INFJ. It sounds like jargon. Like an acronym for something with a long confusing title. I suppose that's true because it stands for Inutition, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging.
So what does it all mean? Well, one day last spring I decided to take the Myers-Briggs Personality test in my quest to understand my personality better. We'd done the Keirsey Temperment Sorter in school which is quite similar.
I took the test... and it was long! I was dying to see the answers--my assessment. I have a sort of obsessive desire to know things, especially know more about myself and how I interact with others. I wanted to bite my fingernails while I waited in suspense.
I sorted out all my answers and came up with an acronym. INFJ. I read the assessment and went cold as statement after statement hit my personality on the nose. I had never encountered a "quiz" like this to be so revealing. I really didn't want to share my findings with anyone at the time because it felt like I was naked in front of the world.
But now I'm proud of who I am. Here are a few of the characteristics that dropped me to my knees:
Excerpts taken from Portrait of an INFJ
"Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types."
"They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand."
"They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions."
"INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them."
"Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it."
"INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring."
"They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress."
"On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them."
"They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments."
"In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent."
"The INFJ individual is gifted in ways that other types are not. Life is not necessarily easy for the INFJ, but they are capable of great depth of feeling and personal achievement."
Take a moment to reflect on your own personality. If you're as curious as I am I bet you're half way to the website already. It's amazing how much better you can perform at work, school, or home when you have some idea why you do the things you do.
