Identifying your personality type can be a fascinating and insightful journey. While online tests and assessments can provide a starting point, they are not always accurate or reliable. To better understand whether you may be an INFJ personality type and not an INFP or ISFJ, consider the following steps:
Research the Cognitive Functions: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on eight cognitive functions, which are grouped into four pairs (Feeling, Thinking, Sensing, and Intuition). Each type has a unique combination of these functions. Learn about the cognitive functions associated with INFJ (Ni-Fe-Ti-Se), INFP (Fi-Ne-Si-Te), and ISFJ (Si-Fe-Ti-Ne). Understand how these functions manifest in people and how they differ from each other.
Reflect on Your Motivations and Values: Consider what drives you, what you value most in life, and how you make decisions. INFJs tend to be driven by a deep sense of purpose and are often focused on helping others. INFPs prioritize their personal values and seek authenticity and harmony. ISFJs are typically service-oriented, with a strong focus on meeting practical needs and maintaining harmony in their environment.
Examine Your Social Interactions: Pay attention to how you interact with others and how you respond to social situations. INFJs often have a small, close-knit group of friends and prefer deeper, meaningful connections. INFPs may be more reserved but still value authenticity and emotional connections. ISFJs are generally warm and nurturing, taking care of others and maintaining group harmony.
Explore Your Intuition and Sensing Preferences: Consider how you gather information and process the world around you. INFJs tend to rely on their intuitive abilities, seeing patterns and possibilities. INFPs also use intuition but may also incorporate their sensing side in certain situations. ISFJs, on the other hand, are more grounded in the present and focus on concrete details.
Reflect on Your Decision-Making Style: Consider how you make decisions and solve problems. INFJs may follow their intuition and consider the impact on others when making choices. INFPs rely on their inner values and feelings. ISFJs use their sensing to understand practical needs and use their feeling function to make decisions that benefit others.
Be Honest with Yourself: Throughout this process, it's essential to be honest with yourself and avoid trying to fit into a specific type. Remember that the MBTI is just one way to understand personality, and it's okay to have traits from different types. No type is better than another, and all types have their strengths and weaknesses.
If you find yourself still uncertain about your type after exploring these aspects, consider seeking guidance from a certified MBTI practitioner who can help you clarify your personality preferences and type. Ultimately, self-discovery is a continuous journey, and it's okay to embrace the nuances and complexities of your personality.