The Identity Glitch: 'Wait, I'm an INTJ Now?'
The screen glows with a new four-letter code. You blink, then read it again. It feels like a typo, a glitch in the matrix of your self-concept. For years, you’ve known yourself as an INFP—the thoughtful, creative mediator. You built career daydreams on it, explained your social habits with it, and even found community in it. But today, the test says you’re an INTJ.
Suddenly, the floor feels a little less solid. Who are you? Was the old you a lie? Is this new you the 'real' one? This jarring experience, where your mbti type changed over time, isn't just a quirky internet phenomenon; it can trigger a genuine sense of identity panic. It forces us to question our past decisions and our future plans. But what if this change isn't a glitch at all? What if it's a sign that you’re doing something profoundly right?
The Panic of a Changing Identity
Let’s just pause and take a deep breath right here. If your mbti type changed over time and you feel completely unmoored, that is an incredibly valid feeling. It's like finding out the street you grew up on has a different name now. It doesn't make your memories less real, but it's deeply unsettling.
That four-letter code was never just a label; it was a story you used to understand yourself, a shorthand for your complexities. When you see your mbti results different every time, it can feel like you’re losing the plot of your own story. Our emotional anchor, Buddy, puts it best: 'That wasn’t just a personality test result; that was your brave attempt to know yourself. Feeling confused when the data changes isn't a failure—it's the feeling of your own growth surprising you.'
This isn't a sign of inconsistency or a flawed character. It's a testament to your lived experience. You've faced challenges, learned new skills, and adapted. The fact that this is reflected in a personality metric doesn't mean you were wrong before; it means you've been doing the hard, beautiful work of evolving.
Growth vs. Change: The Truth About Your 'Core' Type
It's natural to wonder, can your personality type change? The answer, from a psychological standpoint, is both no and yes. As our sense-maker Cory would say, 'Let’s look at the underlying pattern here. We're asking the wrong question. It's not about changing who you are, but expanding how you operate.'
Your core, innate personality type is generally considered stable throughout your life. It’s like being naturally right-handed. However, as you mature, you learn to use your non-dominant hand with greater skill. This is the essence of personal growth and MBTI. You're not changing your core preferences, you're developing your less-preferred cognitive functions.
The reason your mbti type changed over time is often because you’ve successfully strengthened these other functions. That INFP who now tests as an INTJ has likely been forced by work or life to develop their logical, systematic side (Extraverted Thinking, or Te). The test picks up on this new strength, causing the result to shift. This also explains why the test-retest reliability of MBTI can vary; a person in a phase of intense growth or high stress and personality type fluctuation may show different facets of themselves.
So let's reframe this. The observation that your mbti type changed over time is evidence of your increasing psychological flexibility. Cory offers a permission slip for this moment: 'You have permission to be more complex than a four-letter code. Your growth is not a contradiction; it’s an expansion of your capabilities.'
Harnessing Your Growth for a More Adaptable Career
From a strategic perspective, this development is a massive professional asset. Our social strategist, Pavo, views this as a power-up. 'Stop seeing this as an identity crisis,' she advises, 'and start seeing it as a strategic advantage. You’ve just unlocked new tools for your career toolbox.' The fact your mbti type changed over time means you are now more versatile.
Here is the move. Instead of worrying about which type is 'real,' leverage your newfound balance. This is where personality development and career planning intersect powerfully.
Step 1: Audit Your Expanded Skillset.
Objectively list the traits of the 'new' type that resonate with you. If you’ve gone from a 'Perceiver' (P) to a 'Judger' (J), it likely means you've become better at planning, organizing, and following through. That's a marketable skill, not a personality flaw.
Step 2: Redefine Your Professional Value.
Your career possibilities have just broadened. You're not just 'the creative idea person' anymore; you're the creative who can also manage a project timeline. The fact that your mbti type changed over time demonstrates adaptability—a highly sought-after trait in any industry.
Step 3: Update Your Narrative.
Pavo always insists on controlling the narrative. When discussing your strengths, integrate this growth. Here’s a script you can adapt for interviews or performance reviews:
'My natural inclination is towards [strengths of original type], which I’ve always found valuable in my work. Over the past few years, I’ve also intentionally developed my skills in [strengths of new type], which now allows me to not only generate innovative ideas but also build the structure to execute them effectively.'
FAQ
1. Why are my MBTI results different every time?
Your results can vary due to several factors. It might reflect genuine personal growth where you've developed less-preferred functions. It can also be influenced by your current mood, stress levels, or the specific context of your life when you take the test. Instead of focusing on the inconsistency, look for the patterns in what's changing—it often points to areas where you're actively developing.
2. Can high stress make my MBTI type change?
High stress doesn't change your fundamental type, but it can cause you to act 'out of character' or rely heavily on your least-developed function, known as the 'inferior function.' This can definitely skew test results, making it seem like your mbti type changed over time. It's a temporary state, not a permanent shift in your core personality.
3. Is it bad that my personality type seems to have changed?
Absolutely not. In most cases, it's a very positive sign. It indicates that you are maturing, learning, and becoming a more well-rounded and psychologically flexible individual. Viewing this change as an expansion of your skills, rather than a loss of identity, is key to leveraging it for both personal and professional fulfillment.
4. So, which type is my 'true' type for career planning?
Your original, innate type likely still represents your most natural and energizing way of operating. However, your new results reveal the valuable skills you've acquired. The best approach is to honor your core type for long-term fulfillment while leveraging the skills of your 'developed' type to become more effective and open up new career opportunities. You are not one or the other; you are both.
References
themyersbriggs.com — Can Your Personality Type Change Over Time? - The Myers-Briggs Company