Many people want to be INFJs. Why? Because this personality type is vividly described as the mystical unicorn among personality types.
INFJs, the rarest of all types, are known for their profound empathy, creativity, and visionary perspective. But here’s the catch: not everyone that thinks they’re an INFJ, actually is one.
As a matter of fact, the wide and idealized descriptions often result in mistyping. And ironically, even actual INFJs can doubt that and mistakenly think they are other types.
So how do you determine what kind of personality type you really are? Join us as we delve into this mistyping phenomenon and how you can better clarify it.
Why INFJs Are Mistyped #
Vagueness of INFJ Descriptions #
Descriptions of INFJs are often so generic or idealized that they apply to almost everyone. Traits like being empathetic, visionary, or pretentious enough to yearn to save the world are appealing but not exclusive to INFJs.
Because the description is so vague, this creates a trap where individuals project themselves onto these traits, without understanding the cognitive functions that actually characterize this type. They are also driven by visionary thought thanks to their dominant function of Introverted Intuition (Ni) which allows them to see patterns.
You’re probably mistyped if you can’t relate to how Ni works.
Popularity of INFJ Stereotypes #
INFJs have become a sort of mythical archetype due to the online obsession with them. The mystical advocate or deep thinker stereotype appeals to people who hope to achieve these attributes regardless of their real type.
Popular media and influencers sure don’t help either when they glorify INFJs while not being able to put them in contrast with other intuitive types or sensitive personalities.
The result?
An explosion of self-proclaimed INFJs who may not fit the cognitive template.
Test Limitations #
The MBTI test is an extensive and in-depth assessment that relies on an extensive questioning format, and relying on random online tests can lead you in the wrong direction.
Most of these tests are based on binaries — Introversion vs. Extroversion, Feeling vs. Thinking — and ignore the complex inner workings of cognitive functions.
You could test as an INFJ, for example, because you care about helping others, or you value harmony, but that doesn’t prove your dominant function is Introverted Intuition.
Misunderstanding Cognitive Functions #
A big cause of typing mistakes is cognitive function confusion. People often relate more to their auxiliary or tertiary functions than their dominant ones.
For example, someone who has strong Extroverted Feeling (Fe) may mistake themselves for an INFJ, when in fact their dominant function is Introverted Feeling (Fi), typical of INFPs.
Misconceptions About INFJs #
Emotional Strength vs. Emotional Struggles #
INFJs seem very emotionally strong, but they tend to battle with their emotions below the surface. They take on others’ emotions to such an extent that they have difficulty determining what’s theirs or not. Their empathy is real, but it’s also a double-edged sword, one that leads to burnout and confusion.
Not Always Perfectionists #
Not all INFJs are perfectionists, but it’s a myth that they’re not. They certainly have inflexible views in direct relation to their ideals — usually religious, but also social and environmental — whereas in other more secular spheres, they can be surprisingly pliant.
They may trap themselves in perfectionism, but it usually comes from their big-picture thinking — wanting to bring their ideal future about — and not a general need for everything they do to be without faults.
Not All INFJs Are Visionaries #
Not every INFJ is archetypically a great idealist. Often INFJs concern themselves with more intimate goals than societal change. Their intuition and empathy might take forms that are less visibly obvious but no less meaningful.
Introverted Yet Socially Skilled #
INFJs are introverts, but their social skills confound people. They can be charming and engaging in social situations, and some may confuse them with extroverts. This doesn’t mean NFs are not introverts at heart; rather, it just highlights their Extroverted Feeling (Fe).
Most Common Mistyped Types #
INFP #
Due to their shared sensitivity and idealism, many confuse INFPs with their nearer cousin, the INFJ. But the INFPs use Introverted Feeling (Fi) that prioritize personal values, while the INFJs use Extroverted Feeling (Fe) to generate harmony.
You may be an INFP if your identity depends more on your inner moral compass than on outer emotional dynamics.
ISFJ #
Since they are also nurturing and empathetic, ISFJs might seem like INFJs as well. But ISFJs get their upper hand from Introverted Sensing (Si), which is very value-driven in the senses of roots, tradition, and experience. While INFJs tend to emphasize future potential and abstract patterns through Introverted Intuition (Ni).
ENFJ #
ENFJs have the same Extroverted Feeling (Fe) as INFJs, but they use it first, instead of Introverted Intuition (Ni). This leads to ENFJs being more externally based, whereas INFJs are internal processors who will tend to think before they act.
INTJ #
Now although both have Introverted Intuition (Ni), their decision-making processes are completely different. While INTJs prefer efficiency through Extroverted Thinking (Te), INFJs prefer harmony and network through Extroverted Feeling (Fe).
How You Can Find Out If You Are Really an INFJ When in Doubt #
Focus on Dominant Cognitive Functions #
Connecting the dots here may come from understanding the dominant function — Introverted Intuition (Ni). True INFJs are motivated by their pursuit of uncovering the patterns hidden within reality and envisaging potential futures.
If you are someone who thinks in terms of the relationships between things, then perhaps Ni is your primary way of perceiving.
Differentiating Between Feeling Functions #
Is it more important to you the harmony of the many (Extroverted Feeling) or the values of the 1 (Introverted Feeling)? Once you know this, you can start telling INFJ from INFP. INFJs prioritize others, while INFPs prioritize authenticity.
Evaluate Emotional Processing #
Due to the fact that they are so in tune with other people, INFJs have trouble working through their own feelings. If you have a tendency to soak up the feelings of the people around you to the point where you struggle to feel your own, this is a sign of Extroverted Feeling.
Behavior in Social Settings #
INFJs are private people, but they tend to seem open and genuine. The fact that people share things with you or confide in you often could suggest an INFJ.
Advice for Determining Your Type #
Rather than taking tests, study your cognitive functions and pay attention to your natural tendencies. Think about your stress response — INFJs tend to become overly perfectionistic or conflict-averse under duress. Get another opinion from trustworthy friends who can provide objectivity.
Summary #
INFJs are an often mistyped MBTI type. Many are drawn in by the INFJ appeal, and that’s on par with understanding your cognitive functions for accurate typing. What makes INFJs stand out from those like INFPs or ISFJs, are the combinations of Introverted Intuition and Extroverted Feeling.
Now you can look really closely at how you handle emotions, make decisions, and interact with the world in true depth. It’s more important to be authentic about your strengths and limitations than to wear a professional label that may not suit you.
Whether you are an INFJ or not, living your true self is what is most important.