The Myers-Briggs® Personality Types as Things in Nature

Sometimes, the best way to understand someone is to connect them to the world around us. Nature speaks in metaphors, and honestly, the MBTI® types fit right in with its wild, unpredictable beauty. Are you more of a wildflower or an ocean wave? Let’s find out!

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

INTJ – The Glacier

INTJs are glaciers: slow-moving but absolutely unstoppable. They carve out entire landscapes with nothing but quiet determination. When they get a goal, they will literally reshape their entire world to make it come to fruition. When setbacks occur, they brace themselves and keep following their vision (sometimes to their own detriment). They might not be the best party pals (you mean our unintentional glare isn’t charming?), but they’re always looking ahead, thinking of ways to get stronger through integrating more insights and taking on more intellectual challenges.

INTJs want to synthesize everything they know into one big accomplishment. This drives them towards constant self-mastery and progress. If it’s challenging that makes it all the more satisfying. Glaciers don’t waste energy trying to be puddles. They’re deliberate, steady, and quietly breathtaking in their impact.

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ENTJ – The Volcano

If the INTJ is the slow, patient glacier, the ENTJ is the volcano that erupts and reshapes the world right now. They marshal all their resources towards progress, change, and evolution. ENTJs don’t just climb mountains—they become them, erupting in ways that force everyone around them to either run or build something with the lava they’ve left behind.

ENTJs are quick, they’re decisive, and they’re not afraid to confront important issues to make big changes in the world. They boldly and consistently pursue mastery, using strategic thinking to pave the way towards goals that would make certain other types fold over with exhaustion.

INTP – The Nebula

INTPs are cosmic. They’re nebulae—beautiful, enigmatic clouds of potential just waiting to birth stars. They’re the people who sit quietly in the corner, thinking about the mysteries of the universe while you’re over here trying to figure out where you left your phone.

One INTP I worked with had this incredible talent for connecting ideas I’d never have put together in a million years. Talking to him was like watching someone knit the universe out of string theory, philosophy, and random tidbits about frog biology. Of course, sometimes those connections stayed in his head. INTPs are great at imagining stars—they’re not always in a rush to make them real. But when they do? Wow.

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ENTP – The Lightning

ENTPs are nature’s chaos: lightning bolts that strike with no warning and leave everyone buzzing. They’re quick thinkers, fast talkers, and even faster movers. If you’ve ever been in a brainstorming session with an ENTP, you know it’s not brainstorming—it’s a tornado of ideas, most of which are genius, and a few that are… less so.

As an INTJ I can only watch in bewilderment and wonder as I try to come up with something…ANYTHING…in the rapid-fire deluge of their ideas. It can be simultaneously inspiring and intimidating.

One ENTP client came to me frustrated because their boss “didn’t appreciate their brilliance.” Honestly, their brilliance was so much that it was overwhelming. They’d throw out 15 ideas in a meeting before anyone could finish processing the first one. ENTPs are like lightning: bright, dazzling, but sometimes too much to handle if you’re not grounded.

INFJ – The Aurora Borealis

The INFJs are the Northern lights of the personality spectrum — rare, wondrous, and slightly magical. You don’t just run into an INFJ, it’s more like those perfect, poetic, passing ships moment when the universe somehow aligns and you happen to be in the right place at the right time. I wish more moments like that happened! And even then, good luck getting all their layers! These types always have an aura of mystery about them, and they prefer it that way.

For an INFJ, life isn’t simply about going through the motions or marking things off a list. It’s about pursuing meaning, exploring imagination, and constantly growing as a human. They’re the “Mystics” of the personality world—forever questing after the deeper truths, the big picture, the mysteries that make life worth living. While so many other people exist in the here-and-now (which isn’t a bad thing), INFJs are already several layers down the line wondering what it all means.

Find out more: Here’s What Gives You a Sense of Magic and Meaning, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

ENFJ – The Sun

ENFJs are human sunshine. They radiate warmth and optimism and somehow manage to make everyone feel like they’re the most important person in the room. They’re the friend who shows up with coffee and a pep talk, and suddenly, your whole day is brighter.

