INFJ Personality Type: What's The INFJs True Personality Meaning?

Want a deeper understanding of the INFJ personality type?

If you’re reading this, then it’s likely that you (or someone close to you) are an INFJ personality type. The INFJ personality type is the rarest, making up only 1-2% of the population. And yet, INFJs are some of the most caring, passionate, and hardworking people.

INFJs have a unique gift for seeing others and understanding their needs and feelings. We’re often drawn to helping professions such as teaching, social work, and counseling. But what exactly is the INFJ personality type? And what does it mean to be an INFJ? In this post, we’ll explore the true nature of the INFJ personality type, including its strengths and weaknesses and its unique place in the world.

16 Personalities: A Complete Guide to Myers-Briggs and personality Types

Table of Contents

What is the INFJ personality type?

The INFJ personality type is one of the sixteen types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, creators of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFJ is a dominant combination of introverted intuition, extroverted feeling, intrapersonal intelligence, and interpersonal warmth.

People with an INFJ personality type tend to focus highly on their internal insights. Once they have formed an intuition about something, they tend to stick to it very tightly, sometimes appearing stubborn or unyielding. INFJs make decisions based on feelings and values rather than facts or details; they are energized by time alone rather than working in groups and prefer to be planned rather than spontaneous. Additionally, INFJs are idealistic, compassionate people sensitive to other people’s emotions and needs.

To understand the wholeness of the INFJ personality, we’ll look at its function stack.

What Is The INFJ Function Stack?

The INFJ function stack consists of four functions: dominant function, auxiliary function, tertiary function, and inferior function. The first is the INFJ’s most developed function, and the last is their least developed function.

INFJ Dominant Function: NI

The INFJ’s dominant function is introverted intuition (NI). This function allows them to see patterns and connections that others may miss. They are often good at seeing the big picture and understanding how things work together.

INFJ Auxiliary Function: FE

The INFJ’s auxiliary function is extroverted feeling (FE). This function allows them to be very attuned to the emotions of others and to respond accordingly. They are often very compassionate and caring people with a strong sense of unfairness and justice.

INFJ Tertiary Function: TI

The INFJ’s tertiary function is introverted thinking. This function allows them to be very in touch with their emotions and have a strong sense of intuition. They are also able to pick up on the emotions of others very easily.

INFJ Inferior function: SE

The inferior function of the INFJ is their extroverted sensing (Se). This function allows them to take in and process information from the external world. It is focused on the here and now and is concerned with concrete facts and details. This function can be seen as a way for the INFJ to ground themselves and connect with the world around them.

What Are The INFJ Personality Traits?

INFJs are compassionate and caring people with a great capacity for love and intimacy. They are also deeply concerned with the personal growth of themselves and others. INFJs often have a strong sense of morality and integrity and are keenly interested in improving the world. Here are nine INFJ personality traits.

1. Intuition

Intuition is the ability to understand something immediately without needing conscious reasoning. It is an intuitive insight or perception, such as a hunch or gut feeling. INFJs rely heavily on their intuition, drawing on their inner wisdom to make decisions and take action in the world.

Personality refers to the unique set of traits that defines who someone is as a person. Intuition differs from personality in that it is an innate ability that some people possess and others do not.

2. Feeling

The feeling personality characteristic of INFJs is empathy, compassion, and sensitivity to the emotions of others.

INFJs are highly intuitive individuals who can sense the feelings of those around them. They can pick up on even the slightest changes in moods or energies and use this awareness to help them better understand people’s needs and respond accordingly.

INFJs also have a natural tendency towards kindness and warmth, which allows them to connect with other people on an emotional level easily. This makes them ideal counselors or life coaches who can guide them through difficult situations with compassion and understanding.

3. Sensing

Sensing is one of the cognitive functions which refers to how we process information and make decisions. It is the ability to take in sensory information from our surroundings, process it with our five senses, and use that information to make judgments.

The inferior function of INFJs is extraverted sensing, which means they have an enhanced awareness of their surroundings and can live in the present rather than worrying about the future.

Additionally, sensing helps INFJs perceive what others are feeling by understanding their needs better than most people do. This aspect of personality also helps INFJs appreciate physical activities such as hiking or dancing since it allows them to be more present in their environment.

4. Thinking

The thinking characteristics of INFJs include the following:

Searching for accuracy and understanding the underlying principles of how everything works.
Categorizing data into finely-tuned inner volumes.
Being careful about word usage and analyzing problems logically.
Having a strong desire to find accuracy in their perceptions and insights.
Considering how their decisions will affect others when making choices that only affect themselves, but looking at the logical approach when deciding for themselves.

