Here’s What You Focus On, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
Focus. It’s something we’re all looking for in a life that is increasingly filled with distractions. When we try to read a book, we get interruptions from our phones. When we try to look at our phones, we might get a phone call or a notification from a different app then the one we’re looking at. When we’re out for dinner with friends we find ourselves distracted by pings from our phone, or the hustle and bustle of the environment around us. How can we find focus? And what kind of focus do we naturally aim for? That’s what today’s article is all about.
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Here’s What You Focus On, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
The ENFP – Ideas and Significance
As an ENFP, you’re naturally focused on the world of ideas and possibilities. Exploring the unknown and thinking up new theories and ways of looking at things is where you feel most alive. You see the potential in every person and situation, always considering what could be accomplished if things were just a little bit different. This focus on possibilities can make it hard for you to commit to anything concrete, but it also means that you’re constantly coming up with new insights and ways of looking at the world.
Unfortunately, sometimes you feel like you’re forced to buckle down and focus on one thing that has no room for possibility. Maybe you have to do your taxes. There’s not much room for the imagination in that! Maybe you have to work on a task that is mind-numbingly repetitive. It’s hard for you to force yourself to focus on something like that, but you’re usually good at finding ways to make it more interesting (even if it’s just in your own head).
Besides coming up with new ideas, you also look for personal significance. Why are you here? How can your life make a difference? What really matters to you? These are questions that run through your mind on a regular basis. You’ve got one life to live and you sure as heck want it to count for something! This focus on significance can lead you to some grand projects and accomplishments, but it can also make it hard for you to find contentment in everyday life. The big picture is always calling your name!
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Make sure you have plenty of unstructured time each day to generate possibilities and imagine. This could mean mapping out trips you hope to take someday, looking up service opportunities, or brainstorming ways to throw your friend an epic birthday party!
- Block out time each week to work on a project that is important to you, even if it’s just baby steps. This could be working on your blog, writing a book, or painting a picture. Try to give yourself rewards for each mini-benchmark you achieve. For example, try to focus wholeheartedly on drafting one chapter in your book and then give yourself a break to listen to a few favorite songs while you dance around the room!
- Find significance in the everyday by looking for opportunities to serve others and make a difference in your community. This could mean starting a book drive at your local library, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or writing letters to people who are going through tough times.
- If you find yourself increasingly distracted by your phone, try to leave it out of the room you need to be in. As an example, if you’re trying to do something creative, leave your phone in the bathroom or up on top of the refrigerator.
- If social media apps are always interrupting your flow, try to delete them from your phone for a set period of time. You can always add them back later!
Read This Next: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ENFP Personality Type
The ENTP – Possibilities and Truth
As an ENTP, you’re naturally focused on creating ideas, conceptualizing, and theorizing. Rather than seeing the world for what it is, you see the world for all it could be. You’re always looking for ways to improve things, whether it’s a process at work or your own creative endeavors. This focus on possibilities can mean that you’re constantly coming up with new ideas, but it can also make it hard for you to focus for long periods on something concrete.
Besides generating possibilities, you also focus on finding the truth. What is really going on here? What background processes are at work in a situation? How do ideas, concepts, and even objects fit together in a logical way? You’re skeptical of commonly accepted “facts” and you’re always looking for the real story. This focus on truth can make you an excellent debater and problem solver, but it can also make it hard for you to take things at face value.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Make sure you have plenty of time each day to generate possibilities and explore your interests. Whether this means getting up an hour early to brainstorm and research or staying up an hour later to talk with friends, make sure you give yourself some unstructured time each day.
- Block out time each week to work on a project that is important to you, even if it’s just in small increments. This could mean writing a chapter in a book, creating your own strategy game, or remodeling a part of your home. Give yourself little rewards for each step forward you take.
- Don’t let little dopamine hits derail you from your long-term plans. If you find yourself constantly distracted by social media likes or mindless games like Candy Crush, consider getting rid of them from your phone for a set period of time. Or try putting your phone in a different part of the house so that you can concentrate.
