I find it ironic that I pitched the idea for this article—an article on goal making—over a month ago and I’m only just writing it now. Clearly, I am in need of its contents as much as the next ENFP!
Have you found yourself wondering why your INFJ friend, partner, or family member has trouble expressing their emotions? Does it feel like pulling teeth to get them to open up to you, despite your close relationship? It seems a little odd that the INFJ—one of the most sympathetic types of Myers-Briggs personality model—has such difficulty voicing their own emotions.
Why is that, for some people, forgiving themselves is like water off a duck's back—they apologize, vow to do better and just move on with their lives? Yet for others, there's so much shame attached to a perceived wrongdoing that it's almost impossible for them to forgive and make peace with themselves?
INFJs often feel misunderstood. Perhaps it’s because they’re quiet and reserved and tend to share their deepest thoughts and feelings only with select people. Or maybe it’s because they are so rare—personality test research shows they make up less than 1% of the population.
More likely though, it’s because they are walking, talking contradictions. As Introverts who want to help people, and feelers who love logic, they can seem confusing, even to themselves.
Confidence is normally described as a belief in yourself and your abilities. I don't like this definition because it feels too static. In my mind, self-confidence is not a single belief or idea but a process; it's how you function despite all the challenges you face and the critics who will make you question yourself.
She might be sitting near the back of the room, near the edges. Not all the way back, because that would increase the likelihood of being called upon. She appears indifferent to her surroundings, possibly indulged in a new book or theory (or most likely having a long-winded argument against herself).
Her calm demeanor and simple attire draws no attention to herself and others would easily pass her by. In modern lingo, she perfects the art of ‘winging it’, through caffeine boosts, last-minute inspiration, and under desperate measures: dumb luck.
Are you an Introvert? Do you ever have those moments where you start to feel overwhelmed by everything and everyone? For me personally, when someone comes in demanding my attention and energy -- especially while I’m barely surviving by a thread -- it can make me pretty upset. After having to repeatedly stand up for yourself and reinforce your boundaries, it’s not surprising that anger and resentment might build up over time.
Decades ago, I discovered Myers Briggs and personality (psychological) type. It helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses and motivations as an INTJ. I became empowered as I went from “thinking to knowing” my natural preferences within the four cognitive functions. That was powerful for me both personally and professionally as I realized I was “wired for success” on my chosen path. I stood taller, talked more confidently, made better eye contact, had a firmer hand shake … all amazing to me. All from a simple personality test.
Are you grieving? That sounds like a simple question, right? This month marked the 10-year anniversary of my father's death, so I asked myself the following questions, "Are you still grieving?" and "Have you moved past this traumatic event yet?" Without hesitation, my first answer was, "Yes! Of course. It's been so long."
Back then, I didn’t realize how complicated grief could be.
If you find yourself here on Truity reading articles and dipping your toes into the wonderful world of personality theory, chances are you have at least a cursory understanding of the Myers-Briggs® personality model. I sometimes find myself reading social situations and attempting to understand others through the tenets of personality theory. I doubt I’m alone in this activity!
THE FINE PRINT:
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