Discussion Forum > Myers-Briggs / Autofocus Personality Type Survey
Interesting comment Rainer - you would expect that, as extraverts draw their energy from people that they would be drawn to the discussion forum - but perhaps it's that they're with real people rather than a PC on a wet Saturday afternoon! Don't know what that says about me as an E!
January 17, 2009 at 17:29 |
Christine B
Christine B
Please, not a separate thread for extroverts - we are all learning so much from each other and even introverts have to use extroversion sometimes!
January 17, 2009 at 22:58 |
Giulia B
Giulia B
The number of introverts certainly has been unexpected - to me, at least.
I've been mulling this over a bit and I suspect it is like someone earlier hinted at...that this type of personality is naturally drawn towards time management. So there might be a similar situation at the GTD forums.
When I think of some of the "typical" extroverts I have known (usually sales-oriented), the need for a system to manage time would simply be a laughable idea to them.
I guess if I was being cynical then I would probably think the idea of them even being remotely organized would also seem a laughable idea to them. So it's fortunate that I'm not being cynical in any way whatsoever...and any extroverts reading this need not throw any rocks <grin>
I've been mulling this over a bit and I suspect it is like someone earlier hinted at...that this type of personality is naturally drawn towards time management. So there might be a similar situation at the GTD forums.
When I think of some of the "typical" extroverts I have known (usually sales-oriented), the need for a system to manage time would simply be a laughable idea to them.
I guess if I was being cynical then I would probably think the idea of them even being remotely organized would also seem a laughable idea to them. So it's fortunate that I'm not being cynical in any way whatsoever...and any extroverts reading this need not throw any rocks <grin>
January 17, 2009 at 23:44 |
Frank
Frank
I seem to recall you mentioning a leaning towards extravert tendencies, Frank - better be careful of those rocks, you might start throwing them at yourself :-)
What really worries me though is the accuracy of your comments - I told a friend I had started a new Time Management system and it took her about 5 minutes (literally!) to stop laughing. Huh!
What really worries me though is the accuracy of your comments - I told a friend I had started a new Time Management system and it took her about 5 minutes (literally!) to stop laughing. Huh!
January 18, 2009 at 0:36 |
Christine B
Christine B
Yes, Christine, I must admit that sometimes I do cross over to the "dark side" and become the life and soul of the party type - hence my comments also partly come from being guilty of it myself. I am aiming at large rock at the centre of my forehead as I type...
January 18, 2009 at 11:09 |
Frank
Frank
I'm one of those "extroverts" - and must confess to lurking in the forum on a regular basis and finding everyone's input very useful in aiding my understanding and use of AF. From some of the posts I must be an exception to the introvert/extrovert 'rule' because I have always struggled with time management. Or maybe its not that extroverts don't struggle with time management, it's just they are less likely to admit to struggling with anything? - just a thought :-)
January 18, 2009 at 11:26 |
Helen
Helen
Yes, Helen - that's what I meant. It's not that "extroverts" are time management experts...quite the opposite actually, it's just that they would probably say that they "have a life" and think the rest of us should get one. <grin>
January 18, 2009 at 11:31 |
Frank
Frank
Frank,
I never used the Internet until I retired some years ago. The first list I found was an INTP list ... can you imagine. I loved it. It was heaven being with all of my long lost twin brothers and sisters (especially for an INTP type as we are in the minority ;-) In order to get a feel for other MBTI types, I searched for lists devoted to those types. Imagine my surprise when I found lists for some other types but almost NONE for "E" types. My surprise lasted about five seconds then the light dawned. Hell, they are all at a party now ... i is only us "I" types who hang around in virtual space! ;-)
I have only thought of it in passing, but it would be a good subject to discuss somewhere. What are the characteristics of those who post to internet mail lists, blogs, etc. Introverts? Yes, for sure. There also seems to be a high incidence of ADD, and I'm sensing some bi-polarity as well. But those are just impressions. I'll bet someone is doing a PhD thesis somewhere ... ;-)
I never used the Internet until I retired some years ago. The first list I found was an INTP list ... can you imagine. I loved it. It was heaven being with all of my long lost twin brothers and sisters (especially for an INTP type as we are in the minority ;-) In order to get a feel for other MBTI types, I searched for lists devoted to those types. Imagine my surprise when I found lists for some other types but almost NONE for "E" types. My surprise lasted about five seconds then the light dawned. Hell, they are all at a party now ... i is only us "I" types who hang around in virtual space! ;-)
I have only thought of it in passing, but it would be a good subject to discuss somewhere. What are the characteristics of those who post to internet mail lists, blogs, etc. Introverts? Yes, for sure. There also seems to be a high incidence of ADD, and I'm sensing some bi-polarity as well. But those are just impressions. I'll bet someone is doing a PhD thesis somewhere ... ;-)
January 18, 2009 at 12:04 |
Mike
Mike
Frank's comments re E's and Time Management are interesting; unfortunately for me my Time Management issues might tell everyone else to "get a life" but somehow I never have time for one myself. If being a TM expert means identifying and/or creating great systems from everyone else then I probably qualify - I know a great deal about TM systems <grin> but follow one ............? (At least not until AF came along).