- Get enough Zzzzzzs. Did you know that lack of sleep lowers your ability to focus? It also makes it harder for you to retain information. So be sure to prioritize sufficient shut-eye if you want to make the most of your talents and ideas.
Read This Next: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ENTP
The INFP – Authenticity and Imagination
As an INFP, you’re naturally focused on what matters to you in life and where your significance and purpose lies. Staying on a path that feels authentic and “right” is crucial to you. What is good or evil? What is your true calling? Are you living in alignment with your values? Do you feel right about the situation you’re currently in? Are you living authentically and sincerely? These are the questions that play before your mind on a regular basis.
You’re also very imaginative, and often play with ideas, stories, and ideas. You might daydream about far off lands or make up stories in your head that resonate with where you are emotionally at the moment. This focus on imagination can make you an excellent artist or writer, but it can also make it hard for you to stay present in the here and now. Situations that require you to focus on immediate concrete details can seem life-draining to you as they rob you of the means to explore your inner landscape.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Find a way to connect your current circumstances with your long-term goals. If you can’t see how what you’re doing right now will get you closer to where you want to be, it’s going to be hard for you to focus.
- Make time for your imagination. Whether this means setting aside half an hour each day to write, taking a weekend trip to explore a new place, or just daydreaming while you take a break from work, make sure you give yourself time to explore your inner world.
- Did you know that just seeing a smartphone can lower our ability to focus? Researchers found that the very presence of a smartphone, even if it’s turned off, can sap our cognitive resources and make it harder for us to focus. So if you’re having trouble staying present, make sure your phone is out of sight.
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep not only makes it hard to focus, but it can also lead to depression and anxiety, which can further sap your focus. So be sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Be patient with yourself. If you’re grieving or struggling with depression or fatigue, it can be harder than usual to focus. Realize that there are times in your life to step back and let yourself rest, grieve, and process your emotions.
Read This Next: 3 Weird and Wonderful Secrets of the INFP Personality Type
The INTP – Accuracy and Investigation
As an INTP, you’re someone who looks for truth and understanding. You enjoy turning over concepts, problems, and ideas until you find out how they logically make sense or don’t make sense. Seeing logical inconsistencies and breaking down systems to see how they work is a fun challenge for you. Skeptical and ingenious, you believe that you can tackle any challenge that comes your way if you can simply understand it.
As an INTP, you’re an idea person. Theorizing about possibilities, conceptualizing new avenues of thought, and spotting gaps in knowledge are all stimulating activities for you. You might find yourself drawn to research or academia so that you can continue to explore interesting ideas. A good debate can also give you a hit of mental adrenaline as you try to out-logic your opponent.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Investigate what’s holding your attention. Once you understand it, you’ll be able to see how to focus your attention more effectively.
- Create a plan. Once you understand what you need to do, breaking the task down into smaller steps can help you focus on each individual part.
- Find a way to make a job interesting. If you can find a way to see the task at hand as a challenge to be conquered or a puzzle to be solved, you’ll be more likely to stay focused.
- Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. When you’re tired, it’s harder to focus. Be sure to get enough sleep and exercise, and eat a healthy diet.
- If you’re around so many people that you can’t think clearly, make sure to prioritize alone time. You need time to think things through and process information, so make sure you’re giving yourself that space.
Read This Next: Are You an INTP or an INTJ? 7 Ways to Tell Them Apart
The ENFJ – Connection and Vision
As an ENFJ, you long for inspiring connections with other people. You prioritize harmonious relationships that are driven by a shared vision are what you’re after. You likely have a gift for understanding others and can quickly see the potential in people. You might find yourself drawn to positions of leadership so that you can help others reach their potential or you can help groups achieve a common goal. Making the world a better place is important to you. You have but one life, and you want to make it count.
