Define infj personality type


All About the INFJ Personality Type

The INFJ Personality Type

INFJs are thoughtful nurturers with a strong sense of personal integrity and a drive to help others realize their potential. Creative and dedicated, they have a talent for helping others with original solutions to their personal challenges.

The Counselor has a unique ability to intuit others' emotions and motivations, and will often know how someone else is feeling before that person knows it himself. They trust their insights about others and have strong faith in their ability to read people. Although they are sensitive, they are also reserved; the INFJ is a private sort, and is selective about sharing intimate thoughts and feelings.

INFJs search for meaning and purpose in their lives and in the outer world. They tend to have an immense interest in deeply understanding culture, society, and the universe as a whole. INFJs 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. 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.

What does INFJ stand for?

INFJ is one of the sixteen personality types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, creators of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). 

Each of the four letters of the INFJ code signifies a key personality trait of this type. The letters INFJ stand for the following dimensions of personality, based on the work of psychologist C.G. Jung:

  • Introverted: INFJs are energized by time alone
  • iNtuitive: INFJs focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details
  • Feeling: INFJs make decisions based on feelings and values
  • Judging: INFJs prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible

The INFJ personality type is also called the "Counselor" because of their tendency to be idealistic, compassionate, and sensitive. Other nicknames for the INFJ include:

  • The Insightful Visionary (MBTI)
  • The Advocate (16Personalities)

INFJ Values and Motivations

INFJs are guided by a deeply considered set of personal values. They are intensely idealistic, and can clearly imagine a happier and more perfect future. They can become discouraged by the harsh realities of the present, but they are typically motivated and persistent in taking positive action nonetheless. The INFJ feels an intrinsic drive to do what they can to make the world a better place.

INFJs want a meaningful life and deep connections with other people. They do not tend to share themselves freely but appreciate emotional intimacy with a select, committed few. Although their rich inner life can sometimes make them seem mysterious or private to others, they profoundly value authentic connections with people they trust.

As quintessential idealists, INFJs have many ideas about how to improve society and make the world a better place. INFJs believe a better world can only be attained if we concentrate on doing what is right, regardless of short-term consequences. However, harmonious relationships are also extremely important to the INFJ. They are skilled mediators who look for the root sources of conflict to find common ground with others. Because of this, they tend to prefer a diplomatic communication style and are careful to not unnecessarily ruffle feathers.

INFJs have a profound respect for human potential and a deep interest in understanding the mind. Because of this, they are motivated to pursue authentic self-development and strive to live up to their true potential, while encouraging and guiding others to do the same. According to idealistic INFJs, if we believe in our ability to accomplish the extraordinary, the extraordinary will instantly become a possibility — “dream it and you can achieve it,” as the saying goes. However, because of their integrity and empathy for others, it is uncommon for INFJs to cut corners or hurt others to achieve their desired future state.

How Others See the INFJ

INFJs often appear quiet, caring and sensitive, and may be found listening attentively to someone else’s ideas or concerns. They are highly perceptive about people and want to help others achieve understanding. INFJs are not afraid of complex personal problems; in fact, they are quite complex themselves, and have a rich inner life that few are privy to. They reflect at length on issues of ethics, and feel things deeply. Because Counselors initially appear so gentle and reserved, they may surprise others with their intensity when one of their values is threatened or called into question. Their calm exterior belies the complexity of their inner worlds.

Because INFJs are such complex people, they may be reluctant to engage with others who might not understand or appreciate them, and can thus be hard to get to know. Although they want to get along with others and support them in their goals, they are fiercely loyal to their own system of values and will not follow others down a path that does not feel authentic to them. When they sense that their values are not being respected, or when their intuition tells them that someone’s intentions are not pure, they are likely to withdraw.

Acquaintances of INFJs would likely describe them as quiet, intelligent, serious, gentle, and possibly a bit reclusive. Others generally perceive INFJs as pleasant people to be around, but may also notice that they can be moody, aloof, or even somewhat crabby on occasion. All in all, people who only encounter them infrequently are likely to see INFJs as tough nuts to crack and may even find them to be a bit intimidating.