5. Introversion

Introversion is a personality trait that describes someone who draws energy from spending time alone. INFJs are introverted, meaning they focus more on their thoughts and feelings than on interacting with others. They often enjoy spending time in quiet environments, contemplating ideas, or reflecting on their emotions.

Introversion can help explain why INFJs are often more reserved and private than other personalities, such as extroverts. It also helps explain why INFJs focus more on the internal side of things than external factors when making decisions or taking action.

Additionally, INFJs’ strong sense of empathy combined with their introverted nature means they often have deep insights into other people’s feelings and motivations that may not be apparent to those around them.

6. Hinge function

The hinge function is the fourth cognitive function in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which is used to identify a person’s personality type. It is described as the opposing or opposite of one’s dominant function and can be either extroverted or introverted. The INFJ personality type has intuition as its dominant function, making thinking their hinge function.

The hinge function plays a vital role in INFJ personalities because it helps them balance out their intuitive nature with more rational thought processes. This allows them to make more objective decisions while still considering all possible outcomes associated with each choice.

Additionally, understanding how their introverted thinking process differs from others can help INFJs better communicate with those who don’t share the same cognitive preferences.

7. Ne-Fi loop

The Ne-Fi loop is a cognitive process that involves INFJs using their dominant Ni to make predictions based on their understanding of their environment, then using their auxiliary Fe to evaluate these predictions in light of other people’s emotions and values.

This process is essential for INFJs because it helps them understand the motivations behind other people’s actions and how different events will impact each other. It also helps them identify opportunities or threats that may not have been obvious. By understanding how different things relate to one another, INFJs can make better decisions considering all the relevant factors involved.

Furthermore, this process allows them to gain insight into the intentions behind others’ actions so they can better understand where someone is coming from when they say something confusing or unexpected.

8. Sensing-Fe loop

The sensing-fe loop is a psychological phenomenon in which an INFJ’s inferior Extraverted Sensing (Se) interacts with their dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni). It refers to how INFJs use their Se to support and validate their Ni insights.

The sensing-fe loop affects the INFJ personality by influencing how they make decisions, gather information, plan for the future, and interact with others. For example, an INFJ may use their Se to collect concrete data that supports their Ni vision or insight. Or they may rely on Se to provide realistic details about a situation when making decisions or planning for the future.

Additionally, using Se helps INFJs stay in tune with present realities to understand better what is happening around them or adjust accordingly if necessary. Furthermore, since this is an extraverted function of theirs (Se), it also helps them connect more easily with other people as it allows them to pick up on nonverbal cues such as body language or tone of voice more easily than introverts who rely more heavily on verbal communication channels like speaking or texting instead of gestures/postures/facial expressions etcetera.

9. Intuition-Fe loop

The intuition-fe loop is a psychological phenomenon where an INFJ’s dominant intuition and auxiliary extraverted feeling become intertwined. This results in the INFJ relying heavily on their feelings to inform their decisions, even when making decisions based on logic or facts.

The intuition-fe loop affects the INFJ personality by causing them to rely more heavily on their feelings than usual. This can lead to them making decisions based more on emotion than logic, which can be detrimental in certain situations where rational thought is needed most. It can also cause them to ignore facts that don’t fit with their existing beliefs, leading them down the wrong paths of reasoning.

What are the 16 personality types?

INFJ is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Here is a quick overview of each one.

1. INTJ

INTJs are strategic thinkers, constantly looking for ways to improve systems and processes. They are analytical and logical, with a penchant for planning and solving complex problems. INTJs are often perfectionists who set high standards for themselves and others.

INTJ Personality Type: In-Depth Analysis

2. INTP

People with the INTP personality type are introverted, intuitive, thinking, and perceiving. They are known for their creativity, independent thinking, and love of knowledge.

INTP Personality Type Meaning and Character Traits

3. ENTJ

ENTJs are natural leaders. They are confident, assertive, and decisive. They are usually good at strategic planning and enjoy creating systems and structures. ENTJs typically like to be in charge and may sometimes be seen as bossy.

4. ENTP

ENTP stands for Extraverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. ENTPs are outgoing and creative individuals who enjoy challenging the status quo. They are natural debaters who always look for ways to improve existing systems.

ENTP Personality Type: The Debater Personality Meaning And Traits

5. INFJ

INFJs are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging personality types. These individuals care deeply about others and strive to create harmony in their lives and relationships. They are often creative and have a strong sense of intuition.

6. INFP

INFP stands for Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. People with this personality type are often creative, idealistic, and compassionate. They’re usually good at finding new ways of looking at things and have a strong sense of morality.

