How Each MBTI type reacts to stress

Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Secret War Journal[2 November 2016]

ISTJ – THE INSPECTOR

What Stresses out an ISTJ:
– Being in an environment that is in disarray
– Looming deadlines
– Being forced or asked to do things that don’t make sense to them
– Being asked to do something without a plan or direction
– Frequent change
– Having to innovate without any past experience to rely on
– Being asked to do something spontaneously
– Too much extraversion (excess people contact)
– Emotionally charged situations
– Unfamiliar surroundings
– Dealing too long with abstract or theoretical concepts.
When faced with stress overload, ISTJs may fall into “catastrophe mode”, where they see nothing but all the potential of what could go wrong. They may beat themselves up; berating themselves for things which could have been done differently, or duties which they failed to perform. They will lose their ability to see things calmly and reasonably, and can become depressed at what they see as a bleak future. Under chronic stress, the ISTJ may fall into the grip of their inferior function, extroverted intuition, and become a “dramatizer”. They may become intensely angry, rigid in what they’re doing, outwardly critical, pessimistic, and embrace an overwhelming fear of the future.
How to help an ISTJ experiencing stress:
– Give them plenty of space.
– Listen, and provide provable affirmation of how they’ve overcome or done something well in the past.
– Break a task down into manageable pieces.
– Do not give generalized compliments.
– Put things that have to be done in sequential order.
– Don’t brainstorm. If they are in the grip of their inferior function, extroverted intuition, brainstorming will only make things worse.
– Don’t give them more to do. Give them a break from responsibilities if possible.
– Take them seriously. Don’t patronize or judge them.
– Encourage them to exercise (without sounding insulting).

INTJ – THE MASTERMIND

What stresses out an INTJ:
Being in an environment that doesn’t appreciate their skills, visions, or ideas.
– Not enough alone time. Too much extraverting.
– Too much noise or sensory input.
– Working with those they see as lazy, incompetent, or ignorant.
– Having to pay attention to too many details at once.
– Being in unfamiliar environments.
– Having their well-settled plans disrupted.
– Too much focus on the here-and-now.
– Not being able to use their intuition to envision the future.
When in a state of stress, the INTJ can feel an immense amount of pressure – as if everything is on the line. To an INTJ, this often means the ability to produce something significant is somehow stifled. They may find themselves overwhelmed, and thinking about ideas and options that don’t have a productive end. As stress increases, the INTJ can become argumentative and disagreeable. Social interaction becomes increasingly difficult; and they may become preoccupied with obsessive ideas and plans. They may start to spend a massive amount of time fighting horrible thoughts, and feelings of worthlessness. They will ruminate about their mistakes, inadequacies and weaknesses, and stop progress on a project for fear of failure. In a case of chronic stress, the INTJ may fall into the grip of their inferior function; extraverted sensing. When this happens, they may give into self-destructive indulgences, like over-eating, over-exercising, alcoholism, or buying lots of useless items. They may obsessively clean or re-organize files.
How to help an INTJ experiencing stress:– Give them space, and time alone to process their thoughts and feelings.
– Reduce sensory stimulation like noise, TV, radio, or bright lights.
– Let them express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Understand that they may be irrational.
– Don’t give them advice. This will only make them feel worse.
– Give them a break from responsibilities.
– Encourage them to get enough sleep at night.
– Help them lighten their schedule, or cancel unnecessary activities.
– After some time of solitude, encourage them to get a change of scenery by going outdoors.


More @ http://psychologyjunkie.com/2015/08/02/how-each-mbti-type-reacts-to-stress-and-how-to-help/

Tarot Reading Q3 2016

Friday, October 7, 2016
Secret War Journal[September - December 2016]
Astro Wheel Spread [13/9/2016]
--
1A - Immediate Situation - Knight of Swords (flipped) - Determined. Effective changes if thoughts are backed by action
1 - How people view you - 6 of Swords (flipped) - Distanced, leaving troubled waters
2 - One's value - The Tower (flipped) - Moving house
3 - Communication - Death - Death of one communication, rebirth of another
4 - Home - 6 of Chalices (flipped) - Visit from the past; joyful reunions
5 - Romance - Knave of Chalices (flipped) - beginning of things, a new and uncharted feeling of love and appreciation. Open and unashamed
6 - Work - Temperance - Balance is needed. Advised to slow down or being cautious
7 - Open Enemies - The Magician - In control (who?)
8 - Occult matters - 7 of Wands - Tension, struggle is suggested
9 - Long distance travel - The Fool (flipped) - Freedom
10 - Father - 1 of Chalices (flipped) - Addition to family that brings pleasure
11 - Friends - The Star (flipped) - Success and Hope
12 - Karma / Hidden enemies - 10 of Pentacles (flipped) - Extreme wealth

Majority of flipped cards - Energy is suppressed. Consider another reading.

