{"id":2108,"date":"2021-09-17T15:59:29","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T15:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thetalentcycle.co.uk\/?p=2108"},"modified":"2022-10-10T12:11:14","modified_gmt":"2022-10-10T12:11:14","slug":"not-so-blue-january-mbti-careers-decisions-and-putting-the-zing-into-january","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thetalentcycle.co.uk\/uncategorized\/not-so-blue-january-mbti-careers-decisions-and-putting-the-zing-into-january\/","title":{"rendered":"Not so Blue January \u2013 MBTI, Careers decisions and putting the \u2018zing\u2019 into January!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This week we were told that Monday was the \u2018most depressing day of the year\u2019 or \u2018blue Monday\u2019. Was it for you? I\u2019ve been struck this year by just how many people I have had conversations with who were keen to get away from the \u2018din\u2019 of Christmas and back to normal life, meaning January is anything but \u2018blue\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

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So why might this be? For any followers of MBTI (the Myers Briggs Type Indicator), a psychometric profiling tool based on preference pairs, including those for Introversion or Extroversion, might provide us with some clues. For those with a preference for Introversion, whilst sociable people, they have a tendency to process things through \u2018thinking things through\u2019 and get their energy from this, rather than in talking things through with others. Again, whilst sociable they are also likely to require some \u2018peace and quiet\u2019. At a recent session I ran on MBTI, called \u2018How to survive your family at Christmas\u2019, I mentioned that when I host a Christmas party, I always provide a \u2018quiet room\u2019 for those needing a little space. Needless to say, my group with a preference for introversion thought this sounded heavenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Likewise, with the other four preference pairs which MBTI is based around, certain ways of processing can be at odds with the change of Christmas. For those who like a logical steps-based processes (\u2018judging\u2019 in MBTI terms), then going back to the order of every day life may be a welcome break. And as January is traditionally a time for \u2018thinking big\u2019 and setting goals for the year ahead, those with preferences for Intuition, Thinking and Sensing will all have lots to get their teeth into. <\/span><\/p>\n

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So, what does this teach us when it comes to making career decisions? <\/span><\/p>\n

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Working with a group of students in Year 9 recently, I talked to them about the fantastic careers website www.i-could.com<\/a> which amongst other things, has a quiz which tells you all about which animal you are (in case you\u2019re wondering, I\u2019m a Seahorse\u2026it\u2019s based on MBTI and a Seahorse profile is INFJ which, cunningly, is indeed my MBTI profile!). The thing I love about this quiz and all the information you get at the end is that it goes beyond \u2018you like Maths, you should be an accountant\u2019 but instead it focuses on the other things in life that matter. It talks about your strengths and weaknesses, what you might enjoy and where your blind spots might be, as well as suggesting very broad career areas (advice and HR for us Seahorses\u2026good to know I\u2019m in the right place then!).<\/span><\/p>\n

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When looking at career choices then, taking this holistic approach helps with career happiness and fulfilment. So, if you\u2019re not feeling the love for being back at work, it may be time to start assessing your future career options to ensure these needs are met. If however, you\u2019re happy where you are but January just isn\u2019t <\/em>your favourite, then here are 5 top tips if you are experiencing those January blues.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1) Fed up with New resolutions and all the pressure they bring? Allow yourself to follow your own heart \u2013 and if it right now that\u2019s resting on the Sofa, then embrace that.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2) Or mix it up and go for a new activity, like a winter picnic or roasting marshmallows on your patio firepit (it\u2019s fun, trust me!).<\/span><\/p>\n

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3) Use January to plan some exciting things throughout the year. Get those holidays and mini breaks booked in to look forward to.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4) As money is tight and livers are hurting at this time of year, embrace this quiet period and meditate your way back to health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5) My favourite quote of all time is \u2018creativity is intelligence having fun\u2019. So put down the technology, save yourself the money of an expensive trip out and instead, make up a fun (free!) game with the kids.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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