Myers-Briggs Personality Type: INFJ "The Activist"
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That being said . . . Would you describe yourself as compassionate, imaginative, creative, idealistic, and/or prophetic? Do you consider yourself the sensitive, reserved type? Do you feel that your primary goal in life is to help others in need like the homeless, abused women and children, those who are chronically or terminally ill and animals that have been neglected, mistreated, or abandoned? In other words, do you have a passion for aiding in rescue efforts and performing charity work? And, are you always thinking of how to prevent people from experiencing hardships before they occur? If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you may just well have an INFJ personality. In other word’s you may have an “activist” type of personality. You like helping people, and you are good at it.
And, I am pretty sure that your friends, family, co-workers, and even casual acquaintances embrace your unique skillset – your gentle nature, strong opinions, and unflinching commitment to fight injustices and wrongs. You are strong-willed (sometimes bordering on downright stubborn) and highly decisive, but you rarely exploit these characteristics for personal gain, no; you use your gifts (imagination, compassion, and resourcefulness) to create a balance in the world.
You also believe in fairness and karma – what goes around comes around. You strongly believe that the only way the world will ever be on the right “footing” is if people look deep inside their hearts and practice unconditional love and compassion towards others. INFJs truly believe that with this combo – unconditional love and compassion, people can soften the hearts of dictators and tyrants. And, I bet you have a habit of trying to find the meaning and purpose behind ideas, relationships, and the insatiable need to obtain material wealth.
Basically, you want know what inspires others. In addition, I wouldn’t be surprised if you have an easy time connecting with others. In other words, you definitely do not have a shortage in the friends and lovers department. Why not? Well, because you are warm, calm, and sensitive. But, most of all you have a knack for treating people like…people - not property, children, or employees. You also are very cautious about overwhelming others with a barrage of facts and logical explanations. Bravo! It is no wonder that your friends, family, co-workers, and romantic partners describe you as a quiet extrovert, who sometimes needs time to destress, relax, and recharge.
That being said, it is extremely important for you to take care of yourself. I know your goal is to help others “better” their lives, but what about your own? If you expend all of your time and energy helping others all of the time, your own happiness, health, and life satisfaction will fall to the waste side, leaving behind a large ball of mess. Don’t let that happen. You don’t want to lose your zest for life, do you? No, I didn’t think so, but that is what will happen if you become too exhausted and stressed. You shy away from confrontations, because they literally suck the life out of you.
In fact, if you see conflict and/or criticism coming your way, you run the other way. However, if this type of negativity is unavoidable – think at the office, during a family gathering, or in your relationship, you quickly become extremely irrational, upset, and/or destructive. You don’t want that to happen, do you? So, if a stressful or unpleasant situation occurs, practice relaxation techniques, and/or confront the situation when you are calmer and more focused. And, lastly, don’t fret, if you come across as private, independent, individualistic, and bit mysterious to others, because those qualities are what make you unique, which is a good thing!
What does the abbreviation INFJ mean?
I - Introversion N - Intuition F - Feeling J - Judgement
How common is this personality type?
Although INFJ personality types account for less than 1% of the general population, they play a significant role in the world. How? Well, they have a natural inclination towards peace, idealism, equality, and morality. But, don’t mistake them for daydreamers, because they are anything but that. In fact, these individuals are highly capable of developing realistic steps that help them accomplish their goals, so they can make a lasting contribution to society.
Do people with INFJ personalities do well at work?
Truth-be-told, INFJs, in general, are quite demanding, especially when it comes to the workplace environment. In addition, this personality type needs to know that the tasks he or she is performing has purpose and meaning in line with his or her principles, values, and beliefs. In other words, an INFJ personality type needs to feel as if the work he or she is doing helps people grow and develop. Moreover, INFJs hate-hate-hate strict rules, rigid regulations, routine tasks, and dominant bosses, so in order for this personality type to be productive at work, it is best that his or her supervisor or manager refrain from micromanaging him or her, and encourage diplomacy, democracy, and independence. INFJs do best with bosses that are empathetic and personal.
It is important to note that although, INFJs tend to have an idealistic viewpoint, when they experience conflict they are quick to abandon feelings of peace and harmony, in favor of anger and bitterness. In summary, INFJs are hardworking, honest, and loyal employees and co-workers. In fact, they are more than capable of maintaining healthy work relationships and multiple responsibilities. Furthermore, INFJs often feel uncomfortable exercising dominance or authority over subordinates (employees), however, subordinates tend to value their input and “human/personal touch.” So, what makes INFJs such good bosses and co-workers? Well, they see everyone, regardless of positon, as equals. And, if they are honest, they will admit that they prefer motivating, inspiring, coaching, and mentioning others over supervising employees, coordinating schedules, and ruling with an iron fist.
Do people with INFJ personalities have good relationships?
INFJs shy away from one night-stands and casual encounters, preferring serious long-term relationships. In other words, these individuals value in-depth connections and meaningful interactions with their partners. Some may even call these individuals “turtles” because they take their time, when getting to know someone. INFJs want to make sure that they connect with the people they hope to spend the rest of their lives with. Relationships are serious business to INFJs. But, once they find the “right” partners, they experience a level of intensity, depth, and honesty that most people only dream about. However, if a partner or potential partner tries to manipulate, fool, or lie to an INFJ, he or she will be in for a rude awakening.
INFJs are known for their warmth, friendliness, sincerity, compassion and insight, but they are no fools. That is why they are so picky about potential partners, they have little time or patience for those, who are deceptive. The downside of this personality type, in regards to relationships, is that people with this personality can set expectations a little too high. For instance, they may expect their partners to value the same principles or believe in the same things that they do, when in reality, their partners may have different beliefs and principles. The upside of this personality type is that INFJs aren’t afraid to show how much they cherish their loved ones. And, when you are their friend or partner, they love you unconditionally.
They are committed to developing, genuine, deep connections with the people they love, regardless of whether it is a friendship, parent/child relationship, or romantic union. As parents, INFJs tend to foster a loving, supportive relationship with their children. They raise their children to take into consideration the feelings of others, and to see themselves as equal to others (not above or below others). INFJs are devoted to their friends, partners, and children, and would do anything humanly possible to help them, should they need assistance. The goal of INFJ parents is to raise warm, loving, compassionate children, who eventually turn into warm, loving adults.
What types of jobs are best suited for those with INFJ personalities?
It is important that INFJs find purpose and meaning in the work that they do. In other words, they need to know that they are connecting to and helping others, especially those who are struggling or being treated unfairly. Therefore, INFJs do rather well in helping professionals. Many INFJs excel as nurses, physicians, psychologists, counselors, social workers, holistic practitioners, psychiatrists, teachers, medical technicians, life coaches, mentors, religious leaders and physician assistants. They also excel in professions that allow them to freely express themselves like in the entertainment arena. Therefore, it is common for someone with this personality type to become an author, singer, artist, photographer, designer, and/or actor. INFJs excel in any area that promotes spirituality, morality and personal growth.
Do any famous people have an INFJ personality?
Yes! Listed below are respected INFJ personalities:
Martin Luther King
Nelson Mandela
Mother Teresa
Nicole Kidman
Jimmy Carter
Mel Gibson
References:
16 Personalities. (2015). INFJ Personality (“The Advocate”). Retrieved from http://www.16personalities.com/infj-personality OPP. (2015). INFJ: MBTI® personality profile. Retrieved from https://www.opp.com/en/tools/MBTI/MBTI-personality-types/INFJ The Myers-Briggs Foundation. (2015). The 16 MBTI® types. Retrieved from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm
