The Most Positive Myers-Briggs® Personality Types, Ranked

Have you ever noticed that certain types of people tend to be more positive and easy-going, while others are more cautious or even negative? Could personality type play a part in that? That’s what I wondered. Today we’re going to look at the results of a survey I recently conducted with 4,998 respondents. In the survey, two of the questions I asked were:

“Would you describe yourself as a positive person?” and “Is it easy for you to maintain a sense of humor during hard times?”

Today we’re going to dive into the results and see if there’s any correlation between your Myers-Briggs® personality type and how easy it is for you to stay positive rather than pessimistic.

Survey Demographics

Before we dive into the results, let’s go over how we got our data. I sent the survey to my email list, social media followers, friends, and clients (over 90,000 people in total) and was able to get 4,998 responses. The survey breakdown? A solid 78.56% were female, 18.60% were male, 1.52% identified as non-binary, and 1.31% preferred not to say.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the personality types who keep the brightest outlooks — and those who may struggle a bit more.

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

The Most Positive Myers-Briggs Personality Types, Ranked

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

The ENTP – 100%

“Ah, a new puzzle to solve! This should be fun.”

ENTPs scored a perfect 100% in positivity in our survey, which really didn’t surprise me. They have an adventurous streak and tend to see challenges as opportunities to explore and brainstorm. And guess what? ENTPs are all about brainstorming, thinking outside the box, and working well under pressure. Because of this, reframing negatives as positives and approaching tough times with curiosity comes fairly naturally to them. Their playful approach to life, combined with their ability to stay lighthearted under pressure (they scored 94.74% for maintaining humor during tough times), makes them one of the most resilient and optimistic types out there.

ENTP Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• They are quick thinkers who see challenges as puzzles to solve.
• They have a tendency to reframe problems as opportunities.
• They easily adapt to new situations, and adjust to change quickly

Find out more about ENTPs: The ENTP Personality Type and Your Enneagram Type

The ENFJ – 100%

“How can I turn this into a lesson in personal growth?”

ENFJs also scored 100% in positivity. These warm-hearted, people-focused types try to find the good in others – and in life as a whole. They find joy in lifting people up, inspiring them, and thinking towards a brighter future. While some people get bogged down in the weighty pressures and burdens of the moment, ENFJs tend to always be thinking ahead to the ideal world they’re striving for. I try to keep things positive” one ENFJ commented, “It’s not hard for me to see how things could go right instead of just how things could go wrong. I think too many people focus only on negatives, what “could” go wrong, but what if we all did the opposite?”

ENFJs tend to see momentary challenges as blips rather than major setbacks in most situations. And with 85% of them keeping a sense of humor during stress, they manage to crack a smile while still holding the world together for everyone around them.

ENFJ Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• They focus on leading others with compassion and a vision of the better future ahead
• Strong communicators, rallying others through tough times.
• Maintain positivity through their empathy and deep care for people.

Find out more about ENFJs: 5 Things People Misunderstand About ENFJs

The ESTJ – 100%

“Step aside, chaos. I’ve got this under control.”

ESTJs came in strong with 100% positivity. In my experience, ESTJs see challenges as opportunities and tend to get a burst of energy and excitement when it’s time to think up solutions and plans. They approach life with a can-do attitude, and take charge when life seems chaotic. Their in-charge mindset keeps them focused on solutions rather than problems, and on top of that, they tend to surround themselves with strong communities of people they can lean on when times get tough. ESTJs, like other Sensing-Judging types, care about stability and forming strong, dependable relationships with others. When things in life seem insurmountable, they rely on their practicality and toughness along with community support to get them through. And what about humor? 80% said it’s easy for them to keep a sense of humor during hard times. So these types know how to keep things moving forward while throwing in the occasional lighthearted comment to keep spirits up.

ESTJ Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• Thanks to dominant Extraverted Thinking, they enter “hero” mode when they can solve problems, make plans, and streamline processes to get results.
• Can easily cast aside their emotions to focus on solutions
• Their decisive, productive nature helps them maintain a sense of control and order

The ENFP – 97.83%

“Okay, so how can we turn this into a fun challenge?”

ENFPs scored an impressive 97.83% in positivity, which makes sense given their imaginative, curious nature. They’re always on the lookout for new possibilities, and enjoy brainstorming to find unique solutions when life gets tough. “I sometimes can’t believe how lucky I am. I could have been born a flea. But I’m here. And I’m healthy and the future is wide open before me” one ENFP commented.

For these Visionaries, life is all about the journey, exploration, and discovery. If the destination seems out of reach or if there are potholes along the way, they just see that as an other opportunity to dream up a new idea or solution. When life gets too smooth and predictable they can even feel restless and uninspired. With 91.31% of them keeping their sense of humor during hard times, their playful, lighthearted approach to life helps them maintain a sunny outlook, even when things seem stormy all around them.

