INFJs
The Counselor

What is INFJ?

INFJ stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Judgment and is one of 16 personality types studied from the MBTI personality identification indicator (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). The MBTI personality assessment developed by Isabel Briggs Myers, Katharine Cook Briggs and David Keirsey from the work of renowned psychiatrist Carl G. Jung the types of psychology based on theories of cognitive functions. Keirsey named INFJ The Counselor because they are very good at giving instructions and INFJ is one of the 4 personality types of an Idealist group.

What are the personality traits of the INFJ group?

The MBTI assessment accurately estimates about 75% according to its guiding indicator, using multiple-choice questions on the basis of four "binary" (opposing psychological pairs), INFJ is one of 16 personality types and is abbreviated by the first four letters (iNtuition is an exception because I is used for Introversion) as follows:

  • Introversion: introverted, tend to like tranquility and prefer to interact only with close friends. They feel wasted a lot of energy when socially interacting with unfamiliar people;

  • iNtuition: listen more to their intuition than specific feelings, so they focus their attention on the big picture rather than the little details, as well as things that might happen in the future rather than paying attention to reality;

  • Feeling: make decisions based on feelings, emotional state, personal values rather than based on objective factors or logical rules;

  • Judgment: they judge in a very principled and predictable way, early plan and follow it rather than making spontaneous and flexible decisions.

What are the core values, actions, and thoughts of INFJ's personality trends?

INFJs are people who are very dedicated and have a clear orientation, they are always looking for meanings in relationships, ideas, and events in order to understand themselves and those around them. They rely on their intuitive skills, vision, and confidence to develop and improve people's lives. Similar to the INTJ personality, INFJs always see the problems encountered as an opportunity to challenge their improvement and creativity. Despite being a true introvert, INFJ still has enough knowledge to adapt well in social situations. They care about the well-being of others, can collaborate and be creative to resolve differences. In general, INFJs people who own a rich and lively inner life but are also very open and caring. In particular, INFJs have unique abilities to convey emotion and motivation to others.

INFJs aim to help those in need - they can rush to participate in rescue efforts, do charitable work, etc. The INFJs see this as their mission and purpose in lives - people with this kind of personality firmly believe that the best way to help the world is to eliminate all tyrants. Karma and the like are very attractive to INFJs.

Those trends are also strengthened by the fact that the INFJ's personality has a unique combination of idealism and assertiveness - this means that their creativity and imagination can be guided directly to a specific goal. Other personality types also have this trait, and this is one of the most important reasons why many INFJs fulfill their dreams and work resolutely in the long term.

INFJs are the master of written communication, with unique and smooth language skill. In addition, the sensitivity of INFJs allows them to connect with others quite easily. Their natural communication and well-being can often be misleading to those around them, who might think that the INFJs are really extroverted.

INFJs should be careful because their enthusiasm and determination can sometimes get out of control. They are introverted, sometimes the INFJs need to have "alone time" to recharge otherwise their stored energy will deplete very quickly. If that is the case, the INFJs can surprise people by withdrawing from all their activities for a while.

INFJs are deeply concerned about the feelings of others and expect them to do the same. Of course, people with this type of personality are sensitive and vulnerable to conflicts - even the most rational INFJs have a hard time avoiding personal criticism. This is the weakness of the INFJ - if someone with the INFJ character cannot get out of conflict, they will do their best to deal with it, but this will cause a lot of stress and can also lead to health problems or very irrational behavior.

The career of the INFJ personality group

True to the character of an INFJ, when they are looking for a job, they are always interested in what they like to do most, which is improving the human condition. They like to plan, organize a process, be creative in an independent environment to fulfill humanitarian missions. INFJs are suitable for the following career fields:

  • Community and Social Services (Health Education, Marriage and Family Counselor);

  • Education (Teachers, Administrators);

  • Personal care services (Personal Trainer, Nanny);

  • Science (Psychologist, Sociologist);

  • Laws (Lawyers);

  • Health care (Dietitians, Physiotherapists);

  • Entertainment, Art, and Design;

  • Human resource.

The relationship between INFJs and others

INFJs are often very discreet in their communication, ideas, and insights, but they are oriented towards connection values and information sharing. Therefore, they will think deeply and consider carefully before sharing their ideas in relationships. They have special talents in engaging people, integrating people's ideas and potential values.

