ENTP or ENTJ? 3 or 8?

[Temizzle]

I'm narrowing down the possibilities and am seeking some more input and discussion on this!


By the late, great bologna/Mr. Eyebrows/greed
1. What is your MBTI type, Enneagram, Socionics, Temperament, etc.? How did you arrive at them--tests, introspection, "trying it on".. ? How confident are you that they fit--how well do they describe you, and what about them doesn't fit? What other types have you "tried on" or thought you were?

It's ENTx for me at this point. When I was younger perhaps I was more introverted but as I've grown, even though I may not be the most social person, I'm still stimulated by interaction and want to interact with and get things done in the real world. If I get too isolated for too long I get really ancy and unhappy. I may be somewhat of an idealist (exploring the possibility of NF here) but my internal thought process is rather focused on theories, strategies, tactics, and the workings of things rather than issues of morality. I don't think I'm an SP because, while I can smooth my way through many situations, I wouldn't consider myself naturally a smooth-operator, it's a conscious effort. I also like discussing strategy, tactics, and philosophy too much. SJ is completely out the window as I'm a person that regularly questions norms and customs and even moves against them.

As for enneagram, after a long process, I'm either a 3w4 or an 8w9. In terms of instincts, I'm for sure an Sx/So with Sp as my blindspot. The main dilemma for me is an issue of internal motivation. There are many things that I just barely coast and slack off on in my life that aren't as personally important to me, even if they are issues of survival -- I tend to be more comfortable taking things to the edge and being lackadaisical about things most others would think are really important. At the same time, when something appears that grasps my interest I can chase after it relentlessly while blatantly neglecting other things in my life. Even though I don't necessarily need it to actually happen, I like to know that I can (am capable of) commanding attention, respect, and even attraction in as many situations as possible.

2. Why are you here? Why do you study typology? (Maybe some inspiration from here...)

I was brought to typology by my father at a young age and it became a massive hobby for me as I took fascination in understanding that people are patterned and can be understood formulaically. I like to think my pursuit of typology has also given me a lot of social leverage and an understanding of how much you can push which people, and what different people are like or can be used for. Even if I'm not consciously thinking about people's types, I like to think that I've learned to get a sense of who and what people are.

Of course, that has brought me to a deep-rooted curiosity of where I fit into the spectrum, hence why I'm here.

3. What do you value? What do you value in your environment, in the world, in other people, in dialog?

I value self-directedness, curiosity, effort, honesty, adventure, and friendliness.

From myself, I like it when I'm able to stick to something to make it happen. I like when I'm able to maintain my integrity, pick only meaningful battles, but enforce my way strongly when I need to -- being careful not to overuse my strength. I really like having influence over other people, but by way of their choice rather than threats or force... but I will happily abandon a group of people and go my own way if I'm unhappy with the way things are being done. I'm happy when I'm able to connect with others and form meaningful experiences and transformations from our interactions.

From my environment, I value cleanliness, order, but also surrounding myself with things that bring me joy. I don't like having things that zap my energy in my view, I'd rather take them down and put something up that makes me happy. I also like for others to respect the environment as much as I do, and to contribute to it -- contrary to the way I was when I was younger where I would kind of just keep to myself and do my own thing.

I appreciate many forms of dialogue... fun silly banter, but also more serious discussions that help me understand a situation better or more clearly. A good mix of fun, logistics, theory, and experience.

4. How do you present yourself to the world, at work, in conversation (perhaps in your choice of clothing or word choice)?

In school I have a more rugged look. I don't like to wear clothing items that are standard -- I like to personalize a bit with darker, more earthy colors and styles that are somewhat off-meta but which suit me. I guess you could say I have a quiet charisma, I don't carry myself in a way that is loud or obnoxious, but I still stand out.

I used to have a softer voice but now speak in a way that when I speak, I am heard. I like to joke around with people, but also like to lead conversations forward if I'm interested, usually with direct questions or echoing what the other person said in a way that I understand it to make sure that I'm clear.

In conversation, I tend to listen, make sure I understand, throw some jokes, and offer stories or perspectives from my life. I also like to tease and play around.

5. What is your favorite color? Favorite suit of cards? What symbols and ideas are you drawn toward? Why do you think you're drawn to these?

Favorite color: red. Favorite suit: spades.

In terms of symbols and ideas, I'm drawn to lions and bears in terms of animals, and I like any ideas which represent strength, autonomy, and good-intent. The reason I'm drawn to bears because I'm a lot like one... I'm very familial, lazy, and happy going about my way doing my own things and taking simple pleasures, but like to know that if need be I can apply a lot of force to a situation. In terms of the lion, first of all, I'm born a Leo and identify a lot with the astrological sign. Second, I think lions are really cool because.. well first of all they aren't the strongest or most well-equipped predators on the planet, their prey are faster then them so they need to rely on their cunning and social strategies to survive. Second, I really like the charisma they carry -- their iconic manes and the way they go about life is so unapologetic, proud, and self-confident. They don't need to prove their strength, they know who they are and take only what they need for themselves and their families. They also keep other animals on their toes.

Let me also add this questionnaire for more context:
1. During your youth (7'ish to 18), What did you focus on the most? What activities did you like and why? What aspect of life was lax in attention?

I had a large passion for getting in trouble with friends, pursuing women, running, wrestling, swimming, fighting, music, forming my own band, science, and math.

I spent the most energetic focus on wrestling, it was my pride and joy, my main passion. I became captain and MVP of my team and went completely undefeated one of my years. The moment I was most proud of in my wrestling career was when I humiliated a cocky douche bag in the ring who was humiliating my weaker teammates prior to our 1 on 1 bout.