ENFP Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• They have a natural tendency to reframe struggles as exciting challenges.
• Optimistic and adaptable, they find new paths when things go wrong.
• Their playful, warm nature helps them rally others with humor and positivity.

Discover more about ENFPs: What ENFPs Do When They Get Really Stressed Out

The ESFP – 94.44%

“At least I can make everyone laugh while we fix this.”

ESFPs ranked high in positivity, with 94.44% describing themselves as positive. This came as no surprise to me; every ESFP I’ve known has been able to crack jokes during the toughest times imaginable. I knew an ESFP who was going through a heartbreaking divorce who had all her friends giggling while they simultaneously cried with her. The key for ESFPs is that they need to actually take time to process their feelings, negative and positive, so that they don’t wind up with suppressed emotions that bubble up later.

Known for their charismatic, outgoing nature, ESFPs tend to see tough spots as opportunities to make “lemonade out of lemons.” They bring people together and use humor, enthusiasm, and sheer force of will to triumph when life seems dark. With 88.89% maintaining their humor during stressful situations, ESFPs use their playful energy and charisma to lighten the load for themselves and those around them.

ESFP Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• Naturally upbeat and social, they bring people together and help motivate them and keep spirits high
• Adapt quickly to situations, finding resources and opportunities that others miss
• They know how to get everyone working towards the same goal and get a consensual decision

Find out more about ESFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ESFP, the Champion Personality Type

The ESFJ – 92.59%

“Let’s make sure everyone’s okay first.”

You know that friend who always checks in on you and makes sure everyone’s okay? That’s the ESFJ “Defender” for you. They’re extremely community focused; bringing people together and helping everyone to feel positive energy when life gets tough. “I’m always asking myself, ‘What was the one good thing that happened today?’ and I don’t think enough people do that” said one ESFJ.

While some ESFJs struggle to stay positive, many use humor (81.48% say they maintain humor during tough times), community support, and stability to stay positive and grounded. Their routine-oriented life and strong relationships help them to feel calm and supported when everything feels unpredictable or chaotic.

ESFJ Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• Focus on supporting others and keeping morale high during difficult times.
• Loyal and reliable, they create stability and a sense of routine.
• Their empathy and supportive nature helps them to soothe others’ fears and hurts.

Discover more about ESFJs: 10 Things ESFJs Need in a Relationship

The ESTP – 89.47%

“Who’s ready to turn this disaster into an adventure?”

ESTPs tend to see challenges as opportunities to jump into action. They’re inspired by unexpected events that give them the opportunity to think on the fly and be spontaneous. 89.47% of the ESTPs who took the survey described themselves as positive people. I take life as it comes,” said one ESTP in the comments, “I don’t overthink things, I don’t get pessimistic, I just focus on what I can do now.

ESTPs are tuned into the present moment, scanning for relevant data, resources, opportunities for action. Tough times? Just another challenge to conquer. ESTPs live for the thrill, so instead of stressing out, they’re already halfway to a solution before everyone else has even figured out what’s happening. 78.95% say it’s easy for them to keep a sense of humor during tough times, so you can also expect them to crack a few jokes when life feels chaotic.

ESTP Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• Thrive on fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
• They can explain things and lead effectively; getting to the essence of a problem with clarity.
• They easily find expedient and efficient solutions by analyzing a situation from all angles.

Find out more about ESTPs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ESTP

The ENTJ – 89.48%

“Move aside, I’ll take care of it.”

ENTJs scored 89.48% in positivity. They get a thrill from a challenge, mobilizing resources, believing that they can efficiently manage whatever life hurls their way. They see obstacles as opportunities to assert their competence, and they use their intuition to see what is likely to happen and strategize a path forward. We’re not going to survive if we freeze up anytime something goes wrong, and I personally get frustrated with people who are like that” stated one ENTJ, “You just have to keep looking at the big picture and adjust, pivot, keep going.

ENTJs are quick to take charge and inspire others to stay focused on the goal. 89.48% of ENTJs say they can keep a sense of humor during tough times, so they use dry wit to lighten the load and make hardships seem manageable.

ENTJ Strengths That Help During Tough Times:

• Strategic thinkers who stay focused on the big picture.
• Focused decision-makers who keep everyone on task.
• Use humor as a tool to keep morale high under pressure.

The ISFP – 80.48%

“Well, at least this will make a good story someday.”

ISFPs scored 80.48% in positivity, the most positive of all the introverted personality types. These creative and independent types find beauty in the small things, even when life feels overwhelming. They think quickly in a crisis, focusing all their attention on what is most important and what their values are. They pick up on and scan for relevant information and are incredibly tapped in to what is happening around them. Rather than freezing up when an unexpected crisis occurs, they tend to move to action and try to learn all their options.

