Are you mistyped? How to know if your personality test was wrong.

Think you know yourself? Think again.

May 28, 2025

You took a personality test, read the results, and something just didn’t sit right. Maybe it felt off. Maybe you expected a different outcome. Or maybe, deep down, you know the test didn’t quite capture you. Personality tests are a great tool for self-discovery, but they’re not foolproof. Mistyping happens more often than you think, and it can hold you back from fully understanding yourself.

So, how do you know if your test got it wrong - and more importantly, how do you find your real type? Let’s break it down.

Why do people get mistyped?

Personality typing is complex. While tests provide a  snapshot, they don’t always reflect the full picture of who you are. Mistyping can happen for a few reasons:

  • You answered based on who you want to be. Many people unconsciously pick answers that align with their ideal self rather than their actual behaviors.

  • Your mood affected your answers. Stress, exhaustion, or even a good day can influence how you respond.

  • You misunderstood the questions. Some test questions are vague, and people interpret them differently.

  • The test wasn’t accurate. Not all personality tests are created equal. Some rely on surface-level questions rather than deep cognitive patterns.

  • You’re confusing learned behavior with natural tendencies. Over time, we develop habits and coping mechanisms based on our environment. Maybe you’ve trained yourself to be highly organized, even though your natural tendency is flexibility. Or perhaps you’ve become more social due to your job, despite being naturally introverted.

If a test reflects who you’ve adapted to be rather than who you’ve always been, you may be mistyped.


Signs you might be mistyped.

If your personality type doesn’t feel right, here are some red flags to look for:

  • You don’t relate to the descriptions. A well-matched personality type should feel like reading an eerily accurate summary of your inner world.

  • You resonate with multiple types. If you feel like two or more types describe you equally, you might need to go deeper to find your dominant traits.

  • Your results change often. If you’re getting different results every time you take a test, it could mean you’re in between types - or answering inconsistently.

  • You struggle with the cognitive functions. If reading about your type’s thought process doesn’t feel right, it might not be your actual type.

  • Your friends and family disagree. Sometimes, those closest to us see things we miss. If they’re surprised by your result, it’s worth revisiting.

Mistyping isn’t the end of the world - it’s just the beginning of deeper self-discovery.


How to find your real personality type

If your test result feels off, don’t worry - here’s how to narrow it down:

  • Read about your cognitive functions.
    Instead of focusing on labels, learn how different types process information and make decisions. Your cognitive functions - how you prioritize thinking, feeling, sensing, and intuition - will give you a much clearer picture than just reading about surface-level traits.

  • Reflect on your lifelong patterns.
    Your true type isn’t just how you feel today - it’s how you’ve consistently thought and behaved throughout life. A good way to test this is by asking yourself, "Was I this way as a child or teenager?"

  • Compare similar types the right way.
    If you’re torn between two types, look at how they make decisions rather than just the results. Are you driven by external logic (Te) or internal reasoning (Ti)? Do you process emotions internally (Fi) or externally (Fe)? Understanding these subtle differences can help you pinpoint your correct type.

  • Ask for outside input.
    Sometimes, a friend or family member can offer insights you might overlook about yourself. They may pick up on behaviors or preferences you don’t recognize.

  • Take a well-researched test.
    Some tests are more reliable than others. Look for assessments that go beyond surface-level traits and dive into deeper personality frameworks.

The goal isn’t just to find a label - it’s to understand yourself better.


Why your real personality type matters.

Knowing your true personality type isn’t just about curiosity - it’s about unlocking self-awareness and making life work for you, not against you.

Consider these real-life examples:

  • Sara thought she was an extrovert because she’s social at work. But when she learned she was actually an introvert, everything clicked - she realized why she felt exhausted after long social interactions and started prioritizing alone time.

  • Jake was mistyped as a feeler, but deep down, he always led with logic. Once he recognized his natural preference for objective thinking, he stopped doubting his decisions and leaned into his strengths.

  • Mia always struggled in traditional office jobs, feeling drained and uninspired. Once she realized her type craved autonomy and creativity, she made a career shift - and suddenly work felt energizing instead of exhausting.

Your real personality type helps you:

  • Make smarter career and relationship decisions.

  • Understand your energy levels and communication style.

  • Stop forcing yourself into situations that don’t align with who you are.

When you know yourself, you make choices that actually fit who you truly are.
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