Are you someone who spends a lot of time reflecting on the deeper meaning behind everything that happens to you?
Do you have a gift for understanding people and their underlying emotions?
If so, you might just be an INFJ personality type.
INFJ stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging, and it’s the rarest Myers-Briggs personality type, making up only 1 to 3% of the population.
But what does it really mean to be an INFJ?
In this article, we’ll explore the unique traits and characteristics that make up this fascinating personality type.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the mind of an INFJ, keep reading!
What Is An INFJ Person
INFJ personalities are often referred to as “the advocates” or “the idealists.” They tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination, guided by a set of personal values that they hold dear.
These individuals are compassionate, empathetic, and highly intuitive. They have a gift for understanding people and identifying their underlying needs and emotions. They care deeply about the human race and want to help people by listening, counseling, and emotionally supporting them.
INFJs are also highly idealistic and can clearly imagine a happier and more perfect future. They believe that a better world can only be attained if we concentrate on doing what is right, regardless of short-term consequences.
However, INFJs are not content to simply dream about a better world. They want to stand up and make a difference. For them, success doesn’t come from money or status but from seeking fulfillment, helping others, and being a force for good in the world.
While they have lofty goals and ambitions, INFJs are not idle dreamers. They care about integrity and are rarely satisfied until they’ve done what they know to be right. Conscientious to the core, they move through life with a clear sense of their values, aiming never to lose sight of what truly matters – not according to other people or society at large, but according to their own wisdom and intuition.
What Is The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator And How Does It Categorize Personalities?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report inventory designed to identify a person’s personality type, strengths, and preferences. The questionnaire was developed by Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs based on their work with Carl Jung’s theory of personality types. The MBTI is based on the hypothesis of psychological types as originally developed by Carl Jung. Jung proposed the existence of four principal psychological functions—sensation, intuition, feeling, and thinking—and that one of these four functions is dominant for a person most of the time.
According to the MBTI, each person has one preferred quality from each of four categories: introversion/extraversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. These categories produce 16 unique personality types. The MBTI emphasizes the value of naturally occurring differences and assumes that we all have specific preferences in the way we construe our experiences. These preferences underpin our interests, needs, values, and motivation.
INFJ is one of the 16 personality types identified by the MBTI. Scoring as an INFJ means that your personality type is best described as Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. INFJs are often referred to as “the advocates” or “the idealists” because they tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination, guided by a set of personal values that they hold dear.
The Four Traits That Define The INFJ Personality Type
The INFJ personality type is defined by four key traits: introversion, intuition, feeling, and judging.
Introversion means that INFJs tend to be quiet and reserved, preferring to spend time alone or with close friends and family. They are introspective and reflective, often spending a great deal of time thinking about their own thoughts and feelings.
Intuition refers to the INFJ’s ability to understand the world through abstract ideas and concepts, rather than relying solely on concrete facts and data. They have a deep understanding of human nature and are able to see the potential in people and situations that others may miss.
Feeling refers to the INFJ’s tendency to make decisions based on their emotions and values, rather than logic or reason. They are deeply empathetic and care deeply about the well-being of others. They often put the needs of others before their own, sometimes to their own detriment.
Judging refers to the INFJ’s preference for structure and organization in their lives. They like to plan ahead and make decisions based on a clear set of values and principles. They are highly conscientious and have a strong sense of responsibility to others.
Taken together, these four traits make INFJs highly unique individuals who are deeply committed to making a positive difference in the world.
Understanding The Introverted Nature Of An INFJ
One of the defining characteristics of an INFJ personality is their introverted nature. They tend to be highly focused on their internal insights and are dominant in introverted intuition. This means that once they have formed an intuition about something, they tend to stick to it very tightly, often to the point of being single-minded in their focus.
INFJs are thoughtful nurturers with a strong sense of personal integrity and a drive to help others realize their potential. They are selective about sharing intimate thoughts and feelings, and can be quite reserved. However, this does not mean that they are not interested in connecting with others or making a difference in the world.