To clarify Introversion and Extraversion within MBTI, this relates to where we draw our energy from, and not how quiet or outgoing we may be. I assumed when I did my test that I would be I (because I am generally comfortable with my own company and happy to work alone) but when I tested as an E I realised that I do in fact draw my energy from other people. At work I had my own office but periodically had to go and wander around talking to other people. I had always assumed it was because I was bored but it was a case of somehow topping up my energy. I notice now that periodically I have to phone someone -I don't even particularly feel an overwhelming desire to carry on a conversation but somehow need that contact with another human being. Don't know how that fits in with wandering around Discussion Forums. This is the first forum I have participated in so haven't got much to judge against.
To clarify Introversion and Extraversion within MBTI, this relates to where we draw our energy from, and not how quiet or outgoing we may be. I assumed when I did my test that I would be I (because I am generally comfortable with my own company and happy to work alone) but when I tested as an E I realised that I do in fact draw my energy from other people. At work I had my own office but periodically had to go and wander around talking to other people. I had always assumed it was because I was bored but it was a case of somehow topping up my energy. I notice now that periodically I have to phone someone -I don't even particularly feel an overwhelming desire to carry on a conversation but somehow need that contact with another human being. Don't know how that fits in with wandering around Discussion Forums. This is the first forum I have participated in so haven't got much to judge against.
January 18, 2009 at 16:52 |
Christine B
Christine B
I'm ENTP, and it's working better than any other system I've tried. However, I'm not an organized person in general, and I always resisted those systems. This has worked better than any other system I've used.
January 19, 2009 at 21:44 |
Eric B
Eric B
I'm INFP (but close to T). I love that my intuition gets to choose what to do. I have always hated lists telling me what to do, even lists I created myself and fully agreed with rationally.
January 19, 2009 at 23:10 |
Lenore
Lenore
INFP. And AutoFocus works brilliantly for me.
January 19, 2009 at 23:29 |
slothbear
slothbear
ENFP - and really struggling to find time to check the list and to process stuff and to check the discussion forum. Where are the other extroverts?? Any wisdom to share with someone like me? I'm looking at the forum and posting this as a work avoidance tactic at the moment!! There's something I really need to write in the next hour...
January 20, 2009 at 11:04 |
Jane
Jane
ENFP here.
January 20, 2009 at 21:23 |
Jim (Atlanta)
Jim (Atlanta)
ESFJ here .. interestingly, I've done this test in the past and been an INTJ or an INFJ, so I guess I've changed over time.
January 21, 2009 at 2:47 |
ChrisK
ChrisK
ChrisK,
MBTI and Enneagram tests are most usefully analyzed by professionals. Seems silly but there are things in them that require some consideration. One "gotcha" is that personality type can SEEM to be influenced by context. One example: I am an Introvert, but I seem to be extroverted when I am at work. In reality, in those cases I'm what is called a "compensated introvert" ... I can temporarily change my stripes, as it were ;-) A professional (or someone who has lots of experience typing people) can get to the essential question of where your energy comes from. One can have a big grin and shake all kinds of hands at a party, all the while feeling the life drain right out of him if he is a real Introvert.
My point is that when you answered the questions you might have been in a certain mood or not understood what some questions were really getting at. This is very common and it can take a while for a person to type himself. A pro can see all kinds of behavioral cues as well as just look at the answers on paper.
