[MBTI General] Are you multi talented?

[Porcelain Hearts]

I feel most NF and NTs I encounter are because of their cross examination and utility of their N functions. But also, who isn't multi-talented these days with the social-economics matrix and our staggering population numbers to make ourselves more useful in the workforce. I suppose this begs another question, if we are truly under the illusion of extended free time or the narcissist complex?
It could just be relevant to myself...
though our multi-talents does not invariably mean we are exceptional at all that interests us. On that account, what is it that you stubbornly use your time doing, knowing you're not expecting recognition or nobel peace prize for it?

I'll be honest.
I can sing and play guitar, but I have yet to compose my own song.
I can skateboard, but I can't do any tricks.
I can dance to many different genres, and in front of large audiences; it's just me and the music. But for the love of me, following choreography is too onerous.
In the same aspect, I model without any direction, contorting my figure to find emotion. But I'm no longer industry standard thin (not that it matters except no more paid gigs).
I design, paint and draw with accuracy, but I'm intensely slow about it.

So to save myself from an agonizing standard, having creative or physical outlets help me escape the boring work-concentrated duties. What are some of yours?
Also, how much creativity do you apply to your work? And is it more or less motivating?

 

[LucidLegend1984]

From what I have seen in person with NTs or NFs is that most are Jack of all trades but masters of none, just as you escribed your talents.

We tend to go for the more versitile as opposed to the more mission specific.

I understand computers but I can't code.
I'm always in great shape but I'm not good at anything specific, unless doing pullups is grand?

 

[Lexicon]

..Hard for me to distinguish inborn talent from developed skill..

I definitely relate to the Jack-of-all-trades description. I can sing, act, write, draw [only terrible cartoon-type things], make clothes, memorize long sets of numbers (hide your credit cards!), or entire scenes from plays, um... do minor home & auto repair via guesswork. None of these things are perfect or objectively well-developed or useful, by any means.

 

[nomoreshallwepart]

From what I have seen in person with NTs or NFs is that most are Jack of all trades but masters of none, just as you escribed your talents.

That's me. I guess it's also true (to a degree) of high profile intuitive types like Brian Eno and Nick Cave who seem to do all sorts of things in their careers.

I personally make music of many different styles, play darts a bit, write short stories, play Football Manager a lot, I used to draw when I was young but don't any more, I'm in to lucid dreaming; am I great at any of these? No way.

 

[Tyrinth]

memorize long sets of numbers (hide your credit cards!),

Heh, this is fun, I memorized all of the numbers on my debit card within a week or so of getting it. (Without even trying, I just ended up remembering it after using it a couple times.)

But yeah, I'm another jack of all trades, master of none. Is it really an NF/NT thing though? I always thought it was semi normal to have varied interests without a whole lot of depth into any of them.

Anyways, uh...

I can draw fairly well, but I'm no artist. (My drawings look like a 5 year old did them relative to some of the drawings I've seen by others on this forum.)
I know how to do some stuff on the guitar, but actually playing something in a band is waaay out of my reach.
I like to write, but my stories never get finished.
...I guess there is more, but I can't be bothered to think anymore, I'm supposed to be doing homework right now...

 

[Totenkindly]

From what I have seen in person with NTs or NFs is that most are Jack of all trades but masters of none, just as you escribed your talents.

That describes me very well, both in my private life and my professional life... except for those few areas where because of some kind of external structure/pressure I was forced to practice a particular skill repeatedly. in those few areas of knowledge/skill, I became more of a specialist.

But typically I have a fast learning curve for the bulk of a skill, then never practice it enough to fine-tune it to become a master. I focus more on integration of various disciplines and how knowledge genres interface with each other -- the relationship between the data vs the data itself.

 

[Porcelain Hearts]

I'm always in great shape but I'm not good at anything specific, unless doing pullups is grand?