INFP Personality Type: The Mediator (Perceiving, Intuitive, Feeling, Intuitive)

7. ENFJ

ENFJ stands for Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Judging. ENFJs are outgoing people interested in making the world a better place. They are often very good at reading people and helping others to grow and develop.

ENFJ Personality Type: Protagonist Personality Meaning

8. ENFP

ENFP stands for Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. ENFPs are known for being creative and enthusiastic. They are often good at multitasking and thrive in constantly changing environments. ENFPs enjoy being around people and may have a wide circle of friends.

ENFP Personality Type Meaning: How Is Your Character Unique?

9. ISTJ

ISFJ stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. This personality type is known for being quiet and reserved. They are often very detail-oriented and have a strong sense of duty.

10. ISFJ

ISFJ stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. ISFJs are typically gentle, compassionate people who care deeply about others. They often have a strong sense of duty and are loyal to their friends and family.

11. ESTJ

ESTJs are logical and analytical and take a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. They are often seen as being decisive and assertive, and they place a high value on tradition and following rules.

12. ESFJ

ESFJ stands for Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. People with this personality type are outgoing, detail-oriented, and care about others’ feelings. They like to be in charge and make decisions based on how they will affect others.

13. ISTP

People with the ISTP personality type are introverted, sensing, thinking, and perceiving. ISTPs are often called “craftsmen” or “mechanics” because of their practical nature and ability to troubleshoot problems. They are usually very independent

14. ISFP

ISFP stands for “Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving.” ISFPs are artistic and creative people who prefer to live in the moment. They are gentle and compassionate, and they value close relationships with others. ISFPs are typically loyal and supportive friends.

15. ESTP

ESTP stands for Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving. People with this personality type are outgoing, practical, and analytical. They are often good at problem-solving and making decisions quickly.

16. ESFP

ESFP stands for Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving. People with this personality type tend to be outgoing and enjoy being around others. They are typically very in tune with their surroundings and are good at reading people. They often make decisions based on their feelings rather than logic or facts.

How to use your personality traits to your advantage?

INFJ personality types are known for their idealism, compassion, and a deep sense of morality. They strive to make the world a better place and often put the needs of others before their own. But what does it mean to be an INFJ? And how can you use your personality type to your advantage?

Step 1: Know and understand your INFJ personality traits

Understanding your INFJ personality type can help you use your strengths. By understanding how you interact with others and what careers might suit you, you can better identify the best ways to utilize your unique personality traits.

For example, if you are an INFJ who enjoys helping others, knowing that this is your strength can motivate you to pursue a career that allows more opportunities to serve others.

Or if you’re an INFJ who enjoys writing, knowing that this is your strength could encourage you to explore opportunities in writing or journalism where your talents could be more fully utilized.

Step 2: Use your INFJs natural talent for empathy to help others

Use your natural talent for empathy to help those who need it. INFJs are naturally empathetic and help those who need it. They don’t get along well with people who reject their service, so it’s essential to use this trait wisely.
Be aware of negative events that could affect your performance in all areas of life. Any incident can go a long way in affecting an INFJ’s performance, so take time to reflect on any adverse events that may have happened in the past and try not to dwell on them too much.
Be choosy in romantic relationships and trust only those who share your values and beliefs. If you find someone compatible with you emotionally and spiritually, chances are they’ll be happy with whatever career path you choose!

4 . Seek careers related to serving humanity – INFJs thrive in careers associated with serving humanity due to their caring and empathetic nature. Feel free to explore opportunities such as community service groups, spiritual leaderships, or volunteering campaigns if they fit into your lifestyle!

Step 3: Define goals and make plans to get there

The INFJ personality type is characterized by their ability to set goals and plan their actions to achieve them. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, they can create goals tailored to their needs and plan to achieve them. By organizing their tasks systematically and prioritizing them, they can ensure that nothing is missed or forgotten. Additionally, living by values that foster honesty and integrity can create lasting relationships.

Step 4: Utilize your INFJ’s ability to read people to help them.

Understand who the person is and what their needs are. INFJs have a gift for understanding people and identifying their underlying needs and emotions.
Listen closely to what they are saying and how they feel about their situation. INFJs can often pick up on subtle cues that others miss, which helps them understand how best to help someone in need of assistance or guidance.
Offer advice or counsel based on your understanding of the person’s situation and feelings, as well as your insights gained from experience or intuition about what might be best for them moving forward or resolving their issue/conflict/etc.

4 . Be patient with them as they process their emotions during this change/transition/etc. It may take some time before they see changes taking effect, so be sure to check in regularly with them until then!