13 September 2016 photo DSC_0606.jpg



STYX HELIX

Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Secret War Journal[20 September 2016]

August Starto

Monday, August 8, 2016
Secret War Journal[8 August 2016]
And it is August already!

The past 3 months have flown by in a flash. Boy, do travelling overseas really make time fly.

That's a personal record for myself - Travelling to 4 different countries in a short span of 3 months. Let us hope we do not need to do this again (hahas). The lack of rest for the upcoming semester is probably cost me later in the semester.

I am going to take this slow first week of school to finish up whatever post I can write before the full impact of my modules and commitments hit like a truck. :P

P.S: Really missed blogging like the good 'ol days. :O *reminiscing*


Tarot Reading July 2016

Saturday, July 2, 2016
Secret War Journal[July 2016]
One Month Spread [2/7/2016]
---
1 - 3 of Swords - Separation from loved ones. Heartache; Postponement.
2 - Ace of Swords (flipped) - Triumph, opportunities to a less extent.
3 - Queen of Wands (flipped) - Calm situation. May involve a career-oriented woman.
4 - 2 of Swords (flipped) - Importance in being patience. Indication of status quo, expecting something to happen but nothing is happening. Alternately, it may indicate a true and loyal friend.

NBS Y2 Semester 2 AY2015/2016

Monday, June 13, 2016
Secret War Journal[January - May 2016]

AB1201 Financial Management


Lectures attended: 100% (Dr Chanika / Angie) [E-lectures]
Tutorials attended: 100% (Dr Chanika Charoenwong)
Textbook(s): Brigham, Eugene F., Joel F. Houston, Jun-ming Hsu, Yoon Kee Kong, and A.N. Bany Ariffin,
Essentials of Financial Management, 3rd edition, Cengage Learning Asia. ISBN-13: 9789814441377.
Assessment: Tutorial Presentation (7%), Group Project (8%), Online Assignments (5%), Mid-Term Quiz (20%), Closed-book Final Examination (60%)
Comment(s):
This is one of the most important Year 1 modules for Business students if you are gunning for the Business and Finance specialisation. This is due to the grade requirement to be be considered for the specialisation. (Should be at least B+ but do not quote me for it because I am not familiar with this!)

The content delivery of this module had changed much since its inception. Now, it delivers its lectures through online lectures. The plus side to this is that there is no need for you to go to school for lectures. For some, it is a lost opportunity to clarify questions. (There are still forums and emails, no worries hardworking students hahas)

The assessment breakdown looks daunting but it is less taxing than it seems. It really is more of continuous work. As long as you keep up to the pace of the coursework, it should be a breeze for you.

I would recommend Chanika as your tutor, if possible. She puts in the extra effort to go through the contents once more and clarifies any doubt you might have for the chapters. Also, she gives additional questions for you to attempt in class, preparing you for the mid-terms and the finals.

The Mid-Term Quiz is fairly important and you should never dismiss this. Doing well for this quiz is indicative of your knowledge in Financial Management thus far. The quiz traditionally focuses more heavily on the concepts. It is also the course's tradition to release the questions and solutions for the past 3 semesters so you will be adequately prepared for the quiz.

The finals is similar to the mid-term quiz but includes more calculations. Again, the coordinator will traditionally release past papers and solutions for your revision. I found this to be especially helpful as not every business modules readily give away such resources.

In the event that you do not feel prepared after attempting the past papers, feel free to attempt the self-practice questions in the tutorials (strongly recommended, by the way) and textbook questions. Speaking of textbook, the textbook is essential as there will be contents exclusively in the textbook that will be tested. These concepts will not be found in the lecture notes. Finally, while studying with the textbook, do not discount the footnotes as they can be tested as well.

