What ISTJ traits have you come across? Are you an ISTJ or are you looking forward to knowing one better? The ISTJ is one of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
It stands for Introversion, sensing, thinking, and judgment. They are a very practical and quiet personality type who enjoy a sense of order in their lives.
This includes their love life, work, family, and even friends. They hold on to tradition and hold on to ways they know more than trying out other options.
The ISTJ is one of the most common personality types out there. They make up about 13-15 percent of the population. That’s a lot.
So, chances are you have a good number of ISTJs in your life, school, job, etc. they are very practical and rigid in their commitment to whatever duty they set their minds to do.
They also have a sense of duty. This makes them feel in charge or responsible in many situations.
The ISTJ is introverted and just like every other introvert, they love their alone time. Their personal space means a lot to them. It helps them to recharge. There are a lot more to the ISTJ than meets the eye.
What Are the Common ISTJ Traits?
Here are some common ISTJ traits that are hard to miss.
1. Realistic
ISTJs are realistic in their view of life and live a very responsible one. They use this realistic view on life in achieving goals and making plans about their future.
They are very focused and tend to ignore distractions. This makes them determined in the pursuit of their goals.
It also shows that they are not easily influenced by the things around them. When carrying out tasks or expecting results, the ISTJ is very dependable.
They are also trustworthy and would usually do just as they’ve been instructed.
2. Surprises are a Big No
Known to carefully plan out things, the ISTJ doesn’t like surprises. They enjoy when the day goes according to their carefully thought out plans.
They are well organized and pay attention to details missed by others. Their minds can be in total chaos when things don’t go according to their plans.
They might even spend a good amount of time thinking about it till they can get it fixed. Yes, it can be that serious.
3. Traditions and Structure Matter
They can be very traditional. They aren’t the spontaneous kind and would rather follow rules and laws.
This means they prefer to follow their experience rather than new possibilities. They can even be rigid in changing their views on things which can come off as difficult to a lot of people.
What ISTJ Traits Are Considered Strengths?
Every personality type has their strengths and weaknesses. However, they are always some exceptions to the rule. This is no surprise as it is the basis of human dynamics. For the ISTJ, their strengths include that they
- Pay close attention. This makes them great partners. The ISTJ is very much detail oriented. This allows them to carry out their work perfectly.
- Are practical and logical. They don’t let their emotions control them and tend to relay on facts and data before making any decision. What makes the ISTJ great at giving advice is their thoughtfulness. They are realistic and do not have this fairy tale they hope to happen.
- Are observant. This could be why they pay close attention to detail. This is also why they are orderly and organized.
What ISTJ Traits Are Considered Weaknesses?
ISTJs
- Are very judgmental especially of things that don’t follow their values or laid down rules. This can make them come off as rude and condescending to many people. It can also cause a relationship strain.
- Find it difficult to take the blame sometimes. They feel a lot more comfortable blaming others for certain short comings than taking the blame themselves.
- Are insensitive or at least appear so to a lot of people. This is due to their judgmental lifestyle as well as tendency to blame others.
The Top ISTJ Traits You Might Possess
1. Perfectionists
You do not appreciate things not being done right. Things absolutely have to be perfect before you’re at rest. You put in all your energy in ensuring things are done just perfectly. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you. It’s so much better than doing a terrible job.
2. Working Alone is Perfectly Fine By You
You prefer working alone due to your introverted nature. If you have to work on a team, you’d rather have everyone assigned a task. Again, you’re really organized and you need reliable people on your team. If this isn’t the case, you’d rather do all the work yourself.
3. You Hate Being Idle
You absolutely have to be busy with some. This some applies even gatherings you attend (if you decide to attend one). Instead of spending time talking to strangers at a party, you’d rather be serving food, drinks, or cleaning up.
4. Blunt to a Fault
You can be very blunt even without trying to hurt people’s feelings. Yes, it does hurt people’s feelings. Telling the truth as it is without sugarcoating is your forte.
Sometimes you don’t even know when it happens. But you understand there is a need to say something when you truly care about the person.
5. You’re Terrible at Emotional Support
When it comes to emotional support, the ISTJ isn’t the best at giving it. They aren’t fixated on their emotions and do not make decisions based on that.
So, when your friends need some emotional support, you probably aren’t their first go-to.
6. You Follow Rules Every Step of the Way
Rules mean a lot to you. This is because you understand how important they are in maintaining structure. You aren’t the best at breaking rules as it can leave you in complete disarray.
To you, rules keep everything in check and order. It helps increase productivity and efficiency. So what’s not to love about it? Going contrary to it usually leads to chaos and that’s not something you find appealing.
7. Extremely Practical
Unlike INTJs, you do not care about abstract ideas. You are interested in more practical matters. You have little to no interest in imagining possibilities. Things have a way they work. You understand that and follow it. You also love explaining this to other people.
8. Simplicity before Fashion
When it comes to fashion, you have little to no interest in it. This reflects on your style as you wear more practical and comfortable clothes.
There’s no need to wear something that looks great but is completely uncomfortable. Not practical, not interested.
9. Planning and Structure is Important
Things need to go according to your rules or it can leave you in mental and physical chaos. ISTJs have your day or week planned out. You need it to go accordingly.
You can be quite stubborn and rigid in your beliefs. It can take a lot to get you to change your mind.
Sometimes that isn’t enough. You stand firm in your beliefs and it can make you come off strong-headed and annoying.
10. Acts of Service is Heaven for You
Words of affirmation don’t appeal to you. You’re more of an act of service person. Why tell someone you love them when you can just show them, right?
You’re very independent and know how to take matters into your own hands. You’re independent and reliable.
People even tend to depend on you too much. To you, making your own way is a lot better than relying on someone.
Are You An ISTJ?
Although the ISTJ can come off as rigid and insensitive, they are one of the best people to have by your side. They don’t sugarcoat things and say things as they are.
This is very helpful in the real world. They are also not pretentious and what you see is what you get. The ISTJ is also very introverted and can spend almost all their time alone.
They prefer carrying out activities on their own because they feel it makes them a lot more efficient.
If the traits above sound like you, chances are that you are an ISTJ. The best way to know if you’re an ISTJ is by taking a personality test. That way you’ll know for sure.
