Why Myers-Briggs
is given first priority over other personality tests?
is given first priority over other personality tests?
Myers-Briggs personality psychological tests are a way of finding out one’s personality preferences and the way they perceive the world around them.
They are often very helpful since they can explain certain actions of people around us.
However, even though it is one of the most popular psychological tests nowadays, Myers-Briggs personality test is sometimes unreliable, depending on the mood of a person in question.
There are sixteen Myers-Briggs personality types in total.
The personality type that is thought to be the rarest one out of all Myers-Briggs personality types is INFJ. People with INFJ personality type make up between one and two percent of the population.
They are often very helpful since they can explain certain actions of people around us.
However, even though it is one of the most popular psychological tests nowadays, Myers-Briggs personality test is sometimes unreliable, depending on the mood of a person in question.
There are sixteen Myers-Briggs personality types in total.
The personality type that is thought to be the rarest one out of all Myers-Briggs personality types is INFJ. People with INFJ personality type make up between one and two percent of the population.
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The meaning behind the INFJ acronym is Introversion, Intuition, Feeling and Judgment.
Those traits represent the main characteristics of an INFJ person.
People who have this personality type often have a strong sense of morality, and they are strongly determinative. They believe that helping other people should be the main goal of one’s life.
Even though they seem creative, inspiring and altruistic, they also have some weaknesses that have a high impact on their personality.
They are often challenged by their sensitiveness and extreme sense of privacy and intimacy.
Because of their perfectionism, they can often burn out easily. They are quite reserved, which makes them seem cold from time to time. This sums up the main traits of an INFJ person.
Those traits represent the main characteristics of an INFJ person.
People who have this personality type often have a strong sense of morality, and they are strongly determinative. They believe that helping other people should be the main goal of one’s life.
Even though they seem creative, inspiring and altruistic, they also have some weaknesses that have a high impact on their personality.
They are often challenged by their sensitiveness and extreme sense of privacy and intimacy.
Because of their perfectionism, they can often burn out easily. They are quite reserved, which makes them seem cold from time to time. This sums up the main traits of an INFJ person.
WHAT ARE THE MYERS-BRIGGS PERSONALITY TYPES?
Myers-Briggs type indicator (also known as MBTI) is a questionnaire developed by Isabelle Briggs Myers and her mother Katharine Cook Briggs in 1943.
This questionnaire is meant to explain one’s perception of the world around him, his ways of acting and being, and to reveal some of his preferences and traits.
It is an introspective self-report test – you answer a couple of questions related to your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and habits.
This exam was based on Carl Jung’s theory that people perceive the world through four functions – feeling, thinking, intuition and sensation.
Myers-Briggs theory came to existence when Katherine realized that Jung’s theory was way too complex and confusing for a wide spectrum of people.
Katherine decided that she wanted to create a personality test that would define you so you could easily understand the definition.
She felt the need to do this because she believed that when people gain a better understanding of their selves, they will find it easier to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses.
Isabelle continued her mother’s work and further developed it. She created detailed explanations for sixteen different personality types. She created four groups of opposing traits, with the intention of seeking the dominant one for the person in question.
Those four groups are:
There are sixteen types in total, as mentioned. They all have other names that may describe the character better (for example, INFJs are called The Counselor, because of their nurturing and helping nature).
It is important to mention that no type is better than the other, and they are all created equally to show both the strengths and weaknesses of the person in question.
However, there is a lot of speculation about the accuracy of the Myers-Briggs type indicator test. There are a few problems concerning this topic.
First of all, the main and most obvious reason why this test can’t always be accurate is our mood.
On a good day, the answers could lean towards the more extroverted, intuitive and led-by-feelings side, which is not the case in the opposite situation.
Often, people who do the test twice, tend to get a different result, which further explains why this questionnaire is unreliable.
The tight and closed structure of the groups that are used for deciding about your personality type is another problem we are facing.
You are put in a situation where you are, for example, either an introvert or an extrovert, but it is obvious that not everything is black or white; we are rather a spectrum of traits, where both extroversion and introversion are present.