Those closer to an INFJ will likely see beneath the surface and recognize the INFJs depth of empathy and their curious and insightful nature. When family members, friends or trusted co-workers need constructive feedback and a fresh perspective, INFJs are always standing by, ready to offer sensible and helpful input.

INFJs like to put out fires, not start them. When they occupy positions on work teams, non-profit boards, PTAs, city councils, organizing committees or task forces, others learn to appreciate their uncanny ability to defuse tensions, soothe wounded feelings, smooth ruffled feathers, arbitrate petty squabbles and restore the spirit of cooperation whenever it has been compromised.

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How rare is the INFJ personality type?

INFJ is the rarest type in the population. It is the least common type among men, and the third least common among women (after INTJ and ENTJ). INFJs make up:

  • 2% of the general population
  • 2% of women
  • 1% of men

Famous INFJs

Famous INFJs include:

  • Mohandas Gandhi
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
  • Emily Bronte
  • Jane Goodall
  • Carl Jung
  • Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Florence Nightingale
  • Shirley MacLaine
  • Jimmy Carter
  • Brené Brown
  • Edward Snowden
  • J. K. Rowling
  • Marianne Williamson

INFJ Fictional Characters

Fictional characters presumed to be INFJ include:

  • Luke Skywalker from Star Wars
  • Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons
  • Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter
  • Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Melisandre from Game of Thrones
  • Elsa from Frozen
  • The Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz
  • Sam Winchester from Supernatural
  • Lady Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings

INFJ Quotes

"The visions of the INFJs tend to concern human welfare, and their contributions are likely to be made independent of a mass movement."

- Isabel Briggs Myers, Gifts Differing

"These seclusive and friendly people are complicated themselves, and so can understand and deal with complex ethical issues and with deeply troubled individuals."

- David Keirsey, Please Understand Me II

"INFJs' nonstop search for learning, self-growth, and development—and wishing the same for everyone else—makes them very reassuring to others and people worth emulating. "

- Otto Kroeger, Type Talk at Work

Facts about INFJs

Interesting facts about the INFJ:

  • Least common type in the population
  • On personality trait scales, scored as Sincere, Sympathetic, Unassuming, Submissive, Easygoing, Reserved and Patient
  • Among highest of all types in college GPA
  • Among most likely to stay in college
  • Most likely of all types to cope with stress by seeing a therapist
  • Highest of all types in marital dissatisfaction
  • Personal values include Spirituality, Learning, and Community Service
  • Commonly found in careers in religion, counseling, teaching, and the arts

Source: MBTI Manual

INFJ Hobbies and Interests

Popular hobbies for the INFJ include writing, art appreciation, cultural events, reading, socializing in small, intimate settings, and playing or listening to music.

INFJ Personality (Advocate) Guide - Traits, Careers & Facts

INFJ Personality Type Definition

An INFJ (Advocate) is someone with the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging personality traits and characteristics. These people tend to be consistently gentle, creative, and caring, upholding very high moral standards in society.

INFJ (Advocate) personality type is the rarest personality type among the 16 captured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFJ personality type (also known as the Advocate) is defined as someone with the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging personality traits and characteristics.

This self-report inventory can identify one’s personality type, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. The assessment questionnaire relies on Carl Jung’s theory. As of now, the MBTI test is among the most popular psychological instruments in the world.

Only between 1 – 3% of people in the world exhibit this type of personality. Popularly referred to as “Advocates”, INFJs are an idealistic breed of humans. They are consistently gentle, creative, and caring, upholding very high moral standards in society.

Additionally, they pride themselves with deep and complex thinking. They are always searching for solutions to societal problems. INFJs are very concerned with what other people think about their values and traits.

The distinguishing factor of people with INFJ personality is their practicality. They are known to be less of speakers than doers. They put their beliefs into actions to impact their community positively. It differentiates them from dreamers and philosophers, who are known thinkers but implementors of their ideas.