CS8700 Becoming a Culturally Competent Communicator in a Multicultural World

Lectures attended: No lecture.
Seminars attended: 84.62% (Dr. Chen Hsueh-hua Vivian)
Textbook(s): Baldwin, J. R., Coleman, R. M., González, A., & Shenoy, S. (2014). Intercultural communication for everyday life .Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Assessment: Mid-Term Quizes x 2 (40%), Final Project (30%), Class Participation (30%)
Comment(s):
This was offered as a GERPE-BM module during this semester. This may change as I had heard from the School that they are restructuring the basket for GERPE-BM.

This may end up as a rant for me. However, if you are considering this as an elective module, I would strongly advise against this unless you have an interest and ample time for this. My belief is that fulfilling only one condition is not sufficient.

Here is why. There are almost weekly writing assignments for this module. Yes, there is only one 3 hour seminar session but the assignments require a bit of time investment. If you are already overloaded with other modules, this is not for you.

That said, the concepts taught are interesting and potentially useful. This modules aims to teach you how to communicate effectively with people from a different culture. This is increasingly important in the globalised world. Dr Chen is good in trying to make the seminar sessions interesting and interactive which helped. If you enjoyed AB1601 Organisational Behaviour, you should enjoy this module as well.

If you have noticed, there are no finals! That is a plus point. However, there is a catch. The final project's deadline is perilously close to the start of the final examinations. Hence, this is something you need to take note before deciding to take on this module.

The final project is essentially another writing assignment. It will be similar in nature to your weekly assignments, just longer in length.

All mid-term quizes are closed book and in multiple choice format.

Textbook will be helpful if you are not planning to exercise your S/U option. Otherwise, skipping the textbook should be safe.

For a full list of the modules I took, see link here. :)

Summer 2016 Wishlist

Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Secret War Journal[May - August 2016][Updated 8 August 2016]
After a long and hard fought semester, the summer is finally upon us. It is the time to finish up the incomplete posts. Who am I kidding? I need to write the latest articles first.

Which brings us to...the goals for this holidays. It's going to be more of leisure this time round because I decided I need a break from all this hectic projects recently. (Okay, I am a workaholic, I already have some commitments to attend to.)

  • Plan Workshop
  • Execute Workshop
  • Learn C#
  • Watch Descendants of The Suns (O.o)
  • Watch Game of Thrones Season 4 (grossly behind)
  • Continue Driving Lessons 
  • Buy a PS Vita Game (kinda)
  • Clear IPPT #1 (meh)[YES]
  • Clear IPPT #2 (Round 2, fight)
  • Go Taiwan
  • Go Thailand
  • Go Korea

Because I'm crazy~~~~~

Github Collaboration Tips

Thursday, March 10, 2016
Secret War Journal[10 March 2016]

I have worked with a few projects on Github and I find myself repeating a few things that are consistent across projects to people who are new to Git. Conflicts tend to occur more frequently when certain procedures are not observed. It is not exactly their fault as those actions are not compulsory but I feel that they are good practices that can help to reduce the number of conflicts that may occur in the repository when merging or committing.

Thus, when my school releases the below for SVN, I felt this is a good chance to share this so that more people will be able to exercise these good practices to reduce the number of conflicts that may occur when collaborating with each other in a SVN/Git environment. Hope this helps!

Some tips for team collaboration using SVN (applicable for Git in my opinion):

  • Commit frequently. Do not wait until you make too many changes which will increase the risk of conflicts.
  • Update your working copy before modifying it.
  • Avoid touching the same file (or the same portion of a file) at the same time by a few team members. This helps to reduce the risk of conflicts.
  • Let the team member who makes the most changes to a file commit his changes first. Then others try to merge their changes into repository.
Of course, we still need to know how handle conflicts as conflicts within the repository sometimes may be inevitable. Despite that, an reduction in conflicts really help to speed up development! :)

CNY 2016

Monday, February 8, 2016
Secret War Journal[8 February 2016]

I did this on the whim. It looks funny but hey I guess that's the point huh? (Apart from me being lazy to do another one. HAHAs)

If YOU think you can do better than me, then upload your own CNY video at www.tigerbeer.com/cny.


#SayItWithTiger
#EveryYearATigerYear
#DoYouEvenChinese
#CNY2016

Blowing off the dust

Sunday, January 31, 2016
Secret War Journal[31 January 2016]
Happened to be browsing through my history and chanced upon this old project that we used to work in.

 photo PC.jpg

Good 'ld memories. Great team. It is nice to know most of them are doing well and pursuing Computer Science. :)

"In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can." - Nikos Kazantzakis

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator 2016

Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Secret War Journal[26 January 2016][Long Post]
It has been a long time since I last did this personality test. Many aspects of the test has changed and since Emelia was doing it then, I hopped on the bandwagon and did it too.

