Are you one of the rarest personality types out there?
If you’re an INFJ, the answer is yes.
With only 1-3% of the population falling into this category, INFJs are truly unique individuals.
But what does it mean to be an INFJ? And why are they so rare?
In this article, we’ll explore the secrets of the INFJ personality type and uncover what makes them so special.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover just how rare and fascinating INFJs really are.
How Rare Is An INFJ
As mentioned earlier, INFJs make up only 1-3% of the population. This means that out of 100 people, only 1-3 will have this personality type.
But why are INFJs so rare?
One reason is that INFJs possess a unique combination of traits that are not commonly found in most people. They are introverted yet people-oriented, emotional yet rational, and thoughtful yet spontaneous. This combination of traits makes them stand out from the crowd and sets them apart from other personality types.
Another reason for their rarity is that INFJs tend to keep to themselves and are not very vocal about their thoughts and feelings. They prefer to keep their innermost thoughts and emotions private, which can make it difficult for others to understand them.
What Is An INFJ?
INFJ is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). It stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging. INFJs are often referred to as “The Counselor” or “The Advocate” because they possess a deep sense of integrity and a natural intuition that allows them to interpret the emotions and motivations of others.
INFJs are skilled at helping those around them and seek out deep, meaningful connections with people. They tend to be idealistic and strive to make the world a better place. INFJs are also known for their ability to see beyond the surface and understand people on a deeper level.
Despite their strong empathy and compassion, INFJs can come across as quiet and reserved. They prefer to keep their thoughts and feelings private, which can make it difficult for others to get to know them. However, once an INFJ has established a close relationship with someone, they are fiercely loyal and will go above and beyond to help those they care about.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment tool that measures an individual’s preferences across four dichotomies: Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I), Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N), Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), and Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P).
INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging, which are the four preferences that make up this personality type. INFJs are introverted, meaning they tend to be reflective and reserved, preferring to spend time alone or with a small group of close friends. They are intuitive, meaning they rely on their intuition and imagination to understand the world around them rather than solely relying on sensory information. They are feeling, meaning they are empathetic and value harmony in their relationships with others. Lastly, they are judging, meaning they prefer structure and order and tend to make decisions based on their personal values.
The MBTI is used by many organizations for team building, leadership development, and career counseling. It is important to note that while the MBTI can provide insights into an individual’s personality preferences, it is not a definitive measure of one’s personality and should not be used to make hiring or other important decisions.
The INFJ Personality Traits
The INFJ personality type is characterized by four main traits: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.
Introverted: INFJs are introverted, which means they tend to focus on their inner world rather than the external environment. They often need time alone to recharge and process their thoughts and emotions. They can come across as reserved or shy, but they are also empathetic and caring individuals.
Intuitive: INFJs rely on their intuition to understand the world around them. They are able to pick up on subtle cues and read between the lines, which makes them excellent at understanding people’s emotions and motivations. They are also imaginative and creative, often approaching problems with a unique perspective.
Feeling: INFJs are highly empathetic and emotional individuals. They are able to connect deeply with others and feel their emotions as if they were their own. This can make them sensitive to criticism or conflict, but it also makes them compassionate and caring.
Judging: INFJs are not judgmental in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, they have a strong sense of right and wrong and a desire to create harmony in their environment. They are organized and methodical in their approach to life, often planning ahead and striving for perfection.
Why Are INFJs So Rare?
There are several theories as to why INFJs are considered one of the rarest personality types. One theory is that INFJs are simply not in situations where the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test is offered, or they may choose not to take the test. Another theory is that when taking the assessment, people may not be honest, especially if they believe being an extrovert is better than being an introvert.
However, the most popular explanations for their rarity have to do with the complexity and even contradiction of their traits. INFJs possess a deep sense of what’s right or moral, which guides them in life and goes hand-in-hand with a thoughtful and intuitive way of living. They’re considered enigmatic because of the layers of personality they reveal to those close to them over time.
INFJs can also be misunderstood by others who may see their characteristics as flaws rather than personality components. This can cause them to conform to perceived expectations, making their genuine traits less visible to others.
INFJs In Relationships
When it comes to relationships, INFJs can be complex individuals. They are fiercely loyal and deeply committed to their partner, but they can also be hesitant to open up and fully express their emotions. This can sometimes make it difficult for their partner to understand them and connect with them on a deeper level.
INFJs are highly empathetic and intuitive, which means they have a natural ability to understand and anticipate their partner’s needs and emotions. They are great listeners and are always willing to lend an ear when their partner needs to talk. However, they may struggle to express their own feelings and may need encouragement from their partner to open up.
In relationships, INFJs value deep emotional connections and meaningful conversations. They are not interested in shallow or superficial relationships and prefer to take things slow. INFJs need time to build trust and establish a strong emotional bond with their partner before they feel comfortable enough to fully open up.
INFJs can also be highly sensitive and may become easily overwhelmed by conflict or criticism in a relationship. They may need reassurance from their partner that they are loved and appreciated, even in the midst of disagreements or challenges.
INFJs In The Workplace
When it comes to the workplace, INFJs have specific needs and tendencies that can make it challenging for them to thrive in certain environments. As introverts, they may struggle in highly social and extroverted workplaces where they are expected to constantly interact with others. INFJs also tend to be highly sensitive to their surroundings, so a chaotic or disorganized workplace can be overwhelming for them.
On the other hand, INFJs excel in workplaces that align with their values and allow them to use their natural intuition and empathy to help others. They are often drawn to careers in counseling, social work, and education, where they can make a positive impact on people’s lives. INFJs also thrive in creative fields such as writing, art, and music, where they can express their deep emotions and connect with others on a deeper level.
One of the biggest challenges for INFJs in the workplace is finding a balance between their need for solitude and their desire to connect with others. They may struggle with networking or self-promotion, as they prefer to build relationships slowly and authentically. However, once an INFJ has formed a strong connection with a colleague or client, they are fiercely loyal and dedicated.
In summary, INFJs bring a unique set of strengths and challenges to the workplace. They thrive in environments that align with their values and allow them to use their natural intuition and empathy to help others. While they may struggle with networking or self-promotion, they are loyal and dedicated colleagues who bring a thoughtful and creative approach to their work.