In their interactions with society and reaction to daily events and situations, advocates can be split into two categories: INFJ-A and INFJ-T. We are going to explore them briefly below.

Are you an INFJ?

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The Advocate Personality Type INFJ – Meaning & What Does It Stand For?

Introverted

Most INFJs are known introverts aka loners. Their nature keeps them focused only on their internal feelings instead of the outside stimulus.

INFJs do not make the best of speakers. However, this doesn’t mean that they cannot express themselves. INFJs are among the best writers and are overall great at expressing themselves with other creative methods.

They value their solo moments to conceptualize ideas and strengthen their limited close relationships, which shouldn’t be mistaken for social anxiety.

Intuitive

INFJs greatly respect and stand by their beliefs. Because of that, people tend to consider them stubborn and inflexible.

They make their decisions based on their inner convictions and intuition. Where their choices are bound to influence other people, they’ll act based on what they think others will feel. They may not even be able to explain the reasons for certain decisions apart from trusting their instincts.

Feeling

Judging

Even though other personality types tend to be condescending and judgmental, INFJs are equally strong with this respect. They firmly hold their stand and know the right way of doing things.

They prefer planning and organization to flexibility. They invest a lot of time and energy to establish the best working system. They keep crafting and recrafting their priorities in life.

INFJ’s Traits – Core Strengths and Weaknesses

INFJ’s Strengths

  • They are creative

Advocates make the best advisors and counselors. They use their imaginations coupled with compassion to derive solutions to complex problems. They flourish best when solving non-technical challenges as they connect well and understand people easily.

  • Insightful

Being realists and idealists, INFJs can pierce through manipulation and dishonesty. They connect events, persons, and feelings. They can then use these insights to solve the problem at hand no matter how hard it appears.

  • Inspiring

Advocates possess the language and tone to trigger and invigorate the mind. They make exceptional writers and sometimes orators. When speaking with the audience, they identify with their audience and address issues in a manner that appeals to it.

  • Decisive

INFJs leave long-lasting legacies based on their decisive accomplishments. These people not only see the possibilities but also cease the Kairos moments. They take chances, and that’s why they achieve unmatched heights. Their planning, willpower, and convictions challenge the conventional methods of doing things.

  • Passionate and determined

Advocates are a ruthless breed. The moment they decide to pursue a course, they’ll be willing to rock the boat if that’s what it takes. They pursue their goals with unmatched zeal and determination. In these moments, they won’t shy to elbow anyone who tries to stand on their way.

  • Altruistic

INFJs do not engage in activities to benefit themselves. They are always in the business of improving the world for others. Therefore, they will do all they can to help others. So, even in their abrasiveness on the way to their goal, it’s not for their sake but for the good of the society.

Are you an INFJ?

Take the free personality test to identify your true personality type. 16 Personality Types test reveals who you naturally are and why you do things the way you do. With this knowledge of yourself, you can build successful careers, find a dream job, build strong relationships, and live an authentic life.

TAKE THE FREE PERSONALITY TEST

INFJ’s Weaknesses

INFJ weaknesses are (a more detailed list can be found here):

  • Very sensitive

Advocates are very repulsive to their ideological opposers. They believe their life principles are right, and anyone opposing them deserves their wrath. Their stand frequently puts them on the line of criticism and conflict, which doesn’t augur well with them. They don’t like their beliefs being challenged, and any attempt to do so puts them out of their comfort zone.

  • Too Private

They tend to keep their issues and life affairs to themselves. When they want to open up a bit, they only do so with their trusted friends. Based on that, finding new acquaintances and building friendships can be quite problematic for them.

  • INFJs are perfectionists

People of the advocate personality type are known for the great pursuit of their ideals. They invest themselves fully in whatever they do and always aim at reaching the highest peak.

Be it in academics, work, hobbies, or volunteering, they’ll always do their best to go beyond the average. An INFJ can spend sleepless nights working on something they think should be done in a certain way.