As it turned out, I went from INTJ to ISTJ. :O

Hmm....

THE LOGISTICIAN

Code: ISTJ-A
Role: Sentinel
Strategy: Confident Individualism

MIND

This trait determines how we interact with our environment.

EXTRAVERTED 24%
INTROVERTED 76%

Introverted individuals prefer solitary activities and get exhausted by social interaction. They tend to be quite sensitive to external stimulation (e.g. sound, sight or smell) in general.

ENERGY

This trait shows where we direct our mental energy.

INTUITIVE 41%
OBSERVANT 59%

Observant individuals are highly practical, pragmatic and down-to-earth. They tend to have strong habits and focus on what is happening or has already happened.

NATURE

This trait determines how we make decisions and cope with emotions.

THINKING 83%
FEELING 17%

Thinking individuals focus on objectivity and rationality, prioritizing logic over emotions. They tend to hide their feelings and see efficiency as more important than cooperation.

TACTICS

This trait reflects our approach to work, planning and decision-making.

JUDGING 84%
PROSPECTING 16%

Judging individuals are decisive, thorough and highly organized. They value clarity, predictability and closure, preferring structure and planning to spontaneity.

IDENTITY

This trait underpins all others, showing how confident we are in our abilities and decisions.

ASSERTIVE 57%
TURBULENT 43%

Assertive individuals are self-assured, even-tempered and resistant to stress. They refuse to worry too much and do not push themselves too hard when it comes to achieving goals.

The ISTJ personality type is thought to be the most abundant, making up around 13% of the population. Their defining characteristics of integrity, practical logic and tireless dedication to duty make ISTJs a vital core to many families, as well as organizations that uphold traditions, rules and standards, such as law offices, regulatory bodies and military. People with the ISTJ personality type enjoy taking responsibility for their actions, and take pride in the work they do – when working towards a goal, ISTJs hold back none of their time and energy completing each relevant task with accuracy and patience.

ISTJ personality

ISTJs don't make many assumptions, preferring instead to analyze their surroundings, check their facts and arrive at practical courses of action. ISTJ personalities are no-nonsense, and when they've made a decision, they will relay the facts necessary to achieve their goal, expecting others to grasp the situation immediately and take action. ISTJs have little tolerance for indecisiveness, but lose patience even more quickly if their chosen course is challenged with impractical theories, especially if they ignore key details – if challenges becomes time-consuming debates, ISTJs can become noticeably angry as deadlines tick nearer.

Associate With Those of Good Quality if You Esteem Your Reputation...

When ISTJs say they are going to get something done, they do it, meeting their obligations no matter the personal cost, and they are baffled by people who don't hold their own word in the same respect. Combining laziness and dishonesty is the quickest way to get on ISTJs' bad side. Consequently, people with the ISTJ personality type often prefer to work alone, or at least have their authority clearly established by hierarchy, where they can set and achieve their goals without debate or worry over other's reliability.

ISTJs have sharp, fact-based minds, and prefer autonomy and self-sufficiency to reliance on someone or something. Dependency on others is often seen by ISTJs as a weakness, and their passion for duty, dependability and impeccable personal integrity forbid falling into such a trap.

This sense of personal integrity is core to ISTJs, and goes beyond their own minds – ISTJ personalities adhere to established rules and guidelines regardless of cost, reporting their own mistakes and telling the truth even when the consequences for doing so could be disastrous. To ISTJs, honesty is far more important than emotional considerations, and their blunt approach leaves others with the false impression that ISTJs are cold, or even robotic. People with this type may struggle to express emotion or affection outwardly, but the suggestion that they don't feel, or worse have no personality at all, is deeply hurtful.

...For It Is Better to Be Alone Than in Bad Company

ISTJs' dedication is an excellent quality, allowing them to accomplish much, but it is also a core weakness that less scrupulous individuals take advantage of. ISTJs seek stability and security, considering it their duty to maintain a smooth operation, and they may find that their coworkers and significant others shift their responsibilities onto them, knowing that they will always take up the slack. ISTJs tend to keep their opinions to themselves and let the facts do the talking, but it can be a long time before observable evidence tells the whole story.

