I was first introduced to the Meyers-Briggs personality test in college. Interestingly, it was my fiancé (important note: soon to be ex-fiance) who introduced me to the book, Please Understand Me.
The weird part is, I think we didn’t make it in part due to how incompatible we were in terms of the Meyers-Briggs personalities. (If you’re curious what I am, it’s at the end of this post.) 😉
Of course this test isn’t the end-all of life. In fact, one certain person in our marriage, who will remain nameless, believes that this test is basically meaningless. (Which goes right along with his I mean their personality type, but I digress. Ha.)
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to think about how your personality type is reflected in your motherhood style.
As one of my side-hobbies is categorizing all my friends/random strangers according to their types, I really got a kick out of writing this post. #totalnerd.
If you have not taken this test, you can do so here. I got a few of the names for the types from that resource, and then I made up some. Ha!
So here goes. and ps – if you come up with a more fitting mantra for your Meyers-Briggs type, share in the comments. 🙂
ISFJ – “The Protector”
motto: I always wanted to be a mom! But why is everything around here always so chaotic???
Try to remember: You spend yourself to make others happy. But remember that a spent, worn-out wash cloth of a mom does no one any good.
ISTJ – “The Inspector”
motto: Because that’s what we do, kids!! It’s tradition!!!!
something to remember: Take a chill pill. God loves you with an unconditional love. You are hardest on yourself!
ESTJ – “The Boss”
motto: I just need these people to listen to me and clean their rooms. That’s all I need. Really.
something to remember: You don’t have to be in control of everything. Stop and enjoy the ride.
ESFJ – “The Party Planner”
motto: I love being a mom. I love swim club, and girl scouts, and painting class, and cooking class, and dance class, and baseball season, and just doing ALL THE THINGS.
something to remember: Try to enjoy some low-key time with your kids. It’s okay to have a day and do nothing. 🙂
ESFP – “The Entertainer”
motto: WHERE DID ALL THE PEOPLE GO??? I MISS GOING OUT!!
something to remember: What you’re doing as a mom may not be *fun* all the time. Or even most of the time. 🙂 But it is very, very worth it.
ISTP – “The Craftswoman”
motto: I love projects. I especially love starting them.
something to remember: Little kids thrive on structure, and you, unfortunately, do not thrive on structure. 😉 It’s probably a skill worth cultivating to have a few routines to bring a rhythm into your kids’ day-to-day.
ISFP – “The Adventurer”
motto: Meal planning…my nemesis.
something to remember: Being a mom of young children may seem boring at times. You’re making sacrifices that are valuable!
ESTP – “The Entrepreneur”
motto: Come on, kids. Enough of this boring house. Let’s go do something.
something to remember: Take time to slow down and listen to your kids today.
INFJ – “The Advocate”
motto: I just really want to mentor my kids’ hearts, know what I mean??
something to remember: Take care of yourself. When you feel drained and stressed beyond your limit, go to the Lord for refreshment.
ENFJ – “The Visionary”
motto: Can we all just be happy and get along?
something to remember: Don’t be afraid to lay down the law sometimes. 🙂
INTJ – “The Architect”
motto: There has to be a right way to do this, and I’m going to figure it out if it kills me.
something to remember: You’re fiercely independent – but remember, no mom is an island. Treasure your mom-friends.
ENTJ – “The Commander”
motto: I can literally figure out the most efficient way to do anything. And you can help, as long as you don’t do anything stupid.
something to remember: Your kids aren’t projects – they’re people. Relax and enjoy them, as they are.
ENTP – “The Debater”
motto: Deep down, I actually enjoy when my kids ask me, “Why?” #bringit
something to remember: Mundane mom work is the pits, isn’t it!?!? But God sees it, and your family needs it.
INFP – “The Feeler”
motto: It’s been awhile since I’ve talked to an adult. Come over for coffee and let’s share our hearts about motherhood. Don’t mind the cat hair on the couch, or the laundry on the coffee table.
something to remember: You’re probably a prayer warrior, and your kids are lucky to have them praying for them.
ENFP – “The Campaigner”
motto: I love playing with my kids. The only thing more fun than that, is realizing that one of my friends is friends with one of my other friends!!!!!! #everythingisconnected
something to remember: You may feel very people-deprived on the long days of motherhood. Find a good mom community at all costs. And on the days you just can’t get out, recognize that this is just a season. Hang in there.
INTP – “The Thinker”
motto: Clean house? What for?
something to remember: Because you’re so analytical, the emotional roller coaster of a three-year-old is probably frustrating at times. 🙂 Pray that God gives you wisdom to provide what each child needs, even if it’s different from you.
Okay, so…what do you think? Does your motto fit you? Can you think of a better one? Share!
And ps, as promised. I am an ESTJ. My hubby is an ISFP. At least…I’m pretty sure. He refuses to be “nailed down” by a test, so I’m just surmising. LOL. I’d love to know the personalities in your marriage, too!
~ Share This Post With A Friend ~
Follow "Smartter" Each Day on Facebook!
Follow Jessica on Instagram!
Want my "Favorite Things" newsletter?
I hate lots of annoying emails, so I won't send them! Just motherhood + life tips, a few times a month.
Follow
My hubby is a is ISFJ, and I am as well but with ESFJ add ins lol. I’m the first born in my family so I “learned” how to be social and outgoing when times called for it to others even tho I really rather not. Give me books and indoors! Lol (if that makes sense).
I’m always so interested in the personality types! I am am ENFP and my husband is the rare INTP, and the Lord has definitely done a beautiful and refining thing in putting the two of us together! I do agree with the motto you gave me as the Campaigner type. My mom friends keep me sane!
I’m an ENTP. Sister, you nailed it (and made me tear up… a little)!
You’re spot on with my INTJ mott! 🙂
I am an INFJ that sometimes slips into INFJ. My husband is an ENFJ that sometimes slips into ENFP. The mottos for our types definitely fit both of us.
I feel like I met my other half after taking the MBTI test last year. It was like a light went on and I was like, “oh gosh, that’s why I do this and this and this and that!?” I’m INFJ and hubby is ESTP, so it’s pretty dynamic around here 🙂 We have a great time and really balance each other out.
This is fantastic, and spot on. Thank you for sharing some practical tips 🙂
ISFJ! You nailed it pretty good. 😉
My husband is INTP – other than being introverts we’re total opposites!
Hahaha almost every ISFP I know doesn’t like Myers-Briggs! It’s such an interesting trend!!! I think it’s probably their dominant introverted feeling (Fi) function that gives them that burning “no test can define me, I am unique and myself” type energy (not saying that’s ACTUALLY what they think, just trying to capture the energy!!).