Over the past few months, I’ve been reading a lot about Jungian types, MBTI, and socionics. Normally, I’m quite skeptical about typologies that divide people into rigid categories - I feel that these are dangerous generalizations. However, in this case, MBTI has helped me better understand myself, recognize behavioral patterns, and draw some interesting conclusions.

I also want to point out that I consider taking any typology tests an unreliable way of typing oneself, especially when it comes to Jungian typology and its derivatives. In my opinion, it’s better to focus on cognitive functions and base any conclusions on them rather than relying on test results.

My type is ISTP (SLI in socionics), aka The Crafter, aka The Artisan.
Here are some notes I’ve made over the past few months based on MBTI (which currently seems more realistic to me than socionics) and my own life experience. I don’t think this will be useful to anyone else, so let me clarify that this is just a personal reminder for myself (as I’m constantly making observations and immediately forgetting them).

• Take care of your body – prioritize health, proper nutrition and regular exercise.
• Pause before reacting – avoid responding impulsively to situations. Give yourself time to process all info and move away from a pessimistic mindset.
• Prioritize responsibilities – balance what you want to do with what you need to do. Focus on responsibilities to build discipline and accountability.
• Write things down – your memory might not retain everything. Keeping notes prevents you from forgetting lessons and repeating same mistakes.
• Practice humility – don’t try to control everything or everyone. Let people ask for help if they need it; avoid giving unsolicited advice, even if you’re confident it will help.
• Stick to habits – treat habits like a belief system. Commit to them, especially routines like exercise and schedules, to avoid dropping them after a short time.
• Verify facts – don’t blindly trust information, even if it seems logical. Be aware of biases and hidden motives. (and don't make idols for yourself!)
• An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Stick to your values rather than acting out of resentment. Revenge only leads to more harm.
• Build connections – skills alone aren’t enough. Networking might feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential for growth and opportunities.
• Optimize routine tasks – simplify repetitive or mandatory work by finding the fastest and most efficient ways to complete it.

Some tips for task optimization and healthy productivity:

• Small consistent steps. Big plans are really hard to execute, so break down all tasks into smaller ones and tackle them gradually, bit by bit.
• Clear tasks with defined time marks. Tasks should be clear and well-defined, so they can be completed within a specific and reasonably short timeframe (otherwise - procrastination)
• Time will smooth out edges eventually. If you stick to the previous points and work gradually, over time, imperfections will even out, and progress will become noticeable.
• Find someone who inspires you and does similar things; use it as a kind of "decision/behavior compass." This method helps you stay on track and not feel lost.