Psychologists have argued about this topic for a long time.
This test was originated at the time when psychology wasn’t based on personal experience, so it may seem unsuitable for modern psychology criteria. However, some modern psychologists believe that the group of four traits is completely valid when deciding about one’s personality.
Another thing that could puzzle you is connecting the questions in the exam to real situations. It is no secret that nowadays companies use this type of interrogating when hiring employees.
The inaccuracy of the test could significantly impact the performance of an employee if the results don’t match the expected characteristics.
In spite of being untrustworthy, the Myers-Briggs type indicator test is not completely useless.
It can give you insights into some of your dominant traits, and help you gain a better understanding of some of your actions. It could be an important beginning to a self-discovering journey.
INFJ ACRONYM EXPLANATION
As mentioned before, INFJ stands for four main personal characteristics of an introverted, yet altruistic person. INFJs are often referred to as the Advocate personality type, Visionary, Empath, Protector or Counselor.
The I in INFJ stands for introversion, meaning that the people who have this personality type often prefer being lonely or being accompanied by a small group of friends.
This allows them to enjoy having more personal time and space, and to commit to their responsibilities.
Their introversion, however, enables them to create strong bonds with others, despite often being difficult to get to know.
However, INFJs can often trick you into believing that they are extroverts.
Their caring and loving side are what often overpowers their introversion. They may seem way more open than they are, all because of their outgoing tendencies when meeting new people.
This type of person is, in fact, only fulfilled when accompanied by true and close friends and their loved ones.
Next up the N, which stands for their intuitive behavior. INFJ’s possess great emotional intelligence and that allows them a better understanding of their surroundings. Internal insights play a great role in defining their nature.
They are able to make long-lasting relationships with friends and partners because they are empathetic and have a great sense of understanding for their loved ones.
INTJ people often forget facts and go for what their heart decides. This allows them to step out of widely known beliefs and express themselves in a different light.
Because of a strong bond, they create with their sense of understanding, they are often perceived as stubborn and demure.
Feelings play a significant role in INFJ’s personality since they are present in all three other main traits. INFJ people are frequently seen as emotional, or even sensitive.
One of the weaknesses that are often attributed to INFJs is that they are overly sensitive. Their feelings can often get in the way of logical and rational thinking.
They are also sensitive towards the needs of others, which makes them highly appreciated amongst their loved ones. They are always ready to help and believe that helping others is their goal in life.
Finally, judging is what the letter J refers to. INFJs are decisive and responsible. They like planning and good organization. They like to finish their tasks on time, so they rarely rely on improvisation.
However, their intuitive side sometimes overplays objective thinking, so they can usually seem stubborn and difficult to work with because of their strong beliefs. They are, however, very passionate about the things they do.
HOW TO SPOT AN INFJ
A common question that might occur when reading about these personality types is how can you actually know who is, for example, an INFJ? It is not easy, especially for this particular type, since they are so secretive and can appear different than they actually are. They are also the rarest type, as mentioned.
INFJs in Conversation
There are, however, a couple of things to look for when you think you are facing an INFJ.
When having a conversation, INFJs tend to listen very closely to the topic.
If they are by any chance unprepared for the topic, their thoughts get mixed up and they often need time to think about the questions and the answers in the conversation.
If they are, anyhow, prepared for the topic, they tend to seem extremely excited about sharing their thoughts and beliefs. Because of their non-confronting attitude, they stay away from arguments in conversation, because they make them feel uncomfortable.
You can easily spot INFJ’s approval or disapproval in their non-verbal feedback. They usually carefully follow the person that they are talking to.
Their verbal feedback can sometimes be somewhat confusing because they tend to use longer sentences with deeper meaning.
Words like “um” and “like” are constantly present in their language, since their intuitive way of thinking can sometimes get a bit confusing.
INFJs in Social Situations
When in social gatherings, INFJs seem a bit shy, since they prefer listening rather than speaking .
They usually stick to their friends if they are present. INFJs would rather enjoy one-on-one conversation than a busy, loud group project.
Because of their helping nature, they are always ready to step in and resolve the fight in conversation if there’s any. They are very sensitive to conflict.
