INFJ Personality Type

The INFJ personality type is one of the rarest of the 16 personality types, making up anywhere from 1 to 3 percent of the population. They are sometimes called the “counselor” personality type.

This guide will walk you through the characteristics, strengths, and challenges of the INFJ personality type.

INFJ Personality Type In-Depth Profile

What is an INFJ?

INFJ stands for Introvert, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging. The INFJ is one of the 16 personality types according to the theory of Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers.

INFJ personality types are:

  • Introverts: They gain energy by spending time alone and get drained by too much external stimulation.
  • Intuitives: They are more concerned with the abstract world than the concrete. INFJs are fascinated by theories, ideas, and symbolism.
  • Feelers: They make decisions based on how their choices will impact other people. INFJs are in tune with how other people feel.
  • Judgers: They are decisive and prefer an organized external world. INFJs are hyper-aware of time and they work better with structure and routine.

While INFJs are very much introverts, they have a strong love of people and this extends to all of humanity. They genuinely care about understanding others and society at large.

INFJs prefer not to draw attention to themselves, so they’ll often hide part of their personality until they feel like they can truly trust the person or people around them.

While they’re slow to warm up to others, many INFJs are skilled at making other people feel comfortable.

INFJs are future-oriented idealists. This personality type is easily able to see the big picture and predict the outcomes and implications of current events far into the future.

Many INFJs profess feeling like they have “psychic” powers because of their ability to recognize patterns and intuitively assess how events will unfold.


Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

— Carl Jung


INFJ Personality Strengths

The INFJs strengths come from exercising and developing their intuition and their ability to understand others and help them grow.

Here are a few of the INFJ personality type’s strengths:

  • Future-oriented
  • Motivated by personal growth
  • Extremely intuitive
  • Good listeners
  • Deeply empathetic
  • Insightful
  • Passionate and purposeful
  • Can inspire and motivate others
  • See the world from multiple perspectives

INFJ Personality Type Weaknesses

The INFJs weaknesses come from the lesser developed parts of their personality and are amplified in high-stress environments.

Here are some common weaknesses of the INFJ:

  • Lack attention to detail
  • Can be easily overwhelmed by data
  • Don’t prioritize their personal needs
  • Perfectionists
  • Struggle with self-doubt

“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”

— Rumi


INFJ Personality Cognitive Functions

The cognitive functions are the root of personality type. These functions were originally developed by psychologist Carl Jung and used as the bases of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) developed by Katherine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers.

The cognitive functions go much deeper than what can be learned from a personality test result.

The functions help us understand how our brains work. Specifically, how we take in information and make decisions.

Essentially, they allow us to dive past the what of personality and understand the why.

There are eight Jungian cognitive functions that make up the 16 personality types. Each personality type uses all eight functions but has a preference for the top four.

These top four preferred functions make up what we call the type’s function stack.

INFJ Cognitive Function Stack

INFJ personality types rely heavily on the functions in their cognitive function stack.

The INFJs function stack looks like this:

The four non-preferred functions are known as the shadow functions. The INFJs shadow functions are Extroverted Intuition (Ne), Introverted Feeling (Fi), Extraverted Thinking (Te) and Introverted Sensing (Si).

Introverted Intuition in INFJs

Introverted Intuition takes in information in an abstract way and often sees patterns and symbolism.

As the INFJs dominant function, it is their primary way of understanding the world around them. INFJs are skilled at recognizing patterns and understanding how ideas and theories are connected.

INFJs are able to dissect theories and focus on what part of the idea they’re able to connect to a bigger picture concept.

Extraverted Feeling in INFJs

Extraverted Feeling is the INFJ personality types auxiliary function and it helps guide the INFJs decision-making process. 

It’s due to Fe that INFJs are able to immediately sense the emotional energy in a room of people. People often feel comfortable in the presence of an INFJ and may even open up to them fairly quickly.

This is because Fe allows INFJs to naturally adapt to social situations so to make others feel more comfortable.

Introverted Thinking in INFJs

Introverted Thinking is the Tertiary function of the INFJ. Ti is a decision-making function that makes decisions based on data processed internally.