ISTJs need to remember to take care of themselves – their stubborn dedication to stability and efficiency can compromise those goals in the long term as others lean ever-harder on them, creating an emotional strain that can go unexpressed for years, only finally coming out after it's too late to fix. If they can find coworkers and spouses who genuinely appreciate and complement their qualities, who enjoy the brightness, clarity and dependability that they offer, ISTJs will find that their stabilizing role is a tremendously satisfying one, knowing that they are part of a system that works.

ISTJ STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

ISTJ strengths

  • Honest and Direct – Integrity is the heart of the ISTJ personality type. Emotional manipulation, mind games and reassuring lies all run counter to ISTJs' preference for managing the reality of the situations they encounter with plain and simple honesty.
  • Strong-willed and Dutiful – ISTJs embody that integrity in their actions too, working hard and staying focused on their goals. Patient and determined, people with the ISTJ personality type meet their obligations, period.
  • Very Responsible – ISTJs' word is a promise, and a promise means everything. ISTJs would rather run themselves into the ground with extra days and lost sleep than fail to deliver the results they said they would. Loyalty is a strong sentiment for ISTJ personalities, and they fulfill their duties to the people and organizations they've committed themselves to.
  • Calm and Practical – None of their promises would mean much if ISTJs lost their tempers and broke down at every sign of hardship – they keep their feet on the ground and make clear, rational decisions. Peoples' preferences are a factor to consider in this process, and ISTJs work to make the best use of individual qualities, but these decisions are made with effectiveness in mind more so than empathy. The same applies to criticisms, for others and themselves.
  • Create and Enforce Order – The primary goal of any ISTJ is to be effective in what they've chosen to do, and they believe that this is accomplished best when everyone involved knows exactly what is going on and why. Unclear guidelines and people who break established rules undermine this effort, and are rarely tolerated by ISTJs. Structure and rules foster dependability; chaos creates unforeseen setbacks and missed deadlines.
  • Jacks-of-all-trades – Much like Analysts (NT), ISTJs are proud repositories of knowledge, though the emphasis is more on facts and statistics than concepts and underlying principles. This allows ISTJs to apply themselves to a variety of situations, picking up and applying new data and grasping the details of challenging situations as a matter of course.

ISTJ weaknesses

  • Stubborn – The facts are the facts, and ISTJs tend to resist any new idea that isn't supported by them. This factual decision-making process also makes it difficult for people with the ISTJ personality type to accept that they were wrong about something – but anyone can miss a detail, even them.
  • Insensitive – While not intentionally harsh, ISTJs are often hurt more sensitive types' feelings by the simple mantra that honesty is the best policy. ISTJ personalities may take emotions into consideration, but really only so far as to determine the most effective way to say what needs to be said.
  • Always by the Book – ISTJs believe that things work best with clearly defined rules, but this makes them reluctant to bend those rules or try new things, even when the downside is minimal. Truly unstructured environments leave ISTJs all but paralyzed.
  • Judgmental – Opinions are opinions and facts are facts, and ISTJs are unlikely to respect people who disagree with those facts, or especially those who remain willfully ignorant of them.
  • Often Unreasonably Blame Themselves – All this can combine to make ISTJs believe they are the only ones who can see projects through reliably. As they load themselves with extra work and responsibilities, turning away good intentions and helpful ideas, ISTJs sooner or later hit a tipping point where they simply can't deliver. Since they've heaped the responsibility on themselves, ISTJs then believe the responsibility for failure is theirs alone to bear.

ISTJ RELATIONSHIPS

ISTJs are dependable through and through, and this trait is clearly expressed when it comes to their romantic relationships. Often representing the epitome of family values, people with the ISTJ personality type are comfortable with, and often even encourage traditional household and gender roles, and look to a family structure guided by clear expectations and honesty. While their reserved nature often makes dating ISTJs challenging, they are truly dedicated partners, willing to devote tremendous thought and energy to ensure stable and mutually satisfying relationships.

Happiness and Moral Duty Are Inseparably Connected

Blind dates and random hookups are not ISTJs' preferred methods for finding potential partners. The risk and unpredictability of these situations has ISTJs' alarm bells ringing, and being dragged out for a night of dancing at the club just isn't going to happen. ISTJ personalities much prefer more responsible, conservative methods of dating, such as dinner with an interested coworker or, in their more adventurous moods, a setup organized through a mutual friend.