I suppose I shouldn't use the term multi-talented since there are skills we directly maximize. Of course being in shape is alloted time out of the day to become.. superhuman (why else?).

memorize long sets of numbers (hide your credit cards!)

Is it really an NF/NT thing though?

I'd be inclined to believe so. Sensors have a focused and exceptional ability to hone in one a particular skill, understanding the mechanics of it in detail and with no surprise, they become experts at it. Some of them reproduce very detailed and composed works of art. iNtuitives probably see things in a dream-like sequence, details are not so important as to the grand feeling or overall message itself. Less repetition, more innovation.

 

[Porcelain Hearts]

But typically I have a fast learning curve for the bulk of a skill, then never practice it enough to fine-tune it to become a master. I focus more on integration of various disciplines and how knowledge genres interface with each other -- the relationship between the data vs the data itself.

Sometimes I feel it's this thinking that leads me to control issues... you have to admit, it's a lot of work to handle integrations of different mediums because it requires a physical or mental climb, it's a heavy and lame standard of harnessing all genres at once. How fast could I really go? If I were to use an example of a director, a director needs the help of production artists, technicians, actors, stylists, screenwriter, legal counsel, and so on.
I need to hone my skills around one or two things and become really good at it, then look for a specialized skill from someone who I can form the perfect "marriage" with. I feel like many of us (Ns especially) like to wear different hats when there's always been one hat that suited our face this entire time.

 

[KDude]

Sensors aren't necessarily more detailed with their skills. ESPs especially are attracted to novelty and new opportunities that take them elsewhere all the time. An ISP can find enjoyment in one activity and have it always be "fresh" to them, but an ESP is not the same.

 

[Thalassa]

You're describing Ne versus Si, not necessarily N vs. S.

Be careful with that, Si types can delve very deeply into one specialized area because of their Si linear connections, preferring to collect every single fact and facet of one subject.

However, I will admit to being a major fact collector, and I will obsess about something until I understand it. I tend to want to be the best at what I'm doing, even as an exotic dancer, I was secretly a bit proud when girls started copying my moves.

I grew up dancing, singing, acting in plays, doing creative writing, and making art projects. I found that art was not my strongest skill, and my ISFJ sister is pretty much the artist in the family, and she seems very "focused" in the way Si types are - because that's what you're describing, Si types, and even more specifically Si doms.

I guess I can kind of relate to the sensor description, though, because I will pick certain things and basically be obsessed with that thing, though. History, literature, adult entertainment (I tried nearly every area of it that was legal), writing, and cooking.

I'm actually not sure why I didn't realize I was a sensor in the first place because I start with facts and move to theory. My mom calls me the walking encyclopedia and I do move from facts/experiences to a holistic picture (Se ---> Ni).

I read in an article called "MBTI in Education" that ESxx types actually like history because it combines fact collecting with human events. I find this interesting because I like history and human culture, and Jung called the ES(F) type the Cultural Realist.

This totally contradicts the prejudice that some have, though, that NFs are more interested in human cultures than SF types.

 

[Poki]

I feel most NF and NTs I encounter are because of their cross examination and utility of their N functions. But also, who isn't multi-talented these days with the social-economics matrix and our staggering population numbers to make ourselves more useful in the workforce. I suppose this begs another question, if we are truly under the illusion of extended free time or the narcissist complex?
It could just be relevant to myself...
though our multi-talents does not invariably mean we are exceptional at all that interests us. On that account, what is it that you stubbornly use your time doing, knowing you're not expecting recognition or nobel peace prize for it?

I'll be honest.
I can sing and play guitar, but I have yet to compose my own song.
I can skateboard, but I can't do any tricks.
I can dance to many different genres, and in front of large audiences; it's just me and the music. But for the love of me, following choreography is too onerous.
In the same aspect, I model without any direction, contorting my figure to find emotion. But I'm no longer industry standard thin (not that it matters except no more paid gigs).
I design, paint and draw with accuracy, but I'm intensely slow about it.

