Why online tests are not enough to figure out which type you really are
Part 5: Random self-typing tips
Don't
Don't just look at the surface of phenomena (es. I'm future-oriented, then I must have Ni) but try to figure out WHY and HOW they take place.
Don't just read the articles and say "Yay, that's me!". Why should it be you? If you superficially agree but can't explain in other words what the article is saying, nor apply such knowledge to your cognitive process, most probably that's not your type.
Don't use forced arguments (that means, they apply to you and not to the general principle) or excuses to justify or explain behaviours that don't align with the features/framework of certain functions and/or function dynamics (e.g. Fe values masked as twisted "Te" logic).
Don't stick to some types or functions just because you think they are "cooler". The coolest type is always YOUR REAL type, the only one you can fully explore and appreciate, enhancing its potential.
Don't stick to the definitions. Try to analyze your thought process (how you perceive the world, how you evaluate information and make decisions) in depth and check how it applies to the functions.
Don't type yourself or other people based on behaviour, talents, opinions, etc. (e.g. I try to be nice and I'm a philanthropist, then I must be a feeler) Real people are more than just a 4-letter personality code.
There are some aspects (gut feelings, being reasonable/rude/nice/etc., character traits, mental health, likes/dislikes, the inner world of emotions/fantasies/memories, personal identity, intelligence) that every human being has, and that are NOT influenced by cognitive functions. Don't type yourself or other people based on them.
Don't stick to particular circumnstances, but try to look at the bigger picture. How does your brain usually process informations? Are you in a healthy state of mind? How do you behave in unhealthy or stressful situations (loops, grips, shadow functions)? How did your environment, experience, relationships shape your character? There can be exceptions (e.g. sporadic manifestations of unhealthy Ti critic don't turn an IxTJ into a Ti-user), but your true type is only one, and only the big picture of yourself can tell you that.
Do
Be willing to listen to what other people say about you: they can give you some hints and an objective perspective that you may have missed.
When you read some generic caption, try to unfold the underlying principle behind them according to your understanding, then see if (and how) it applies to your thought process.
If some of your friends are into MBTI, share your thoughts and observations: comparing similarities and differences can help you improve your understanding of types and functions.
Bear in mind that some functions can (superficially) behave like others. That's why it's important to discern the inner processes of your mind, where they come from and where they are heading.
Judgement and perception are not the same. A lot of external and internal factors can influence your judgement, but you have little to no conscious control over perception (you can recognise or improve it, but the whole process happens naturally).
Look at both axis of judgement and perception. Judgement is easier to determine: Fe/Ti or Te/Fi? Check the dynamics and see if they apply. Narrow down the possibilities: your preferred function will be at the core of your identity - your ego - and will be easier to recognize. Now we have perception. Depending on whether your preferred judging function is introverted or extroverted, you will have to choose between two perceiving functions of different orientation (so, if you chose Fi or Ti, the missing piece of your core identity will be Se or Ne; if you chose Te or Fe, it's Ni or Si). Here it would be recommended checking both axis and how the functions work in tandem on a deeper level, in order to avoid confusion. Try to identify some patterns from your experience, observe how you draw informations from the inner and outer world. Which comes more natural to you?