ISTJs approach relationships, as with most things, from a rational perspective, looking for compatibility and the mutual satisfaction of daily and long-term needs. This isn't a process that ISTJs take lightly, and once commitments are established, they stick to their promises to the very end. ISTJs establish foundations, fulfill their responsibilities, and keep their relationships functional and stable.

As their relationships transitions into the long-term, ISTJs gladly see to the necessary daily tasks around the house, applying the same sense of duty to their home life that they do in the workplace.
While this may not translate into particularly exotic intimate lives, ISTJs are dependable lovers who want very much for their partners to remain satisfied. It takes patience on the part of more adventurous partners, but if different activities can be demonstrated as equally or more enjoyable than those already within ISTJs' comfort zones, they are perfectly capable of trying something new.

However, emotional satisfaction can be another matter. While ISTJs are able to provide surprisingly good emotional support, this only happens when they realize that it's necessary, and there's the rub. As Thinking (T) types, ISTJs are not naturally receptive to others' emotions, not unless they are stated clearly, and a partner usually only says "I'm angry" when it's too late to address the initial grievance.

Let Your Heart Feel Their Afflictions, and Give Proportionally

People with the ISTJ personality type can get so caught up in the belief in their correctness, in "winning" arguments they thought were about facts, that they don't realize their partner may have viewed things from a perspective of consideration and sensitivity. Especially with Feeling (F) partners, this can be a huge challenge for the relationship. Ultimately though, ISTJs' senses of responsibility and dedication set the tone, and they spare no effort in noting to this distinction moving forward, the consequences having been demonstrated as real.

While ISTJs' staid approach may seem boring to some, there is an undeniable attractiveness to it, though felt perhaps more by respect and admiration than emotional passion. ISTJs' shells hide a strong and quiet determination and reliability, rare among other personality types, which can benefit even the flightiest personalities, allowing them to stay connected to the real world while still exploring new territory. Partners who share the Observant (S) trait are the best fit for ISTJ personalities, with one or two opposing traits to create balance and to expand ISTJs' sometimes overly isolated world, such as partners with Extraverted (E) or Prospecting (P) traits.

ISTJ FRIENDS

ISTJ friends are not spontaneous. They are not talkative, or particularly playful in their affection. What ISTJ friends are is loyal, trustworthy, honorable and dependable. Others may come and go with the ups and downs of life, but ISTJs stay by their friends' sides no matter what, with a deepness of commitment that other types may not even believe is possible.

True Friendship Is a Plant of Slow Growth

ISTJs are a very methodical personality type, and this loyalty isn't given away lightly. Often slow to make friends, ISTJs usually end up with a smaller circle, but they consider that circle to represent a promise to be there for the people they care about, and ISTJs' promises are not easily broken.

Expressing emotional affection isn't one of ISTJs' stronger skills, but they nevertheless find ways to show it. As Socrates said, "To be is to do", and ISTJs' follow-through, their willingness to take action as a show of support, stands in for their words.

These actions convey a sensitivity that many fail to see, but it is a quality that ISTJs' friends come to admire and depend on in the long years of their friendships.
But all of this sounds terribly serious, and indeed it only shows the one side of ISTJs and their approach to their friendships. The other side knows how to stop being quite so staid, and especially in the company of joyful and talkative Extraverts (E), ISTJs enjoy relaxing and having fun with a good discussion about work, life, and current events.

People with the ISTJ personality type don't like conflict, and this applies to how they select their friends as well. Seeking out friends with similar principles and opinions, ISTJs most often befriend other Sentinels (SJ), who are likely to share their perspective and world vision. While they are unlikely to become friends with substantially different types – it simply takes too much energy to bridge the communication gap – ISTJ personalities still recognize and appreciate others' strengths and qualities.

Knowledge Is the Surest Basis of Happiness

In fact, as if to prove the point, ISTJs almost always have at least one Intuitive (N) friend in their inner circle, despite the disconnect the two perspectives bring. These are very much relationships built not on mutual understanding, but out of respect for their mutual differences. ISTJs marvel at Intuitives' breadth of thought, being very much in tune with their own intelligence, while Intuitives admire ISTJs' realism and dependability, something they are often hard-pressed to find in themselves. Knowledge, as always, is the great equalizer.