MBTI and Enneagram tests are most usefully analyzed by professionals. Seems silly but there are things in them that require some consideration. One "gotcha" is that personality type can SEEM to be influenced by context. One example: I am an Introvert, but I seem to be extroverted when I am at work. In reality, in those cases I'm what is called a "compensated introvert" ... I can temporarily change my stripes, as it were ;-) A professional (or someone who has lots of experience typing people) can get to the essential question of where your energy comes from. One can have a big grin and shake all kinds of hands at a party, all the while feeling the life drain right out of him if he is a real Introvert.
My point is that when you answered the questions you might have been in a certain mood or not understood what some questions were really getting at. This is very common and it can take a while for a person to type himself. A pro can see all kinds of behavioral cues as well as just look at the answers on paper.
January 21, 2009 at 9:26 |
Mike
Mike
An ESTJ here - I am an avid fan of trying out new ways of being more efficient. I will usually read discussions but no time to post (or time chosen!) - is that an E issue? Anyway new system working well - and I am only on here because I just cracked the last action on a page - I have been avoiding for 3 weeks (consciously) but could NOT dimiss it (line manager obligation).
Thanks for the system Mark!
Thanks for the system Mark!
January 21, 2009 at 11:20 |
KT
KT
Mike makes a good point - the online MBTI tests are helpful in identifying the factors that may influence our view but typing should be conducted by a qualified practitioner for the reasons Mike states.
I would have considered myself to be I but careful questioning by my "typer" led me to realise that I am most certainly E, in that my energy definitely comes from others. That does not in any way mean that I am deperate to party but that my energy levels/motivation etc. will be massively impacted by contact with others, whether it be in person, telephone, email or even interacting on this forum. If I read about something that really motivates me, my first thought is "I want to share this with someone". It can be incredibly frustrating if that person is an I and their response is along the lines of "tell me later when I'm not doing ....." as that immediately deflates the excitement and dissipates the energy. I suspect E's can be great interrupters!
I would have considered myself to be I but careful questioning by my "typer" led me to realise that I am most certainly E, in that my energy definitely comes from others. That does not in any way mean that I am deperate to party but that my energy levels/motivation etc. will be massively impacted by contact with others, whether it be in person, telephone, email or even interacting on this forum. If I read about something that really motivates me, my first thought is "I want to share this with someone". It can be incredibly frustrating if that person is an I and their response is along the lines of "tell me later when I'm not doing ....." as that immediately deflates the excitement and dissipates the energy. I suspect E's can be great interrupters!
January 21, 2009 at 11:31 |
Christine B
Christine B
ps I will be away over the weekend but hope to print out this post and do the summary. Will hopefully post results on Monday!
January 21, 2009 at 11:46 |
Christine B
Christine B
ENFP- pretty off the charts E and F. Love Autofocus, first gtd-like program I have ever been able to follow. GTD has way too many rules for me!
January 21, 2009 at 12:30 |
Cilla
Cilla
ISTJ, apparently. And having big fun with AF :)
January 21, 2009 at 12:42 |
Sarah W
Sarah W
INTJ, as are so many others responding to this thread. This is an interesting patteren, as the percentage of INTJs refected here far outweighs their distribution in the general population.
And, like mmost of the other INTJs I love the system.
As an INTJ, so many other widely hyped systems are repellent to me. It's fantastic for we rare INTJs to find an offering that is such a 'natural fit.'
And, like mmost of the other INTJs I love the system.
As an INTJ, so many other widely hyped systems are repellent to me. It's fantastic for we rare INTJs to find an offering that is such a 'natural fit.'
February 4, 2009 at 14:15 |
Mark Elder
Mark Elder
The survey results are posted on the following thread
http://www.markforster.net/forum/post/643853
I will update it periodically as the survey sample incrreases!
http://www.markforster.net/forum/post/643853
I will update it periodically as the survey sample incrreases!
February 4, 2009 at 18:12 |
Christine B
Christine B
I am INTP
February 4, 2009 at 19:30 |
Bob Wilson
Bob Wilson
I'm INFJ
AutoFocus is the first system that has actually resulted in progress. I got stuck on the "capturing everything" aspect of GTD, and felt huge resistance to doing a weekly review, whereas the structured procrastination is much more likely to result in me doing something
AutoFocus is the first system that has actually resulted in progress. I got stuck on the "capturing everything" aspect of GTD, and felt huge resistance to doing a weekly review, whereas the structured procrastination is much more likely to result in me doing something
February 5, 2009 at 17:30 |
Margaret
Margaret
ENTP - I seem to be very rare. Almost forced to using specific To-Do Lists for many years of being a full-time working and mainly single mother, I had to be super organised BUT oh goodness how I enjoy going with the flow. So AF is really super - it allows me to chop and change, love the variety, love the freedom from A,B,C priorities. Having it on a list has always relieved me of anxiety.
