden beneath the surface but take form when triggered via stress. When these individuals are very reserved and private, they can have emotional outbursts in matters of extreme pressure.
Tertiary: Introvert with intuition
Where our inferior function is triggered by stress, the tertiary aspect functions subtly. Where they rely primarily on logic, facts, and factual information, they might slightly turn their way for gut feelings.
Auxiliary: Extrovert with sensing
The I in ISTP stands for introversion, and you might wonder why is the supporting cognitive role that of an extrovert. ISTP personality traits also focus on the present and take exemplary steps. They are in no hurry and love to partake in spontaneous planning.
They do not like to organize and usually avoid planning future events. However, they are also extraordinarily factual and logically driven and want to understand the mechanics of how things work.
Dominant: Introverted thinker
Lastly, an ISTP personality type is heavily dipped in introversion and thinking faculties. They are people who make decisions using logic. They make careful and calculated decisions while also employing critical thinking, an admirable trait.
They tend to avoid subjective and biased actions and focus more on an objective lifestyle. They look at the world as a person who wants to provide immediate solutions. Their calm and collected stature helps them to work brilliantly under pressure, and they can take the role of a leader due to this ability.
Relationships
The last category we will look at to understand the ISTP personality type is their interpersonal relationship with others. Let us look at the three categories: romantic relationships, friendships, and parenthood.
Romantic
A part of the ISTP personality type is the inability to commit. They are complex human beings who are reserved and detached, unaware of human emotions. These individuals are driven by their passion for exploring, and being bounded does not sit well with them. However, not all hope is lost.
Space is significant for an ISTP. If their partner is willing to give them that, they soar in their relationships and can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, because of their spontaneity, they do not like to think of the future or plan something ahead of time. They prefer to go with the flow and advocate for their partner.
Friends
Becoming acquainted with someone with the ISTP personality type is easy. However, owing to their mysterious and detached nature, they do not have many close friends. Instead, they are complicated to understand, and people usually do not like their spontaneous nature.
Parenthood
As parents, an ISTP individual is very open and wise. They give their children the opportunity to explore the world and provide them with space to grow. However, they also define certain limits, which are extremely important. They are laid back folks, a dominant role in their ISTP personality type. Moreover, they are the only personality type to give their children the freedom to grow and prosper.
Conclusion
An ISTP personality type comprises various things but is only prevalent and makes up 5% of the population worldwide. They are individuals who possess introversion and are thinkers. There are many different personality types, and the MBTI ISTP personality type is one of a kind. We have given a very close and detailed account of this personality type, which adds to the common belief: that everyone is different in their own way.