For ISFPs, staying true to their values is the utmost priority; knowing they’re following their heart, even if it means they’re going against the grain. This means that the opinions of others, while they may hurt, carry less sting for many ISFPs. The important thing is that they respect themselves and their own decisions. And then there’s humor: 82.92% of ISFPs say it’s easy to keep a sense of humor during tough times. This is the seventh highest percentage among all sixteen types. I can say from my own experience that ISFPs, like ESFPs, know how to find situational humor in nearly any situation. They have a quirky side and, while they don’t speak a lot, can easily call out hilarious things that others might not joke about because of “propriety.”

ISFP Strengths in Tough Times:

• Highly aware of their surroundings, staying present, rather than catastrophizing
• Quietly resilient, finding moments of beauty even in hardship.
• Use humor and authenticity to connect with others when things are tough.

Find out more about ISFPs: 10 Things ISFPs Need in a Relationship

The INFJ – 77.27%

“I knew this was going to happen. Time to figure out the deeper meaning.”

INFJs ranked 77.27% in positivity. While it may not be as simple for them to stay as positive as other types, their visionary nature helps them to keep their eye on the big picture. I’m not always positive,” stated one INFJ in an email to me, “but I don’t think that’s always the right thing to be. There’s an in-between on the spectrum of positive to negative and that’s acceptance. I know how to accept that life has bad days and good days, grief and joy. Sometimes I need to slide towards the positive end of the scale to keep going and sometimes I need to slide towards the negative end of the scale to process grief or pain. In the end, I see myself as a seeker. I’m looking for the meaning in all of it.”

This big-picture, profound, deep perspective is common amongst INFJs who see both the joy and beauty in sadness. Small details are less likely to rattle them, although they may overstimulate them. Instead, INFJs often view tough times as part of a larger story, which helps them stay focused on life’s spiritual essence and the deeper meaning of things. They may not always crack jokes, but with 67.73% saying they maintain humor under pressure, they can still bring a quiet, often friendly wit to the situation when things get rough.

INFJ Strengths in Tough Times:

• Find meaning in hardship, using their insight to navigate difficulties.
• Focus on long-term outcomes, which helps them stay calm.
• Use empathy and insight to help others cope and stay positive.

Discover more about INFJs: September Bucket List Ideas for INFJs

The INFP – 76.93%

“Maybe if I write a poem about this, it’ll make sense.”

INFPs came in 11th, with 76.93% saying they would describe themselves as positive people, and 78.20% saying it’s easy for them to keep a sense of humor during tough times. One INFP commented, “I find a certain beauty in sadness. I enjoy rainy days, melancholy music, a sad movie. But I don’t see it as a “bad” thing. I think having a regular “sad day” to deal with negative emotions and process them in peace is good for everyone’s well being and more people should do it.”

For the INFP, positivity can sometimes feel like it’s being forced on them rather than being something that’s genuinely good for them. While more than 3/4 of INFPs describe themselves as positive people, they still know that processing the negative as well as the positive is crucial. Many INFPs commented saying they struggle with negative thoughts, depression, or occasional pessimism, but this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with them. In fact, a case study conducted in 2017 showed that people who process and accept negative experiences and emotions have greater overall well-being. INFPs focus on what’s important, what matters to them, constantly examining their choices to see if they match their inner value system. They process their feelings, both the negative and positive ones, looking for meaning and insight.

INFP Strengths in Tough Times:

• Strong sense of inner values helps them stay true to themselves.
• Process difficulties through deep reflection and creative outlets.
• Use a gentle, quirky humor to navigate tough situations.

Find out more about INFPs: The Top 25 Favorite INFP Movies

The ISTP – 75%

“This just got interesting.”

75% of ISTPs say they’re positive people. When things get chaotic, they’re often the first to start troubleshooting, relying on their practical skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. They see challenges as opportunities to test their abilities. At the same time, ISTPs are unlikely to put a positive spin on every situation. They’re realists, and with that comes a certain amount of skepticism and a distaste for “reframing.” Yes, an ISTP might be able to crack a hilarious joke during a crisis (86.11% say that it’s easy for them to maintain humor when life is tough). But they generally are not going to be the “cheerleaders” of a group, instead choosing to face the facts, state the facts, and get on with solutions. And sometimes that means not being positive, but instead just stating what’s real and not trying to “spin it” in any particular way.

ISTP Strengths in Tough Times:

• Stay calm and collected, focusing on practical solutions.
• Adapt quickly and employ hands-on problem-solving.
• Use dry humor to diffuse tension and keep things light.

