"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." - Carl Jung Have you ever wondered why we each behave the way we do? Why are some people the life of the party, while others prefer the company of a good book? Why do some people make decisions in the blink of an eye, while others meticulously ponder every possible outcome before committing? Humanity encompasses a diverse spectrum of personalities, each adding unique color to the palette of life. There is tremendous value in taking the time to understand the way others interpret the world. The widely respected Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an excellent tool to do just that. It can provide insights into the motivations behind behavior, help us build stronger relationships, and guide our paths to personal and professional growth. The MBTI is based on the theory of psychological types described by Carl Jung. It has become one of the most popular and trusted personality tools used worldwide, offering a framework for understanding the differences between people. While by no means is it definitive or deterministic, it can offer insights that allow us to better understand ourselves and others. Here’s a quick, very simplified overview of the four dimensions that the MBTI assesses:
Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I): This determines how you direct your energy and where you draw it from - either from the outside world or your inner world.
Sensing (S) or Intuition (N): This relates to how you process information, whether you prefer concrete, actual information or you lean more towards patterns and possibilities.
Thinking (T) or Feeling (F): This category assesses how you make decisions. Thinkers tend to base decisions on logic and objective analysis, while feelers consider people's feelings and values.
Judging (J) or Perceiving (P): This relates to how you deal with the outside world; either in a planned, orderly way or a flexible, spontaneous manner.
Just as Steve Jobs and Winston Churchill, I too identify as an ENTJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging) — the so-called "Executive". I just haven't quite mastered the 'changing the world' part yet! While the title may sound a bit grandiose or pretentious, it’s not about barking orders or dominating others. It’s about a natural inclination towards strategic thinking and leading initiatives. Even then, I’m constantly learning and striving to better these skills in a way that serves others. I draw my energy from interactions with people and the world around me, value future possibilities, base my decisions primarily on logic, and appreciate order and structure. Understanding this about myself has guided me in my personal growth journey and in my relations with others. My wife Rachel is an INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging). She brings the empathetic and people-centric approach to our partnership, which complements my more analytical (i.e. stubborn) perspective. This is same personality type that Martin Luther King Jr. and Princess Diana shared. Developing a better understanding of our personalities has strengthened our relationship and synergized our business partnership. Among this spectrum, some personality types are notably rare. INFJs, for instance, with their mix of idealism and quiet determination, represent less than 1% of the population. On the other end, ISFJs, often seen as the nurturing pillars of our communities, are more commonly found. But whether you're a rare INFJ or a more common ISFJ, every personality type brings something unique and invaluable to our world's rich tapestry. Of course, it's important to note that we're all complex beings, and personality tests like the MBTI should be seen as guides rather than definitive labels. It's also worth mentioning that it's natural for us to unintentionally adjust our answers on personality tests according to who we aspire to be, rather than who we truly are. That's okay. Remember, these tests are tools for insight, not judgment. It can sometimes be confusing or even frustrating interacting with someone who is completely different from you. Some types, like ENTJs, like to lead with strategic vision and assertiveness. Others, like INFPs, are driven by their idealism and creativity. Harmony or discord among types isn't a question of superiority or inferiority, as society demands a wide variety of personalities to function and innovate. We should therefore work to appreciate the vibrant diversity among us that marks our daily interactions. As we continue to understand ourselves and those around us, let's appreciate the unique contributions each personality brings. Whether we're leaders or nurturers, dreamers or doers, our differences make our world an exciting and vibrant place. After all, it's these differences that enrich our experiences and make us shine as individuals. To learn more about your own personality, you can take a free version of the test here.
Artificial Imagination Have you ever wondered what our thoughts would look like if you could see them? Only me? I have no idea how these things land in my brain. But I asked MidJourney to imagine what that might look like and I thought the result was pretty cool. What do you think?
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney
Vibe Challenge Connect and Reflect: Reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while one day this week. It could be an old friend, a distant family member, or a past colleague. Reflect on how this reconnecting impacts your feelings of connectivity.