One ENFJ client of mine organized a fundraiser for a struggling family, and by the end of the day, she had half the town involved. She wasn’t just leading—she was pulling people into her orbit. ENFJs burn bright, and you can’t help but absorb some of their warmth when you’re in their presence.

INFP – The Willow Tree

INFPs are like willows—quiet, unassuming, but vital in ways most people don’t notice at first glance. They offer shelter to the overlooked and forgotten, standing tall for the underdogs when the world feels too harsh. Like a willow with its roots digging deep into the soil, INFPs hold tight to their values, bending when life gets tough but never breaking. Their strength lies in their stillness, their ability to absorb life’s messiness and somehow filter out the toxins, leaving behind something cleaner, richer, and more meaningful.

For an INFP, life is a constant search for hidden truths—the “why” behind people’s actions, the layers beneath the surface. They want to understand, to connect, to dig deep into the moral questions most of us only skim over. Right and wrong, good and evil—these aren’t just abstract concepts to them; they’re puzzles to unravel. INFPs need relationships that feel authentic, built on integrity and genuine intention. Like willows stabilizing the banks of a rushing creek, they offer quiet strength to the marginalized and vilified, standing firm even when the current tries to drag them down. Sure, they’re soft, but don’t mistake that for weakness—they’re unyielding when it matters most.

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ENFP – The Wildflower Meadow

ENFPs are wildflower meadows—vivid, untamed, and full of surprises. They pop up in unexpected places, bringing joy and life to everything around them. Spend five minutes with an ENFP, and you’ll feel like the world is bigger, brighter, and somehow full of magic.

One ENFP I worked with talked about their constant need for change. “I get bored,” they said, half-laughing, half-exasperated with themselves. “I just want to see everything and do everything all at once!” Being around an ENFP just feels like it opens up new possibilities; you start to see opportunities you never noticed before. Just like a wildflower meadow can inspire you with its variety and beauty, the ENFP can inspire you by opening up new ideas.

ISTJ – The Mountain

ISTJs are like mountains: powerful, reliable, and quietly commanding respect. They’re not flashy, and they don’t demand attention, but their presence is undeniable. You know they’re there, holding everything steady.

I remember an ISTJ client who managed a team at work. He kind of hated it, to be honest, because it involved so much people-ing (yuck!). But he was good at it. He didn’t want praise or attention; he just wanted the systems to run efficiently. When things went sideways, he was the rock everyone leaned on, calmly working through every detail (as long as he had ample time alone in his office to focus). Mountains don’t crumble under pressure, and neither do ISTJs. They’re planful, prepared, and responsible until a task is 100% completed at its best.

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ESTJ – The Redwood Forest

ESTJs are redwood forests: awe-inspiring, enduring, and an essential part of their ecosystem. These towering giants don’t just stand tall—they create entire communities beneath their canopy, providing structure and stability for countless forms of life. These giant trees have withstood over a millennium of droughts, floods, pests, and fire.  And they capture more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other tree on earth! Just like redwoods, ESTJs at their best protect communities and provide consistency and protection so that the world is a more responsible place.

For the ESTJ, hard work isn’t just part of life—it is life. Like the roots of a redwood, their efforts run deep, anchoring their vision and pulling people into their carefully constructed systems. They believe in order and progress, and while they can seem unyielding at times, they’re also the ones throwing barbecues for the neighborhood or rallying the family for an annual camping trip. Like a redwood forest, ESTJs are built to last—strong, steady, and always thinking about the bigger picture.

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ISFJ – The River

ISFJs are rivers: steady, nourishing, and quietly shaping the world around them. They don’t need applause for what they do, but their work is vital—like keeping everyone alive kind of vital.

I once had an ISFJ client who spent years caring for her elderly parents, raising her kids, and volunteering at her local food bank. She didn’t see it as extraordinary. “It’s just what you do,” she shrugged, like she wasn’t the human embodiment of kindness. But rivers need care too. They’re resilient, yes, but over time, even rivers can run dry. ISFJs may not ask for help, but they need it just as much as the rest of us. So if you have an ISFJ in your life take this as a reminder to check in on them; send a text, bring them some coffee, or just ask them how they’re really doing.