INFJs in Relationships
INFJs make great friends because they are naturally caring and nurturing. They often show signs of concerns toward others, because they are born helpers.
Even though they dislike arguments, they are ready to stand up for others more often than for themselves.
They are very nice to be around since they have a calming attitude. They like harmony and peace.
They usually stick to their friends if they are present. INFJs would rather enjoy one-on-one conversation than a busy, loud group project.
Because of their helping nature, they are always ready to step in and resolve the fight in conversation if there’s any. They are very sensitive to conflict.
INFJs in Relationships
INFJs make great friends because they are naturally caring and nurturing. They often show signs of concerns toward others, because they are born helpers.
Even though they dislike arguments, they are ready to stand up for others more often than for themselves.
They are very nice to be around since they have a calming attitude. They like harmony and peace.
INFJs in Careers
This might not be a hundred percent accurate way of finding out whether a person is an INFJ type or not, but it can be helpful anyway.
When at work, INFJs are helpful, organized and dedicated. They are independent, and they work passionately on turning their ideas into reality. They feel the best when they are able to show their creativity.
INFJs need a peaceful environment and committed coworkers in order for them to be completely satisfied with their career.
Some of the careers that INFJs are more likely to pursue are in:
Languages – this personality type is known for its intelligence and concentration, both needed for pursuing a career in writing or translating, for example.
INFJs often appear as an artsy type of person. They sometimes wear unusual outfits, despite their shyness.
They tend to wander away in their thoughts, so they can appear absent at times.
They seem both organized and messy at the same time. As a lot of other things about INFJs are also paradoxes, it is no wonder that they are the rarest type of all.
They are good writers, usually good at music, and they love traveling.
Due to an unusual combination of traits, INFJs are a bit harder to recognize. However, it is not impossible, because their quirks often give them away.
COULD YOU BE AN INFJ?
You may have thought about being an INFJ personality type while reading through this article.
Of course, the easiest way to find out would be for you to take the Myers-Briggs test, but here are some other tips to finding out if you are an INFJ:
If you’re still puzzled about your personality type, here are some more guidelines to help you find out if you’re an INFJ.
These signs show that you are NOT actually one of them:
Even if it’s only one letter apart, it could have a meaningful impact on a whole personality picture.
A wrong result could negatively affect one’s personal development and growth as well as a career choice and the fate of his/her general enterprise.
CONCLUSION
The INFJ type is what seems to be a really confusingly structured personality. Their traits often contradict themselves.
The word paradox frequently appears when describing this type. Their nature is erratic; in certain situations, they seem both devoted and absent at times. INFJs are, however, really special.
Not only are they the rarest type of them all, but they also have characteristics that make them loved and highly appreciated within their circle of friends and family.
Their strengths and weaknesses are what shapes them into an exceptional character that you can’t often meet.
INFJs are loving, caring and thoughtful – always there to help. They make great friends, lovers, and parents, because of their nurturing nature.
INFJs possess a great amount of understanding toward others, they are great listeners and advice-givers. They are intelligent, empathetic and loyal.
“INFJs’ nonstop search for learning, self-growth, and development—and wishing the same for everyone else—makes them very reassuring to others and people worth emulating.”, states Otto Kroeger, one of the writers of Type talk at work, pointing out one of the dominant qualities of this personality type.
Uncommonly designed, the INFJ personality type is quite unique and limited. Their unusual set of traits makes them different from everyone else. They are rare, especially because of the complexity of their personality structure.
INFJ is a personality type that would best be described as eccentric from the aspect of an ordinary extroverted person, but that is not what INFJs are.
If you are or someone you know is an INFJ, reading this article can help you gain a better understanding of what it takes to be an INFJ.
This can be a way to start exploring your personality, or just getting a basic knowledge of other existing personality types.
Whatever the case might be, keep in mind that not everything is black and white and that your own personality is like no other one.
Myers-Briggs type indicator (also known as MBTI) is a questionnaire developed by Isabelle Briggs Myers and her mother Katharine Cook Briggs in 1943.
