Mr. Spreadsheets and I took the Meyers-Briggs personality test the other day.

I’m a skeptical person, so I don’t put much stock in personality tests… but the results were scary accurate.

Mr. Spreadsheets took the test for me, and then I took it for myself… same answer. Either I’m the most predictable person out there, or he knows me well. I think I’m going to go with the second one.

Without a doubt I am a ISTJ. 

Here are a few especially lovely excerpts to explain that personality type.

Their defining characteristics of integrity, practical logic and tireless dedication to duty make ISTJs a vital core to many families…

…enjoy taking responsibility for their actions, and take pride in the work they do – when working towards a goal, ISTJs hold back none of their time and energy completing each relevant task with accuracy and patience.

When ISTJs say they are going to get something done, they do it, meeting their obligations no matter the personal cost, and they are baffled by people who don’t hold their own word in the same respect. Combining laziness and dishonesty is the quickest way to get on ISTJs’ bad side.

ISTJs have sharp, fact-based minds, and prefer autonomy and self-sufficiency to reliance on someone or something. Dependency on others is often seen by ISTJs as a weakness…

To ISTJs, honesty is far more important than emotional considerations, and their blunt approach leaves others with the false impression that ISTJs are cold, or even robotic. People with this type may struggle to express emotion or affection outwardly.

Characteristics of ISTJs: Honest and Direct, Strong-willed and Dutiful, Very Responsible (ISTJs’ word is a promise, and a promise means everything. ISTJs would rather run themselves into the ground with extra days and lost sleep than fail to deliver the results they said they would), Calm and Practical, Create and Enforce Order

ISTJ friends are not spontaneous. They are not talkative, or particularly playful in their affection. What ISTJ friends are is loyal, trustworthy, honorable and dependable.

Seeking out friends with similar principles and opinions, ISTJs most often befriend other Sentinels, who are likely to share their perspective and world vision.

So… basically I’m boring, but we all knew that.

That might be a bit of an oversimplification. I’m not boring, I’m stable. I’m not cold and unfeeling, I am measured and value reality over falsehoods.

I am the train that keeps my family moving. I am boring, but I am chugging along. Dinner will get made, the laundry will (usually) get done, groceries will be bought, papers will be graded, and stories will be read. I might go to sleep dead tired, but everything will be done. And I’d much rather have a (mostly) complete to do list than more sleep.

I’m the friend that doesn’t cry, the friend that will never call you a bestie, offer a hug, or tell you things will be ok when they just won’t be. But I am also the friend that will (often) show up.

I am the employee that meets deadlines, submits quality work, and pushes for improvement.

I’m the person frustrated by what I view as unnecessary emotional outbursts. Seriously… breathe through it… screaming, crying, yelling, and hugging solve few if any problems.

I cannot stand it when people don’t follow through or offer excuses. I think if you’re going to make a choice you need to own that choice. If asked for their favorite “mom” quote, my boys would probably say “own your choices”. Man up friends.

The other day my to do list was a mile long. We had a baseball game to get to, I had a big project for work, family in town, and people coming for dinner. I knew that we had too much going on for one day, but I also knew that it would get done. 10 years ago I would have panicked, but I didn’t. I knew the scheduling would be tight, but I also knew I would get it done, because that is what I do- I get things done. I remember looking at my to do list in college thinking that was no way I was ever going to get all the reading done… but it got done because that is what ISTJs do.

So maybe it turns out you’re a boring control freak with no emotions. It’s ok, the world needs more of us- we show up, follow through, and keep life on track. Accept it, own it, embrace it, and use it to your advantage.

And just in case you want to take a quick test… here you go.