What sets the INFJ apart is their ability to take their idealism and translate it into action. They are not daydreamers or philosophers who just think about changing the world – they are capable of taking their values and using them to bring about positive and lasting change.
Key INFJ Characteristics
- With their strong sense of intuition and emotional understanding, INFJs can be soft-spoken and empathetic. This does not mean that they are push-over's, however. They have deeply held beliefs and an ability to act decisively in order to get what they want.
- While they are introverted by nature, people with this personality type are able to form strong, meaningful connections with other people. They enjoy helping others, but they also need time and space to recharge.
- While this personality type may be characterized by idealism, this does not mean that INFJs see the world through rose-colored glasses. They understand the world, both the good and the bad, and hope to be able to make it better.
- When it comes to making decisions, they place a greater emphasis on personal concerns than objective facts when making decisions. They also like to exert control by planning, organizing and making decisions as early as possible.
Sensitive to the needs of others
Reserved
Highly creative and artistic
Focused on the future
Values close, deep relationships
Enjoys thinking about the meaning of life
Idealistic
Can be overly sensitive
Sometimes difficult to get to know
Can have overly high expectations
Stubborn
Dislikes confrontation
INFJs tend to rely more on four primary cognitive functions:
Dominant: Introverted Intuition
- This means that they tend to be highly focused on their internal insights.
- 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.
- Because of this, they are sometimes viewed as being stubborn and unyielding.
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling
- This characteristic of this type makes INFJs highly aware of what other people are feeling, but it means they are sometimes less aware of their own emotions.
- INFJs sometimes struggle to say no to other people's requests for this reason. They are so attuned to what other people are feeling that they fear causing disappointment or hurt feelings.
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
- INFJs make decisions based on ideas and theories that they form based on their own insights.
- INFJs rely primarily on their introverted intuition and extroverted feeling when making decisions, particularly when they are around other people. When they are alone, however, people with this personality type may rely more on their introverted thinking.
- In stressful situations, an INFJ might try to rely on emotions when making decisions, especially if it means pleasing other people. Under less stressful conditions, however, an INFJ is more likely to rely more on their intuition.
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing
- While this is a less developed and largely unconscious aspect of the INFJ, it does have an impact on personality.
- This aspect of personality helps the INFJ pay attention to the world around them and stay aware of their surroundings.
- Extroverted sensing also helps INFJs better live in the present moment, rather than simply worrying about the future.
- This aspect of personality also helps INFJs appreciate physical activities such as hiking and dancing.
INFJs also have a talent for language and are usually quite good at expressing themselves. They have a vivid inner life, but they are often hesitant to share this with others except for perhaps those closest to them. While they are quiet and sensitive, they can also be good leaders. Even when they don't take on overt leadership roles, they often act as quiet influencers behind the scenes.
INFJs are driven by their strong values and seek out meaning in all areas of their lives including relationships and work. People with this type of personality are often described as deep and complex. They may not have a huge circle of acquaintances, but their close friendships tend to be very close and long-lasting.
INFJs are interested in helping others and making the world a better place. They tend to be excellent listeners and are good at interacting with people which whom they are emotionally close and connected. While they care deeply about others, INFJs tend to be very introverted and are only willing to share their "true selves" with a select few. After being in social situations, INFJs need time to themselves to "recharge."
INFJs do well in careers where they can express their creativity. Because people with INFJ personality have such deeply held convictions and values, they do particularly well in jobs that support these principles. INFJs often do best in careers that mix their need for creativity with their desire to make meaningful changes in the world.
INFJs are usually high achievers and excel in academics and the workplace. They can be perfectionists at times and tend to put a great deal of effort into their work. Co-workers tend to feel that INFJs are hardworking, positive, and easy to get along with. Because they are introverted, however, they may find that they need to retreat at times to recharge.
In managerial roles, INFJs can sometimes struggle to exert authority. They tend to lead with sensitivity and are good at helping subordinates feel appreciated in the workplace. Jobs that require a great deal of routine or adherence to strict rules can be difficult or INFJs.
Friendships
Because they are reserved and private, INFJs can be difficult to get to know. They place a high value on close, deep relationships and can be hurt easily, although they often hide these feelings from others. Interacting with an INFJ involves understanding and supporting their need to retreat and recharge. People with this personality type sometimes feel misunderstood. You can be a good friend by taking the time to understand their perspective and appreciating their strengths.
Parenting
Because INFJs are so skilled at understanding feelings, they tend to be very close and connected to their children. They have high standards, and can have very high behavioral expectations. They are concerned with raising children that are kind, caring, and compassionate. INFJs encourage their children to pursue their interests and talents in order to fully realize their individual potential.
Relationships
INFJs have an innate ability to understand other people's feelings and enjoy being in close, intimate relationships. They tend to flourish best in romantic relationships with people who they share their core values. As a partner, it is important to provide the support and emotional intimacy that an INFJ craves. Sincerity, honesty, and authenticity are all traits that the INFJ appreciates in their partner.
Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/infj-introverted-intuitive-feeling-judging-2795978