Are you an INTP who has been wondering if you can become an INTJ?
Or maybe you’re just curious about the differences between these two personality types.
While changing your personality type is not possible, there are ways to develop and display certain characteristics of an INTJ that you may admire.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between INTPs and INTJs, and discuss how INTPs can learn from INTJs to improve their personal and professional lives.
So, let’s dive in and find out if an INTP can become an INTJ.
Can An INTP Become An INTJ
The short answer is no, an INTP cannot become an INTJ. Personality types are determined by cognitive function preferences, which are innate and cannot be changed. However, it is possible for an INTP to develop and display certain characteristics of an INTJ that they admire.
INTJs are known for their confidence and focus, while INTPs are known for their adaptability and open-mindedness. INTJs direct their thinking and sensing outwardly, appearing very direct, logical, and blunt in their speech. On the other hand, INTPs extravert their intuition and feeling, preferring to discuss ideas, theories, alternatives, and new angles rather than directly stating they are right.
While the two types may seem similar in some ways, they have different cognitive preferences that cannot be changed. However, INTPs can learn from INTJs to improve their personal and professional lives. For example, INTJs bring organization and perseverance to a work environment, while INTPs bring adaptability and open-mindedness.
Understanding The INTP And INTJ Personality Types
To understand the INTP and INTJ personality types, it’s important to first understand their cognitive functions. Both types are Introverted, Intuitive, and Thinking personalities, but they differ in their dominant and auxiliary functions.
INTPs have dominant Introverted Thinking (Ti), which means they prefer to make decisions internally and without external factors. They tend to think deeply about various subjects and try to find the best answer to a question. INTPs also have auxiliary Extraverted Intuition (Ne), which allows them to generate new ideas and consider multiple possibilities.
While both types may appear similar on the surface, their cognitive functions result in different behaviors and thought processes. INTPs tend to be more adaptable and open-minded, while INTJs are more focused and organized.
It’s also important to note that both types have different ways of dealing with stress. INTPs may become emotional and insecure, while INTJs may become wrapped up in sensory indulgences or activities.
Key Differences Between INTPs And INTJs
INTPs and INTJs may share some similarities, but there are key differences between the two personality types. The primary distinction between an INTP and an INTJ is their difference in judging versus perceiving. INTPs have a preference for perceiving, which means they like flexibility and spontaneity and may be turned off by too much structure and routine. On the other hand, INTJs have a preference for judging, which means they feel supported and secure with the help of things like schedules, structure, and clearly defined expectations.
Another difference is in their cognitive functions. INTPs focus on clarifying their self-understanding and personal philosophy (Ti-Ne) and gradually refine their roadmap for “how to live” (Fe). In contrast, INTJs aim to understand and improve external systems (Te) and, in the process, come to better understand themselves (Fi). This means that INTPs tend to think more broadly while INTJs tend to focus on fewer topics.
INTJs have inferior Se, which means they’ll be uncomfortable with acting on spur of the moment without prior notice or a plan in place. INTPs, on the other hand, should be fairly comfortable adapting to change or an unanticipated occurrence due to their auxiliary Ne. As a whole, they’ll be more flexible than the average INTJ.
Finally, while both types are drawn to look for underlying meanings and naturally read between the lines, INTPs tend to imagine many different possibilities and have the ability to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated topics. They can find it hard to finish projects as they become excited about new ideas. INTJs also make connections but tend to have a narrower focus. They are often capable of playing the long game and can stand out in a world where most people are focused on immediate gratification.
Can An INTP Develop INTJ Characteristics?
While an INTP cannot become an INTJ, they can develop certain characteristics that are associated with the INTJ personality type. One way for an INTP to do this is by focusing on their dominant cognitive function, Introverted Thinking (Ti), which is also the secondary function of an INTJ. This means that INTPs have the potential to develop their Ti to a higher level, which will help them become more confident and focused in their thinking.