Whereas this might be great in some circumstances, meeting such expectations may not always be possible. In the process, they can end up abandoning worthy courses hoping for better options ahead. When they see something isn’t working as per their expectation, they would prefer quitting instead of persisting.

  • Need for a course

INFJs tend to have a feeling that they need to be constantly busy in their pursuit of life goals. Anything that appears to derail them, however essential, is unwelcome. This can frequently cultivate a sense of restlessness and disappointment with oneself.

  • Can burn out easily

Since they are so secretive with their lives, they tend to get weary of issues with time. With few options available to relax their minds, INFJs end up exhausting themselves unless they change their view or find a midway between their expectations and reality.

Are you an INFJ?

Take the free personality test to identify your true personality type. 16 Personality Types test reveals who you naturally are and why you do things the way you do. With this knowledge of yourself, you can build successful careers, find a dream job, build strong relationships, and live an authentic life.

TAKE THE FREE PERSONALITY TEST

Jobs and Careers Paths for INFJ Personality Type

INFJ’s thrive in careers is where their creativity is appreciated and not limited. Due to their strong views and convictions, INFJs are more viable in jobs that value and support personal principles.

These could be careers in creative industries or those that do not compromise their beliefs about humanity.

If you put these people in rigid hierarchies, they’ll find it hard to fit into the system. They are natural dormancy disruptors with their desire for change.

These people are perfectionists and top achievers. Therefore, they immerse themselves in their work fully, which yields corresponding results. Their introverted nature will further strengthen their hardworking reputation in the eyes of their colleagues.

INFJs tend to struggle in positions of power. As managers, they can find it hard to exert their authority on the subordinates. It can particularly be detrimental to their performances when they need to be hard on their team members.

They’ll naturally gravitate to people-pleasing, which at times may compromise the chain of command. Therefore, they may not thrive in jobs that demand absolute adherence to set policies and standards.

List of 10 best jobs or careers paths for INFJs

Below is a list of the best INFJ careers you can join and prosper today:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Religious work
  • Artist
  • Photography
  • Librarian
  • Musician
  • Writer
  • Artist
  • Counselor
  • Phycologist

Common Hobbies and Interests For INFJs

Below is a list of the most common hobbies you will see INFJs pursuing:

    • Gardening
    • Yoga and meditation.
    • Dancing
    • Nature hobbies.
    • Cultural events
    • Baking and cooking
    • Gaming
    • Music
    • Researching
    • Volunteering

Are you an INFJ?

Take the free personality test to identify your true personality type. 16 Personality Types test reveals who you naturally are and why you do things the way you do. With this knowledge of yourself, you can build successful careers, find a dream job, build strong relationships, and live an authentic life.

TAKE THE FREE PERSONALITY TEST

Two Subtypes of INFJ Personality

INFJ-A Assertive

These are more confident and relaxed advocates in their interactions with society and events. They do not rush in situations but rather have to analyze everything not allowing themselves to be carried out by emotions. Unlike their turbulent counterparts, they end up offering the best solutions to problems.

Their stability in the challenging and emotional situations lead them to better solutions for the future. They bring sobriety in emergencies, and instead of dwelling on the negativity of the situation, they think about how to change it.

However, their positivism doesn’t go all rosy every day. Sometimes, assertive INFJs find themselves ignoring key things in situations that need addressing. This, at times, is detrimental as they may not achieve what they envisioned.

They don’t allow people’s opinions and ideas to influence their decisions. It helps them to approach situations with an independent mind. It doesn’t always result in positive outcomes, though. Sometimes they overlook important input that could help to save a challenging situation.

Assertive advocates are not affected much by past mistakes, which they sweep under the carpet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t prevent the same mistakes from happening again in the future.

INFJ-T Turbulent Advocates

These people are known for their high sensitivity to external stressors. Simply referred to as INFJ T, they tend to get deeply immersed in the issues they want to solve and, as a result, get themselves consumed.