  • For ISFJ, ENFJ, INFP: they have similar characteristics and many things in common so it is easy for INFJs to share values, interests, and approaches;

  • For INTP, ISFP, ENFP, INTJ: they have some differences but these differences are attractive to INFJs. Basically, they still have something in common to create a balance in their relationship with INFJs;

  • For ISTJ, ENTP, ESFJ, ENTJ: At first, INFJs may have some difficulty accessing and connecting with this personality group. However, if interacting for a while, they will discover commonalities as well as other points of view that can complement each other;

  • For ISTP, ESTP, ESTJ, ESFP: this personality group is opposite and conflicting with INFJs, but if it is possible to develop a relationship, this is an opportunity for INFJs to learn and grow themselves, the challenges always come with great opportunity.

INFJ friends are very insightful, warm and thoughtful. It is not easy to get to know about INFJs because they often hide emotions deep inside their minds. This type of INFJ personality is very mysterious and difficult to read but they can see through other people's masks very easily. Honesty and sincerity are considerable if you want to be friends with an INFJ.

The INFJs do not really care about "friendliness" but mostly around reality, daily issues or physical activities. They are quite silent, but they are resolute idealists, who are full of desires to make the world a better place. Therefore, people of INFJ personality desire to find friends who are willing to bring idealism into their lives and engage in deep meaningful discussions about things that go beyond daily routines. INFJ friends tend to be relatively idealistic - they want things to be perfect, this has two sides, which can be very positive or also negative when it comes to relationships. On the one hand, the INFJs will seek to nurture relationships, grow with their close friends and seek rich life experiences. On the other hand, this tendency can depress people of different personality types because they may not be able to endure and have the determination that INFJs possess. Therefore, INFJs can continue to be friends with others, hoping that the next one will have more in common with them.

Notably, the INFJ should not be discouraged if friends do not share 100% of the principles or goals with them. INFJ people want to find friends they can trust who are willing and able to understand their passions and ideas. Not many people are able to cope with the depth and richness of INFJ's imagination, and even fewer are able to support INFJs the way they need it. INFJs tend to be very loyal and helpful friends, and they are also sought by other personality groups for their wisdom, however, they need to learn how to make friends with other potential ones.

INFJs are often eloquent and persuasive; they tend to be quite popular and influential. INFJs themselves are pretty surprised by this because they are really private individuals, so they don't really need and don't like to be noticed. It is possible that the INFJs will have only a few true friends, but these friends will greatly appreciate the INFJ's companionship.

In short, INFJs are warm and reliable people, they are also very deep and quite mysterious. They like to seek and develop lasting and meaningful relationships. INFJ are perfectionists, always striving for optimal relationships. In most cases, this is a positive thing, but sometimes, it is toxic because they tend to see the greener grass on the other hill. In general, INFJs are passionate and deeply caring people as they invest in close relationships and spend a lot of effort in making them positive. INFJs are highly appreciated by close people for this special ability.

Classify trends in the INFJ personality group

  • Artisan personality groups (SP): ISFP (Composer), ISTP (Crafter), ESFP (Performer), ESTP (Promoter);

  • Guardian personality group (SJ): ISTJ (Inspector), ISFJ (Protector), ESFJ (Provider), ESTJ (Supervisor);

  • Idealist personality group (NF): ENFP (Champion), INFJ (Counselor), INFP (Healer), ENFJ (Teacher);

  • Rational personality group (NT): INTP (Architect), ENTJ (Fieldmarshal), ENTP (Inventor), INTJ (Mastermind).

The popularity of the INFJ personality group

This is the rarest personality group in the world and only accounts for about 1-3% of the world's population. By gender, only 1% of ENFJs are male and % are women. Although their presence can be described as very quiet, the INFJs often have strong opinions, especially when it comes to issues they deem really important in life. If INFJs fights for something, the main reason is that they believe in their own ideas, not for some selfish reasons.

The famous INFJs

  • Jimmy Carter - 39th President of the United States;

  • Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States and Author of the American Declaration of Independence;

  • Calvin Coolidge -  30th president of the United States;

  • Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - German writer and Statesman;

  • Niels Bohr - Danish physicist and Adviser of Heisenberg;

  • Mary Wollstonecraft - English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women's rights;

  • Mel Gibson - American actor and filmmaker;

  • Mother Teresa;

  • Martin Luther King;

  • Nicole Kidman - Australian-American actress;

  • James Wilson from House M.D.;

  • Adolf Hitler;

  • Osama bin Laden.