You’re also a people person. You get energy from being around others and feel drained when you’re by yourself for too long. Small talk might not interest you, but deep conversations about life, values, and the future probably do. You like feeling like you’re part of something larger than yourself and want to contribute your gifts to the world.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Even though you’re a people person, you still need time alone like anyone else. Make sure you’re getting regularly scheduled alone time to relax, take care of yourself, and reflect and imagine.
- You might find it helpful to keep a journal so you can process your thoughts and feelings. This can help you make sense of what’s going on around you and inside of you.
- It can be easy to try to do too much or take on too many projects. Be mindful of how much you’re taking on and make sure you’re not spreading yourself too thin. Prioritize the things that are most important to you and let go of the rest.
- Fatigue, hunger, and dehydration can all derail your focus. Make sure that you’re prioritizing sufficient sleep (7-8 hours per night), proper nutrition, and water intake so that your mind can function at its best.
- Social media can be a huge time suck. If you find yourself getting lost in the black hole of Facebook or Instagram, set limits for yourself. Maybe you allow yourself to check social media for 20 minutes once per day. Once the time is up, put your phone in a different room so it doesn’t derail you.
Read This Next: What ENFJs Do When They Get Really Stressed Out
The ENTJ – Strategy and Goal-Achievement
As an ENTJ, you’re someone who keeps your eyes on the prize. You’re ambitious and motivated, always looking for ways to achieve your goals. A mind like yours is always buzzing with strategies and plans. How can you reach a goal faster? What are the steps necessary to accomplish an objective? Are your goals in line with your values? Do you need to rethink your time management? What is likely to play out if you stay on the course you’re on, and do you need to course-correct? These are the kinds of questions that are always running through your mind.
You know that your time is limited, so it’s crucial to you to use your time to the best of your ability. Whether you’re mapping out a business plan or speaking up at a charity event, you want to be strategic in everything you do. You want to make the most of your time and your talents. At work, you focus on the ROI of what you’re doing. Outside of work, you might be focusing on the well-being of your family or a cause that’s dear to your heart.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- You’re a naturally hard-working and productive person, but sometimes you can take it too far. Make sure that you’re getting enough time for proper rest and relaxation. If you’re physically weary and drained your mind won’t focus like you want it to, and that will ultimately get in the way of the goals you want to achieve.
- It can be helpful to set a timer when you’re working on a task and give yourself permission to walk away when the timer goes off. This will help you avoid burnout and stay fresh so you can come back to the task with a clear mind.
- You might find it helpful to take some time each day or each week to reflect on your progress. This will help you stay focused on what’s important and keep you from getting bogged down in the details.
- Eliminate distractions in your environment that derail you from focusing on the task you want to accomplish.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation. It may seem awkward at first, but doing this regularly can improve your concentration, focus, and overall well-being and health.
Read This Next: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ENTJ
The INFJ – Purpose and Predictions
As an INFJ, you’re someone who naturally fixates on concepts, visions, and the imagination. You naturally think forward and consider the ripple-effects of the situations happening around you. It’s natural for you to think in symbols and metaphors and look for meaning and direction in an abstract way. You think about what’s going to happen in the future, and look for patterns to see where they may lead.
You want to find purpose in everything that you do, whether you’re writing a paper for school or taking on a new project at work. You need to feel like your actions matter and are making a difference in the world. This can sometimes make it difficult for you to stay focused on the task at hand, as your mind is always wandering to the greater implications of what you’re doing. If what you’re doing feels insignificant or out of line with your purpose it can seem mind-numbing to pay attention to it.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- The best way for you to stay focused is to connect your current task to a larger goal or vision. What does this project have to do with your long-term goals? How will completing this task help you achieve your dreams? If you can see the purpose behind what you’re doing, it will be much easier for you to focus on the task at hand.
- Another way to stay focused is to take breaks often and give yourself time to daydream and brainstorm. This will help to refresh your mind and give you time to process all of the information you’ve been taking in. It’s important to have dedicated time for reflection, so make sure to schedule it into your week.
