ISTP Personality Type Explained: Career, Strengths and Weaknesses

ISTPs enjoy action, new experiences, hands-on activities, and the freedom to work at their own pace. They like to have time for thinking in solitude and independence.

They like to try new things but tend to get bored quickly. ISTPs enjoy taking things apart to see how they work. They are both logical and rational, being more interested in practical applications than in abstract ideas.

According to psychologist David Keirsey, the ESFJ personality type is inherent in up to 8 percent of the population.

ISTPs often engage in both risky or fast-paced hobbies such as motorcycles, hang gliding, bungee jumping, surfing, or ice hockey. In some cases, they may seek adventure by choosing a career in racing, flying, or fire fighting. They enjoy new experiences and often participate in thrill-seeking activities.

ISTPs are quiet and calm people, but they get along well with others. People with ISTP personality types are results-oriented. When faced with a problem, they want to understand the root cause and implement a solution immediately.

One of the common myths about ISTPs is that they are stoic and silent. Although they tend to be reserved, this does not mean they lack strong emotions. They can stay cool, maintain objectivity, and handle crises effectively.

They prefer to make judgments based on objective criteria, rather than personal beliefs or values.

ISTPs distance themselves from their own emotions, ignoring their feelings until they become overwhelming. They have difficulty understanding the emotional states of others, and ISTPs can sometimes be perceived as somewhat insensitive.

ISTPs can look at situations objectively, avoiding subjective or emotional factors when making decisions. This is often because they are focused on actions and results, rather than emotions.

ISTPs do not spend much time expressing themselves, so they are often considered quiet. They spend a lot of time thinking and working with information.

They often focus on things that seem practical and useful because they approach the world rationally and logically.

ISTPs' decision-making approach may seem unpredictable, but their actions are based on careful observation and reflection.

ISTPs thrive on new experiences and dislike strict procedures. They are introverts, usually quiet and reserved. Commitment can be difficult for ISTPs, but they will put effort into relationships that support their interests. They are very independent and do not like to feel controlled in a relationship. They often find friends who enjoy the same hobbies and spend time with them doing those activities.

ISTPs do not often share their emotions with others. Despite this, they enjoy hearing what other people think, often keeping their opinions to themselves. For this reason, people sometimes describe ISTPs as being hard to read.

As a rule, ISTPs do not like excessive structure, and they succeed in careers where they have a lot of freedom and autonomy. They often excel in work that requires working alone, as ISTPs are introverted.

They are very logical and often enjoy work that involves reasoning and practical experience. In particular, ISTPs enjoy tasks with practical, real-world applications.

ISTPs occasionally need time alone, even though they tend to be curious and enterprising. You can be a good friend by inviting them to try new things but be prepared to respect their need for peace and quiet when they do not want to go out.

If you are the parent of an ISTP child, you are probably well aware of their independent and adventurous nature. You can build their trust by providing safe and engaging opportunities to explore things on their own.

Provide rules and guidelines, but be careful not to be overbearing. Give your child plenty of hands-on learning, outdoor adventures and the opportunity to experiment with how things work.

You can strengthen your relationship with your ISTP partner if you are ready to do things daily and respect their pressing need for independence. Long-term relations can be a real problem, because ISTPs live a present day.