Archetypes, the universal, archaic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious, are inherent parts of our psyche. They help to shape our behavior, guide our instincts, and pattern our emotions. Understanding these fundamental parts of ourselves offers unique insights into our personalities, motivations, and actions. In this blog post, we will explore eight powerful archetypes that correspond to the aspects of your Myers Briggs Personality Type: Introversion, Extroversion, Intuition, Sensing, Feeling, Thinking, Judging, and Perceiving. My name is Erik Thor, and in this article, I want to show you in simple terms what archetypes best align with which Myers Briggs Personality Types. That can help you better understand yourself.
Introversion as a Sage
The Sage archetype represents wisdom, introspection, and self-discovery. For the introverted among us, the Sage archetype may strongly resonate with our deep inner worlds and constant quest for knowledge. However, the challenge is to ensure that we do not get lost in introspection, thus distancing ourselves from the outer world. The focus here is on what you hope to learn or understand, or a problem you are trying to figure out. When trying to improve your introversion, spend time alone, meditate, introspect, and spend time immersed with solitary activities.
Extroversion as an Adventurer
Ever the life of the party, extroverts often exemplify the Adventurer archetype – dynamic, expressive, and constantly in motion. This archetype helps in building connections, but it may lead to overemphasis on external validation or neglect of one’s internal world. The focus here is on where you want to go, and what’s next for you in your life. When trying to improve your extroversion, look at available things you can do right now, set deadlines, work from immediacy, try to do things faster than normal.
Intuition as an Visionary
The Ideator archetype is marked by imagination, foresight, and the ability to connect disparate ideas. This archetype often defines those with strong intuitive abilities, highlighting their capacity to innovate and generate unique solutions. However, a high ideation may sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations or disconnect from practical realities. When trying to improve your intuition, think of a metaphor or symbol that explains your issues or problems, or write a story about a character and a quest, and then think about how that aligns with your day to day life and struggles.
Sensing as a Everyperson
Those who are grounded in the present and rely on their senses often mirror the Everyperson archetype. This archetype is pragmatic, realistic, and focused on the ‘here and now’. Despite its strength in keeping us present, an overreliance on sensing can sometimes limit our ability to plan for the future or think outside the box. But the Everyperson is highly skilled at finding practical workarounds, simple straightforward things you can do in the here-and-now, and less likely to get stuck on what-ifs. To improve your Sensing, make a practical to do list, find ways to simplify your thoughts, turn abstract ideas into practical action.
Feeling as an Empath
The Empath archetype resonates deeply with individuals who prioritize feelings in their decision-making processes. This archetype allows us to forge deep connections with others, but it also poses challenges when it comes to setting boundaries or making decisions that may negatively impact others. The Empath focuses on what is good, what they love, what they want or hope for, and what their dreams and values are. When trying to improve your Feeling functions, try to imagine or visualize a person and think about what you like about them, or imagine a situation and think about what is beautiful about it.
Thinking as a Merchant
Those who value logic and reason often align with the Merchant archetype. This archetype assists in objective decision-making and analysis but can sometimes lead to an undervaluing of emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships. When in a Merchant mental frame, imagine yourself as an ambitious salesman or tradesman, trying to test your wits and see if you can strike a winning deal in a specific situation. When trying to improve your thinking, turn the situation into a game, reflect on pro’s and con’s, and think about the best mechanical way to get what you want.
Judging as a Judge
The Judge archetype is characterized by organization, structure, and control. Those who lean towards judging often find resonance with this archetype. The challenge here is to avoid becoming too rigid or inflexible and to ensure that there is room for spontaneity and change. When you are in a Judging mindset, just imagine yourself as a Judge holdling a hammer, trying to lay down the law. When trying to become better at Judging, channel your inner Judge and spend time prioritizing, systematizing, and planning.
Perceiving as a Rebel
The Rebel archetype represents flexibility, openness, and spontaneity. Those who are strong in perceiving often embody these characteristics. While adaptability can be a strength, it’s important to not become indecisive or avoid commitments. When in a Perceiving mental frame, imagine yourself as a rebel, asking critical questions, addressing problems, and finding alternative routes. If you want to improve your perceiving, learn to be more rebellious, challenge authority, break out of the norms.
By understanding and embracing these archetypes, we can uncover deeper facets of our personalities and better navigate our journeys towards personal growth. Take some time to reflect on which archetypes resonate most with you and how they shape your life.
