Are you curious about what it means to be an INFJ?
This rare personality type, identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), is known for their deep empathy, intuition, and big-picture thinking.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to be an INFJ, keep reading.
In this article, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of this personality type, as well as tips for self-expression and personal growth.
Whether you’re already an INFJ or simply curious about this fascinating personality type, this article is for you.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of INFJs.
How To Be An INFJ
The easiest way to identify as an INFJ is to take a free online MBTI test. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these tests can sometimes mistype people and have a preference for intuitive and feeling types. So, if you don’t get the result you want the first time, take it again! It’s free and no one will know how many times you took it.
Once you’ve identified as an INFJ, it’s important to understand your strengths and weaknesses. INFJs are conscientious and have a gift for intuitively understanding complex meanings and human relationships. They believe strongly in their insights and often have an uncanny sense of the emotions, feelings, and motivations of other people. They are driven to create global plans that will improve the lives of others.
However, INFJs can also lose track of details by focusing too much on the abstract. They may become out of touch with reality or panic when having to deal with a lot of details at once. Stressors for INFJs include lack of alone time, over-stimulation, navigating unfamiliar places, dealing with conflict, multi-tasking, and focusing on nitty-gritty details.
To be an INFJ, it’s important to embrace your strengths while also working on your weaknesses. This can involve setting aside alone time to recharge, practicing mindfulness to stay grounded in reality, and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
INFJs are also known for their empathy and intuition. To hone these skills, try practicing active listening and paying attention to the emotions of those around you. Writing can also be a useful tool for INFJs wishing to hone their self-expression and connect with their inner voice.
Ultimately, being an INFJ means embracing your unique perspective and using your strengths to make a positive impact on the world around you. So go out there and shake the world in your own gentle way!
What Is An INFJ?
INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. This personality type is one of the 16 identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFJs are idealistic and principled individuals who are deeply thoughtful and imaginative. They are guided by their inner vision, personal values, and a quiet, principled version of humanism. Advocates or INFJs may be the rarest personality type of all, making up only 1% to 3% of the population. They are not content to coast through life – they want to stand up and make a difference.
INFJs are often described as gentle, creative, and caring individuals who uphold very high moral standards in society. They have a unique ability to intuit others’ emotions and motivations and often know how someone else is feeling before that person knows it themselves. Although they are sensitive, they are also reserved and selective about sharing intimate thoughts and feelings.
INFJs tend to have an immense interest in deeply understanding culture, society, and the universe as a whole. They naturally see how every thought or action could potentially have important consequences, either positive or negative. This reflective and curious worldview gives INFJs a unique perspective and thoughtful approach to how they interact with others and the world around them.
Ultimately, INFJs seek to turn their abstract and intellectual musings into concrete actions that can be applied and make a transformative impact on others. While they have lofty goals and ambitions, they care about integrity and aim 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.
The Strengths Of An INFJ
INFJs possess several strengths that set them apart from other personality types. One of their most notable strengths is their ability to connect deeply with others. They are naturally empathetic and in tune with those around them, which allows them to predict what others are thinking or feeling. This often leads them to take on a caring or nurturing role in the lives of those they care about.
Another strength of INFJs is their idealistic thinking that enables change. They have a deep sense of optimism that motivates positive change, and they trust in people’s goodness to help make the world a better, more united place. Their hopeful spirit can inspire others to contribute to important causes, and they are constantly dreaming up new ways to contribute and improve the world.
INFJs also possess unwavering commitment to their values, which helps them push themselves towards growth and change. They want to see improvement in the world and are willing to work hard to achieve it. Their understanding of their own motivations helps them stay true to their convictions and values.
Furthermore, INFJs have a desire to help better the lives of others, which is a crucial strength for this personality type. They are motivated more by their impact on other people than by financial or professional success. This desire to bring about change that can truly help others is what drives INFJs to do what they do best.
Finally, INFJs are decisive problem-solvers who follow through on their ideas with conviction. They have the willpower and decisiveness necessary to see projects through to the end, and they live for the opportunity to solve problems and bring about positive change in the world.
The Weaknesses Of An INFJ
While INFJs have many strengths, they also have some weaknesses that can hinder their personal and professional growth. One of the main weaknesses of an INFJ is their tendency to overlook details. They have a tendency to focus on the big picture and can forget to account for important details that can make or break a project. While INFJs may recognize the importance of details in theory, they may not always be diligent about paying attention to them in practice.
Another weakness of an INFJ is their intensely private nature. Despite their loving and sensitive natures, INFJs can be enigmatic and closed off from the world. Even with their family and close friends, INFJs may not give others the chance to know them or see the wonderful qualities they possess. When feeling frustrated or introspective, they may retreat from social contact without so much as a word of explanation, which can throw others for a loop.
INFJs also have a tendency to avoid conflict, which can be harmful in some situations. While they dislike conflict intensely and will usually intervene to stop it, they often fail to recognize that conflict can actually serve a useful purpose. It allows for a good process of give-and-take to be established and gives all parties the opportunity to resolve their problem forever. INFJs would be wise to acknowledge the value of open and honest dialogue instead of automatically assuming that all squabbling is harmful.