February 10, 2009 at 17:33 |
Kate
Kate
Another ENTP.
I read Mark's DIT book and started applying his methodology. I combine it with aspects of GTD, but notice how much more I get done creating a closed list on a daily basis, using My Life Organized software. I tried Autofocus for a couple of weeks in a basic paper based system. I did get a lot of actions done. 36 actions the first week end. 47 on the third. My DIT approach seems to get around 30 actions per weekend. I didn't stick with Autofocus long enough to be able to make a fair comparison. DIT works well enough for me and I prefer to keep it electronical, and for now I haven't bothered with adapting the electronic tool, nor run two separate systems. In a sense works for me is: 1. Cycling through the lists frequently 2. Progressing stuff based on the "little and often" 3. Committing to a certain number of actions in a day (closed list) and score myself accordingly if I accomplish that number and 0 points if I don't (as per Mark's deceivingly simple, yet very powerful little exercise in DIT, only I apply on a regular basis.) 4. Breaking tasks down to bitesized manageable chunks 5. Enter next actions à la GTD 6. Always allowing intuition to play a part in deciding which of the next actions to do.
I read Mark's DIT book and started applying his methodology. I combine it with aspects of GTD, but notice how much more I get done creating a closed list on a daily basis, using My Life Organized software. I tried Autofocus for a couple of weeks in a basic paper based system. I did get a lot of actions done. 36 actions the first week end. 47 on the third. My DIT approach seems to get around 30 actions per weekend. I didn't stick with Autofocus long enough to be able to make a fair comparison. DIT works well enough for me and I prefer to keep it electronical, and for now I haven't bothered with adapting the electronic tool, nor run two separate systems. In a sense works for me is: 1. Cycling through the lists frequently 2. Progressing stuff based on the "little and often" 3. Committing to a certain number of actions in a day (closed list) and score myself accordingly if I accomplish that number and 0 points if I don't (as per Mark's deceivingly simple, yet very powerful little exercise in DIT, only I apply on a regular basis.) 4. Breaking tasks down to bitesized manageable chunks 5. Enter next actions à la GTD 6. Always allowing intuition to play a part in deciding which of the next actions to do.
February 11, 2009 at 0:38 |
David B
David B
Here's your first ENFJ. Amazing how many I's and N's have responded. I've been doing Autofocus for about ten days. After just reading Mark's outline I completed a major task that I had been putting off for, oh, about four years. It took me five minutes. That was enough to inspire me to start a list in a notebook. I think the notebook aspect has a lot to do with it. I've been a list-maker for years, but once you throw that scrap of paper away, there's no proof of achievement! I love to see all the items crossed out! My husband and I have completely re-worked my website over the past ten days, and Autofocus served to keep me on track. I also find it much easier to release things that I feel I should do but really don't want to. Instead of feeling a tug of conscience, I just grin and keep going down the page.
I should also mention that we just got DSL about two hours ago and this is the first forum I felt drawn to check out. Hope I can stay focused on my list and not get seduced by the speedy internet connection!
Virginia
I should also mention that we just got DSL about two hours ago and this is the first forum I felt drawn to check out. Hope I can stay focused on my list and not get seduced by the speedy internet connection!
Virginia
February 11, 2009 at 1:43 |
virginia
virginia
I am an INTJ and I too am shocked at the number of INTJ's in this list - because we are very heavily represented here; and a very real minority of the population at large.
I signed up for the beta, and I even purchased a notebook - but I have been sticking with DIT because it is working so well for me. Seriously, I am terrified to deviate from something that has literally quadrupled my productivity.
However, given the overwhelming number of people who are INTJ and their success and happiness with AutoFocus - I am really persuaded to try AutoFocus...
Dennis Groves
I signed up for the beta, and I even purchased a notebook - but I have been sticking with DIT because it is working so well for me. Seriously, I am terrified to deviate from something that has literally quadrupled my productivity.
However, given the overwhelming number of people who are INTJ and their success and happiness with AutoFocus - I am really persuaded to try AutoFocus...
