Get Beneath the Labels on The Myers-Briggs Test (with Bo Miller)
The Haven (Private Podcast): (Protected Content)
In this week’s podcast I chat with Bo Miller, who is an author, blogger, podcaster, introvert, and certified Myers-Briggs practitioner.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most well-known personality tests in the world. From workplace team-building exercises to viral social media quizzes, terms like “INFJ” or “ENFP” have seeped into everyday conversation.
Personally, I’ve never been overly attached to MBTI (it’s never given me a crystal-clear answer), but I do find its cultural significance—and the conversations it sparks—fascinating. I had the chance to chat with Bo Miller, host of The INFJ Personality Show and creator of iSpeakPeople.com, about how MBTI can be a helpful tool for self-awareness, creativity, and intentional living—if used the right way.
MBTI as a Framework, Not a Rulebook
Bo started by breaking down the basics of MBTI—the four preference pairs:
- Introversion (I) vs. Extroversion (E)
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)
These form the foundation of the 16 personality types, but Bo emphasized that the real insights come from cognitive functions, a concept rooted in Carl Jung’s theories. These functions act like mental lenses, shaping how we process information and interact with the world.
Rather than treating MBTI as a rigid label, Bo sees it as “train tracks”—a structure that guides you forward without locking you into a predetermined path.
Moving Past the Myers-Briggs Labels
One of the most interesting parts of our discussion was how MBTI is often misused—especially online. It’s easy to fall into the trap of:
“I’m an [X] type, so I can’t do [Y].”
But this mindset is limiting. Personality frameworks should illuminate tendencies, not define limits. Bo encourages people to use MBTI as a starting point for growth, not a box to stay confined in.
Building a Sustainable Creative Life
Beyond MBTI, Bo’s approach to productivity stood out to me. Despite working a demanding full-time job, he’s built an impressive platform—a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, and even a book—all on the side.
His secret? Intentional energy management. He structures his week with time blocks, prioritizes rest, and leans on support from his wife and mentors. As he puts it, “Sharpening the axe”—taking time to recharge—makes his work more effective in the long run.
What He’d Tell His Younger Self
When I asked Bo what advice he’d give his younger self, his response resonated deeply:
- It’s okay not to have it all figured out.
- Growth looks different for introverts—it’s often inward before it’s outward.
- Trying, failing, and adjusting is success.
- You don’t need to match anyone else’s pace to do meaningful work.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Reflecting on his journey, Bo shared two things he wished he’d done sooner:
- Learn SEO basics earlier.
- Start creating video content despite the fear.
His takeaway? The things we avoid out of discomfort are often the ones that propel us forward. And imperfect action now beats indefinite waiting for perfection.
Whether you love MBTI or take it with a grain of salt, conversations like this remind me of the value in any tool that encourages deeper self-reflection. MBTI isn’t the answer—but it can be a useful framework for asking better questions.
