Saturday Morning Psych Class

[xbox]

So I have a Saturday morning Psychology class, this past Saturday we did an in-class Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test, with a Clinical Psychologist as our professor.

I got INTP.

Next week we are going to further divulge into the career types, personality types of each of our temperaments. I guess this intrigued me because I want to know more about myself, as I have an odd personality, and weird myself out sometimes.

I know for a long time I wanted to be an engineer and had interest in certain things of my interest area only, but family has been stopping me and pushing me into other stuff that I never wanted to do, and I ended up failing out of college because of lack of interest. I never went to class and barely opened a book. My mind was somewhere else, and I felt trapped.

It's only recently (a couple months ago), that I rebelled and finally am about to do what I've always wanted to do. I can say it feels great to have that freedom.

But because of everything, my family almost sent me to a shrink because they knew I had potential but saw how much I kept failing. I stopped myself from going, I knew there was nothing wrong. Other than focusing issues, and organizational skills. I focus great when a subject interests me, isn't that how it's supposed to be anyways?

The entire failing process was a blow to the ego, I was frustrated at how "numbers" were being used to judge my abilities. I knew that those grades didn't define me. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me..

Perhaps I'm off and rambling as I usually do, I just hope I'm not the only one who feels the same.

Though right now I am very much happy where I am, not bound by others expectations and free to do what I want.

 

[Hadoblado]

I have had similar experiences. It sounds as if you are doing very well, the only part where I think you should possibly reconsider is the psychologist. It's not that you need to see one, just the way you implied that if you did go see a shrink then you've already lost.
I am reaping wonderful rewards from seeing a psychologist, and I've only been twice! Of course, if you are doing as well as you sound there seems to be no need, but don't rule it out as a future option if you're ever under similar strain. Up until a month ago I thought I was seriously mentally ill, now I realise I'm just another INTP! XD

 

[EditorOne]

Most folks who find out they are INTP are quite happy about it, as the initial reaction is "Oh, much is now explained" and the second reaction is "Hey! I'm not broken, I'm supposed to be this way." How's your mileage on those issues?

 

[xbox]

I have had similar experiences. It sounds as if you are doing very well, the only part where I think you should possibly reconsider is the psychologist. It's not that you need to see one, just the way you implied that if you did go see a shrink then you've already lost.
I am reaping wonderful rewards from seeing a psychologist, and I've only been twice! Of course, if you are doing as well as you sound there seems to be no need, but don't rule it out as a future option if you're ever under similar strain. Up until a month ago I thought I was seriously mentally ill, now I realise I'm just another INTP! XD

Thank you, well I guess I can look into it, since it's only recently that I found out that I am INTP, and the only one in my class who is INTP. I could talk to my clinical psychologist professor about it too, for some advice.

 

[xbox]

Most folks who find out they are INTP are quite happy about it, as the initial reaction is "Oh, much is now explained" and the second reaction is "Hey! I'm not broken, I'm supposed to be this way." How's your mileage on those issues?

That was my exact reaction actually. Before, I believed everyone else that something was wrong with me, but I'm glad to find out that I'm just another INTP.

Reading about many of the user's posts in this forum, sat well with me, especially about the INTP childhood experiences, and I've had similar/strange experiences/behaviors.

At first I thought I was INTJ, but when I visit the forum and read many of their posts, I realized I definitely wasn't one. Just one of the many examples: INTJ's are keen on organizational skills, and organized work-areas, masters of focus whether they like it or not, with extensive planning and to-do lists (which they actually follow). Yeah right, I don't do that, and I wasn't able to no matter how hard I tried.

Overall I felt relief when I came across this forum. I felt that it explained a lot about myself.

 

[digital angel]

It's a good feeling. I wish I had known my personality type long before I did.

Do you see yourself as a psychologist or are you still interested in engineering?

 

[EyeSeeCold]

The entire failing process was a blow to the ego

I know what it's like. :S


Welcome to the forums.

 

[EditorOne]

Yes, welcome home, actually.

 

[xbox]

Thanks for the welcome.

It's a good feeling. I wish I had known my personality type long before I did.

Do you see yourself as a psychologist or are you still interested in engineering?