This questionnaire is meant to explain one’s perception of the world around him, his ways of acting and being, and to reveal some of his preferences and traits.
It is an introspective self-report test – you answer a couple of questions related to your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and habits.
This exam was based on Carl Jung’s theory that people perceive the world through four functions – feeling, thinking, intuition and sensation.
Myers-Briggs theory came to existence when Katherine realized that Jung’s theory was way too complex and confusing for a wide spectrum of people.
Katherine decided that she wanted to create a personality test that would define you so you could easily understand the definition.
She felt the need to do this because she believed that when people gain a better understanding of their selves, they will find it easier to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses.
Isabelle continued her mother’s work and further developed it. She created detailed explanations for sixteen different personality types. She created four groups of opposing traits, with the intention of seeking the dominant one for the person in question.
Those four groups are:
- Extraversion vs. Introversion
- Sensing vs. Intuition
- Thinking vs. feeling
- Judging vs. Perceiving
There are sixteen types in total, as mentioned. They all have other names that may describe the character better (for example, INFJs are called The Counselor, because of their nurturing and helping nature).
It is important to mention that no type is better than the other, and they are all created equally to show both the strengths and weaknesses of the person in question.
However, there is a lot of speculation about the accuracy of the Myers-Briggs type indicator test. There are a few problems concerning this topic.
First of all, the main and most obvious reason why this test can’t always be accurate is our mood.
On a good day, the answers could lean towards the more extroverted, intuitive and led-by-feelings side, which is not the case in the opposite situation.
Often, people who do the test twice, tend to get a different result, which further explains why this questionnaire is unreliable.
The tight and closed structure of the groups that are used for deciding about your personality type is another problem we are facing.
You are put in a situation where you are, for example, either an introvert or an extrovert, but it is obvious that not everything is black or white; we are rather a spectrum of traits, where both extroversion and introversion are present.
Psychologists have argued about this topic for a long time.
This test was originated at the time when psychology wasn’t based on personal experience, so it may seem unsuitable for modern psychology criteria. However, some modern psychologists believe that the group of four traits is completely valid when deciding about one’s personality.
Another thing that could puzzle you is connecting the questions in the exam to real situations. It is no secret that nowadays companies use this type of interrogating when hiring employees.
The inaccuracy of the test could significantly impact the performance of an employee if the results don’t match the expected characteristics.
In spite of being untrustworthy, the Myers-Briggs type indicator test is not completely useless.
It can give you insights into some of your dominant traits, and help you gain a better understanding of some of your actions. It could be an important beginning to a self-discovering journey.
INFJ ACRONYM EXPLANATION
As mentioned before, INFJ stands for four main personal characteristics of an introverted, yet altruistic person. INFJs are often referred to as the Advocate personality type, Visionary, Empath, Protector or Counselor.
The I in INFJ stands for introversion, meaning that the people who have this personality type often prefer being lonely or being accompanied by a small group of friends.
This allows them to enjoy having more personal time and space, and to commit to their responsibilities.
Their introversion, however, enables them to create strong bonds with others, despite often being difficult to get to know.
However, INFJs can often trick you into believing that they are extroverts.
Their caring and loving side are what often overpowers their introversion. They may seem way more open than they are, all because of their outgoing tendencies when meeting new people.
This type of person is, in fact, only fulfilled when accompanied by true and close friends and their loved ones.
Next up the N, which stands for their intuitive behavior. INFJ’s possess great emotional intelligence and that allows them a better understanding of their surroundings. Internal insights play a great role in defining their nature.
They are able to make long-lasting relationships with friends and partners because they are empathetic and have a great sense of understanding for their loved ones.
INTJ people often forget facts and go for what their heart decides. This allows them to step out of widely known beliefs and express themselves in a different light.
Because of a strong bond, they create with their sense of understanding, they are often perceived as stubborn and demure.
Feelings play a significant role in INFJ’s personality since they are present in all three other main traits. INFJ people are frequently seen as emotional, or even sensitive.
One of the weaknesses that are often attributed to INFJs is that they are overly sensitive. Their feelings can often get in the way of logical and rational thinking.