ISTJ CAREERS

While many personality types may be comfortable with flexible work as consultants and sole proprietors, ISTJs are much more focused on building long-term, stable careers. That's not to say that ISTJs can't do that sort of work – many find themselves thinking about what's on the other side of those cubical walls – but what they crave is dependability, and that is reflected in their choice of work perhaps more so than in any other part of their lives.

Have No Other View Than to Promote the Public Good

The facts support this, as the most common careers among people with the ISTJ personality type revolve around institutions of respected tradition, authority, security, and established consistency. Careers as military officers, lawyers, judges, police officers and detectives are all very popular among ISTJs. This makes sense, as they not only offer the stability that ISTJs seek, but are in line with their principles and conservatism, establishing clear societal roles.

ISTJs of course aren't limited to these organizations – there are many other roles that utilize their reliability, objectivity and sharp eyes. When facts and logic are out of place, ISTJ personalities swoop in as the accountants, auditors, data analysts, financial managers, business administrators and even doctors that identify, report and correct the issues at hand.

Most of these careers have ISTJs working alone, which is usually their preference, but when teams are necessary, they are best defined by clearly outlined roles, responsibilities and work environments.

Nothing is quite so challenging for ISTJs as ongoing debates about who is responsible for what, resulting in work that's shoddily assembled – or worse, incomplete.
ISTJs have strong opinions about how things should be done, and if things are shuffled too often, people with this personality type can become surprisingly vocal about their opposition. It's important for ISTJs to remember that even the most traditional and stable career paths can and need to change as time goes by. It is much better to accept this with grace than to develop reputations of being enemies of new ideas.

Business Discourse Should Be Short and Comprehensive

ISTJs may also struggle with the increasingly open and social requirements of modern work life. Being somewhat bad at sensing others feelings, ISTJs' "just the facts" attitude can be downright alienating when it comes to more sensitive personality types. This applies not just to coworkers but to customers as well – service positions like retail sales and waiting tables, as well as more emotionally demanding careers such as psychiatry are, generally speaking, a terrible fit.

The ideal career paths feature a trend: they place facts above feelings and allow ISTJs to uphold the hard standards that are the backbone of society. Rules are the basis for everything people take for granted about modern life, from the social contract that smooths relationships, to the laws that protect peoples' most basic safety, to the constitutions and treaties that govern nations. People with the ISTJ personality type take on roles as the defenders of these ideas, in big ways and small, and are rightfully proud of it.

ISTJ IN THE WORKPLACE

When it comes to the workplace, ISTJs are almost a stereotype for the classic hard-working, dutiful employee. In all positions, the ISTJ personality type seeks structure, clearly defined rules, and respect for authority and hierarchy. Responsibilities aren't burdens to ISTJs, they are the trust that has been placed in them, an opportunity to prove once again that they are the right person for the job.

On the other hand, the change that comes with assuming those new responsibilities, or in losing old ones, is often a significant struggle for ISTJs. This presents itself differently in different positions of authority, but it is one of ISTJs' most significant challenges to overcome. The usual insensitivity common to all Thinking (T) types is also a running theme here, something many people with the ISTJ personality type choose to focus on in their personal and professional development.

ISTJ Subordinates

ISTJs crave responsibility, which makes them the go-to subordinates for odds and ends and unpopular projects. Often seen as jacks of all trades, ISTJ personalities can competently tackle any project that comes with a manual. On the other hand, this makes them reluctant to give up responsibilities even when they are overburdened, or when there are better people for the job. The seriousness in ISTJs' approach to their work makes them surprisingly sensitive to criticism, leading to a sometimes vexing level of inflexibility.

Their stubbornness aside, or perhaps because of it, ISTJs are quite possibly one of the most productive subordinates – they respect authority and hierarchy, and have no problem following orders and instructions. Punctuality is unlikely to ever be an issue, either in terms of showing up to work on time, or in terms of meeting project deadlines. While ISTJs may need clearly set steps and well-defined responsibilities, they are exceptionally loyal, dedicated, meticulous and patient in completing their work.

ISTJ Colleagues

Among colleagues, no one can be trusted more to ensure that projects are finished on time and by the book than ISTJs. Quiet and methodical, people with the ISTJ personality type keep cool when the going gets tough, but expect their colleagues to share their approach. Significantly different types, especially more emotional ones, baffle ISTJs with their need for emotional support and openness, or capacity for dropping something, half finished. To ISTJs, either something's been done right or it's been done wrong, and sugarcoating it or walking away isn't going to fix it.

