INFJ: Understand Yourself and Embrace Your Path

Dear INFJ, welcome!

I have created this page for you. Below you will find a brief overview and portrait of the INFJ, blog posts that I have written over the years, and books and resources for INFJs.

If you like this page, please bookmark it for easy reference and share it with other INFJs.

Enjoy!

Yong Kang (aka Nerdy Creator)

What Is INFJ?

INFJ is one of the 16 personalities found in MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). It is said to be the rarest MBTI type, about 1-2 percent of the population.

The acronym, INFJ, stands for Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). Each letter represents how an individual prefers to use their mind to perceive and organize information.

So what this means for an INFJ personality type is we prefer to:

• Introversion (I): Pay attention to our inner world.
• Intuition (N): See patterns, possibilities, and the big picture.
• Feeling (F): Use feelings and values in decision-making.
• Judging (J): Have a structured life and closure.

But this doesn’t mean that we can’t do the opposite. It’s just not our preferred or habitual way of using our minds.

INFJ Characteristics and Personality Traits

Commonly known as The Advocate or The Counselor, INFJs want to use their intuitive and empathetic gifts to help other people or the world. We have compassion for others but at the same time, we are often reserved due to our introverted nature.

Furthermore, we often feel drained from our interactions with others and need time alone to recharge. So sometimes, we might appear aloof, private, or even mysterious.

Even though we are intuitive, we might not share what we know with others.

Gentle, quiet, soft-spoken, and often misunderstood, we only open up if we feel safe to share or if we feel that the other person will get what we are saying.

Like all personality types, we have our strengths and weaknesses. Below are a few of our strengths and weaknesses.

INFJ Weaknesses

• Too single-minded and stubborn.
• Procrastinate when tasks are uninspiring or routine.
• Get too caught up with the big picture that we overlook details.
• Sensitive to criticisms and tend to avoid conflict.
• Perfectionistic and have high expectation for ourselves and others.

INFJ Shadow Functions

Shadow functions are the counterparts of our primary functions. They are the aspects of us that our ego refuses to acknowledge. The shadow functions of INFJs are as follows:

• 1st Shadow Function: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
• 2nd Shadow Function: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
• 3rd Shadow Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te)
• 4th Shadow Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)

Read more: INFJ shadow functions >>

Not Sure If You Are an INFJ?

Sometimes, people may confuse INFJs with other MBTI types like INFP and INTP. If you are unsure whether you are an INFJ, read my “Am I an INFJ?” series. In this series, I compare the INFJ personality type with 7 other commonly mistaken MBTI types to help you understand the differences.

Delve deeper into the INFJ personality. Explore the intricacies of introversion, intuition, feeling, and judging, and how they shape your experiences with these beginner’s articles.

Dear INFJs, Here Are 7 Reasons Why You Are Misunderstood.

Discover 7 key reasons why INFJs often feel misunderstood, and gain insights into your unique personality traits and perspectives.

Read more: INFJ feeling misunderstood >>

Browse all Beginner’s INFJ posts >>

Explore comprehensive INFJ articles categorized by relationship, career, growth, and emotions to better understand and navigate your life as an INFJ.