So to save myself from an agonizing standard, having creative or physical outlets help me escape the boring work-concentrated duties. What are some of yours?
Also, how much creativity do you apply to your work? And is it more or less motivating?

LMAO...sorry...had to.

This is something that is person based and not personality based.

I am a really good computer programmer as well as build them
Have done an engine swap, installed a stand alone fuel management system, hooked it up to my computer and programmed it
I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do
I am a handy man
I am extremely technical
I have no issues handling womens emotions
Love working on cars
Into car stereos
Can play the piano a little
I know about retirement planning/stocks(used to frequent sites such as MotleyFool)
Have read alot about dieting and exercising
Know alot about mortgages, money, credit, etc.
Have a degree in electronics
Love jet skiing, driving fast, bike riding, camping, anything physical
I wont even go into sexual

I can go on and on...SP

 

[Thalassa]

LMAO...sorry...had to.

This is something that is person based and not personality based.

I am a really good computer programmer as well as build them
Have done an engine swap, installed a stand alone fuel management system, hooked it up to my computer and programmed it
I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do
I am a handy man
I am extremely technical
I have no issues handling womens emotions
Love working on cars
Into car stereos
Can play the piano a little
I know about retirement planning/stocks(used to frequent sites such as MotleyFool)
Have read alot about dieting and exercising
Know alot about mortgages, money, credit, etc.
Have a degree in electronics
Love jet skiing, driving fast, bike riding, camping, anything physical

I can go on and on...SP

Yeah I think this is indicative of Se though...different things...but want to be the "best" at it (if Keirsey is to be at all believed).

 

[Poki]

Yeah I think this is indicative of Se though...different things...but want to be the "best" at it (if Keirsey is to be at all believed).

Yes...I personally have a huge thirst, drive, and obsession when I do things. Reading, learning, practicing, and constantly moving forward. Its all based on where I am in life and whats going on in my life.

 

[Porcelain Hearts]

Thanks for sharing your hobbies and life, Poki. If I shared all of mine, well... I still wouldn't be nearly as talented as you. But I have to mention I only listed the skills I would put above the average person (apart from skateboarding, but how many girls skateboard - 1/20? probably less). I find it discerning I admit, to be technical and it's almost like it requires extra energy to remember computer data or delicate details.
I realise Marmie made a good point about Se/Si function on mental stimulation, I wouldn't cancel personality out of it.

 

[Such Irony]

I'm not really talented at all, at least not in the things people describe in this thread. I'm not artistic or athletic at all. I don't have many things that people would consider hobbies. Most of my free time is spent reading, on the Internet, playing video games, doing puzzles, that sort of stuff. I'm more of a thinker than a doer and I guess what I envision as talent being good at something that has a more tangible end product.

I guess I'm kind of the jack of all trades when it comes areas of knowledge. I know a little bit on alot of different topics but I don't really consider myself an expert on any particular thing. Maybe one or two really obscure areas but that's about it.

 

[King sns]

I can come up with tons of ideas for projects but have little patience in practice.. At the store:
"This would be fun to turn into a candle holde- oh wait, I could put them into like a fountain and I could make like windchimes to put over it, like.. windchimes with the turquoise stone that I like, I wonder how they cut that stone, I wonder how far I could go with that, I mean, do I want to go see some stone cutter guy or hey look!! I could turn that into a frame, I could paint over it and then take some shells off the beach and throw some glue and dried flowers and make it all look Asian like, I could actually go to Asia, I should seriously just go totally green and find a way to make some self sufficient home in Central Asia and just hey look!!! These beautiful beads!!!! When the world starts to come crashing down around me I can learn all these trades and crafts that people won't be able to turn down! Will people still want beads? Wouldn't it be fun to make a movie called "The Beadmaker" over the course of my life, and it could be really hard but quite beautiful really!

