Life in the body of an INFJ
In a class that I was taking to finish up my MBA
, I was asked to take the MBTI personality test. This test was very much different than most of the test I have taken in the past. Both the MBTI
and the NERIS test proved to me that I am a true INFJ personality. These tests are simple and only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Each test has a series of questions that are easy to read and do not require much thought. Usually, the first answer that pops in your head is the correct answer.
Over many years, I had always thought that I was different than most. In my younger days, I can see now that I was a true introvert. As I continued through life when I was in my mid-thirties I found that I broke out of my shell and became more of an extrovert. Even though I feel that I am still a true introvert I learned how to put on a mask of an extrovert in order to make it through life.
After I took the Myers Briggs test I still was not convinced that I was a true INFJ
personality, I went digging for another test and found the NERIS test. It was several months later when I took the second test, but my results were still the same.
What does it mean to be an INFJ personality? Myers-Briggs definition:
INFJ (introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging) is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Sometimes referred to as the “Advocate” or the “Idealist,” people with INFJ personalities are creative, gentle, and caring. INFJs are usually reserved but highly sensitive to how others feel. They are typically idealistic, with high moral standards and a strong focus on the future. INFJs enjoy thinking about deep topics and contemplating the meaning of life. The INFJ type is said to be one of the rarest with just one to three percent of the population exhibiting this personality type.
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
The definition of the INFJ-T
by NERIS test:
The Advocate personality type is very rare, making up less than one percent of the population, but they nonetheless leave their mark on the world. Advocates have an inborn sense of idealism and morality, but what sets them apart is that they are not idle dreamers, but people capable of taking concrete steps to realize their goals and make a lasting positive impact. They tend to see helping others as their purpose in life, but while people with this personality type can be found engaging rescue efforts and doing charity work, their real passion is to get to the heart of the issue so that people need not be rescued at all.
My life as an INFJ.
When looking at both of these definitions I found the answer that I had been looking for all my life. I had always wondered why I like my alone time, why I had problems communicating with people and when I was in large crowds I would meander to a corner or an outside wall where no one was.
For the last thirty plus years, I have found that people from all walks of life come and seek me out for counseling. I have always wondered why people do this? “INFJs are creative 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.”
Another trait that I have had is I have always looked for something better for my life. Even though I have always had a good career I am constantly trying to think of other ways to better myself and look for that perfect future. “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.
In a gentle way, you can shake the world. Mahatma Gandhi
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.”
Conclusion
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 the 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
