Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit in with the rest of the world? Maybe you’ve always felt misunderstood or like you see things differently than most people.
If that sounds familiar, you might be one of the rarest personality types out there: INFJ. This unique combination of introversion, intuition, feeling, and judging makes up only 1-3% of the population.
But what does it mean to be an INFJ? And why is this personality type so rare?
Let’s dive in and explore the world of INFJs.
How Much Of The Population Is INFJ
As mentioned earlier, INFJs make up only 1-3% of the population. This makes them the rarest personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
To put that into perspective, if you were in a room with 100 people, statistically speaking, only one or two of them would be an INFJ.
This rarity can make INFJs feel like they don’t quite fit in with the rest of the world. They may feel misunderstood or like they see things differently than most people.
But why are INFJs so rare?
What Is An INFJ?
INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. This personality type is often referred to as “The Counselor” due to their natural ability to interpret the emotions and motivations of others and help those around them. INFJs have a deep sense of integrity and seek out deep, meaningful connections with people. They can come across as quiet and gentle, but they are also easy-going perfectionists who are both logical and emotional, creative and analytical.
INFJs are introverted, meaning they gain energy from being alone or in small groups rather than large social settings. They are intuitive, meaning they rely on their instincts and gut feelings rather than solely on facts and logic. INFJs are feeling types, meaning they prioritize emotions and empathy over rationality when making decisions. Finally, INFJs are judging types, meaning they prefer structure and organization over spontaneity.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment tool that measures an individual’s preferences in four different areas: Extroversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving. Each of these areas has two opposing preferences, and individuals are assigned a four-letter code based on their dominant preferences.
According to the MBTI, INFJ stands for Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), and Judgment (J). This means that INFJs tend to be introspective, intuitive, empathetic, and organized in their approach to life.
Out of the 16 possible personality types in the MBTI, INFJ is the rarest. Only 1-3% of the population falls into this category. In comparison, the most common personality type is ISFJ, which makes up around 13% of the population.
The rarity of the INFJ personality type can be attributed to a few factors. For one, INFJs tend to be deep thinkers who value meaningful connections with others. This can make it difficult for them to find like-minded individuals in a world that often values superficial interactions.
Additionally, INFJs are often drawn to careers in helping professions such as counseling or social work. These fields may not appeal to everyone, which could contribute to the lower prevalence of INFJs in the general population.
Understanding The INFJ Personality Type
INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. These four letters describe the core characteristics of an INFJ personality type.
Introverted: INFJs are introverted, meaning they gain energy from being alone rather than from being around others. They tend to be more reserved and introspective.
Intuitive: INFJs are intuitive, meaning they rely on their intuition and gut feelings rather than on logic or facts. They tend to be more imaginative and creative.
Feeling: INFJs are feeling, meaning they make decisions based on their emotions and values rather than on objective reasoning. They tend to be empathetic and compassionate.
Judging: INFJs are judging, meaning they prefer structure and order in their lives. They tend to plan things out and make decisions quickly.
INFJs are known for their unique combination of traits that can make them seem like walking contradictions. They are both logical and emotional, creative and analytical. They have a deep sense of integrity and a natural intuition that allows them to read others well.
However, INFJs may struggle to understand themselves at times. Their reactions and behavior can sometimes confuse even their own sharp intuition.
INFJs tend to be idealistic and seek out deep, meaningful connections with people. They can come across as quiet and gentle, but they are also persistent and moral. They prefer to be open with only a select few people and are very good listeners themselves.
Why INFJs Are So Rare
There are several theories as to why INFJs are so rare. One theory is that their unique combination of traits makes them hard to categorize. INFJs possess a mix of introverted and extroverted qualities, which can make them seem contradictory and difficult to understand.
Another theory is that INFJs are often misunderstood and misinterpreted by others. Their deep thinking and intense emotions can make them appear aloof or unapproachable, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Additionally, INFJs tend to be highly empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others. This can be exhausting for them, leading them to retreat from social situations and seek solitude.
Finally, INFJs are known for their strong sense of morality and desire to make a positive impact on the world. This can lead them to pursue careers in fields such as counseling, social work, or activism, which may not be as lucrative or prestigious as other professions.
Famous INFJs Throughout History
Despite their rarity, INFJs have made significant contributions to society throughout history. Many well-known figures have been identified as INFJs or possess traits that align with the INFJ personality type.
For example, Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States, is believed to have been an INFJ. He was known for his insightful and empathic nature, as well as his passion for improving the lives of others.
Other famous INFJs include Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals were all known for their altruistic nature and their desire to make a positive impact on the world.
In addition to political figures, many artists and creatives have also been identified as INFJs. Lady Gaga, Lauryn Hill, and Tori Amos are just a few examples of musicians who possess the empathic and intuitive qualities that are characteristic of INFJs.
INFJs have also made significant contributions in the field of film. Directors such as Andrei Tarkovsky and Terrence Malick are believed to have been INFJs, and their films often explore deep themes related to spirituality and the human condition.
INFJs In Relationships And Careers
INFJs are known for being compassionate and forming strong relationships with those they trust. They are deeply empathetic and sensitive individuals who value meaningful connections with others. However, they can take a long time to open up to new people, which can make it difficult for them to form new relationships.
In terms of careers, INFJs are passionate about making the world a better place. They are creative, strong-willed, and idealistic individuals who seek out careers that align with their values and beliefs. Some career paths that might make sense for INFJs include counseling, social work, teaching, and healthcare.
INFJs are also natural leaders and are often drawn to careers that allow them to help others and make a positive impact on society. They are skilled at interpreting the emotions and motivations of others, which makes them effective communicators and problem-solvers.
Overall, INFJs thrive in careers that allow them to use their creativity, empathy, and intuition to help others. They value meaningful work and are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world around them.
