INFJ personalities are often seen as those quiet, sensitive types who are easily upset and seem to take everything personally. Why is that? Are they really so fragile, or has society misunderstood them? Perhaps the real question is what we mean by ‘sensitive.’ For many, that word pulls up negative images of weak, shy, cry babies who just need to toughen up. And that is not the INFJ at all.
Conscientiousness appears as a trait in several key personality tests, including the Big Five System and the DISC profile, where it’s also known as Clarity or a few other ‘C’ words like Cautious or Competent or Compliant. Fundamentally, it describes someone who has a high level of self-discipline, thrives on accurate information and research, and is driven by a job well-done.
How is personality related to a sandwich? I am glad you asked.
One of the advantages of the Myers and Briggs personality model is how no matter which way you slice it, it provides insights about your needs, motivations and behaviors. And in this case, we are slicing it up like a sandwich.
Are you hungry for more? Good, because this sandwich is made with your favourite bread and filled with the most delicious thing - you!
A person of any personality type can become attached to their wounds in a way that makes them feel safe but prevents them from growing into their highest self. Some may even wear their past pain like armor, protecting them from outside criticism or unwanted feedback.
While this isn’t something that only INFJ personality types deal with, the purpose of this article is to explore what this looks like in INFJs, why it happens, and what INFJs can do about it.
When you’re deeply tuned into your emotions, you can feel very positive and hopeful on your best days, but also experience gray moods a little more deeply. That’s the challenge facing those who type as Feelers in the Myers and Briggs personality system.
INFJ personalities are gentle, sensitive, intuitive individuals who are excellent listeners and very creative. Their high level of empathy and compassion gives them the emotional intelligence to understand and sympathize with other people’s feelings, often better than they can themselves.
This personality type is known as “The Counselor” for a reason.
Motivated by idealism and a belief in human potential, ENFJ personality types set high standards for themselves and for the people they love. They see opportunities for self-development and self-improvement everywhere, and they are enthusiastic when encouraging others to strive for greatness. This makes them excellent teachers and wonderful friends.
Those who type as INFJ and INTJ on the Myers and Briggs personality system share a lot of traits and behaviors, which sometimes makes it difficult to tell them apart. This happens because both INFJs and INTJs use Introverted Intuition (Ni) as their dominant function, which means they seek to understand the deeper meaning of life and look for patterns that can help them discover what’s underneath the surface.
Orphaned Anne (with an e) Shirley has arrived in Green Gables, much to the surprise of ISTJ Marilla Cuthbert. But when Marilla’s neighbor, ESTJ Rachel Lynde, comes to investigate the situation, her acidic honesty makes for a painful conversation.
“Couldn’t ya send her back?” asks Rachel, when Anne steps forward.
“Well, we’re still considering on it,” mumbles Marilla.
“Considering on it? What is there to consider? I mean, a boy would have been bad enough but…”
On any typical day, the Enneagram Type 1 is on a quest to do what’s right and ensure everything they do meets their expectations, with very little room for error. They set mile-high standards for themselves that make perfect sense to them but baffle others. These Enneagram types are called “the Perfectionist” for a reason!
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