Are you an INFJ who has ever wished to be more outgoing or less impulsive?
Or have you ever wondered if it’s possible to change your personality type altogether?
The answer may surprise you.
While your basic personality type is inborn and doesn’t change, there are ways to develop traits and habits that differ from your type’s description.
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of changing certain aspects of your personality as an INFJ, and how it can lead to a more well-rounded and fulfilled life.
So, let’s dive in and discover if INFJs can change their personality!
Can INFJ Change Their Personality
According to Myers-Briggs theory, your personality type is inborn and doesn’t change. This means that as an INFJ, your dominant traits of being reserved, cautious, and emotionally driven are unlikely to change. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t develop traits and habits that differ from your type’s description.
For example, INFJs are known for their desire for order, structure, and organization. However, if you find yourself struggling with impulsiveness or a lack of spontaneity, it’s possible to develop these traits through practice and conscious effort.
Similarly, if you feel like you’re not as outgoing as you’d like to be, you can work on developing your social skills and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. While it may not come naturally to you as an INFJ, with practice and persistence, you can become more comfortable in social situations.
It’s important to note that while it’s possible to develop traits that differ from your type’s description, your dominant traits will still remain the same. This means that even if you become more outgoing or spontaneous, you’ll still have a natural tendency towards being reserved and cautious.
Understanding The INFJ Personality Type
INFJs are known as thoughtful nurturers with a strong sense of personal integrity and a drive to help others realize their potential. They are creative and dedicated individuals who have a talent for helping others with original solutions to their personal challenges. One of the unique abilities of INFJs is their intuition when it comes to understanding the emotions and motivations of others. They often know how someone else is feeling before that person knows it themselves. This ability allows them to read people accurately and trust their insights about others.
INFJs are sensitive, but they are also reserved individuals who tend to be selective about sharing intimate thoughts and feelings. They search for meaning and purpose in their lives and in the outer world, which leads them to have an immense interest in deeply understanding culture, society, and the universe as a whole. Their reflective and curious worldview gives them a unique perspective and thoughtful approach to how they interact with others and the world around them.
INFJs have a natural tendency to see how every thought or action could potentially have important consequences, either positive or negative. This reflective nature can sometimes cause them to get stuck in their heads and struggle with taking action. However, when they are at their best, their actions are aligned with their authentic values.
INFJs feel most motivated to change when they see a vision or image of the future that looks appealing and novel. They don’t like predictability or monotony and are excited by new options and possibilities. However, they need more time to acclimate to change than many other personality types. They want to think through their position, analyze the potential effects, and consider how the change will impact them personally and the people around them.
It’s important to recognize that while INFJs have strengths, they also have weaknesses like any other personality type. For example, INFJs can have mixed reactions to change – while they enjoy being able to toy with a new vision or idea for the future, they can feel hesitant if they see implications that could be negative.
The Science Behind Personality Development
While Myers-Briggs theory suggests that personality is fixed and unchanging, recent research has shown that there is some flexibility and room for development. Studies have found that personality traits can change over time, although these changes are generally small and gradual.
One factor that can influence personality development is age. As people get older, they tend to become less extraverted and more introverted. They also become more concrete in their thinking, which corresponds to being more sensing and less intuitive. In addition, older individuals tend to appreciate structure and order in their lives, which makes them more likely to identify as judgers.
Another factor that can influence personality development is individual experiences. New circumstances, relationships, or challenges can provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. For INFJs, this might mean developing new social skills or becoming more comfortable with spontaneity.
However, it’s important to note that personality change is not easy or guaranteed. It requires conscious effort, persistence, and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. Additionally, while it’s possible to develop traits that differ from one’s type description, the core aspects of one’s personality will likely remain the same. As an INFJ, you will still have a natural tendency towards being reserved, cautious, and emotionally driven.
The Myth Of Changing Your Basic Personality Type
Despite the possibility of developing traits that differ from your type’s description, the myth of changing your basic personality type persists. This is likely due to a misunderstanding of what it means to have a certain personality type.