When developed, Ti is adept at strategizing, analyzing and discovering unique solutions to problems.

In the INFJ, Ti offers a logical balance to the INFJs natural intuitive and emotional sides. Ti can help INFJs understand the logical reasoning behind their intuitive insights.

Extraverted Sensing in INFJs

Extraverted Sensing is the Inferior function of the INFJ personality type. Se has a strong awareness of the physical world. It is skilled at reacting quickly and noticing details in the present environment.

As their Inferior function, Se may appear clumsy and awkward in the INFJ. When an INFJ embraces their Se, they enjoy many sensory experiences — although they can easily get overwhelmed by overstimulation.

INFJs prefer to use Se in low-pressure environments. 

“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”

— Lao Tzu


INFJ Compatibility and Relationships

INFJ personality types strive for true love — someone who truly “gets” them, or at the very least, deeply wants to understand their every layer of who they are.

Once the INFJ finds “the one,” they are extremely caring and loyal partners. They often put their partner first and make the relationship a top priority.

INFJ personality types love to learn about their significant other and use what they’ve learned to improve the relationship.

INFJs match best with someone who shares this desire. Otherwise, they’re likely to feel like they’re not appreciated or valued.

INFJs can struggle to be completely vulnerable; so when an INFJ finds someone who peels apart their layers, they feel an intense bond. If the other person breaks this bond, the INFJ feels intensely betrayed, angry and wounded.

The INFJ may “door slam” the person who betrayed them so an not to risk another betrayal. Because it’s so hard for them to trust in the first place, betraying the INFJs trust is the worst thing their partner could do.

INFJ Relationship Strengths

INFJ personality types bring many strengths to their relationships, including:

  • A warm, empathetic and nurturing personality that puts their partner at ease
  • Strong listening skills
  • Being truly attentive to their loved one’s needs and desires
  • A silly, playful side that only comes out around those they trust
  • The ability to understand their partners motives and intentions
  • A willingness to compromise and make sacrifices for their partner
  • Highly valuing honesty and loyalty in the relationship
  • The ability to talk through conflict in a calm and analytical way
  • Setting high goals for themselves, their partner and the relationship

INFJ Relationship Challenges

In relationships, INFJs may struggle with some of the following challenges:

  • Setting and maintaining extremely high and unrealistic standards for their partner
  • Remembering small details — like that their partner doesn’t like a certain type of food
  • Dealing with issues that may cause conflict in the relationship
  • Being completely open and vulnerable with their partner
  • Including their partner in their inner world and sharing their passions
  • Standing up for themselves
  • Separating their wants and needs from those of their partner
  • Leaving a toxic relationship for fear of hurting their partner or causing conflict

“I’ve become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can’t see — the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are.”

— Jimmy Carter


INFJs as Parents

INFJs are loving and devoted parents. They see their children as equals and want to nurture, educate and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves.

As parents, INFJs can have high expectations for their children but are also extremely compassionate, understanding and forgiving.

Strengths of the INFJ Parent

INFJs have many strengths as parents. INFJs are:

  • Highly emotionally attuned to their children
  • Accepting of their child’s wide range of emotions
  • Empathetic and understanding toward their child’s struggles
  • Extremely attentive to their child’s needs
  • Eager to talk to their children about big picture ideas and instill life lessons

Challenges of the INFJ Parent

INFJ personality types experience the following challenges as parents. INFJs:

  • Struggle to discipline or practice “tough love” when necessary
  • Can be stubborn when it comes to their vision and values
  • Set overly high expectations for their children
  • Blame themselves if their child doesn’t meet their expectations
  • May feel like they don’t fit society’s mold of the “ideal” mom or dad

INFJs as Children

INFJ children are inquisitive, reflective and imaginative — they won’t hesitate to ask questions and often hold a variety of interests. As children, INFJs live in a world guided almost entirely by their Dominant function, Introverted Intuition.

The INFJ child will likely appear intelligent and insightful, picking up on ideas and concepts earlier than many other children. However, they may struggle to fully understand reality and appreciate simple joys.

What INFJ Children Need

There are several needs INFJ children require to live happy childhoods and grow into healthy adults. 