Also, INFJ Ts exaggerate the effects of what hurts them or people they care about. Turbulent advocates often tend to allow emotions to drive them, rarely though with malicious intentions. However, this unnecessary exaggeration of a problem may further complicate an already hard situation.

Regrets, caused by a wrong step, can cloud their future decision making. It could be helpful if regret is used to fixing past mistakes instead of indulging in the feeling of guilt. Yet the same regrets can be destructive if they fuel anger.

Turbulent advocates embrace change no matter the risks involved.

Are you an INFJ?

Take the free personality test to identify your true personality type. 16 Personality Types test reveals who you naturally are and why you do things the way you do. With this knowledge of yourself, you can build successful careers, find a dream job, build strong relationships, and live an authentic life.

TAKE THE FREE PERSONALITY TEST

How Does INFJ Personality Type Behave in Personal and Business Relationships

INFJs have a way of playing with words and of articulating their views effectively. Even though they rarely make good speakers, they mostly use writing as their medium of communication. This is one of the reasons why INFJs tend to prosper in the creative industry where they can express their views fully.

People exhibiting these personality traits are deep and complex. They are unique, searching for meaning in multiple life areas, including friendship and relationships. They don’t have wide social networks, but the connections they have are strong and long-lasting.

INFJs are good listeners and very attentive when interacting with their acquaintances. Therefore, INFJs might feel drained after long social interactions and might take some time to recharge after them.

Friendships

Due to their reserved nature, it can be an uphill task to get an INFJ into your friend circle. These are people who prioritize only their closest friends. So trying to invade their privacy can hurt them. Even though they may never show, you can quickly get yourself the INFJ door slam – a situation in which an INFJ cuts off someone from their lives.

If you want to be friends and catch up well with an INFJ, try to understand their perspectives and life views as the cheap talk will not get you far.

When you think that introverts don’t say much, you can get a big surprise with INFJs. If advocates accept you to their inner circle, you can find them much more communicative than your typical extrovert.

INFs are silent influencers. While they may never say much, some people can interpret it as a sign of power. This reputation and influence can grow over time as they surround themselves with such people.

One of the ways to win advocate’s trust is to give them space to recharge. People with INFJ personality do not require full-time attention. Quality means everything to them; they forge long-lasting friendships based on mutual understanding and beliefs.

Parenting

INFJ tend to be good parents because of their ability to connect and understand people. They transfer this talent to their children and have high expectations of who their kids should be.

They also set the bar high in all children matters and push their children to reach the highest excellence marks. Since they are kind, caring, and compassionate, INFJs will inspire their kids to pursue their interests and realize their full potential.

Romantic Relationships

INFJs are arguably the best when it comes to understanding feelings and emotions. They take issues of relationships seriously and do not engage in casual encounters. They stick to the partners with whom the same values.

They crave for sincere, authentic, romantic, and honest partners. The best way to win an INFJ is to focus on these qualities.

Advocates are perfectionists; therefore, they’ll look for truly compatible partners. They believe partners should help each other grow and improve. So be ready to challenge and be challenged.

Advocate personalities are not afraid to outrightly show their love to the ones they love. They’ll do everything to keep their partners happy. They are wise and spontaneous, keeping their love flame blazing. They are full of occasional surprises to their loved ones, making them very romantic partners.

Workplace

INFJs are high achievers and aim only at excellent results. You may find an INFJ easy going and hardworking, but don’t take advantage of that. Give them space to recharge and to be by themselves to be most productive.

They will rarely air their problems publicly, even if these problems affect their performance. For you, as their manager, it’s important to reach out to them if you notice anything disturbing them to address the issue at the root.

Famous INFJ You Might Know

INFJs are known idealists who see the world as it should be and not as it is. Their ideals may wear them down and frequently turn them into disillusioned individuals.

