How My Evolving Personality Has Made Me a Better Software Developer
"Growth isn’t just about who we are — it’s about who we choose to become. The more we reflect, learn, and adapt, the more we shape ourselves into the kind of person we aspire to be."
Barbara Bonilla
The Evolution of a Developer: Growth Through Reflection and Intentional Change
Think back to who you were five years ago — how much have you changed? As a developer, my growth has been more than just technical — it's been about becoming a better teammate, problem-solver, and collaborator.
“Software development isn’t just about writing clean code or designing intuitive interfaces — it’s about collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability.”
While some of these changes have come naturally, many have been the result of intentional effort and self-improvement. But how do we measure that growth? One way I’ve done this is by periodically taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test to track how my thinking, decision-making, and interactions have evolved over time.
I’ve always been deeply curious about habits, human behavior, and how we think and interact with the world. I enjoy studying not only human behavior in general but also my own patterns of growth and change. In many ways, I see myself as my own case study — constantly reflecting, learning, and refining how I approach work, relationships, and challenges. This mindset has played a huge role in my professional evolution, pushing me to improve not just my technical skills but also how I contribute to my team and collaborate with others.
From a Mediator to an Advocate to a Defender
Over time, my results have reflected a shift from deep introspection to confidence, structure, and balance. Here’s how each phase has mapped my evolution:
2018 – Turbulent Mediator (INFP-T): Introspective, creative, but hesitant in decision-making.
2021 – Assertive Advocate (INFJ-A): More confident, purpose-driven, and structured in my approach.
2022-2023 – Assertive Defender (ISFJ-A): Reliable, detail-oriented, and focused on building stability.
2025 – Assertive Advocate (INFJ-A) again: A refined balance between vision, execution, and confidence.
These shifts weren’t random — they were shaped by conscious efforts to improve my decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Key Personality Traits That Show How I’ve Improved as a Developer
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My intuitive insights allow me to approach problems from a unique perspective. Whether it’s designing user-friendly interfaces, optimizing complex logic, or brainstorming innovative solutions, creativity plays a central role in my work. I don’t just look for the obvious fix — I read between the lines, uncovering deeper issues, and crafting solutions that are both effective and elegant.
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With my strong Feeling (F) trait, I don’t just focus on technology — I focus on people. Whether through mentorship, conflict resolution, or simply creating a space where teammates feel heard, I contribute to a positive and supportive workplace.
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I’ve always been drawn to meaningful work, and this passion fuels both my technical and leadership abilities. My commitment to creating impactful software — whether through user-centered design, accessibility improvements, or ethical tech development — helps foster a strong collaborative environment where meaningful solutions can thrive.
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One of my strongest skills is reading between the lines — whether it’s understanding user needs that aren’t explicitly stated or picking up on team dynamics that might otherwise go unnoticed. This ability allows me to bridge gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and alignment in projects.
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Over time, I’ve developed a more structured approach to my work. My Judging (J) trait has helped me become more decisive, reliable, and strategic in my decision-making. Additionally, my growing Assertiveness (A) score has allowed me to step into leadership roles with confidence, mentor junior developers, and advocate for best practices in development.
Growth Is Intentional: How Anyone Can Evolve
Growth is not a straight line — it's a dynamic process of fluctuation, learning, and adaptation.
This graph captures my evolution — experimenting, adapting, and intentionally shaping the developer I strive to be.
Have you ever noticed how small changes in the way you think affect your work, interactions, or confidence? These shifts add up, and when we reflect, we can see just how much we’ve evolved.
For example, I wasn’t always assertive, but I worked on strengthening my communication skills. I wasn’t always structured in my approach, but I made an effort to improve my organization and planning. By continuously reflecting on my strengths and weaknesses, I’ve learned to intentionally shape the qualities I need to thrive — not just as a developer, but as a leader and collaborator.
Anyone can develop qualities that make them a better developer, designer, or leader — it just requires intention and persistence.
“Growth isn’t just something that happens to us; it’s something we actively create.”
Evaluating personal growth isn’t just about looking back — it’s about recognizing measurable changes in how I think, act, and contribute. Over the years, I’ve learned to assess my evolution not just through personality tests like MBTI but also through self-reflection, feedback from others, and how I handle challenges. I pay attention to the way I respond to setbacks, how confidently I make decisions, and whether my impact on my team has grown. If I’m mentoring more, communicating better, and solving problems with greater clarity, I know I’m on the right path.
This graph visually represents my overall personality growth, calculated as the average of key traits — Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging, and Assertiveness — over time.
It illustrates how intentional reflection and adaptation have helped me evolve into a more confident, structured, and impactful developer.
The Evolution of a Developer: The Developer I Am and the One I Strive to Be
The journey from a Turbulent Mediator to an Assertive Advocate and Defender has shaped me into a well-rounded software developer. I am now a strategic thinker, a reliable team player, and a confident decision-maker. By continuously refining my strengths — both natural and intentionally developed — I can contribute to my team with greater impact.
The key takeaway? Growth isn’t a finish line — it’s an ongoing process of refining, adapting, and creating. We don’t just grow as developers; we grow as individuals, teammates, and leaders. The best version of ourselves is always just one step ahead, waiting for us to put in the work.
“May we grow into the successful professionals we strive to be — not just by who we are, but through the effort, learning, and dedication we put in every day. Growth is a journey!”