Tips For Self-expression As An INFJ
As an INFJ, self-expression is important for your psychological well-being. Here are some tips to help you express yourself confidently and assertively:
1. Use feeling language: INFJs tend to internalize their emotions, but it’s important to be honest about how you feel from the start. Use “I” statements and express your emotions in a kind and assertive manner.
2. Practice active listening: INFJs have a gift for intuitively understanding complex meanings and human relationships. To hone this skill, practice active listening and pay attention to the emotions of those around you.
3. Write: Writing can be a useful tool for INFJs wishing to hone their self-expression and connect with their inner voice. Try journaling or creative writing to express yourself freely.
4. Embrace your unique perspective: INFJs have a unique perspective on the world, and it’s important to embrace it. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and ideas, even if they differ from those around you.
5. Take care of yourself: INFJs can become overwhelmed by stressors such as lack of alone time, over-stimulation, and dealing with conflict. Set aside alone time to recharge, practice mindfulness, and break down tasks into manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, self-expression is a crucial part of being an INFJ. Embrace your strengths and unique perspective, and don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and ideas with the world!
Personal Growth Strategies For INFJs
As an INFJ, personal growth is essential to reaching your full potential. Here are some strategies to help you on your journey:
1. Question Your Intuition: While INFJs have excellent instincts, they can sometimes be misled when dealing with others. To improve your communication habits, make a conscious effort to share your feelings, both good and bad, with others.
3. Let Others Agree to Disagree: INFJs have a strong aversion to division and will often try to restore lost cohesion and tranquility. However, sometimes the best way to end disputes is to bring them out into the open where bridges of understanding can be built.
4. Make Connections with Extraverts: INFJs tend to keep their gifts wrapped up and hidden, even though they have much to contribute. Cultivate friendly relationships with extraverted people whenever possible to bring yourself out of your shell and into the world where others can benefit from your intellect, empathy, and compassion.
5. Slow Down: INFJs are productive and effective when focusing on one project at a time. However, their fertile imaginations frequently undermine their efforts to stay on track, leading them to start new projects before finishing old ones. Constantly remind yourself to slow down and take things one at a time.
6. Break Big Ideas Down: INFJs tend to focus on the abstract and can lose track of details. Break down big ideas into specific tangible steps.
7. Learn to Give Negative Feedback Constructively: INFJs have a strong desire to avoid conflict and may struggle with giving negative feedback. Practice giving feedback constructively to improve in this area.
8. Learn to Be More Comfortable with Uncertainty: INFJs prefer certainty and may struggle with uncertainty. Practice mindfulness and acceptance of uncertainty to become more comfortable in these situations.
9. Socialize and Network with People More: INFJs tend to keep a small circle of trusted friends and may avoid networking or socializing with new people. Challenge yourself to expand your social circle and network with new people.
By implementing these personal growth strategies, you can continue on your journey towards reaching your full potential as an INFJ.
Understanding And Navigating Relationships As An INFJ
INFJs are known for their ability to form deep, meaningful connections with others. However, navigating relationships as an INFJ can be challenging. INFJs are constantly evaluating their relationships, keeping a finger on the pulse of the relationship at all times. They have a strong sense of authenticity and can quickly detect when someone is not being genuine. This means that INFJs may be selective when it comes to choosing friends and romantic partners.
When it comes to romantic relationships, INFJs are supportive and guided by a sense of integrity. They are passionate about positive improvement and can help their partners work to achieve their goals. INFJs care deeply about their partner and are often willing to make important sacrifices to grow in their relationship. They want to maintain harmony in their relationships and are highly motivated to resolve conflicts.
INFJs tend to be creative problem-solvers and look for the emotional core of an issue to create a meeting of the minds. Although they desire cooperation, they are not willing to go along with an idea that does not feel authentic to them. When it comes to their core values and ethics, they are unwilling to compromise.
INFJs want a high degree of intimacy and emotional engagement, and are happiest when they feel they are sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings with their mates. Once they are comfortable in a relationship, INFJs love to shower their partner with affection and display a more lighthearted and silly side of their personality.
However, INFJs can also be private people who have a hard time sharing their true feelings even with those closest to them. This may cause misunderstandings and hard feelings in the early stages of a relationship. It’s important for INFJs to find partners who respect their values and emotions, appreciate their creativity and inspiration, and are willing to commit to continued growth within the relationship.
INFJs tend to be attracted to people who share their passion for deep conversations and have the same appreciation for abstract ideas and ideologies. A shared intuitive function is a must-have in any successful relationship between two INFJs as they can both relate on an instinctive level.
In conclusion, understanding and navigating relationships as an INFJ requires embracing your strengths while also working on your weaknesses. It’s important for INFJs to find partners who respect their values and emotions, appreciate their creativity and inspiration, and are willing to commit to continued growth within the relationship. With patience, empathy, and a willingness to communicate openly, INFJs can form deep, meaningful connections with others that last a lifetime.