ISTJs value peace and security in the workplace, and the easiest way for this to happen is for them to simply work alone. Innovations, brainstorming, theories and new ideas all disrupt this comfortable state, and it takes a great deal of respect on ISTJs' part to acknowledge their validity. Once the details have been laid out and a plan of implementation established though, ISTJs are an indispensable part of the team in putting these ideas into practice.

ISTJ Managers

ISTJs love responsibility and the power resulting from it. Pressing themselves hard to meet their obligations, ISTJs regularly go above and beyond their duties, and expect their subordinates to act with the same level of dedication. At the same time, ISTJs' preference for doing things by the book, adherence to hierarchy, and general aversion to innovation makes their subordinates ride a very thin line when they do – stepping out of bounds must be backed up with just the facts, and results.

It is said that it is better to do first and ask permission later – it's difficult to say whether this applies to ISTJs, as they are very intolerant of their subordinates' failures to meet their obligations, and one of those obligations is to stick to the plan. Believing that truth, at least as far as they see it, is more important than sensitivity, ISTJ personalities are capable of laying down hard criticism, and their willingness to make tough decisions can make perceived insubordination the final trespass.

Source: http://www.16personalities.com/profiles/56a78df731602

Tarot Reading Q1 2016

Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Secret War Journal[January - March 2016]
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Astrological Spread [13/1/2016]
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1A - Immediate Situation - 3 of Swords (flipped) - Heartache. Seperation in terms of time and space. The moment is probably in the passing phase. It is fading away.
1 - Physical Body / How people view you - King of Chalices - Perceived as mature, one who worked through problems that stem from his passions.
2 - One's money / Values - Knight of Chalices (flipped) - Somewhat in control of emotions. Feelings might be catalyst for investment decisions.
3 - Short trips / Siblings - 5 of Wands (flipped) - Arguments & conflicts are expected, possibly to bad results. Internal struggles may surface. Emotional stress is implied.
4 - Home - The Sun (flipped) - Home, the life force (diminished). Happiness and pleasure in daily living is indicated.
5 - Romance / What one enjoys - 9 of Chalices - Emotionally secure. Contentment is indicated.
6 - Everyday work / Health - The Queen of Pentacles (flipped) - Self-worth relating to work. May become materialistic and have a strong desire for a connection to the material world. (Meeting with a female at a physical exercise suggested)
7 - Partnerships / Open Enemies - Queen of Chalices - Contentment regarding partnership indicated. Strong emotions and perhaps contempt regarding open enemies. References to a female with curly blonde hair.
8 - Values / Occult Matters - Queen of Swords - Ideals firmly rooted. Strong-willed. Commanding relating to occult matters.
9 - Long-term travels - Strength - Patience regarding long-term travels. Strength to endure.
10 - Father / Status / Career - The Chariot (flipped) - Home is important to Father. New beginnings and successes to career and status. Hints of an important long-distance travel. Movement is indicated.
11 - Friends - Death (flipped) - Rebirth. Ending old friendships and starting of new friendships. Hopes and wishes will withstand the demands of material successes.
12 - Hidden Enemies - Queen of Wands - Unconscious mind is calm. Acceptance of the situation. Hidden enemies in plain sight. Keen instinct in finding them.
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King of Chalices and Queen of Wands in Play (Nearby) - Possible conflict with someone of opposite gender over differences.
4 Queens in Play - 4 Females in authority and influence.

2016: Blazing the Path Ahead

Saturday, January 2, 2016
Secret War Journal[2016][Updated 14 March 2016]


This took a bit of time because there has been (still) a delay in the post wrapping up 2015.

The reason behind that could be attributed to me deciding to scrap the initial completed post + outline 2 weeks before the end of the year. This forced me to allocate more time to start afresh the direction the post should take.

No matter, 2016 is here and 2015 is past us. While I decide if I would post the 2015 post, let us start this year with a whole new list of new year resolutions! :)


  1. Secure an Internship for 2017
  2. Read Reaper's Gale
  3. Read Toll the Hounds
  4. Clean up the room at least twice per month
  5. Get a driving license (Started!)
  6. Learn Ruby


"Action is the foundational key to all success." - Pablo Picasso