It’s no secret that people are happiest when they choose a major, career, or even a life partner, that suits their personality, talents and ambitions. Making these choices, though, is not so simple. It requires time, reflection, and research. Your MBTI type correlates not only with the choices you make, but the ways in which you approach, implement, and reflect upon those decisions. Whether you’re choosing a major, examining career possibilities, or making any other important decision, understanding your MBTI type can help you to understand your decision-making strengths, as well as your decision making challenges. And finding a decision-making process that works best for you makes it that much simpler to reach a final decision that’s right for YOU!
Each of the four type dimensions reflects an aspect of your personality. As such, each one also influences your decision making styles. When facing a decision, Extroverts (E), for example, will often think about who else they can consult and involve in the decision, whereas Introverts (I) will prefer to think privately, at least initially, and want to be sure they need to be involved the decision. Similarly, Sensing types (S) tend to focus on refining tried-and-true methods, whereas Intuitive types (N) will consider new methods to try.
Often, the interaction between the first and last letters of your MBTI type are the most indicative of your decision-making style; for example, the manner with which you explore potential courses and majors. Extrovert-Judging types (EJ), for example, are often considered the most decisive: they want to choose a path quickly and proceed toward their goals. They seek to develop a sense of purpose, and will proceed methodically and efficiently in that direction. At the other end of the spectrum are the Introverted Perceiving types (IP), who wait to make a decision until they can consider all the options available to them. They often change their minds, and prefer that way; for them, a career path is an ongoing journey.
Being aware of your decision making style is crucially important, in that it may help you to make decisions at your pace, as well as help you to avoid the pitfalls associated with each type. The EJs for example, may run into trouble if they make a decision too quickly, and only later realize they do not possess the skill-sets or interests necessary in their chosen field; sometimes EJs need to slow down and collect more information. IPs, on the other hand, sometimes need to push themselves to make a decision, lest they slip into a pattern of hesitation and uncertainty.
Each type has a variety of strengths and weaknesses, and all four dimensions work together in more ways than are enumerated here. To learn more about your type, and your decision-making strengths and challenges, contact www.collegiategateway.com.