Sometimes you take a personality assessment to learn more about yourself. Sometimes you take it because life seems “off” and you wish to find just one concise statement that explains why you experience the world like someone navigating using a map and carrying a bruise.
What Does an Assertive INFJ Mean? #
Typically when individuals discover they are an INFJ-A (the extra “A” indicates assertive) they initially react with relief. Finally, there exists a term for the combination of inner sensitivity, idealistic thoughts and feelings, quiet strength, and depth.
However, the “A”, which represents assertive, does NOT denote aggressive, loud, nor dominate. Rather, it indicates steadiness under pressure.
Within the 16 Personalities model, the “A” denotes lower levels of Neuroticism; therefore, it is possible that two individuals can share similar characteristics yet possess entirely different personalities.
Although the “A” designation provides value, it must be viewed with caution as it has limitations.
For example, the “A” and “Turbulent” designations were created within the 16 Personalities model utilizing the Big Five Model.
Therefore, although the “A” may provide valuable insight into an individual’s behavior, it is not considered a definitive characteristic.
It is more comparable to viewing a reflection through a tilted mirror. Useful…yes…complete…no…
Why the Assertive INFJ Can Feel So Misunderstood #
Many individuals incorrectly perceive the assertive INFJ to be someone who has successfully organized his/her life. To the exterior observer, this type appears calm, centered, and somewhat mysteriously self-contained.
Calmness, however, does not equate simplicity. On the contrary, it frequently implies years of learning how to keep his/her head above water during each wave.
I resonate greatly with this aspect. Throughout various periods in my life, I was capable of functioning well, thinking clearly, making intelligent decisions, and still felt that my internal environment existed at a totally different vibrational frequency than those surrounding me.
This is another paradox inherent in being an INFJ. We can appear composed and collect ourselves as a storm rages internally.
Assertive INFJs typically don’t panic as quickly as Turbulent types. Their recovery time is quicker. They place greater trust in their decision-making process.
Although assertive INFJs are emotionally connected and sensitive, their emotional responses are less impulsive than those experienced by Turbulent types.
Essentially, they’ve established a more stable connection with their emotions.
Much like a tree that bends significantly in spring winds, assertive INFJs will continue to adapt to external pressures, but they’re unlikely to believe that every gust of wind represents catastrophic failure.
The Quiet Strength of Feeling and Logic Together #
One of the primary reasons many INFJs doubt their classification is due to their lack of identification with traditional stereotypes of being completely emotional/soft-hearted and lacking reasoning/logic.
As such, I have always found these characterizations unrelatable.
Feeling types are commonly portrayed as if they navigate the world solely based on their emotional nature. Unfortunately, this overlooks the larger picture.
For many INFJs, feeling is not simply the absence of logic; rather, it is the gateway into a unique form of awareness/intelligence.
We see connections/patterns in things. We absorb atmosphere/emotional resonance in our surroundings. We detect what lies beneath words/conversation.
We then create meaning from those subtle cues.
Some of my most logical/rational decisions have emerged from an internal sense that something feels wrong/forced/out of alignment.
Once I tap into that inner sensation/feeling…logic follows and creates the path forward.
It is here that the assertive INFJ often excels.
He/she possesses fewer doubts regarding the direction he/she chooses to pursue. Fewer compulsions to betray himself/herself through excessive self-doubt.
Greater ability to trust the quieter/knowing voice within him/her.
What The MBTI Gets Right and Where It Falls Short #
The MBTI has gained popularity because it provides a framework to describe aspects of human experience that few have previously been able to articulate. This is meaningful.
Being recognized, even partially, can be therapeutic.
When you’ve spent years feeling unusual/too intense/too inward/too perceptive and/or too aware…finding INFJA listed on a screen may evoke the sensation that someone has flipped a switch, turning on a light.
However, the MBTI also has its limitations.
It frequently transforms dynamic behaviors/trait expressions into static classifications/names.
Additionally, the MBTI sometimes portrays the assertive INFJ as being more polished/more refined than actual life truly reflects.
All humans exist along the spectrum of traits…not at one discrete point on a continuum.
Humans exhibit more variability than tests suggest in terms of how we respond to stressors/healing/aging/relationships/context, etc.
Therefore, I view the INFJA label as merely a portal…a doorway to learn from and grow from…but not an identity I’d assign exclusively to myself.
How Assertive INFJs Grow Toward Wholeness #
At its best, the assertive INFJ isn’t someone who has perfectly managed life; instead, it is someone who no longer betrays himself/herself so rapidly.
That represents an incredibly powerful form of strength; however, it is not necessarily about perfection; rather, it is about groundedness.
Within my own experience, personal development has resulted from developing honesty with myself…about what depletes me…what forms of environments distort me…about being compassionate toward others without placing myself at endless availability…that level of clarity fundamentally alters everything.
Understanding the assertive INFJ requires recognizing an individual who can experience profound emotions without being controlled by every changing storm/wave/pressure.
Someone who can integrate vision/reality simultaneously within the same hand/fist/grip.
Someone who may remain misunderstood by others; however, someone who learns not to misunderstand himself/herself…which ultimately signifies a foundation for genuine self-confidence.