Prospecting Types from a Judging Perspective: Finding Balance on the Other Side of the Spectrum

I am an Assertive Advocate (INFJ-A). If you’ve studied personality theory, you might have a fairly accurate sense of what that means in terms of the personality characteristics that you could reasonably expect me to have. But if you get to know me a little better, you’ll quickly realize that I have a particularly strong Judging trait.

When you take our free personality test, your results are given to you with a percentage for each trait. That’s because 16Personalities measures the traits that determine your personality type on a continuum. Some people who test at 51% Extraverted, for example, might at times feel like they need a break from the social scene. That is to say, they have some Introverted qualities. Others may test at 65% Assertive, meaning that they likely have some Turbulent tendencies that manifest at times. This is true for each of the five traits that we measure.

In my case, it turns out that my Judging trait rates at 97%. That means that my personality is about as far from Prospecting as you can get.

In many ways, my Judging trait has served me well. I have a plan (and a backup plan) for every facet of my life. I’m pretty decisive and ridiculously goal-oriented.

But my Judging trait has also been the root of some serious frustration. Uncertainty kills me. Okay, not literally, but it causes me a fair amount of anxiety. I often struggle to walk away from a project that just isn’t working, and I find it really hard to relax unless I’ve intentionally planned downtime.

I also get terribly frustrated with certain friends and family members who tend to procrastinate or don’t plan the same way that I do, which causes tension and conflict within my closest relationships. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I occasionally have to remind myself that all personality types are worthy of respect and comprehension, even if I have a hard time understanding their modus operandi.

The strength of my Judging trait – if I’m not paying attention – can easily knock me off balance and into a spiral of judgment and frustration.

Luckily, I’ve learned that studying the traits opposite to mine can help me not only balance the extremes of my personality but also develop understanding, empathy, and genuine appreciation for those traits that I struggle to comprehend.

That’s why I decided (admittedly with some prompting) to dig into the depths of the Prospecting personality trait. The more that I learned about the opposite end of this spectrum, the more I was inspired to share my insights – both to help other Judging types like myself and also to boost up those Prospecting personalities who may feel judged or misunderstood for their particular ways of interacting with the world.

What I Most Admire about Prospecting Personalities

1. Their Ability to Just Be

In our “Boredom” survey, nearly 80% of respondents with the Prospecting trait report that they often or very often feel bored, compared to just over 60% of Judging types. Interestingly, just over half of Judging types confirm that boredom can strike them even when they have a lot to do.

In the past, I’ve condemned this kind of boredom as absurd or lazy – but it turns out that slowing down and becoming bored is incredibly valuable. At least one study suggests that boredom increases creativity. Others theorize that it opens the door for connecting with emotions and essentially helps to recharge one’s energy to take on the challenges of the day. Boredom – and the ability to allow yourself to do nothing – are actually beneficial for mental health and can, in many ways, boost productivity.

Unfortunately, in our hypercompetitive, efficiency-focused society, it can be exceedingly difficult for someone like me to allow myself (or those around me) to be bored or simply do nothing. I feel like I have to “earn” my right to rest and then schedule it into my work week. And you know what? That’s ridiculous!

The ability to just be, even with a million things on your to-do list, is worth emulating for the sake of mental well-being.

2. Their Flexible Approach to Planning

Nearly 90% of Judging personality types report that they do their best to anticipate and plan for potential changes in the future. Less than 60% of Prospecting types, however, are likely to answer the same. This statistic points to a certain amount of flexibility and a “take it as it comes” approach to life that seems common to Prospecting personalities.

I, for one, tend to get really stressed out about changes to my plans – and the more last minute those changes happen, the worse it is. As ridiculous as it might sound to Prospecting types, “last minute” to someone with a strong Judging trait like me can easily refer to three months away. Okay, I’ll admit that I’m exaggerating (but not by much).

Prospecting types, while not immune to this kind of “planning” stress, are dramatically less likely to fall victim to it. These personalities are also less likely to keep a constant countdown, checklist, or progress report in their head leading up to events or anticipated milestones.

I really admire how this trait lends itself to a person’s ability to laugh in the face of the unexpected. And if they get knocked off course in pursuing their plans, they don’t exactly bend over backward to get back on track – they just find a different route to get where they’re going and keep on keeping on. When I’m in a fit because something hasn’t gone the way that I expected it to, it helps to channel that Prospecting power of flexibility.

3. The Way They Seize the Day

I am fully aware that I struggle to enjoy my life as much as I should while it’s happening. I get so caught up in maintaining my routine and thinking about how to make my dreams for the future (thanks, Intuitive trait!) become a reality that I genuinely struggle to embrace the present moment. Invitations for spontaneous adventures usually cause some kind of internal conflict. I have to make an effort to enjoy any pleasant but unexpected change in my schedule. Even then, part of my mind is stuck thinking about how to get done whatever got put off in the name of “living in the present tense.”

Prospecting personality types, however, are so good at seizing the day. They are unlikely to hold themselves to their planned routine, opting to do what strikes their fancy instead. They are much more likely than Judging types to enjoy a spontaneous trip and probably consider a date “ideal” if it starts with someone asking, “So, do you want to go out tonight?”

And here I am getting stressed out by unexpected visitors!

With a background in early childhood development, I know that spontaneous play is essential for developing youngsters’ confidence, patience, creativity, and even independence. It’s the foundation of all learning! So what changes when we become adults? It’s not like spontaneity suddenly stops being good for us, and the research is there to prove it. When we lack spontaneity in our lives, anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms are likely to increase. Knowing this helps me go with the flow, but it takes real effort. For Prospecting types, it’s just how they are.

Balance Is Key

Yes, my Judging trait tested at 97%, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be unbalanced, causing me unnecessary complications. It does mean, however, that I have to make a very conscious effort to keep myself in check and look beyond my natural tendencies to develop the awareness that I need to find balance.

I deeply appreciate how my Judging nature has pushed me through life. I’ve accomplished many of my goals and feel like I am on track to achieve many more. I’m proud of the way that I get things done. But the study of personality theory has been undeniably helpful in allowing me to understand perspectives and ways of doing things that are different from my own. With these insights, I can continue to grow and be a better partner, parent, friend, and coworker to those Prospecting personality types – or even other Judging types who are less ridiculously Judging than I – in my circle of friends and loved ones.

The three points discussed above are just a starting place for me. I’ll continue exploring the Prospecting trait as part of my process of personal growth.

And I invite you to do the same. Maybe you don’t need to delve into this particular trait, but it might be helpful to ask yourself which aspect of your personality might benefit from exploring the other end of the spectrum for the sake of intentional rebalancing. Which particular personality trait do you find yourself struggling with? Let us know in the comments.