Dennis Groves
February 11, 2009 at 18:47 |
Dennis Groves
Dennis Groves
Strongly INFJ. Glad to see other NFs here as well. In my business NFs seem few and far between!
February 12, 2009 at 2:42 |
Alec Satin
Alec Satin
ENTP
February 12, 2009 at 3:31 |
D
D
ENTP here.
Yes there are a lot of I's, but there are even more N's!
The N stands for Intuitive, so maybe this is the trait you're trying to look at.
Yes there are a lot of I's, but there are even more N's!
The N stands for Intuitive, so maybe this is the trait you're trying to look at.
February 12, 2009 at 12:22 |
Alex
Alex
INTJ
February 13, 2009 at 8:57 |
Steve
Steve
I'm an INTP - I've been using AF for two days and it's the answer to my prayers.
It was effortless to learn and I'm in love.
It was effortless to learn and I'm in love.
February 13, 2009 at 22:02 |
Mary
Mary
I just saw the extrovert/introvert discussion and have to say I'm right in the middle. Most people describe as very much a people person. The only reason I'm classified as an introvert is because I recharge alone. People don't recharge me at all. Hope this helps!
February 13, 2009 at 22:04 |
Mary
Mary
Add another INTJ to the list. I've been doing autofocus since the instructions were first posted. I started electronically and recently switched to paper. Love it. Definitely keeping me focused on important stuff and getting more done than I thought possible.
February 14, 2009 at 6:04 |
Gretchen Cawthpn
Gretchen Cawthpn
INFJ - and I love the autofocus system.
February 14, 2009 at 22:15 |
Linda
Linda
INFJ - a periodic adherent to the GTD system, but I really like the simplicity of Autofocus. I've only been using it a few days so far (and haven't finished my first page yet, as I've got a lot of large items to work on) but I'm really enjoying it! I find myself especially looking forward to dismissing my first page.
February 14, 2009 at 22:33 |
Emily
Emily
INTJ
February 14, 2009 at 23:30 |
moises
moises
ENFP -- have been on and off the GTD bandwagon for 8 years, and always have trouble 'doing' all the organizing. Have been a life-long listmaker, and am about to try this method as a possible replacement for GTD.
February 15, 2009 at 0:55 |
Ann
Ann
Another ENFJ here. Well I started writing my first book the same time I started using the system. Hadn't occurred to me til now that there may be a link! I've never actually had "write book" as an entry but I guess being able to put everything else in means I've been able to prioritise writing first every day, knowing that the rest will take care of itself. Thanks, Mark!
Lucinda
Lucinda
February 15, 2009 at 20:30 |
Lucinda
Lucinda
INFP--off the charts on the N part. I am a self-employed creative type. Am not sure how this will work for me but I found GTD (while filled with noble purpose) to be too much overhead for me. I need something simple (or that is powerful but appears to be simple).
February 16, 2009 at 14:33 |
Inkstain
Inkstain
Hello Lucinda and Virginia,
Another ENFJ, mainly N and F. Not many here. AF works fantastically for me. It seems to work well for a wide variety of types.
Key strengths are the way it unsticks entrenched, procrastinated tasks. Yes, some "urgent" items get done more slowly, but some items important to both you and others get done...when they normally would sit hidden for months or years.
That is of massive importance and I haven't seen it elsewhere.
Another ENFJ, mainly N and F. Not many here. AF works fantastically for me. It seems to work well for a wide variety of types.
Key strengths are the way it unsticks entrenched, procrastinated tasks. Yes, some "urgent" items get done more slowly, but some items important to both you and others get done...when they normally would sit hidden for months or years.
That is of massive importance and I haven't seen it elsewhere.
February 16, 2009 at 21:54 |
Jonathan in London
Jonathan in London
INTJ
February 16, 2009 at 22:44 |
Aaron
Aaron
INTP/borderline J
February 17, 2009 at 18:19 |
Jennifer George
Jennifer George
I am ESTJ. I have been using AF for a month or so. I find it great in that it has forced me to not be so rigid (I have issues with always wanting to be in control!), but very difficult for the same reason. I feel like I am just doing "whatever" sometimes rather than something that really needs to be done. I am also borderline Asperger's, so this is prolly related to the need for rules and boundaries. AF is (hopefully) helping me get over this, as I'd like to be a little more comfortable with being spontaneous.
July 1, 2010 at 0:34 |
RT
RT
Should we start a new thread to call for them?