ISTJ's are defined by the Myers-Briggs personality test as "quiet, serious, practical, matter-of-fact, realistic, and responsible" beings. They are to the point, honest and planners. They have a need to have their days scheduled to feel secure. ISTJ's can also be very hard on themselves.
Here are a few reminders for the tried and true ISTJ:
1. You can't force people to have the same heart as you.
You can't make them dependable, honest or trustworthy. Know that not everyone has the same morals and values that are instilled in you.
2. I'm sorry, but you really can't plan everything.
My, my, my...how you struggle with this one. You live by that planner; you meticulously plan out your days, and you enjoy it! Let me just say that sometimes the things we need are things we never planned. Life has a way of taking us by surprise in the best possible way.
3. Not everyone will understand your humor.
Dry, witty and sarcastic – it isn't for everyone. Your humor will fly past some people, but those who love it will love you.
4. They probably won't understand your work ethic.
You don't have time to waste. You maintain your focus and let the rest of the world do their own thing.
5. However, while you're working hard, you need to make time to relax.
Please, for the love of God, slow down sometimes. Keep your focus, but please take a breather once in a while. Take a drive, go to the gym or spend time with family. Slow. Down.
6. You should probably stop doubting yourself so much.
If I know you, and I think I do, you usually make pretty good decisions. You're meticulous. You're a thinker. Know that you've got this.
7. Know that it's OK to say, "I don't know."
You don't have to know it all. You just don't.
8. Sometimes it's better to keep a friend, than to be right.
I'm still processing this one myself.
9. You can cut someone down with your words, so don't.
Don't respond when you're angry. It's better to calculate and contemplate than regret something you did in a moment of anger.
10. Know that worrying will steal today's joy.
ISTJ's tend to worry much more than most people.
11. Know when it's time to walk away from a person or situation.
We tend to want to hang on to people. However, when we walk away, we are done. Our trust can't be repaired when broken. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
You can't make someone value your time, but you can value your own time. Know when to walk away and when to stay. Know that respect should be mutual.
12. Your expectations of others will tear you apart.
You're hard on yourself, so you're hard on others. Mercy and grace, friends. Give them a chance, but like I mentioned before, know when to walk away.
13. Know that you are enough.
You are enough.