It was around the age of 18 that I was interested in engineering, like I spent my childhood building stuff, doing experiments, reading about it. I'm 24 now, turning 25 soon. Parents were pushing me into doing something else..that I hated. I was really miserable.

I have the freedom now to do what I want, but I think I have lots of frustration over time wasted, and trying to spark interest in doing what I once wanted to do. I guess I feel kind of lost, but not caged anymore.

 

[xbox]

and I hope you all have some advice for me..

 

[digital angel]

Thanks for the welcome.




It was around the age of 18 that I was interested in engineering, like I spent my childhood building stuff, doing experiments, reading about it. I'm 24 now, turning 25 soon. Parents were pushing me into doing something else..that I hated. I was really miserable.

I have the freedom now to do what I want, but I think I have lots of frustration over time wasted, and trying to spark interest in doing what I once wanted to do. I guess I feel kind of lost, but not caged anymore.

It's difficult when you have frustration like that. Follow your interest(s) and you won't be miserable. Freedom and independence are nice. I enjoy it.

I'm a tax attorney. I enjoy being a professional and enjoy working on the matters I do.

 

[xbox]

Thats awesome. I've been taking classes in financial accounting, microeconomics, statistics, and I think I like them, they're pretty interesting. But then I keep thinking about engineering. haha..

 

[digital angel]

Who says you can't think about them all.

Keep up the good work and you'll be rewarded.

 

[EditorOne]

Tax attorney seems to have some of the things I think are good for INTP happiness: A body of knowledge requiring mastery and constant attention as it changes, plus a changing series of challenges. I'm not sure what the ratio of challenge to "moving paper" is in your office, but it seems to have potential to keep you from getting bored.

 

[xbox]

After recently talking to some distant relative, since my entire family is still unsupportive, they told me to go ahead and set to do what I originally was meant to do...become an Engineer.

I am amazed at how much surroundings can have an impact on someone. I felt realllly lost, even though having acquired new found freedom of doing what I want, everyone still discouraged me from Engineering, so I backed away from it and was looking into other stuff. But I think deep down inside I still love it.

I think I will go ahead and do it... Its not going to be easy because of a really unsupportive family. Like they literally told me they dont support me at all. I think all of that ingrained itself into me and I started doubting myself all together.

Though my family will NOT be pleased, I think I should do it, because just the thought of Aerospace engineering makes me get all excited haha.

 

[Da Blob]

Thats awesome. I've been taking classes in financial accounting, microeconomics, statistics, and I think I like them, they're pretty interesting. But then I keep thinking about engineering. haha..

Actually, statistics can be quite interesting once one gets past the introductory level. There are any number of fields where a good statistician could find a home...

Welcome...

 

[digital angel]

After recently talking to some distant relative, since my entire family is still unsupportive, they told me to go ahead and set to do what I originally was meant to do...become an Engineer.

I am amazed at how much surroundings can have an impact on someone. I felt realllly lost, even though having acquired new found freedom of doing what I want, everyone still discouraged me from Engineering, so I backed away from it and was looking into other stuff. But I think deep down inside I still love it.

I think I will go ahead and do it... Its not going to be easy because of a really unsupportive family. Like they literally told me they dont support me at all. I think all of that ingrained itself into me and I started doubting myself all together.

Though my family will NOT be pleased, I think I should do it, because just the thought of Aerospace engineering makes me get all excited haha.

I'm so happy for you. I'm VERY pleased. Remember, you can do any thing you want to.

 

[xbox]

Thanks!

Tried 'testing the waters' today and brought up the idea, just the idea! Was met with "oh youre wasting your time, and money, youre so undecided, youre this, and that"..

Damn!

I dont care..Still going to do it though..

 

[digital angel]

Thanks!

Tried 'testing the waters' today and brought up the idea, just the idea! Was met with "oh youre wasting your time, and money, youre so undecided, youre this, and that"..

Damn!

I dont care..Still going to do it though..

Sorry to hear that. I'm confident you'll do well.

It's probably safe to say that many INTPs have been in your situation or a similar situation. Your happiness is important.

 

[BigApplePi]

I was happy too to find out I'm probably an INTP because everyone thinks I'm so different also. I'm terribly curious as to what field or area your parents prefer you to go. Typically that kind of thing is family related, but that's just a guess.