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ESFJ – The Coral Reef

ESFJs are the coral reefs of the personality world: colorful, lively, and essential for creating unified communities. Coral reefs support 25% of all marine life despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor—a perfect metaphor for how ESFJs manage to touch the lives of so many people, bringing disparate groups together and building relationships. Just like reefs form partnerships with algae to sustain life, ESFJs create collaboration and teamwork. Every ESFJ I know seems to build a safe haven for their friends and family; a place where everyone can feel free to share their stories, their jokes, or their hardships.

Coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from storms, just as ESFJs shield their loved ones from life’s chaos. Sensitive to their environment, reefs flourish in healthy waters but suffer when neglected—a reminder that ESFJs, while strong and nurturing, need appreciation and support to thrive. Like a coral reef, their warmth, supportiveness, and consistency leave a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to be part of their world.

Read this next: The Helpfulness of Every Personality Type

ISTP – The Cave

ISTPs are like caves—cool, quiet, and full of hidden wonders you’d never expect from the outside. On the surface, they seem calm and unassuming, but step into their world, and it’s a whole different story. Inside, they’re constantly refining and reworking their thoughts, like nature shaping stalactites over centuries. They don’t just look at problems—they circle them, flip them upside down, and dissect them until they find the best solution. And just like a cave, their inner ecosystem is a mix of logic, precision, and creativity, working together in ways that feel almost otherworldly.

I had an ISTP friend once who barely spoke during the first few times we hung out. It felt like standing at the mouth of a cave, not sure what I’d find inside. But then they started sharing their thought process, and wow—it was like stumbling into a hidden cavern of insights no one else could see. They spotted details others missed and pieced together solutions with this ingenuity that boggled my mind. But, true to ISTP form, they didn’t let just anyone into that space. Independence is their air, their water, their everything. They need freedom to follow their hunches, act on their gut, and tinker with their ideas in peace. They don’t make a big fuss about it, either. ISTPs are like caves: they won’t shout for your attention, but if you’re patient enough to explore, you’ll find brilliance waiting in the quiet.

ESTP – The Rapids

ESTPs are like rapids—thrilling, fast-moving, and guaranteed to get your heart racing. They surge through life with an unstoppable energy, tackling challenges head-on and making it all look effortless. It’s a little infuriating for the rest of us (or maybe it’s just me) who try to get their pants on and fall over for lack of balance.

Living with an ESTP is like strapping into a white-water raft and hearing, “Hang on tight!” right before you hit the first drop. Trust me, I would know—I’m married to an ESTP. There’s no pursuit too daring, no limit too firm for him to find a way around (or through). They can be both terrifying and fun in equal measure, just like, well…a rapids.

For ESTPs, life is about seizing the moment and keeping their options open. They thrive at the edge, where the adrenaline flows and the stakes are high. They’re like environmental detectives, always scanning their surroundings for opportunities, openings, and the occasional shortcut. Constraints? Those are just puzzles waiting to be solved.

ISFP – Ocean Waves

ISFPs are ocean waves: gentle, but full of power. They’re the ones who move quietly but leave a lasting impression. They are creative; noticing every sight, sound, taste, texture and synthesizing it into something all their own. Do you think you could box in a wave? Yeah, good luck boxing in an ISFP either. These types are uniquely individualistic, with a passion for following their heart, even if it means going against the grain. ISFPs often underestimate their own impact, but like waves, they’re constantly reshaping the shore.

Find out more: The ISFP Cognitive Functions: A Guide

ESFP – The Rainbow

ESFPs are rainbows: bright, dazzling, and impossible to ignore.  Their personalities are colorful, optimistic, and they invite everyone to tune out distractions and just look and fully experience the beauty of the moment.

An ESFP client once told me her life goal was to make everything fun. And she meant everything—whether it was grocery shopping or cleaning her house. She’d blast her favorite songs and dance with her kids while folding laundry, redecorate her entire home with dollar tree supplies for her kids’ birthdays, and take all summer to travel around the country with a tent and a sense of adventure. ESFPs have this way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary. But like rainbows, they sometimes disappear just when you’re enjoying the view. It’s not intentional—they’re just exploring the next exciting pursuit.

Read this next: 10 Things ESFPs Look For in a Relationship

What Are Your Thoughts?

Do you agree with your choice? Do you have any other insights, ideas, or opinions? Let us know in the comments!

Find out 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!

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