- Eliminate distractions in your environment as much as possible. This may mean turning off your phone, closing the door to your office, or wearing headphones to tune out the noise around you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re having trouble focusing. Sometimes it’s helpful to have someone else keep you accountable or give you a push in the right direction.
- Sometimes you can be a people-pleaser, and this can lead to you being too busy and taking on too many projects. It’s important to learn to say no and set boundaries, so that you can focus on what’s truly important to you.
Read This Next: A Look at INFJ Rage
The INTJ – Concepts and Progress
As an INTJ, you’re someone who craves knowledge and a sense of the deeper meaning behind things. Visionary and forward-thinking, you like to explore big ideas and see where they might lead. You’re constantly looking for ways to improve upon systems and find new and better ways of reaching your goals. Your mind is always active, seeking out knowledge and understanding. Understanding how the universe works and knowing your place within it is important to you.
You’re also someone who prioritizes logical thinking. You want to know the ultimate truths of life and are driven by a need to research different theories. You’re constantly asking yourself questions and seeking answers. This can make it difficult for you to focus on tasks that are more day-to-day or trivial. You need to feel like what you’re doing is important and has a purpose. Otherwise, it can be hard for you to focus your attention. It is especially difficult when relational needs show up and interrupt your thoughts. While you care about your loved ones, if you’re in an analytical mindset, switching to an emotionally supportive role can take more time than people are willing to give.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Try to structure out ample time for reflection, thought, and research. And I’m not just talking about work time! Make time for this at home also. This way your family and loved ones know when not to interrupt you and you don’t have to worry about switching mindsets in the midst of an intensive thought.
- Take care of your physical self. You’re an idea person, so sometimes your physical needs can get lost in the process of exploring ideas and thoughts. Make sure to prioritize getting enough sleep, eating properly, and exercising. Doing these things can help to improve your focus, concentration, memory, and overall well-being.
- Eliminate distractions in your environment as much as possible. This may mean moving your phone to another room, working in a quiet space, or using noise-cancelling headphones.
- Plan out time to invest in your relationships. If your spouse, child, or best friend isn’t feeling supported by you then that can ultimately derail you. Whether this means sending a friendly text at lunch every day or planning out 30 minutes of alone time to connect emotionally with your spouse, make sure to find what works for you and your relationships.
Read This Next: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an INTJ
The ESFP – Experience and Impact
As an ESFP, life is about being in the center of the action, surrounded by friends and exciting possibilities. Whether you’re swapping jokes, dancing the night away, or helping out in a crisis, you know how to seize opportunities and make the most of each moment. You focus on your surroundings, the details in your environment, and any opportunity that might show up spontaneously.
You’re also someone who prioritizes making a positive impact on the world around you. ESFPs aren’t labeled “the entertainers” for nothing! But while some ESFPs enjoy taking center stage in the arts, others enjoy less obvious forms of making an impact. Maybe you work as a teacher, counselor, or nurse. Maybe you’re the one everyone turns to in a crisis because you know how to keep a steady head and improve morale. Whatever your role, you likely approach it with enthusiasm and pragmatism.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- One of the best things you can do to improve focus is to find a way to make what you’re doing meaningful. When you’re able to see the positive impact of what you’re doing, it’s easier to stay motivated and focused.
- You can struggle with a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out). You want to be in on everything and experience as much as possible. While this is a great quality, it can also make it hard for you to focus on any one thing. One way to combat this is by putting away distractions that get in the way of your productivity. If you need to buckle down and do your taxes, leave your phone in the other room. If you’re trying to write a paper, log off of social media.
- What works for some personality types doesn’t always work for you. Get creative with your life to increase productivity! If you need to make a difficult phone call, do it on a pleasant outdoor walk. If you need to write a research paper, blast some inspiring music while you do it and take breaks whenever you reach a mini-benchmark and get up to move around a little bit.