They are also sensitive towards the needs of others, which makes them highly appreciated amongst their loved ones. They are always ready to help and believe that helping others is their goal in life.
Finally, judging is what the letter J refers to. INFJs are decisive and responsible. They like planning and good organization. They like to finish their tasks on time, so they rarely rely on improvisation.
However, their intuitive side sometimes overplays objective thinking, so they can usually seem stubborn and difficult to work with because of their strong beliefs. They are, however, very passionate about the things they do.
HOW TO SPOT AN INFJ
A common question that might occur when reading about these personality types is how can you actually know who is, for example, an INFJ? It is not easy, especially for this particular type, since they are so secretive and can appear different than they actually are. They are also the rarest type, as mentioned.
INFJs in Conversation
There are, however, a couple of things to look for when you think you are facing an INFJ.
When having a conversation, INFJs tend to listen very closely to the topic.
If they are by any chance unprepared for the topic, their thoughts get mixed up and they often need time to think about the questions and the answers in the conversation.
If they are, anyhow, prepared for the topic, they tend to seem extremely excited about sharing their thoughts and beliefs. Because of their non-confronting attitude, they stay away from arguments in conversation, because they make them feel uncomfortable.
You can easily spot INFJ’s approval or disapproval in their non-verbal feedback. They usually carefully follow the person that they are talking to.
Their verbal feedback can sometimes be somewhat confusing because they tend to use longer sentences with deeper meaning.
Words like “um” and “like” are constantly present in their language, since their intuitive way of thinking can sometimes get a bit confusing.
INFJs in Social Situations
When in social gatherings, INFJs seem a bit shy, since they prefer listening rather than speaking .
They usually stick to their friends if they are present. INFJs would rather enjoy one-on-one conversation than a busy, loud group project.
Because of their helping nature, they are always ready to step in and resolve the fight in conversation if there’s any. They are very sensitive to conflict.
INFJs in Relationships
INFJs make great friends because they are naturally caring and nurturing. They often show signs of concerns toward others, because they are born helpers.
Even though they dislike arguments, they are ready to stand up for others more often than for themselves.
They are very nice to be around since they have a calming attitude. They like harmony and peace.
They usually stick to their friends if they are present. INFJs would rather enjoy one-on-one conversation than a busy, loud group project.
Because of their helping nature, they are always ready to step in and resolve the fight in conversation if there’s any. They are very sensitive to conflict.
INFJs in Relationships
INFJs make great friends because they are naturally caring and nurturing. They often show signs of concerns toward others, because they are born helpers.
Even though they dislike arguments, they are ready to stand up for others more often than for themselves.
They are very nice to be around since they have a calming attitude. They like harmony and peace.
INFJs in Careers
This might not be a hundred percent accurate way of finding out whether a person is an INFJ type or not, but it can be helpful anyway.
When at work, INFJs are helpful, organized and dedicated. They are independent, and they work passionately on turning their ideas into reality. They feel the best when they are able to show their creativity.
INFJs need a peaceful environment and committed coworkers in order for them to be completely satisfied with their career.
Some of the careers that INFJs are more likely to pursue are in:
- Education – INFJs like to watch people grow and develop, but they like to be the cause that as well.
- Health care – this is a way for INFJs to express their nurturing and helping nature.
Languages – this personality type is known for its intelligence and concentration, both needed for pursuing a career in writing or translating, for example.
- Arts (music, photography, design) – one of the dominant traits of an INFJ is creativity, so they are highly suitable for this type of career.
INFJs often appear as an artsy type of person. They sometimes wear unusual outfits, despite their shyness.
They tend to wander away in their thoughts, so they can appear absent at times.
They seem both organized and messy at the same time. As a lot of other things about INFJs are also paradoxes, it is no wonder that they are the rarest type of all.
They are good writers, usually good at music, and they love traveling.
Due to an unusual combination of traits, INFJs are a bit harder to recognize. However, it is not impossible, because their quirks often give them away.
COULD YOU BE AN INFJ?
You may have thought about being an INFJ personality type while reading through this article.