Your personality type is not a fixed set of traits that you’re stuck with for life. Rather, it’s a framework for understanding how you naturally process information, make decisions, and interact with the world around you. Your type is based on your innate preferences, which are unlikely to change.
However, as you go through life, you’ll develop different facets of your personality type. For example, an INFJ who is naturally reserved may learn to become more outgoing in social situations. This doesn’t mean that they’ve changed their basic personality type, but rather that they’ve developed a new facet of their personality.
It’s important to understand that developing new facets of your personality doesn’t mean you’re changing your basic personality type. Your dominant traits will still remain the same, and it’s important to embrace and understand them as part of who you are.
Developing Traits Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
INFJs are known for being introspective and reflective, and they may feel more comfortable in familiar environments. However, stepping outside of your comfort zone can be a powerful way to develop new skills and grow as a person.
One way to develop traits outside of your comfort zone is to try new experiences. This can include trying new foods, traveling to new places, or taking up a new hobby. By exposing yourself to new situations, you can challenge yourself and develop new perspectives and skills.
Another way to develop traits outside of your comfort zone is to take on new challenges. This can include taking on a leadership role at work or volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about. By pushing yourself to take on new challenges, you can develop confidence and resilience.
It’s also important to be open to feedback and criticism. As an INFJ, you may be sensitive to criticism, but learning how to accept constructive feedback can help you grow and improve. Seek out feedback from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues, and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Finally, it’s important to practice self-care and self-compassion as you work on developing traits outside of your comfort zone. Remember that growth takes time and effort, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.
Tips For INFJs To Expand Their Personality
If you’re an INFJ looking to expand your personality, here are some tips to consider:
1. Practice mindfulness: INFJs tend to be introspective and reflective, but practicing mindfulness can help you become more present in the moment. This can lead to increased spontaneity and a greater willingness to try new things.
2. Push yourself out of your comfort zone: As an INFJ, you may be hesitant to try new things or put yourself in unfamiliar situations. However, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can help you develop new skills and experiences that can broaden your perspective.
3. Seek out new experiences: INFJs often have a strong desire to help others, but it’s important to also prioritize your own personal growth. Seeking out new experiences, whether it’s traveling to a new place or trying a new hobby, can help you expand your horizons and develop new interests.
4. Practice assertiveness: INFJs tend to be empathetic and accommodating, but practicing assertiveness can help you communicate your needs and boundaries more effectively. This can lead to greater confidence and a stronger sense of self.
5. Embrace spontaneity: INFJs often prefer structure and planning, but embracing spontaneity can lead to new opportunities and experiences. Start small by trying something new without planning it in advance, and gradually work towards being more comfortable with impromptu decisions.
Remember that developing new traits takes time and effort, and it’s important to be patient with yourself throughout the process. By embracing new experiences and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you can expand your personality while still staying true to your natural tendencies as an INFJ.
The Benefits Of Embracing Your Natural Personality Type
As an INFJ, embracing your natural personality type can bring numerous benefits to your personal and professional life. Firstly, understanding your strengths and weaknesses as an INFJ can help you identify the career paths that are most suited to your personality type. INFJs tend to excel in careers that allow them to express their creativity and uphold their personal principles, such as the creative industries or positions focused on social justice.
Moreover, being aware of your natural traits as an INFJ can help you build stronger relationships with others. INFJs are known for their empathy and ability to understand others’ emotions, which can make them excellent listeners and supporters for their loved ones. By embracing these traits, INFJs can create deeper connections with others and foster more meaningful relationships.
Additionally, embracing your natural personality type can help you find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. INFJs have a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world and advocate for change. By aligning your personal goals and values with this desire, you can find a sense of meaning and satisfaction in your work and personal life.
Overall, while it may be tempting to try to change or suppress certain aspects of your personality as an INFJ, embracing your natural traits can lead to greater success, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of life.