Another way for an INTP to develop INTJ characteristics is by working on their weaker cognitive functions. For example, an INTP can work on developing their Extraverted Thinking (Te) function, which is the tertiary function of an INTJ. This will help them become more organized and efficient in their work, as well as more assertive in their decision-making.
INTJs are also known for their ability to see long-range visions and patterns, which is a result of their dominant cognitive function, Introverted Intuition (Ni). While INTPs do not have this as their dominant function, they can still work on developing their Ni by practicing mindfulness and visualization techniques. This will help them become more future-oriented and focused on long-term goals.
Strategies For INTPs To Improve Their Professional Lives
As an INTP, you may find that working independently comes more naturally to you than working within a team dynamic. However, it’s important to recognize that teamwork is often necessary for success in many professional settings. Here are some strategies to help you improve your professional life as an INTP:
1. Recognize the value of teamwork: While you may prefer to work independently, it’s important to recognize that working with others can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to a project. Consider joining a team or collaborating with colleagues on a project.
2. Develop your communication skills: As an INTP, you may be more comfortable discussing ideas and theories rather than directly stating your opinions. However, effective communication is crucial in the workplace. Practice expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely.
3. Focus on organization: INTJs are known for their organizational skills, and as an INTP, you can benefit from developing this skill as well. Set clear goals and create a plan for achieving them. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay on track.
4. Embrace structure: While INTPs value open-mindedness and flexibility, it’s important to recognize that structure and routine can be beneficial in the workplace. Develop a consistent routine for your workday to increase productivity and reduce stress.
5. Seek out opportunities for growth: INTJs are known for their focus on long-term goals, and as an INTP, you can benefit from developing this mindset as well. Identify areas where you want to grow professionally and seek out opportunities to develop those skills.
By implementing these strategies, INTPs can improve their professional lives and develop some of the characteristics of INTJs that they admire. While they may never become INTJs, they can learn from their strengths and use them to achieve success in their careers.
Tips For INTPs To Enhance Their Personal Growth
If you are an INTP looking to enhance your personal growth and develop some INTJ-like characteristics, here are some tips:
1. Set Clear Goals: INTJs are known for their ability to set clear and achievable goals. As an INTP, you may tend to explore different ideas and possibilities without committing to a specific direction. Try setting clear goals for yourself and breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps.
2. Focus on Efficiency: INTJs are efficient and calculated in their approach to work. As an INTP, you may tend to get lost in the details and lose track of time. Try to focus on efficiency by setting time limits for tasks and prioritizing your work.
3. Develop Your Organizational Skills: INTJs are organized and methodical in their approach to work. As an INTP, you may tend to be more spontaneous and flexible. Try developing your organizational skills by creating a schedule or a to-do list for yourself.
4. Practice Decision-Making: INTJs are known for their ability to make quick and confident decisions. As an INTP, you may tend to weigh all the options and struggle with making a final decision. Practice decision-making by setting a time limit for yourself and committing to a choice.
5. Seek Out Feedback: INTJs value feedback as a way to improve their work and achieve their goals. As an INTP, you may tend to work independently and not seek out feedback from others. Try seeking out feedback from colleagues or mentors to improve your work and personal growth.
Remember, while you cannot change your innate cognitive preferences, you can develop certain characteristics of other personality types through practice and self-awareness. By incorporating some of these tips into your daily life, you can enhance your personal growth as an INTP and achieve your goals with confidence and focus.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Personality Type.
Discovering your personality type can be an exciting and enlightening experience. It helps you understand yourself better and gives you a sense of belonging. However, some people may view personality typing as limiting or stereotyping. It is important to note that personality types are not static and should not be viewed as a constraint on your individuality or freedom. Instead, it is an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Embracing your unique personality type means accepting your innate cognitive function preferences and using them to your advantage. It also means acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses and working on improving them. For INTPs, this may mean learning from INTJs to develop confidence and focus in their lives. It is important to remember that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and embracing them can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
In conclusion, while it is not possible for an INTP to become an INTJ, they can learn from each other to improve their personal and professional lives. Embracing your unique personality type is essential for personal growth and can lead to a fulfilling life.