- Play games to improve your brain function! Jigsaw puzzles, ping-pong, sudoku, and chess can help to improve cognitive ability, focus, and concentration.
- Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. You like a busy and active life, but without enough sleep, you can lose your ability to concentrate on the things that matter to you.
The ESTP – Experience and Relevance
As an ESTP, you crave a life of excitement, action, and intensity. “Seize the day!” is more than just a saying to you – it’s a way of life. You’re always on the lookout for new opportunities, and you’re never one to shy away from a bit of risk. As a lead sensor, you also focus on your surroundings and the details in your environment. But you’re also well-equipped with what people call “street smarts.” Being practical and grounded is important to you; you try to focus on what’s most relevant now rather than getting distracted with “what ifs” or hypotheticals. Nobody could accuse you of having your “head in the clouds” – you’re far too down-to-earth for that!
ESTPs like you live in the moment and take things as they come. This can make you seem spontaneous and impulsive to others, but it also means that you’re adaptable and able to roll with the punches. You’re also quick on your feet, and you have a knack for coming up with creative solutions to problems.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- You’re focused when you’re in the midst of a crisis or when there’s an immediate need that has to be dealt with. However, when you have to work methodically towards a long-term goal you can find yourself getting restless. One way to stay focused when you’re working on a long-term project is to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Set mini-goals for yourself and celebrate each time you reach one. This will help to keep you motivated and on track.
- Make sure you’re taking care of your physical needs. When you’re hungry, thirsty, or tired, it’s hard to focus on anything else. So make sure to keep snacks and drinks on hand, and take breaks when you need to.
- You may need to find unconventional ways to be productive. While some people need absolute quiet to work, your type tends to work better when active. So if you’re trying to research for an essay, you could do it in a bustling coffee shop. If you’re trying to organize your bedroom you could play a favorite movie at the same time (one you’ve already seen so you don’t have to sit still to find out what’s going on).
Read This Next: 10 Reasons Why ESTPs Make Amazing Friends
The ISFP – Sincerity and Inspiration
As an ISFP, you’re someone who wants to find the beauty and significance in each moment. You stay focused on the now and pay attention to all the details and opportunities around you. You’re inspired by your surroundings and you want to find ways to make each day more beautiful.
As a lead feeling type, you’re very in touch with your emotions and you have a strong sense of how you feel about things. You’re also sensitive to the emotions of others, and you can be very compassionate and insightful about what people are going through emotionally. You like to live life according to your own values and you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it goes against the grain.
Authenticity is hugely important to you. You want to live life with integrity and you hate anything that feels superficial or fake. You’re quick to notice if someone is hiding something or has ulterior motives and you can sum up what someone’s like fairly quickly. People are often surprised by your astute observations about individuals.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- One of the best things you can do to stay focused is to find a work environment that suits you. You need to be somewhere that feels comfortable and inspiring to you, where you won’t feel stifled or bored. Beautiful surroundings will help you do more productive work.
- It can also be helpful to have some sort of physical anchor when you’re trying to focus. This could be a worry stone that you hold in your hand, or a favorite necklace that you wear. Something that you can touch and feel will help to center you and keep you present.
- You may find it helpful to work in short bursts of time with breaks in between. You likely have a lot of energy and you may need to move around frequently to stay focused. So if you’re trying to write an essay, you could try writing for 20 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. Or if you’re studying for a test, you could study for 45 minutes and then take a 15-minute break.
- It’s also important for you to have some time each day to just relax and do something you enjoy. This could be taking a nature walk, listening to music, or working on a creative project. When you have some down time to recharge, you’ll be able to focus better when you need to.
- If you find yourself constantly getting derailed by notifications on your smart phone, try leaving it in a distant room or a cabinet in your office while you work instead of right next to you. Simply glancing at your smart phone can make you lose your concentration.