But mostly it gives them, as system disruptors, the drive to change the world for the better. A few have made it possible through consistency and determination, which are their backbones. Below are famous INFJs who have weathered the storm and rose to the limelight:

  • Plato, a famous Greek philosopher
  • Geoffrey Chaucer, an author.
  • J.K Rowling, an English novelist.
  • Garry Trudeau, US-based cartoonist
  • Jimmy Carter
  • Edward Snowden

Best Quotes From Famous INFJ Personalities

The visions of the INFJs tend to concern human welfare, and their contributions are likely to be made independent of a mass movement” – Isabel Briggs Myers.

Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default.” – J.K Rowling

We gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something” – Plato

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend” – Martin Luther King Jr.

5 Interesting Facts About Advocates

These are some of the interesting facts you should know:

  1. INFJs are born helpers. They are empathetic by nature and offer help freely to those who need it. In fact, they don’t get along well with people who reject their help.
  2. INFJs can dwell on negative events in their life. Any incident can go a long way in affecting their performance in all areas of life. This is why the career choice is very important in an INFJ life.
  3. They are choosy when it comes to romantic relationships. They will relentlessly pursue a partner who shares their values, yet can quickly switch to a new target if their feelings will not be reciprocal. Such situations can lead to what psychologists refer to as an INFJ door slam.
  4. Due to their caring and empathetic nature, INFJs thrive in careers that relate to serving humanity. For example, you’ll find them in community service groups, spiritual leaderships, and volunteering campaigns.
  5. They are the rarest of the 16 personality types in the human population. Therefore, it is so hard to find a true INFJ, despite many people imagining they are one of the advocates.

Frequently Asked Questions About INFJ

How do others see and perceive the INFJ?

On the positive side, people view INFJs as gentle, sensitive, and caring people who have an infinite sense of responsibility. Due to their endless helpfulness, many people perceive them as very resourceful. Advocates are committed to helping people achieve best solutions and are not afraid of difficult situations.

On the negative side, advocates can be perceived as stubborn. This is due to their unrelenting spirit when pursuing their life ideals and goals.

How does INFJ show love?

What is an INFJ stare?

Are INFJs rare? And how rare?

Yes. INFJs are the rarest of the Myers-Briggs personality types. INFJs constitute only about 2% of the total population.

Women take a larger share of all INFJs with 2% of the population, while among men they are even rarer with only 1% being advocates.

Conclusion
90,000 INFJ personality type, representing only 1% of the world's population. Who is included in this category?

The INFJ personality type is considered the rarest, accounting for only about 1% of the world's population. We talk about the main characteristics, strengths and the most suitable professions for this type of personality.

Valeria Skripko

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INFJ is one of the 16 Myers-Briggs Personality Types (MBTI). INFJ is deciphered as follows: I - Introversion, N - Intuition, F - Feeling, J - judgment. People with this personality type (sometimes referred to as "advocates" or "idealists") often feel misunderstood. Perhaps this is because they belong to the rarest MBTI personality type, making up between 1% and 3% of the world's population. They are good-natured perfectionists. Intelligent and emotional, creative and analytical. Although the Myers-Briggs personality type test is extremely popular, it has also been heavily criticized, in part due to its low validity and reliability. If you do decide to take this test, be careful when analyzing your results.

Contents of the article

INFJ is one of the 16 Myers-Briggs Personality Types (MBTI). INFJ is deciphered as follows: I - Introversion, N - Intuition, F - Feeling, J - judgment.

People with this personality type (sometimes called "lawyers" or "idealists") often feel misunderstood. Perhaps this is because they belong to the rarest MBTI personality type, making up between 1% and 3% of the world's population. They are good-natured perfectionists. Intelligent and emotional, creative and analytical.

INFJ Key Characteristics

Compassionate: "lawyers" with their developed intuition and emotional literacy can be quiet and empathetic. However, this does not mean that they are cowards. They are distinguished by deep-rooted beliefs, as well as the ability to act decisively to get what they want.

Helper: Although people with this personality type are introverts by nature, they can form strong, meaningful bonds with others. Lawyers love helping people, but they also need time and personal space to recharge their batteries.

