(This is the third post in an eight part series on the eight characteristics of the MBTI. Find an introduction HERE, and use the tags at the end to find other related posts.)
The
characteristic of sensing, more clearly defined as “realistic,” is the opposite
of intuitive. These refer to how you absorb information and how you process it
afterwards. Simply put, sensors take in information by focusing on the
specifics while those who are intuitive process in a big picture way. One
source I encountered stated that about 73% of people are sensing, while only
27% are intuitors.[1]
However, please note that distinguishing between Intuitive and Sensing is very
difficult, and they are close to being the most difficult to contrast.
Sensors
like facts to be concrete and they look at everything in a very realistic way.
They are the people bringing the voice of reason to any situation, the people
who come up with a practical solution for any problem. They are experimental
rather than theoretical but still tend to stick to the rules and prefer a
traditional approach to an original one. They admire practical solutions, and
desire jobs that demand practicality.
Sensors
thrive on hard facts, details, and real experience – things that can be cited
as definite. Known as realists who survive by the mantra “things are what they
are,” they live by the actualities in life, the real challenges and problems
that arise. Common sense is their forte, and this sometimes compels them to
oversimplify things.
They
take in information by their five senses and their common sense naturally makes
them focus on the here and now over the hypothetical; what has happened
rather than what may happen. This reliance on their senses makes the
name very natural. Sensors are automatically observant and pick up on patterns
in behavior and in the people around them. Besides observing, they remember
what they see. When someone else has the idea, a sensor is great at figuring
out the steps to make it happen, and then carrying it out or arranging to have
it done. They bring the ideas to reality.
Their
thought process is straight-forward and linear, following the facts and making
sense of them. This naturally makes them like step-by-step instructions.
Sensors usually end up working at a steady pace in an orderly manner. Thoughts
come to them sequentially. They have accurate memories. “Sensible” – that is a
sensor. They live life by a schedule, but are quick to adapt if need be.
Their speech often
tends to follow these patterns, using facts and examples in a literal way. They
use language as a tool, and speak directly, and to the point. They often listen
until the other person is done speaking. When they are interested in something,
they often have the ability to remember a lot of facts about it.
One source said it
all this way: “Roughly speaking, the memory of a Sensing type serves as a photo
album containing snapshots from various events. Sensors relate directly to
their surroundings and make decisions quickly and instinctively, and when a
Sensing type plans for the future, these plans involve specific events and
activities.”[2]
[1]
“Why Your Type is Awesome: S vs. N,” accessed July 9, 2015, http://u-journey.com/2013/07/why-your-type-is-awesome-s-vs-n/.
[2]
“The Qualities of Sensing & Intuition,” accessed July 9, 2015, http://www.celebritytypes.com/blog/2011/03/sensingintuition/.
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