The INFJ personality type is one of the 16 personality types identified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) system. It is based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung and was further developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs.
INFJ stands for:
I - Introverted: INFJs tend to focus their energy inward, gaining energy from solitude and introspection. They are often reserved and thoughtful, preferring deep conversations over small talk.
N - Intuitive: INFJs rely heavily on their intuition and are skilled at seeing patterns, connections, and possibilities beyond what is immediately apparent. They are imaginative and future-oriented.
F - Feeling: INFJs make decisions based on their emotions and values. They are empathetic and compassionate, often considering the feelings of others in their decision-making process.
J - Judging: INFJs prefer a structured and organized approach to life. They like to plan ahead and are usually decisive, valuing closure and resolution.
Key characteristics of INFJs include:
Empathy: INFJs are highly empathetic, often able to understand and share the feelings of others. This makes them excellent listeners and supportive friends.
Idealism: INFJs are driven by their ideals and principles. They often have a strong sense of morality and a desire to make the world a better place.
Insightful: INFJs have a deep understanding of human behavior and motivations. They can see through people's outer layers and perceive their underlying thoughts and emotions.
Introverted Leadership: Although they are introverted, INFJs can be effective leaders. They are often skilled at inspiring and guiding others with their vision and charisma.
Need for Meaning: INFJs seek meaningful connections and experiences in life. They are not content with superficial interactions and often search for deeper purpose and significance.
Private and Reserved: INFJs tend to be private individuals who may keep much of their inner world hidden from others, except for those they trust deeply.
It's important to remember that personality types are just one way of understanding human behavior, and individuals are unique and can exhibit traits beyond the scope of any one system. The MBTI and personality typing in general are tools for self-awareness and understanding rather than rigid categorizations.