I went to an engineering school myself but studied math, so I was exposed to a lot of the engineering temperament.

As to the counseling I would encourage that also especially if you don't have to pay for it. It's personal and if the counselor is okay, he/she will be all for you and not for your family, but I shouldn't make that a hard and fast rule. What do YOU think? If you reply to that part of it, I will give you more input.

 

[xbox]

My family REALLY wanted me to do medicine, pushed me into doing a microbiology major, pushed me into taking the mcats, pushed me into a caribbean medical school because I refused to apply to the ones in the states. I eventually went to a caribbean medical school, and left it this January of 2011 (spent 2 years over there). Because I couldn't stand it anymore. I was freaking miserable. I hated it so much, and could not see myself doing it. I don't think I've ever been as depressed as I was in medical school.

Unfortunately, I did not have a backbone at all to stand up to them, since they constantly degraded me calling me "antisocial" or whatever, cuz I spent days locked in my room, painting random stuff out of frustration Haha. They talked me out of engineering as a kid, they said "only smart people do medicine". Stupid stuff like that.

In the past though I attempted to change my major to engineering twice, and that was met with so much resistance from them.

My parents are Asian. <---(Medicine is the world to them, social status and what not) When I came back in January, they eventually gave up on me, and don't talk much to me about my future goals because in their eyes Im a failure, and they have labeled me as such. Saying that I "Gave UP" on medicine.

Yeah wow...talk about me pouring it all out. Sorry haha.

In January of this year, I experienced new found freedom, and wanted to know who the hell I was so I did the MBTI test, and it all made sense to me. Throughout my ordeal, I had forgotten that aerospace engineering was my dream, since 2nd grade. And just now I'm getting back in touch with it. And as of now, they are still resistant to me doing engineering, but I dont even care about their opinions, they can't stand in my way anymore.

Sorry to answer your question: My professor is a clinical psychologist so I am considering talking to her about these issues, so yes I am really really open to the counseling thing.

And I do realize that many INTP's have the same/similar stories and its been awesome just lurking and reading about it all..haha

 

[digital angel]

I'm so sorry to hear that it was hard for you. Ditto what BigApplePi said. You decide who you want your couselor to be and what direction you want counseling to go.

Remember, you're NOT a FAILURE. It's hard. To be quite candid, I have moments where I wonder about that for me. I find solace in this forum. If there's anything I can do for you, let me know.

 

[xbox]

Yeah I find solace in this forum too and I see that many INTPs go through very similar experiences in life. I learned that here!

Thanks for all the support and encouragement. I feel extremely nervous about doing engineering to be honest, but its really where my heart lies.

 

[BigApplePi]

I'm Caucasian but I've heard that many traditional Asian families place a high value on study and learning. Who knows why they have chosen to place such a high value on the medical field? As you say for you it is best you do what you find you value and will like the most.

I see counseling as doing two possible things for you:
1. Getting you to accept and be a peace with yourself.
2. Finding a way to know or reconcile yourself with your parents.
The latter may not be possible right now and it partly may depend on how rigid your parents are in their beliefs.

My story is quite different. My parents left me totally alone to make any vocational decision. As a result I received no guidance at all ... the opposite of your situation. Oddly enough my father WAS a physician. So I guess they didn't need another one in the family and I was certainly not going to compete with him.

 

[Synthesis]

Welcome to the forum

In the end, you will have to live with yourself. If your interest lies in engineering, be a trail-blazer. Do what you want to do; it is your life to live, no? Enjoy it.

 

[xbox]

Exactly. Dont have their support but is doing it regardless. Thats whats going to be tough, but whatever.. Counseling will help tons for me

 

[digital angel]

Exactly. Dont have their support but is doing it regardless. Thats whats going to be tough, but whatever.. Counseling will help tons for me

I think it's safe to say you have support here.

 

[xbox]

I know Thanks, thats why I stick around.

 

[xbox]

Something has been depressing me a lot lately. I'm anticipating about what the future holds because of this new feeling of doing whatever I want to do, but looking back at my habits, I haven't had much success focusing...which caused me to fail. I guess I'm scared of failing again.

