Expand your courage and confidence with your MBTI personality type

Expand your courage and confidence with your MBTI personality type

6 min. read

Growing up, I always equated bravery and courage with grand adventures – things like skydiving or motorcycle stunts, Evel Knievel style. But I’ve come to realize that courage is subjective. It’s different for everyone. Sure, jumping out of an airplane takes guts. It’s undoubtedly brave. But courage can fly under the radar too, and still be just as impactful. It reminds me of the quote from author Mary Anne Radmacher: “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, ‘I'll try again tomorrow.’”

It's so true. What feels courageous for me might not be anything for you to brag about. And vice versa. Some people struggle so deeply with their mental health that it’s an act of courage just to get out of bed in the morning. Others may find it challenging to voice their opinions and put themselves out there. For them, an act of courage could be speaking up in a meeting or finally pressing “send” on an important email. Or think of the people who constantly say yes to helping others, but rarely make time for themselves. It would take courage for them to learn to say no more often.

What makes all of this even more interesting is that your personality type impacts your outlook and behavior around courage. You were born with innate preferences for what energizes you, how you learn new information, the way you make decisions, and how you organize your time/environment. Because you’re predisposed to certain personality preferences, your view on courage – and the way you move toward it – could be wildly different from someone else. For example, there are probably things you’re naturally good at that others may consider admirable and courageous. Likewise, there may be times you wish you could emulate another person’s strengths because you recognize the courage it would take for you to mirror their behavior or mindset.

Courage is a skill you can develop over time

The good news is that you can strengthen the personality preferences that don’t come naturally to you. It helps if you think about this in terms of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® (MBTI^®) assessment. The MBTI assessment measures your personality preferences to give you a clearer picture of your unique motivations, strengths, blind spots, and overall tendencies. This four-letter combination of personality preferences is called your personality type. Learning about your personality type and preferences serves as an effective catalyst for greater courage and confidence.

Think of courage as a skill. The more you practice, the more it improves.

But before you can learn to be more courageous, it’s a good idea to consider what matters most to you. In other words, what does it mean for you to have the courage of your convictions?

For example, write down what motivates you or how you want to show up in the world – as a leader, a parent, a community member, or whoever you want to be. For example, if you want to lead a team with integrity, you have to be willing to speak up for what’s right – even when it gets uncomfortable. If you want to feel more connected or make new friends, you have to reach out and foster those relationships. If you want to run a marathon, you have to get out there and train. You get the idea.

Once you’re clear on what matters most, then you can use your personality type insights to help you figure out what courage might look like in your life. To get you started, here’s a brief look at how each of the 16 MBTI personality types naturally show courage, plus some opportunities where they can bravely step outside their comfort zone. BTW, there are countless ways to show courage, so this isn’t a comprehensive list by any means. But it’s a great reference point once you know your personality type.

How different MBTI personality types show courage

ISTJs naturally show courage by finding better ways to do the right thing

Others may admire the diligence and humility of ISTJ personality types. ISTJs expand their courage when they learn to trust their own instincts and share their thoughts with others.

ISTPs naturally show courage by making new discoveries that solve old problems

Others may admire how well ISTPs work under pressure. ISTPs expand their courage when they open themselves up to building both relationships and new solutions with the people around them.

ESTPs naturally show courage by walking their talk

Others may admire how action-oriented, flexible, and charismatic ESTP personality types are. ESTPs expand their courage when they practice reversing their inclination to act first, reflect later.

ESTJs naturally show courage by sitting in the driver’s seat and knowing where to go

Others may admire the ESTJ’s high standards and dedication. ESTJs expand their courage when they suspend judgment and appreciate that there’s more than one way to reach a destination or goal.

ISFJs naturally show courage by humbly working behind the scenes

Others may admire the way ISFJ personality types prioritize loyalty and practicality. ISFJs expand their courage when they learn to inspire cooperation with an assertive, clear communication style.

ISFPs naturally show courage by keeping their values at the core of whatever they do

Others may admire ISFPs for their free-spirited nature and sensitivity to others’ needs. ISFPs expand their courage when they learn how to give tough or constructive feedback.

ESFPs naturally show courage by living in the moment

Others may admire how ESFPs never seem too far from the action. ESFPs expand their courage when they accept that being busy isn’t always the same as doing what’s important.

ESFJs naturally show courage by going the extra mile

Others may admire the way ESFJs do whatever it takes to help at a moment’s notice. ESFJs expand their courage when they learn to cope with ambiguity and slow down their decision-making process.

INFJs naturally show courage by balancing a mind full of ideas with a heart full of integrity

Others may admire the insightful nature of INFJ personality types. INFJs expand their courage when they learn how to be more direct with others, especially if it helps bring their meaningful vision to life.

INFPs naturally show courage by marching to the beat of their own drum

Others may admire INFPs for keeping their values at the core of whatever they do. INFPs expand their courage when they learn to balance gentleness and idealism with decisiveness and productivity.

ENFPs naturally show courage by enthusiastically pushing the limits of what’s possible

Others may admire ENFP’s zest for life and their ability to creatively challenge conventional thinking. ENFPs expand their courage when they pause and consider the facts before jumping into action.

ENFJs naturally show courage by bringing people together for positive change

Others may admire the sincerity and thoughtfulness of ENFJ personality types. ENFJs expand their courage when they tackle big issues more directly instead of sweeping them under the rug.

INTJs naturally show courage by being comfortable with the complicated

Others may admire INTJ personality types for how perceptive and independent they are. INTJs expand their courage when they learn to value personal relationships as much as solving problems.

INTPs naturally show courage by thinking outside the box

Others may admire INTPs for their willingness to ask tough questions. INTPs expand their courage when they challenge their inclination to detach from people and instead invest in their relationships.

ENTPs naturally show courage by daring to challenge the status quo

Others may admire ENTP personality types for the energetic way they come up with unique solutions. ENTPs expand their courage when they learn to trust others’ ideas and contributions too.

ENTJs naturally show courage by choosing a path and sticking to it

Others may admire how ENTJ personality types face any challenge head-on. ENTJs expand their courage when they work toward softening their sometimes intimidating demeanor.

Ready to be courageous and learn about your personality type? Take the MBTI assessment today.

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