Read This Next: What It Means to be an ISFP Personality Type
The ISTP – Details and Tactics
As an ISTP, you’re someone who likes to figure things out for yourself. You’re highly independent and can often come up with creative solutions to problems in the heat of the moment. While some people walk around in the world hardly noticing the things happening around them, you notice every detail in high-definition. Your mind buzzes with questions and observations like, “How does that work?” “Does this make sense?” “What’s happening over there?” “How should this fit together?”
You’re also a master of using whatever is available to you to make something happen. If you need a tool, you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty and figure out how to use it. You’re resourceful and you quickly notice objects in your environment and how they can be used.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Start your day with exercise. According to the May 2013 issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch, regular exercise releases chemicals key for memory, concentration, and mental sharpness.
- Listen to some music while you focus. Experts believe that classical music and nature sounds, such as water flowing, are good choices for concentration while music with lyrics and human voices tends to be distracting.
- Give yourself small rewards for completing tasks. This will help to train your brain to associate focus with something positive.
- Find a work environment that suits you. You need to be somewhere that has enough stimulation to keep you interested, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task until the timer goes off. Then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle until you’ve completed all of your tasks for the day.
Read This Next: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ISTP
The ESFJ – Relationships and Meaning
As an ESFJ, you notice the needs and feelings of the people around you. You’re quick to pay attention to social expectations like manners, tactfulness, and rules. You’re always looking for ways to make the people around you happy and you naturally take on a lot of responsibility in your relationships. Knowing what you “should” and “shouldn’t” do is important to you because you take your responsibilities very seriously.
You feel most fulfilled when you’re part of a team or close-knit group. You like working towards a common goal with others and feeling like you’re contributing to something larger than yourself. When you’re part of a team, you’re quick to pitch in and do whatever is needed. You’re also a gifted communicator and you have a way of making people feel heard and understood.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- Start your day with a to-do list. This will help you to feel more organized and in control of your day.
- Make time for social interaction. As an ESFJ, you need regular social interaction in order to feel fulfilled. Make sure to schedule in some time each day to talk with friends or family members.
- Find a balance between work and play. You need to have both in your life in order to feel fulfilled. Make sure to schedule in some time each day for both work and play.
- If you find yourself being over-committed because of saying yes to too many people, practice setting healthy boundaries. It’s okay to say no, but it may take some practice. Remind yourself that everything will be okay if you make time for yourself sometimes.
- If pings from social media keep interrupting your focus, try leaving your phone in another room while you work. You can also try setting specific times of day when you’ll check social media so that it doesn’t become a constant distraction.
Read This Next: 24 Signs That You’re an ESFJ, the Defender Personality Type
The ESTJ – Tasks and Logistics
As an ESTJ, you naturally pay attention to all the things that need to be done. You probably have a to-do list at the ready most of the time, and you notice things that will get in the way of efficiency. Whether you’re reorganizing your kitchen or mapping out a work initiative, you’re always looking for a way to reach your objectives as quickly and with as little wasted effort as possible.
You feel most fulfilled when you’re able to complete a lot of tasks and then relax after a job well done. You pay attention to the details in your environment and try to set them up so that your life is as efficient as possible. Having a clean and orderly space is important to you because it helps you to feel more in control. But you’re not all about work and no meaning. Ultimately you want to take care of the logistics and tasks in the world around you so that you can help out the people and values that matter most to you.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- If you find yourself getting bogged down in the details, try taking a step back and looking at the big picture. What is your end goal? What is the most important thing to focus on right now? Is it your work, or could it be something else? At the end of your life, what will matter most?
- Make time for people and experiences that are important to you. As an ESTJ, you’re quick to focus on your work and responsibilities, but it’s important to make time for the people and things you care about outside of work as well.
- Schedule in some time each day or week for yourself. This is time that is just for you and nobody else. You can use this time to do things that make you happy or relax. It’s important to have some time each day that is just for you and not focused on work or other responsibilities.
- Some people find it helpful to meditate or do some form of mindfulness in order to focus on the present moment. If you find your mind constantly wandering, try one of these practices to help you focus on the here and now.