In fact, INFJs have a unique ability to intuit others’ emotions and motivations, often knowing how someone else is feeling before that person knows it themselves. This reflective and curious worldview gives INFJs a unique perspective and thoughtful approach to how they interact with others and the world around them.
Although it is common for INFJs to get stuck in their heads and struggle with taking action, when they are at their best, their actions are aligned with their authentic values. They tend to have an immense interest in deeply understanding culture, society, and the universe as a whole. Ultimately, INFJs seek to turn their abstract and intellectual musings into concrete actions that can be applied and make a transformative impact on others.
It is important to note that while INFJs may seem reserved or even closed-off at times, this does not mean that they are not interested in forming meaningful connections with others. They simply prefer to do so on a deeper level, rather than engaging in superficial interactions. INFJs value authenticity and honesty in themselves and others, and strive to create meaningful relationships based on these qualities.
The Intuitive Abilities Of An INFJ And How They Perceive The World
One of the defining characteristics of an INFJ is their intuitive abilities. They have a unique ability to see beyond the surface of things and understand the deeper meaning and motives behind people’s actions. They are highly perceptive and can easily pick up on subtle cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to decipher what someone is feeling or thinking.
This intuitive ability is rooted in their dominant cognitive function, Introverted Intuition. INFJs use this function to process information and make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. They are able to see patterns and possibilities that others may miss, allowing them to come up with creative solutions to problems.
In addition to their intuitive abilities, INFJs also have a deep appreciation for beauty, art, and symbolism. They are drawn to the mystical and spiritual aspects of life and often seek out experiences that allow them to connect with something greater than themselves.
The Empathetic And Emotionally-driven Nature Of An INFJ
One of the defining features of an INFJ personality is their empathetic and emotionally-driven nature. They have an uncanny ability to sense the feelings and emotions of those around them, often before the other person even realizes what they are feeling. This makes them excellent listeners and counselors, as they are able to provide emotional support and guidance to those in need.
However, this level of empathy can also be overwhelming for INFJs. They are highly sensitive individuals who absorb the emotions of others like a sponge. They may find themselves feeling drained or exhausted after spending time with people who are going through difficult times or experiencing strong emotions.
Despite this, INFJs are driven by their desire to help others. They feel a deep sense of responsibility to make the world a better place, and they believe that this starts with helping individuals on a personal level. They are often drawn to careers in counseling, social work, or other helping professions where they can make a difference in people’s lives.
INFJs are also highly emotional beings themselves. They experience emotions deeply and intensely, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows them to connect with others on a deep level and empathize with their struggles. On the other hand, it can make them vulnerable to being hurt or overwhelmed by their own emotions.
Despite these challenges, INFJs embrace their emotional nature as a core part of who they are. They believe that emotions are an important part of the human experience and that they should be acknowledged and expressed rather than suppressed or ignored.
The Organized And Decisive Qualities Of An INFJ
In addition to their compassionate and idealistic qualities, INFJs are also known for their organized and decisive nature. They like to have control over their environment and often plan and make decisions well in advance. This need for structure and order can sometimes come across as rigidity, but it is simply a way for INFJs to feel secure in their choices.
Despite their tendency towards emotion-driven decision-making, INFJs are also logical thinkers. They are able to balance their feelings with objective facts and make decisions that are both practical and empathetic. This unique combination of emotional intelligence and analytical skills allows INFJs to see patterns in behavior that others may miss, leading them to insightful conclusions.
When INFJs have a goal in mind, they will work tirelessly to achieve it. They are determined individuals who are not easily swayed by external pressures or distractions. This determination can sometimes lead them into leadership positions, where they can use their organizational skills to bring their ideas to fruition.
Overall, the organized and decisive qualities of an INFJ complement their compassionate and idealistic nature. It allows them to turn their dreams into actionable plans, making a positive impact on the world around them.