Of course, the easiest way to find out would be for you to take the Myers-Briggs test, but here are some other tips to finding out if you are an INFJ:
- You sense a lot of paradoxes in your behavior – INFJs are known for their tricky personality, where you can’t really tell whether they are this or that. For example, if you have ever felt both excited to go out and meet friends and terrified of the same idea, you could consider checking if you are an INFJ. Their friendly side and their shy side are often in conflict.
- Related to that, you HATE conflicts – Have you ever felt your heart is falling apart whenever you’re encountering a fight? If you are an INFJ, that’s nothing new. INFJs don’t like arguments, and they tend to stay away from them.
- Dedicated to helping – having the reputation of that great friend that is always ready to help is a common one amongst INFJs. If you are trying to help anyone by letting them vent, asking a lot of questions in order to find out the problem, or just deeply listening to the person and offering support, you definitely could be an INFJ.
- Empathy – related to the previous stage, it’s no wonder why INFJs are such good helpers. They tend to connect with people really easily and sense their feelings right away.
- Learning is the key – INFJs are known for their great intelligence, which allows them to grow and learn all the time. They love books, especially about science and psychology. They can often drift away into the world of books and forget about reality.
- Being different – An INFJ person can often have a hard time fitting in, because of their different interests and beliefs. Those people tend to stick out of the group, and that can cause them to feel odd.
- Hating criticism – INFJs hate being criticized; negative attitude brings them down and makes them unhappy. That’s probably why they are always kind to people. If they are nice, people won’t be rude to them.
If you’re still puzzled about your personality type, here are some more guidelines to help you find out if you’re an INFJ.
These signs show that you are NOT actually one of them:
- Logical reasoning – INFJs rely more on their intuition and feelings, so if you go with what your brain decides rather than what your heart tells you, you might as well not be an INFJ.
- Large groups of friends – if you feel good about being in a busy and loud place with a lot of people, you may actually be an ENTJ – similar to INTJ, but extroverted. Extroverted people are more open to discussions in large groups of people.
- Well-grounded – INFJs are often in their own world – they usually drift away, dreaming about their ideas, or thinking about deep questions about life and existence. If you consider yourself to be a more down-to-earth type of person, you should try finding another personality type that suits you better.
- Being sentimental – INFJs are not necessarily a sentimental type. They do sometimes bring up the old times, but the future is much more important to them than the past.
Even if it’s only one letter apart, it could have a meaningful impact on a whole personality picture.
A wrong result could negatively affect one’s personal development and growth as well as a career choice and the fate of his/her general enterprise.
CONCLUSION
The INFJ type is what seems to be a really confusingly structured personality. Their traits often contradict themselves.
The word paradox frequently appears when describing this type. Their nature is erratic; in certain situations, they seem both devoted and absent at times. INFJs are, however, really special.
Not only are they the rarest type of them all, but they also have characteristics that make them loved and highly appreciated within their circle of friends and family.
Their strengths and weaknesses are what shapes them into an exceptional character that you can’t often meet.
INFJs are loving, caring and thoughtful – always there to help. They make great friends, lovers, and parents, because of their nurturing nature.
INFJs possess a great amount of understanding toward others, they are great listeners and advice-givers. They are intelligent, empathetic and loyal.
“INFJs’ nonstop search for learning, self-growth, and development—and wishing the same for everyone else—makes them very reassuring to others and people worth emulating.”, states Otto Kroeger, one of the writers of Type talk at work, pointing out one of the dominant qualities of this personality type.
Uncommonly designed, the INFJ personality type is quite unique and limited. Their unusual set of traits makes them different from everyone else. They are rare, especially because of the complexity of their personality structure.
INFJ is a personality type that would best be described as eccentric from the aspect of an ordinary extroverted person, but that is not what INFJs are.
If you are or someone you know is an INFJ, reading this article can help you gain a better understanding of what it takes to be an INFJ.
This can be a way to start exploring your personality, or just getting a basic knowledge of other existing personality types.
Whatever the case might be, keep in mind that not everything is black and white and that your own personality is like no other one.