Step 5: Embrace your INFJs love of books, knowledge, and wisdom

If you are close to an INFJ, you can use their love of books, knowledge, and learning to your advantage. INFJs are naturally gifted with the ability to understand people’s emotions and motivations. They also have a deep desire to help others find their purpose in life through guidance and support.

By embracing the INFJ’s love of books, knowledge, and wisdom, you will benefit from their insights into human nature and access their unique ability to help others find meaning in life. This will allow you to take advantage of your personality traits, such as creativity or leadership skills, more effectively than if you were without them.

Step 6: Rely on INFJ’s sense of justice to help others.

INFJs are strongly concerned about doing the right thing and helping others. This makes them particularly altruistic people.
INFJs believe in a moral code that puts people first, focusing on finding or creating harmony in their surroundings.
To help others, INFJs need to see the greater good in a plan or project. Once they find that vision of a better future for everyone involved, they become innovative thinkers motivated by their vision of change for the betterment of everyone (including themselves).
By taking steps like these, INFJs can use their sense of justice to help others by creating more harmonious relationships and environments where everyone can thrive peacefully!

Step 7: Tap into INFJ’s unique ability to sense things.

Understand your strengths: INFJs naturally have intuitive and perceptive abilities. They can easily foresee future events, pick up on other people’s emotions and moods, and understand the underlying meaning behind everything they encounter.
Research your brain state: INFJs enter a “zen-like” brain state when tasked to envision the future or solve a complex problem. This brain state can result in sudden epiphanies of insight or confusion if not understood properly. Read Dario Nardi’s book The Neuroscience of Personality for more information on this process.
Use your insights wisely: INFJs should embrace their intuitions rather than try to repress them, as it could lead to getting their insights mixed up with worry and fearfulness from time to time. Make sure you differentiate between accurate insights from paranoia by practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or focusing on one thing deeply without distraction from outside noise.
Communicate effectively: To communicate your visions effectively, INFJs often rely on symbols, metaphors, and analogies. While this can confuse others initially, they need to understand what you are trying to say.

Step 8: Be careful when interacting with the INFJ community, as they may have different meanings for each trait

Interacting with the INFJ community can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, depending on your relationship with them. It could involve understanding and supporting their need to retreat and recharge, respecting their desire for privacy and confidentiality, listening to their thoughts and opinions without judgment or criticism, accepting them for who they are without trying to change them, and providing encouragement or praise when they need it most.

Alternatively, it could mean being there for them when they feel down or hurt to provide comfort and support in difficult times.

Step 9: Understand that INFJs are generally quieter than other personality types.

INFJs are known introverts driven by their strong values and seek meaning in all areas of their lives. They value their solo moments to conceptualize abstract ideas and strengthen limited close relationships.

This quiet nature allows INFJs to express themselves fully through writing, language, and other creative methods. They also have a talent for interacting with people who are emotionally close or connected to them, making them good listeners. After social situations, INFJs need time to “recharge” before engaging again.

Step 10: Embrace the INFJ destiny, knowing they can make a difference.

Identify your values and principles: Spend time reflecting on what is most important to you, such as fairness, compassion, and equality. Make sure these values guide your actions in all circumstances.
Develop a vision for the future: Imagine a perfect world where your values are realized in every aspect of life; this will help motivate you towards creating change in the present-day reality.
Take action to make that vision a reality: Start small by doing things that align with your values, such as volunteering or donating to charities that support them; this will also help build relationships with like-minded individuals who can support you along the way toward achieving your larger goals for change in society overall
Become an expert on the topic(s) related to your cause(s): Read books, take classes or workshops related to social justice issues that matter most to you, and learn from experts within the field so that you can be better equipped at advocating for change effectively when discussing topics with others who may not have as much knowledge on it yet!

5 . Use diplomatic communication techniques when interacting with people who don’t share your same beliefs: Be aware of how what you say might be perceived by those around you

FAQ

What is the meaning of the INFJ Personality Type?

Each of the four letters in INFJ stands for a key personality trait: introverted (energized by time alone), intuitive (focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details), feeling (making decisions based on feelings and values), and judging (prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous). INFJs are known as “Counselors” because they are romantic, compassionate, and sensitive. Other nicknames include The Insightful Visionary and Advocate.

How do INFJs function?

INFJs are characterized by the development and dominance of their Introverted Intuition (Ni). Their dominant Ni allows them to make and express judgments about people, including their underlying motives. Their auxiliary Extraverted Feeling (Fe) helps them navigate the outside world.