 

[xbox]

Something has been depressing me a lot lately. I'm anticipating about what the future holds because of this new feeling of doing whatever I want to do, but looking back at my habits, I haven't had much success focusing...which caused me to fail. I guess I'm scared of failing again.

Couldn't edit it so i have to quote myself.

Im not used to pursuing what I wanted to do, since all my efforts in the past were just ripped and torn apart. Now that I'm doing what I want at this moment, I'm still sort of doubtful about where I'm going to end up. Yeah Im scared of failing again. Im just hoping that I will be able to focus and get better at studying in something that I want to do.. because in the past I SUCKED at focusing/studying the things my parents wanted me to do.

 

[boondockbabe]

I can relate to how you feel. I was in accelerated learning in cali when I was a child and then I was dragged to missouri. Life fell apart. My family broke and I ended dropping out of school to help support my family.I am now 32 years old and dont even have a GED. My friend is a pysc. major and he talked me into taking the test. I test two ways- INTJ or INTP. I still havent figured out what I'm gonna do with myself. I feel responsible to do more than just horse training. But where do you even start?
The comfort comes from knowing that I'm not strange and odd and hard to work with. I am just really different from almost all of the people out here in the sticks. And I have seen a shrink for three years-I was sure I was messed in the head. I am begining to realize that everyone's all a little messed in the head. And people like us are just plain different.
I can tell you this-give up trying to conform. I tried and failed for many years. Some people are just meant to take the road less traveled--take the time to enjoy the view

 

[Da Blob]

Something has been depressing me a lot lately. I'm anticipating about what the future holds because of this new feeling of doing whatever I want to do, but looking back at my habits, I haven't had much success focusing...which caused me to fail. I guess I'm scared of failing again.

So what if the Toddler thinks "I am afraid of falling again?" Will he or she ever learn to walk?

This fear of failing/failing is somewhat a "learned behavior". The only failures are those who quit trying to reach a goal, just because they did not reach it on the first ____ attempts. I think that is one of the worst things about modern society is that it does not teach one how to deal with one's mistakes. It seems as though we are all supposed to Be Perfect and hide our mistakes from Others - as well as our own Selves.

Focus is something that can be learned as a skill (simply a matter of eliminating distracting variables). As far as mistakes, a really good attitude to have, is to expect to make mistakes and be OK with it. I learned that the sign of a really good experiment, is one that is designed to produce new knowledge, whether the hypothesis is "mistaken" or not.

If one learns to utilize one's mistakes, instead of trying to ignore the information gained by any trial and/or error, then one can succeed...

 

[boondockbabe]

I try not to think in terms of mistakes. I try to think of them as life lessons. I think a mistake is somthing you regret and don't learn from. Life lessons are Hard-but you learn from them and are better off in the long run. Hindsight is 20/20

 

[xbox]

So what if the Toddler thinks "I am afraid of falling again?" Will he or she ever learn to walk?

This fear of failing/failing is somewhat a "learned behavior". The only failures are those who quit trying to reach a goal, just because they did not reach it on the first ____ attempts. I think that is one of the worst things about modern society is that it does not teach one how to deal with one's mistakes. It seems as though we are all supposed to Be Perfect and hide our mistakes from Others - as well as our own Selves.

Focus is something that can be learned as a skill (simply a matter of eliminating distracting variables). As far as mistakes, a really good attitude to have, is to expect to make mistakes and be OK with it. I learned that the sign of a really good experiment, is one that is designed to produce new knowledge, whether the hypothesis is "mistaken" or not.

If one learns to utilize one's mistakes, instead of trying to ignore the information gained by any trial and/or error, then one can succeed...

I never said I was giving up.

 

[Nocturne]

Hmmm.... I have similar experiences except I can't manage to bring myself to "rebelling". *sigh* *ssssiiiiiigggghhhhh.... ...*

 

[digital angel]

Something has been depressing me a lot lately. I'm anticipating about what the future holds because of this new feeling of doing whatever I want to do, but looking back at my habits, I haven't had much success focusing...which caused me to fail. I guess I'm scared of failing again.

I'm CONFIDENT and BELIEVE you will do well. You won't fail if try and do your best. You wouldn't worry about the future, if you didn't care about it. Additionally, don't look back; look forward.

 

[Bird]

What is it you do that weirds you out, I am curious.