I try to bring stuff to reality but get impatient really easily. I can't boil down to the details but can make things look pretty in a pinch. Sometimes I have a big mob of projects on my brain at once so when I'm actually doing one, it's coming out just "loosely based" on the original thought, and sometimes melds together with some other projects that I already had in mind. So, in short, I'm not very talented.... all talk and no trousers or whatever it is.

 

[Poki]

I can come up with tons of ideas for projects but have little patience in practice.. At the store:
"This would be fun to turn into a candle holde- oh wait, I could put them into like a fountain and I could make like windchimes to put over it, like.. windchimes with the turquoise stone that I like, I wonder how they cut that stone, I wonder how far I could go with that, I mean, do I want to go see some stone cutter guy or hey look!! I could turn that into a frame, I could paint over it and then take some shells off the beach and throw some glue and dried flowers and make it all look Asian like, I could actually go to Asia, I should seriously just go totally green and find a way to make some self sufficient home in Central Asia and just hey look!!! These beautiful beads!!!! When the world starts to come crashing down around me I can learn all these trades and crafts that people won't be able to turn down! Will people still want beads? Wouldn't it be fun to make a movie called "The Beadmaker" over the course of my life, and it could be really hard but quite beautiful really!

I try to bring stuff to reality but get impatient really easily. I can't boil down to the details but can make things look pretty in a pinch. Sometimes I have a big mob of projects on my brain at once so when I'm actually doing one, it's coming out just "loosely based" on the original thought, and sometimes melds together with some other projects that I already had in mind. So, in short, I'm not very talented.... all talk and no trousers or whatever it is.

I like no trousers ...

 

[INTP]

multi talent is the only talent i have

 

[Reverie]

From what I have seen in person with NTs or NFs is that most are Jack of all trades but masters of none, just as you escribed your talents.

We tend to go for the more versitile as opposed to the more mission specific.

I've often thought of myself as picking up any basic skills I need for a specific task or just picking things up easy. Just recently I learned how to bake at a pretty "advanced level" because I needed to cater a party to save money. I managed to bake 4 pretty difficult varied cakes (Sacher cake, Glazed carrotcake with marzipan decorations, Non dairy chocolate cake, Quark blueberry cake) and 3 types of pies, cookies and macaroons. After doing a few different types I can now apply the basic ideas to make unique cakes.
When I was a teen I dated a graphic designer. We were late for a party and he was doing some HTML for work and couldn't get a picture in the right place. I was hovering around him and noticed there was a pattern repeating there around what I figured where pictures and that what he was writing was missing something that repeated. It turned out I was right and we could go to the party. (Yei!)
I can usually figure basic rules easily spontaneously on a need to know basis.

I suppose I shouldn't use the term multi-talented since there are skills we directly maximize. Of course being in shape is alloted time out of the day to become.. superhuman (why else?).





I'd be inclined to believe so. Sensors have a focused and exceptional ability to hone in one a particular skill, understanding the mechanics of it in detail and with no surprise, they become experts at it. Some of them reproduce very detailed and composed works of art. iNtuitives probably see things in a dream-like sequence, details are not so important as to the grand feeling or overall message itself. Less repetition, more innovation.

I think this is it.
I hate repetition, unless it's a specific thing I have a problem with. (Like repeating the one or two parts in a song that are more challenging as opposed to going through the whole shebang a million times.)
Generally I think I have good overall understanding and skills from sciences (though I haven't pursued them I had top grades in biology & chemistry), humanities (ditto, but top grades at upper secondary level in Philosophy, Comparative religion, Political history, History, 3 different languages) to the arts (painting, graphic design, music, recording technology, writing, ...and I've acted too) and can do things with my hands (bake, do woodcarvings, make jewellery and props) so general talent....with the exception of being somewhat number blind (though I have a high IQ) and unable to learn some physical things like juggling or dance steps. With those I suck immensely I'd say I'm not an expert in anything but I know more than the average Joe about lots of things.... My interest in developing skills is always task specific and I pick them up for my long term projects...which I suppose is very INFJ.