The ISFJ – 74.51%

“I’ll take care of everyone. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

ISFJs may not top the positivity charts, but 74.51% say they’re positive, landing them in 13th place. ISFJs tend to be reliable, gentle, and cautious. They may not be the “class clowns” or the “cheerleaders” in any group, but they know how to make sure everything is taken care of and do what’s necessary to make life more tranquil, safe, and consistent. This is likely why they’re called “The Protectors.” And this cautious nature means that at times they’re not the most positive people in the room; at times it means they’re the ones calling out risks to make sure everyone is safe and prepared. Their grounded, gentle outlook often serves as a source of strength and support to the communities they work so hard to take care of.

And what about humor? 66.66% say it’s easy to see the funny during tough times. I’m a silly-serious type” one ISFJ commented, “When I’m around new people I’m serious and reserved, but if you know me well you’ll know I’m a total goofball and my humor is more similar to an NP type.

ISFJ Strengths in Tough Times:

• Focus on caring for others and maintaining stability.
• Reliable and practical, ensuring everything is taken care of.
• Grounded with facts and able to recall time-tested solutions.

Find out more about ISFJs: What It Means to be an ISFJ Personality Type

The INTJ – 64.88%

“Step back and let me handle it efficiently.”

INTJs may seem serious, but 64.88% consider themselves positive, landing them in 14th place. These strategic thinkers tend to focus on the end game, the big picture, and where the last domino will fall. I’m not necessarily positive or negative,” one INTJ commented, “I just focus on what needs to be done and the feeling stuff is irrelevant.

INTJs are known for their cool-headed, strategic approach. They have deep feelings, but they also tend to objectify them in order to stay focused on tasks and goals and insights. Their perspective is meta, zoomed out, looking at many perspectives in a constant quest for the one true insight that will explain life itself. When life gets them down, they tend to zoom out as well, looking for a bigger-picture meaning behind it all. With 77.10% saying it’s easy to keep a sense of humor, INTJs often bring a sharp, dry wit to tense situations, helping them stay collected and rational.

INTJ Strengths in Tough Times:

• Stay focused on long-term goals, even in the face of adversity.
• Strategic problem-solvers who can create a roadmap out of a challenging situation.
• Focus on the logic of the situation, rather than getting swept away with their emotions.

Find out more about INTJs: Why INTJs Struggle with Loneliness (and How to Cope)

The ISTJ – 61.90%

“If everyone followed the plan, this wouldn’t have happened.”

ISTJs scored 61.90% in positivity, and 54.76% said they can keep their humor during tough times. ISTJs like having a plan, and they enjoy when life follows the plan. When everything seems chaotic and unpredictable, they tend to feel a bit pessimistic. I’m not an optimist,” one ISTJ said, “I consider myself a realist. Sometimes things aren’t going to go your way and you’ve got to deal with that instead of trying to pretend it’s not happening.”

Known for their reliability and practicality, ISTJs excel at staying focused on the task at hand, trusting that following the plan will lead to a solution. They might not be the first to crack a joke, but 54.76% say they can still keep a sense of humor, usually with a deadpan delivery that catches everyone off guard.

ISTJ Strengths in Tough Times:

• Stay calm and notice details that others miss.
• Practical and productive, they keep things running smoothly.
• Stay grounded and matter-of-fact, finding time-tested solutions to current issues.

Discover more about ISTJs: 10 Things You Crave Every Day as an ISTJ Personality Type

The INTP – 58.63%

“Just give me some time to research.”

INTPs may not always seem outwardly positive, but 58.63% say they’re positive people. They approach life with curiosity and an analytical mindset, often finding ways to solve problems that others might overlook. I have some anxiety,” one INTP commented, “life hasn’t been easy for me. Sometimes I just become a hermit to get away from it all. But I am good at solving other people’s problems and I’m patient with problems. I expect them, so I’m not surprised by them.”

While this one commenter isn’t necessarily indicative of all INTPs, I found a common thread in many of their comments. Many INTPs stated that they are often called on to handle complex problems (broken computers, or anything broken for that matter) and that they tend to be helpful and have that same helpfulness taken for granted. Often INTPs feel like their family and friend’s free tech support, and that can be tiring. But INTPs aren’t catastrophizers, either. Many of them approach life knowing that there will be ups and downs, and take regular breaks to recharge on their own in order to deal with the stress of the harder moments. Humor is often a coping mechanism; 79.32% of INTPs say it’s easy for them to maintain a sense of humor during tough times, making them the 10th most likely type to use humor during stressful moments.

INTP Strengths in Tough Times:

• Analytical problem-solvers who see issues from many different angles
• Approach challenges with curiosity and patience
• Use quirky, intellectual humor to bring levity to tough situations.

Read This Next: How INTPs Say “I Love You”

What Do You Think?

Do you have any insights or thoughts to share on this topic? We’d love to hear your opinions and perspectives in the comments!

Discover even more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!