For example, an INFJ may be able to determine if someone is trustworthy based on their intuition quickly but may need time to review that judgment with their tertiary Ti before making it public. Or an INFJ may have strong opinions about social issues that they feel strongly about but debate with themselves before sharing those opinions with others to ensure they are well-informed before speaking about them.

What are the traits associated with the INFJ Personality Type?

The INFJ Personality Type is characterized by a combination of traits, including:

Compassion and sensitivity – INFJs are compassionate to the needs of others. They may even feel others’ emotions to the point where it affects their well-being.
Gauging the mood of a group – INFJs can quickly sense what’s going on in a group or situation and respond accordingly.
Intuition – INFJs rely on intuition more than facts when making decisions or judgments about people or situations.
Harmony – INFJs value harmony in relationships with others and want everyone around them to lead fulfilling lives.
Imagination and idealism – INFJs have rich imaginations that allow them to articulate revolutionary ideas and produce amazing creative work.
Logic & determination – The INFJ has both logical reasoning abilities and perseverance when working towards goals they believe in; they can even be found leading groups behind the scenes if need be!

What is the difference between an INFJ and an introvert?

The INFJ personality type is an introvert who prefers deep thinking and analyzing and prefers structure over spontaneity.

How does an INFJ use intuition and logic?

An INFJ uses intuition to make decisions based on their introspective ideas and theories. They rely on emotions only under stressful conditions when they use their intuition to combine with logic to make a more well-rounded decision. INFJs can balance their intuitive thoughts with logical reasoning to make the most accurate decision possible.

What type of environment is best suited for an INFJ?

INFJs are best suited for organizations that value hard work, attention to detail, and adherence to rules. They prefer harmonious settings where everyone is viewed on an equal playing field, with little ambiguity or lack of structure.

INFJs do not thrive in noisy, fast-paced environments with ambiguity or a lack of structure. They avoid workplaces that do not value the efforts of their people, as they value harmony and cooperation over competition.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of an INFJ?

Strengths of an INFJ:

Good at listening and understanding other people’s viewpoints and needs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Warm, affirming, and encouraging towards others.
Honors commitments made to others.
Insightful, with a strong intuition about people and situations.

Weaknesses of an INFJ:

Has trouble with conflict resolution due to their sensitivity to others’ feelings.
They can have difficulty receiving criticism from others due to their high expectations of themselves and others (e.g., perfectionism).
They may withdraw from interaction if they feel overwhelmed or need time alone for self-reflection or relaxation (e.g., burnout).
Tendency to overthink certain situations, which can lead them away from focusing on present actions/decisions that need to be made to achieve success in life goals.

What type of activities do INFJs enjoy?

INFJs enjoy various activities, including writing, art appreciation, cultural events, reading, socializing in small and intimate settings, playing or listening to music, gardening, and nature hobbies such as hiking or birdwatching. They may also enjoy dancing for its physical and mental benefits. INFJs can also enjoy baking or cooking since it allows them to express themselves creatively while providing satisfaction when their end product turns out well. Additionally, INFJs may enjoy gaming as an easy way to escape reality and enter another world full of intrigue and adventure. Lastly, many INFJs find joy in researching topics that interest them.

How Do Others See the INFJ?

INFJs are often seen as quiet and introspective, but they also have a deep well of compassion and empathy for others. INFJs are often seen as wise beyond their years and may have a strong interest in spirituality or religion. They are also highly creative, and many INFJs are drawn to the arts.

How Rare is the INFJ Personality Type?

According to the latest MBTI® Manual, INFJs are the third-rarest personality type, making up 2.3% of the population. INFJs are also the rarest personality type, making up 1.5% of the population. However, according to myersbriggs.org, they are the rarest personality type, making up 1.5% of the population.

What Does INFJ Stand For?

INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.

The four letters of the INFJ code signify key personality traits based on the work of psychologist C.G. Jung: introverted (energized by time alone), intuitive (focused on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details), feeling (making decisions based on feelings and values), and judging (prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous)

Famous INFJs

Some famous INFJs include Mohandas Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Emily Bronte, Jane Goodall, Carl Jung, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Florence Nightingale, and Shirley MacLaine. Other famous INFJs include Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr., and JK Rowling.

INFJ Quotes

Some quotes from the INFJ personality type include:

“To be nobody but yourself – in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else – means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” – e.e. cummings

“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” – Rumi.

“Our lives are not our own. We are bound to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness we birth our future.” – David Mitchell

Sources Cited

Conclusion

INFJs are some of the most compassionate and insightful people you will ever meet. They are natural-born leaders who are always looking for ways to help others. If you think you might be an INFJ, take the time to learn more about this personality type. You may be surprised by how much you have to offer the world.