Key Facts About INFJ
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Idealistic and empathetic, INFJs are guided by strong personal values and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. They seek purpose, authenticity and deep emotional connections.
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Known as “The Counselor,” INFJs are insightful, reflective and naturally attuned to others’ emotions, often offering thoughtful guidance and support.
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Though private and reserved, they are passionate about meaningful causes and excel at resolving conflict with diplomacy and care.
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INFJs are the rarest personality type, making up just 2.3% of the population, and are commonly drawn to careers in counseling, education, the arts and advocacy.
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Known for their love of personal growth and depth, INFJs enjoy writing, reading, music and intimate social settings where they can connect authentically with others.
What Is an INFJ Personality Type?
INFJ is one of the sixteen personality types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, creators of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®).
Each of the four letters of the INFJ code signifies a key personality trait of this type. The letters INFJ stand for the following dimensions of personality, based on the work of psychologist C.G. Jung:
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Introverted: INFJs are energized by time alone
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iNtuitive: INFJs focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details
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Feeling: INFJs make decisions based on feelings and values
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Judging: INFJs prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible
The INFJ personality type is also called the "Counselor" because of their tendency to be idealistic, compassionate, and sensitive. Other nicknames for the INFJ include:
INFJ in a Nutshell
INFJs are thoughtful 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.
The Counselor has a unique ability to intuit others' emotions and motivations, and will often know how someone else is feeling before that person knows it himself. They trust their insights about others and have strong faith in their ability to read people. Although they are sensitive, they are also reserved; the INFJ is a private sort, and is selective about sharing intimate thoughts and feelings.
INFJs search for meaning and purpose in their lives and in the outer world. They tend to have an immense interest in deeply understanding culture, society, and the universe as a whole. INFJs naturally see how every thought or action could potentially have important consequences, either positive or negative. This reflective and curious worldview gives INFJs a unique perspective and thoughtful approach to how they interact with others and the world around them.
Ultimately, INFJs seek to turn their abstract and intellectual musings into concrete actions that can be applied and make a transformative impact on others. Although it is common for INFJs to get stuck in their heads and struggle with taking action, when they are at their best, their actions are aligned with their authentic values.
Common Questions About INFJs
Why are INFJs considered the rarest personality type?
INFJs make up about 2% of the population, making them the rarest of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. INFJs are even rarer among men, making up about 1% of men worldwide. Despite their rarity, INFJs often gravitate toward professions and communities where their insight, compassion and long-term thinking are valued, such as counseling, education, writing and social advocacy.
Why do INFJs disappear or “door slam” people?
The INFJ "door slam" (cutting someone off completely and often permanently) typically happens when an INFJ feels deeply hurt, disrespected or betrayed by someone they once trusted. Because INFJs are highly empathetic and deeply loyal, they often give people the benefit of the doubt, sometimes to their own detriment. Without strong boundaries, this can leave them vulnerable to being taken advantage of. When an INFJ recognizes a pattern of emotional harm or manipulation, they may decide that the healthiest course of action is to walk away. Once they reach that point, the decision is usually final.
How can an INFJ handle stress or burnout?
INFJs are especially prone to stress and burnout when they overextend themselves for others while neglecting their own needs. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, irritability, apathy and withdrawal. To prevent and recover from burnout, INFJs should prioritize setting healthy boundaries, create space for regular solitude, engage in restorative hobbies and seek support from a trusted confidant. Just as importantly, they should practice self-compassion and remind themselves that their well-being matters, too.
Why do INFJs feel misunderstood or lonely?
As the rarest personality type, INFJs often feel like they’re living in a world that wasn’t designed with them in mind. INFJs often feel like walking paradoxes: they’re introverted yet people-oriented, sensitive yet rational, reserved yet deeply passionate. Their unique blend of traits can make it difficult for INFJs to feel truly seen or understood, leading to feelings of loneliness or isolation. However, when INFJs embrace their strengths and honor their authentic nature, they often find meaningful ways to connect with others and make a lasting impact.
Are INFJs really psychic?
No, INFJs aren’t psychic, but they often seem that way. Thanks to their strong intuition and deep empathy, INFJs have a remarkable ability to pick up on subtle patterns in people, relationships and the world around them. This often gives them a sense of foresight, especially when it comes to understanding how others are feeling or how situations involving people are likely to unfold. But their insight isn’t supernatural, it’s the result of keen observation, emotional intelligence and an ability to connect the dots.
What is the most common Enneagram type for INFJs?
While INFJs can be any of the nine Enneagram types, the most common pairing is Enneagram Type 4. Like INFJs, Fours are introspective, sensitive, creative and individualistic. Both types often feel different from those around them and may struggle with a sense of not quite fitting in. This shared longing for authenticity and depth makes the INFJ–Type 4 combination especially common.