- Try to eliminate distractions from your environment. If you find that you’re constantly getting interrupted by things around you, try to take some time to declutter and simplify your space. This might mean putting your smartphone in a different room or unsubscribing from emails that you don’t really need.
Read This Next: 24 Signs That You’re an ESTJ, the Captain Personality Type
The ISFJ – Impressions and Needs
As an ISFJ, you have a storehouse of reflections in your mind that you draw from in your daily life. The world around you is rife with meaning, but many people simply don’t see it. A certain flower might remind you of a beloved grandmother, or a color might make take you to a memory of a moment from your childhood that was significant to you. You often sense the history and significance of various objects around you and because of that you have a strong emotional connection to the world.
You likely have a great memory for detail, and you can often recall people’s names, what they were wearing, or what they talked about even if you only met them once. You pay attention to the little things that make people unique and you notice details in your environment that say something to you about a particular person.
Besides details, you are also very in tune with the needs of others. You can quickly pick up on when someone is feeling upset or withdrawn, and you have a natural desire to comfort them. In many ways, you’re like a lighthouse, shining your light on the forgotten corners of the world.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- You can get so caught up with what other people need that you lose sight of your own personal needs. Practice setting healthy boundaries and make sure to schedule in some time each day or week that is just for you.
- Set up your environment for focus and concentration. Silence your phone and put it in a cabinet, unsubscribe from emails you no longer read, and clear off your desk so that it’s only filled with the things you need.
- Take time for quiet reflection and self-care. If you’re too busy then you can find your mind wandering to parts of yourself that have been de-prioritized. It’s important to take care of your whole self; emotions, health, spirituality, work, and family. Is there a part of yourself that is going neglected? That part might flare up when you’re trying to get a task done.
Read This Next: 24 Signs That You’re an ISFJ, the Protector Personality Type
The ISTJ – Quality and Order
As an ISTJ, you notice the details around you without having to try. But you don’t just notice them on a surface level, you’re quick to notice how solid, impenetrable, or high-quality something is. Some people call you meticulous, but you just see it as doing things the right way. When you shop for something you probably inspect it carefully and notice quickly if something isn’t right or if the product is cheap or poorly constructed.
Efficiency and organization are also important to you. You like to have a sensible place for all your things. If you use certain tools in your garage, you know exactly where they are and you can put your hand on them in a matter of seconds. You might have a color-coded system for your clothes or a place for everything in your office. Even if someone else knows where things are, it doesn’t feel right to you unless it’s in a place that makes logical sense.
Finding Focus in the Midst of Distraction:
- When it comes to focus, you’re probably pretty disciplined. But there are still ways to help yourself out. Invest in a planner or bullet journal to help you keep track of your thoughts and ideas. This can be a great way to de clutter your mind and stay on task.
- Set up your environment for success by taking the time to organize your space. This doesn’t have to be done all at once, but a little bit each day can make a big difference.
- Although you’re probably pretty good at focusing, everyone needs a break now and then. Make sure to schedule in some time each day to relax and recharge. This can be something as simple as taking a walk outside or reading a book.
- Feed your body foods that moderate blood sugar, maintain energy, and fuel your brain. Fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods can keep your blood sugar levels even. Reduce high-sugar foods and drinks that cause spikes and dips in your sugar levels make you feel dizzy or drowsy.
- While you’re someone who wants to concentrate on a particular task until it’s done, sometimes you get stuck and your brain needs something fresh to focus on. Try switching to another tasks or something you love to do. This simple act of switching tasks can help you stay alert and productive for a longer period.
Read This Next: 24 Signs That You’re an ISTJ, the Detective Personality Type
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Discover more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type, The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
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Yes. Great tips. mbti: INFJ socionics: ILI enneagram: 4w3
To quote Elaine from the old Seinfield show, to people talking nonsense, “Give me something I can use!”