Truity's Personality and Careers Blog

INFJ, the creative, determined and idealistic personality type. We strive to find meaning and purpose in everything we do, seeking out the reason behind the action, aligning it with our values.

Sounds pretty impressive, right? And it is, except when faced with mundane tasks, everyday admin and yes, those pesky details.

The INFJ personality type is a constant contradiction. We’re introverted yet we appear extraverted to onlookers. We’re perfectionists but overlook the details in favour of the bigger picture. We’re idealists but when it comes to the everyday steps to get there, we avoid them and put them off.

So when it comes to focusing, we’re like magpies, unable to choose between the task that aligns with our values and dreams or the task that seemingly doesn’t but needs to be done.

Let’s not kid ourselves. This aversion to the realities of everyday life can really get in the way of an INFJ’s progress. So here are four tips to focus, move forward and enjoy the tasks you really don’t want to do.

Stop overthinking, give yourself a deadline

As Introverts, we’re excellent at making complex decisions, weighing up the outcomes and possibilities, mostly all inside our head. But that doesn’t mean we’re focused or even productive. This constant pondering has left me sitting in front of an open laptop for hours without making any progress.

The best way to make sure this doesn’t happen is to set a strict deadline. A long-term one just won’t work. Trust me, once you set this deadline and are strict with it, you’ll get it done. By doing this, you’re simply not allowing any time for overthinking, you have to get it done in the time limit – that’s it.

Focus on the new task by changing your state

If you’ve ever had an email that’s annoyed you, an unsolicited phone call, some bad feedback, or just a bad morning, then as an INFJ you’re likely to carry those feelings with you until something replaces them.

So for an INFJ to focus on a new task (especially one that they’re avoiding), a change of state may make all the difference. This simply means that you are intentionally changing your surroundings, behaviour, or focus onto something new and fresh. For Introverts, this is a beautiful technique that will give your batteries a recharge.

Ways you can change your state:

• Go for a quick walk
• Make a hot or cold drink
• Step away from your desk even for 10 minutes
• Change your work environment for the new task (different room, coffee shop, etc.)
• Change your choice of music to suit the task

Segment your time to avoid creative interruption

For an INFJ, there’s nothing more distracting and mood-destroying than an unwanted task interrupting an exciting one.

But sadly not every task that needs to be completed will serve an INFJ’s greater purpose. But, by grouping them together and getting them all done in one sweep, they’ll be done quicker.

Depending on how many of these tasks you need to complete, segment the time in your day, or a day in the week that will disrupt your creativity the least and make it a routine. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you get through these tasks knowing that at the end, you’ll have all the free time to pursue other things.

Drop perfect and embrace imperfect

A lack of focus may actually be your overwhelming urge to make everything you create perfect. As a result, you put the task off, spend too long overthinking, or simply avoid it because, in your mind, it’s become too important to mess up.

Here’s a reality check, if you’re constantly racking your brain trying to figure out a way to make whatever it is perfect, it’s time to take a step back and realize that it’s not going to happen, and that’s okay.

Perfect doesn’t exist. We all know this, so why waste so much mental energy trying to make it happen. Lift that weight from your shoulders, stop aiming for perfection and just get it done.

Bonus tip - find like-minded allies

As Introverts, we tend to keep our deepest thoughts and feelings to ourselves, but there’s nothing better than finding a community of like-minded people to learn from.