Idealist: INFJs are distinguished from others by their ability to translate their idealism into action. They don't just dream of changing the world - they actually do it.

Organized: People with this personality type like to exercise control by planning, organizing and making decisions as soon as they can.

Emotional and Reasonable: INFJs place more emphasis on their emotions than objective facts when making decisions. But this does not mean that they look at the world through rose-colored glasses. INFJs embrace both the good and the bad and hope they can make the world a better place.

Strengths

  • sensitive to the needs of others;
  • discreet;
  • creative and artistic;
  • focus on the future;
  • value close, deep relationships;
  • like to think about the meaning of life;
  • idealistic.

Weaknesses

  • may be overly sensitive;
  • sometimes it is difficult to get to know them;
  • may have high expectations;
  • stubborn;
  • do not like conflicts.

Cognitive Functions

MBTI was created by Isabelle Briggs Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs in the 1940s based on the theories of the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Jung believed that the psychological type of each individual is determined by several mental processes. He identified four key psychological functions: thinking, feeling, sensation and intuition. Each of these functions can be internally focused (introverted) or externally focused (extroverted).

MBTI proponents often use what they call a "functional stack" to analyze results. You can think of various cognitive functions as "ingredients" that make up a personality type. The specific "recipe" for each type depends on how these different ingredients combine and interact. The Myers-Briggs typology itself relies on two key factors, which are combined in different ways to get 16 different types. Firstly, these are the functions themselves, and secondly, the hierarchical order of these functions.

Each type has a dominant function, which is considered its main characteristic. Then comes the auxiliary function, another well-developed side of the personality. The tertiary and lower functions are less palpable and not as well formed.

INFJs tend to rely more on the following cognitive functions:

Dominant function: introverted intuition

  • This means that "advocates" are extremely focused on their inner world.
  • Once they have an intuition about something, they tend to stick with it.
  • Because of this, they are sometimes seen as stubborn and unshakable.

Auxiliary function: extraverted feeling

  • According to this characteristic, INFJs are highly aware of how other people feel, but less aware of their own emotions.
  • For this reason, it is sometimes difficult for INFJs to say "No" to other people. They are attentive to other people's feelings and are afraid that people will experience disappointment and resentment.

Tertiary Function: Introverted Thinking

  • INFJs make decisions based on their individual logic.
  • INFJs rely primarily on their introverted intuition and extraverted feeling when making decisions, especially when they are around others. However, when people with this personality type are left alone, they may rely more on their introverted thinking.
  • In stressful situations, INFJs trust their emotions more when making decisions. In less stressful conditions, "lawyers" listen to their intuition.

Inferior function: extraverted perception

  • Although this is a less developed and mostly unconscious aspect of the INFJ, it does have an impact on the personality.
  • This personality trait helps INFJs pay attention to the world and their surroundings.
  • Thanks to extraverted perception, “lawyers” can live in the present moment without worrying about the future.
  • It also helps them truly appreciate physical activities such as walking and dancing.

Famous representatives of the INFJ personality type

  • Oprah Winfrey, American TV presenter, actress, producer, public figure;
  • Martin Luther King Jr. , leader of the civil rights movement;
  • Atticus Finch, main character in To Kill a Mockingbird by American writer Harper Lee;
  • Carl Gustav Jung, Swiss psychiatrist and educator, founder of analytical psychology;
  • Taylor Swift, American singer-songwriter.

Interpersonal relationships

INFJs show talent for languages ​​and are usually quite good at expressing themselves. They have a rich inner world, but they often hesitate to share it with others, with the possible exception of the closest people. Although "lawyers" are quiet and sensitive, they can also be true leaders. Even when INFJs do not take on explicit leadership roles, behind the scenes they often act as authority figures.

INFJs are guided by their high moral values ​​and seek meaning in all areas of their lives, including relationships and work. People with this personality type are often described as serious and complex. They may not have a large circle of friends, but their close friendships tend to be quite long.

