10 Self Help Books you Should Read as an INFJ

INFJs love working on their personal growth, and it isn’t uncommon for them to explore growth through self-help books. Self-help literature can offer people a new perspective, new information, and even new schedule ideas to help people achieve a better work-life balance. 

If you’re an INFJ who’s open to exploring the self-help department, consider these 10 self-help books that are perfect for INFJ personality types. 

1. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Susan Cain’s Quiet took the world by storm in 2012, and it’s still as relevant today as it was a decade ago. Because INFJs are Introverts, this nonfiction gem is one of the best ways to understand your Introverted nature—and why it’s valuable. If you’re an INFJ who hasn’t explored the topic of Introversion versus Extraversion enough, this read will help you embrace your Introversion to its fullest potential.

2. Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D.

Although this title is similar to Cain’s, Laurie Helgoe’s Ph.D. in clinical psychology makes  Introvert Power a further study into how Introversion works. Most INFJs love delving into the psychology behind behaviors. I read this book back when it came out in 2013—and it changed my life. I no longer wondered why I wasn’t an Extravert, a social butterfly, or why I got overstimulated faster than everyone else. 

Introvert Power gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for being an Introvert—something that should be quintessential for every sensitive INFJ out there who faces the expectations of Extraverts.

3. 100 Days to Calm: A Journal for Finding Everyday Tranquility by Amy Leigh Mercree

Many INFJs enjoy journaling as a process of self-help, so Mercree’s 100 Days to Calm offers both the wisdom of a self-help book and the cathartic release of a journal. It’s full of great information and prompts to help you become less stressed. Plus, it isn’t a huge time commitment. If you’re an INFJ who is busy working on your career and creative hobbies, these five to 10 minutes a day prompts are ideal. 

4. Atomic Habits by James Clear

You might be familiar with the 2018 bestselling self-help book Atomic Habits. The popular choice is an excellent read for INFJs—because, let’s face it, INFJs aren’t always the best at changing their routines or habits in big ways. 

Because INFJs often get overwhelmed when overstimulated, they tend to focus on their tried-and-true habits when it comes to relaxing. As a result, INFJs don’t make enough time for their other goals outside of work and relaxation. Getting stuck in a routine rut is a real problem, but by learning how to change your habits at a small level, you can better delegate your time to everything you want to do.

5. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.

Considering INFJ’s empathetic nature and Introverted sensitivity to stimuli, you might be a highly sensitive person (HSP), a term coined by clinical research psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron. Aron’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person, was released in 1997 and covers how to deal with the world around you when you’re an HSP. HSPs are overwhelmed by outside stimuli such as lights and sounds and often experience others calling them “too sensitive.” If you’re an INFJ who is also an HSP or want to find out if you are one, Aron’s book is the best resource and guide to living as one. 

6. Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive People by Judith Orloff, MD

Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Orloff has dedicated much of her work to helping empathetic people realize their strengths and cope with the onslaught of exhaustion and stress they experience every day. INFJs are among the most empathetic types in the 16-type system, so the Thriving as an Empath self-care guide will help you comprehend the extent of your empathy and how it affects you. It will also offer solutions to counteract the stress you take on from friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances.  

7. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman

Self-help books include the romance department, and INFJs may struggle with finding meaningful relationships for various reasons. INFJs might also attract narcissistic individuals due to their empathetic, caring personalities. 

Although no self-help book will find you your soulmate, knowing more about your love languages can help you better communicate your needs in your relationships. Knowing your preferences also helps you avoid misunderstandings about how you want to give and receive love. The 5 Love Languages is a great place to start. For further reading, check out Truity’s 7 Love Styles Test, which builds upon the psychology of Chapman’s love languages.

8. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Author Matt Haig penned this cozy little self-help book to cheer you up when you need some comfort. Released in 2021, The Comfort Book combines stories, lists, and glimmers of hope to get you through a hard day. As an INFJ, there’s almost nothing more comforting to you than curling up with a book and a hot beverage, and when you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling sad and misunderstood, a little lift is the best medicine.

9. The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload by Daniel J. Levitin

Neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin’s book The Organized Mind is about how to combat overstimulation in a noisy world. With tips on how to better organize your home, workplace, and time, this information is perfect for you if you’re an overwhelmed INFJ. Since INFJ’s are often stuck in their heads, the information can help them employ their Judging side to organize and plan ahead—even when they’re distracted by their inner world.

10. The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8 AM) by Hal Elrod

The Miracle Morning is an INFJ’s dream morning routine, wrapped up in a neat little package. The book delves into how Elrod overcame a devastating car crash that should have robbed him of his life. But the book is really about a motivating morning routine he’s developed based on a combination of habits from successful people. Included in the self-help routine is a combination of reading, writing, meditation, affirmations, and more—all things INFJs are drawn to to relieve their stress. 

The takeaway

If you’re an INFJ looking for a self-help book for personal growth, plenty of options exist that suit your personality type. Whether you’re hoping to improve your confidence as an Introvert or work on better planning as a Judger, you can strengthen your personal growth journey by curling up with a book and taking notes.