My Weekly Vibe
Radio: Since I can’t seem to shy away from controversial recommendations, here's one that might raise a few eyebrows—Howard Stern. Yes, I said it. Early in his career he had an appetite for fart jokes, strippers exotic dancers, and all kinds of wild antics. There’s no doubt my humor leans towards the bawdier side, but I genuinely find his current work captivating. Now at 69 (insert innuendo here), Stern has evolved into, quite possibly, the finest interviewer of all time. From chatting with George Clooney and Paul McCartney to Chris Rock and Hillary Clinton, his conversational style makes you feel like a fly on the wall in an intimate tête-à-tête. So, if you've dismissed him as a (whatever term you prefer), it might be worth revisiting his work. It's unlikely you'll leave underwhelmed. For a personal pick, although on the raunchier side, his discussions with the late, great Gilbert Gottfried are some of my faves.
Tech Tip: It appears some folks are still in the dark about a fantastic feature—auto-sharing your photos with loved ones. While I'm a hardcore Apple devotee, Google Photos is my personal preference for storage and sharing. This user-friendly app is available for Android and iPhone users alike and is super easy to setup. Once installed, all your snapshots automatically upload to Google Photos and can be effortlessly shared with your chosen circle. It's so convenient when Rachel or I capture candid moments of the kids and we can instantly view the images on our devices. But don't limit it to immediate family; grandparents, friends, and more can get in on the action too. Just remember to keep it G-rated, as the photos will show up on their devices too.
Shameless Plug: The purpose of The Vibe is not to sell or promote anything. It’s simply to share interesting finds and insights with those that may find them valuable. If you’re not already sick of me, check out a recent podcast interview of mine on Spotify. I sit down with serial entrepreneur and host, Chaz Wolfe to talk real estate, business, marriage and all kinds of things. If you give it a listen, let me know what you think!
Hot Sauce: Just to prove a point, Rachel recently counted how many different bottles of hot sauce I have, and I think she quit at 54. Yes, I have a problem. I like to mix and use different sauces to take nearly every meal on a new taste journey. But amidst my ever-changing lineup, two constants remain: the EagleWings Chesapeake Sauce and the classic Valentina. If your tastebuds are thrill-seekers like mine, then these sauces are a must-try. They bring a flavorful punch without the knockout heat. Add them to your culinary repertoire and experience the transformation!
Howard Stern | Photo Cred: Kevin Mazur
Weekly Muse "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
Real Estate I know many of you are frustrated by the housing market and higher interest rates, but I have the perfect solution for relaxation once you finally land that dream home… If you've ever sought a refuge from the digital world, this trend might be your salvation. The focus on wellness and the outdoors has led to a new trend in home design. It's all about creating serene spaces that promote health and wellbeing, marrying the outdoor with the indoor. Sarah Barnard, a sustainable interior designer, and Allison Messner, co-founder and CEO of Yardzen, observe homeowners are increasingly embedding wellness elements in their homes. Picture saunas, meditation gardens, yoga platforms and plunge pools being incorporated into home designs. Burnt out by the constant connectivity, this outdoor wellness trend has seen a surge among millennials. The idea of swapping the digital noise for a tranquil backyard where wellbeing and nature converge has growing appeal. Plunge pools offer a dip without the commitment of a full-sized pool, while yoga platforms provide an ideal space for mindfulness and fitness. It's an interesting perspective to consider how our living spaces can be transformed into havens of relaxation, wellness and connectivity with nature. So next time you're considering a home improvement, why not think outside (or about the outside) of the box?
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is home to some pretty incredible abodes. Check out the views from this beauty outside of Oxford. It could all be yours for a cool $12.15 mil. (courtesy of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
Interesting Find Meet Charles Harrelson: the black sheep in actor Woody Harrelson's family tree and a renowned American hitman. His rap sheet is as star-studded as his son's film career, featuring several murder charges that include the successful contract hit on federal judge John H. Wood, Jr.
Charles once boasted about his involvement in JFK's assassination. However, this narrative took a U-turn when he confessed that the claim was the product of a cocaine-induced bravado.
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