Then I became obsessed with playing guitar and forming my own band, performing at our school and at different venues around the city.

The favorite classes I took in grade school were Psychology, English Literature, and AP Calculus. I'm not sure what I neglected.

2. You're in you senior year of high school (or whatever equivalent) and you are looking back over the last couple of years. What was your favorite aspect of the schooling experience and why? Favorite subject and why?

Favorite aspect: More autonomy and ability to carve out my own passions and direction. The highlight like I just mentioned was forming my own band and achieving a lot of success with it. I was kicked out a couple times for being too controlling, but they couldn't run it without me which also made me feel powerful and invaluable.

Favorite subject: I would have to choose AP Calculus, and the reason for this was because I chose to undertake this subject on my own accord after willfully choosing to leave home and live with other relatives. I worked really hard in that class because I wanted to feel that I can achieve success on my own terms better than I could under anyone's guidance or rules. I ended up scoring a perfect 5/5 on the exam, and the math was one of my favorite topics just from sheer intellectual stimulation.

3. A couple of friends call and invite you out to a restaurant. While there, you all are pleasantly conversing and one of your friends makes a comment that irked you. What are you're thoughts and how do you respond?

I would probably look them straight in the eye and with a very serious tone tell them to not do that again. If they give me shit back, I'm usually good at making my level of seriousness heard and felt -- I'll maintain my composure, and explain that in similar situations, I never did said thing, and that I expect the same level of respect in return. Then if they comply I'm happy going on as if nothing happened. If they don't comply, my mood is ruined and idk what I would do depends on the situation.

4. Your schooling is done and it's time to strike out into the world!! What sort of career do you want to go into and why?

I want to go into business in tech. I believe technology is the future, we all see and know it. In particular, I think machine learning technology is a massive untapped resource that can be applied to any and every field. I think with machine learning, we can learn to optimize any and all aspects of modern society, all we need is people to take the technology and apply it. The reason I want to be on the business side of things is first and foremost because I hate the engineering / programming side of things. I don't like sitting in a cubicle or room coding away for hours. I would much rather spend my time talking with important people discussing strategy, moves, plans, and making things happen -- and working as a communicator from the heads of engineering across all major departments within the business.

5. A friend is getting married and they put you in charge of the cake. You narrowed it down to two places to make an order. The first is a bakery with whom you got a good relationship with. The other is a well-known cake maker to whom everyone goes to (your friend hints to it as well). Which one do you choose and why?

If my friend hints to the well-known bakery, then that's where I go. It's not my wedding, and it's not my job to make my baker-friend's business. I would much rather apply the shoe that best fits the foot so to speak, if my friend wants a certain cake for their wedding, I'm going to get the cake that makes their wedding as amazing as possible.

6. You get into an argument with a friend/family member/co-worker. They criticize one of your personality traits. What would most likely be the focus of their critique?

Hmm usually it's either that I'm thick-headed and stubborn or insensitive and mean.

7. It's New Years! You and your friends are out and about after a party. Being drunk, one of your friends suggests to do something....'questionable' (Nothing serious. I.e, drugs, escort, etc.). What are your thoughts and how do you respond?

Let's fuckin do it! Even drugs / escort / etc that's fine too lol.

8. A new art gallery opens up and your friend wants to go to the grand opening. Both of you analyze all the paintings and sculptures. What about these works warrants the most attention from you? Why?

The one that speaks the loudest. I don't really care about the message all that much since I'm well aware people are all entitled to their own opinions -- I'm very curious to uncover what the message is, but I don't have a moralistic stance towards or against said message persay. What is more interesting to me is how the artist captivates the viewer and how loudly their artwork speaks to me.

9. You have been saving up and decide to buy a new car. At the dealership, you peruse the lots. What are the criteria and factors that influence your choice? Which one would initially be your main focus?

I would need a stick shift car that has good gas mileage, is comfy on the inside, has power, good speakers, doesn't have a history of maintenance issues, and looks badass but the look portion is the last on the list.

10. Yep, you now have a kid (sex of your choosing)! Years pass and they are now 15 years old. You notice their personality traits are the complete opposite of how you were when at their age. Describe how they are. Describe the possible conflicts that would arise between both of you due to differing temperaments.

Oooh interesting question.

I suppose my son would be..
Very conformist, main-stream, solidly self-assured without giving it a moment's contemplation, social-butterfly but very meek. Able to forgo self gratification easily.

I think the main conflicts we would have is that he would give me shit for like... not recycling properly, or not doing charity work, or other shit like that. Granted, it is my son, if these types of things are important to him, they aren't inherently harmful to others -- actually beneficial, so I would use this as a learning opportunity and comply with his wishes, encouraging his resolve in his beliefs.

Oh, also, he would complain incessantly about everything with a really bad attitude and no proposed solution which would drive me up the fucking wall and want to discipline the shit out of him.

 

[notmyapples]

ENTJ 8w9. You don't seem high-energy enough to be an ENTP, your writing follows a linear fashion and makes a concise point before moving on to the next. ENTP writing, and Ne communication in general, is much more scattered and spontaneous. There is also an underlying disdain for traits primarily associated with Si which would make a lot more sense from an ENTJ rather than a ENTP. You are very direct in the way Te dominants are, ENTPs are a lot less clear when they're making a point to others due to NeTi. You're innovative but also practical-minded, making me think NTJ. 8w9 over 3w4 seems obvious to me, you come across as far too self-assured and unconcerned with other's opinions to be a 3 core, much less any heart type. I would also agree with your own assessment of sx/so.

 

[Temizzle]

Does another person have another take or is this the consensus

 

[Peter Deadpan]

Everyone who picks a lion with a dark background as an avatar is an NTJ 8.
It's science.