INFJs are interested in helping others and making the world a better place. They tend to be excellent listeners and interact well with people with whom they are emotionally close and connected. Although they care deeply about others, INFJs are usually very reserved and willing to share their true self only with a select few. After interacting with people, INFJs need time to recharge.

Career Path

INFJs excel in careers where they can unleash their creativity. Because INFJs have deeply held beliefs and values, they are especially good at jobs that uphold these principles. INFJs often thrive in careers where their need for creativity is combined with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world.

INFJs tend to be high performers and do well in school and at work. They can sometimes be perfectionists and tend to put a lot of effort into their work. Colleagues find lawyers to be hardworking, positive, and easy to get along with. However, since INFJs are introverted, they need to get away from time to time to get a boost of energy.

In leadership positions, INFJs may sometimes have difficulty exercising power. They are empathetic leaders, so subordinates feel that they are valued in the workplace. Routine work that requires adherence to strict rules can be too difficult for an INFJ.

Possible professional directions for INFJ

  • artist;
  • actor;
  • entrepreneur;
  • religious worker;
  • musician;
  • librarian;
  • consultant;
  • psychologist;
  • writer;
  • teacher;
  • photographer.

INFJ Engagement Tips

Friendship

Because they are reserved and secretive, INFJs can be hard to get to know. Lawyers place a high value on close, deep relationships and are easily offended, although they often hide these feelings from others. Communication with INFJs suggests that their needs for privacy and recharge will be treated with understanding. People with this personality type sometimes feel misunderstood. If you take the time to understand their point of view and appreciate their strengths, you can become a good friend.

Parenting

Because INFJs are so adept at understanding the feelings of others, they tend to be very close with their children. "Lawyers" raise children to be kind, caring and compassionate. INFJs want the younger generation to develop their interests and talents and realize their full potential.

Relationships

INFJs have an innate ability to understand other people's feelings and enjoy close, deep relationships. They tend to feel best in romantic relationships with people with whom they share their core values. It is important for a partner to provide the support and emotional closeness that an INFJ craves. Sincerity, honesty and authenticity are all traits that "lawyers" appreciate in their partner.

While the Myers-Briggs personality type test is extremely popular, it has also been heavily criticized, in part because of its low validity and reliability. If you do decide to take this test, be careful when analyzing your results.

Are there representatives of the INFJ personality type among your acquaintances?

Source

Personality types | 16Personalities

Analysts

Strategist
INTJ-A / INTJ-T

Imaginative, strategic thinkers with a plan for all occasions.

Scientist
INTP-A / INTP-T

Creative inventors, with a strong belief in the power of knowledge.

Commander
ENTJ-A / ENTJ-T

Brave, resourceful and strong-willed leaders who always find a way - or make a way.

Debater
ENTP-A / ENTP-T

Smart and curious thinkers who never turn down an intellectual challenge.

Diplomats

Activist
INFJ-A / INFJ-T

Quiet and mystical, but inspiring and relentless idealists.

Broker
INFP-A / INFP-T

Poetic, kind and altruistic personalities, always ready to stand up for a good cause.

Trainer
ENFJ-A / ENFJ-T

Charismatic and inspiring leaders who captivate their listeners.

Wrestler
ENFP-A / ENFP-T

Enthusiasts, creative and sociable free minds who always find a reason to smile.

Guardians

Administrator
ISTJ-A / ISTJ-T

Practical and factual people whose reliability is unshakable.

Protector
ISFJ-A / ISFJ-T

Very responsible and kind protectors, always ready to protect their loved ones.

Manager
ESTJ-A / ESTJ-T

Excellent administrators, unsurpassed specialists in process and people management.

Consul
ESFJ-A / ESFJ-T

Extremely caring, sociable and popular people, always ready to help.

Seekers

Virtuoso
ISTP-A / ISTP-T

Brave and practical experimenters, masters of all kinds of techniques and tools.

Artist
ISFP-A / ISFP-T

Flexible and charming artists, always ready to explore and experience something new.


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