INFJ children need:

  • Alone time
  • To feel heard
  • Minimally stimulating environments
  • To learn how to speak up for themselves
  • Patience
  • Encouragement
  • Motivation
INFJ Resources - Books 2

“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.”

— J.K. Rowling


INFJ Personality Type Careers

When it comes to careers, INFJs seek purpose, the ability to make a difference and a career that aligns with the visions they have for their lives.

The majority of careers are not created by or for the INFJ personality type, which makes it difficult for INFJs to find complete fulfillment in their work.

INFJs prefer to avoid office politics and their primary motivator is usually not to climb the ladder or make more money.

According to Truity.com, INFJs are more likely than average to be a stay-at-home parent and less likely than average to manage a large team.

Truity also reports that the average salary for INFJs is $36,575, which is lower than average when compared to other personality types.

What INFJs Need in the Workplace

What do INFJs need to be fulfilled and successful in their careers?

  • The opportunity to help others learn and grow
  • Positive reinfocement and constructive criticism
  • A growth-oriented environment
  • A quiet, minimally stimulated workplace
  • The ability to strategize and focus on the big picture
  • Work that aligns with their vision and values
  • A positive and conflict-free work environment

Best Careers for INFJs

What is the best career for the INFJ?

While no one should use personality type as the primary tool for choosing their career, it’s helpful to understand what careers are more fitted for the INFJs unique gifts and challenges.

Here are some of the best career paths for INFJs:

  • Counselor
  • Social Worker
  • Small Business Owner
  • Writer
  • Editor
  • Musician
  • Artist
  • Photographer
  • Alternative Health Care Practitioner
  • Physical Therapist
  • Family Physician
  • Nutritionist
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clergy
  • Social Scientist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • HR Manager
  • Graphic Designer
  • Animator
  • Librarian
  • Marketing Professional
  • Radio or Podcast Host
  • Life coach

Worst Careers for INFJs

Here are some of the careers that are least popular for INFJs according to Truity.com.

  • Electrician
  • Mechanic
  • Engineering Technician
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Sales Manager
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Financial Manager
  • Military Officer
  • Police Officer
  • Paramedic
  • Chef

What career is best for you as an INFJ? Click here to take the Truity Career Personality Profiler.


Famous INFJ Personality Types

Many well-known activists, celebrities and even fictional characters have traits that are similar to the characteristics of the INFJ personality.

Famous INFJ personality types include:

  • Adolf Hitler
  • Adrien Brody
  • Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter)
  • Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)
  • Carl Jung
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
  • Hercule Poirot (Murder on the Orient Express)
  • Jimmy Carter
  • J.K. Rowling
  • Leonard Cohen
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • Marilyn Manson
  • Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Mother Teresa
  • Nelson Mandela
  • Nicole Kidman
  • Tom Selleck
Self-care tips for INFJs Laughter is the best medicine

“Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into connection with action. They must be woven together.”

— Anais Nin


INFJ Personality Growth

The INFJs personal growth journey requires understanding their strengths and weaknesses and knowing the best ways to manage this information.

It is imperative for the INFJ to not only understand what their strengths and weaknesses are, but why they exist and how they can use this knowledge to maximize their growth potential. 

The key factor in using personality type for personal development exists in the why.

It’s not enough to simply understand who you are — but what in your wiring makes you that way. You can use this knowledge of your inner wiring to transform into the best version of yourself. Ready to get started? 

24 COMMENTS

  1. luckyotter | 6th Nov 15

    Yes, this sounds very much like me. I’m glad I found your blog.

  2. A blog for the INFJ personality type. | Lucky Otter's Haven | 6th Nov 15

    […] Read more at The INFJ Blog. […]

  3. kitsunedream | 17th Nov 15

    So happy reading your blog. I can completely relate. I’ve struggled so long trying to understand myself. I felt very “weird” for a long time.

  4. kitsunedream | 17th Nov 15

    Since I was little I found myself “weird” and felt like an “alien” in this world haha No wonder! INFJs are rare. Pretty complex too. Like a walking contradiction. I am glad I stumbled upon your blog. I can complety relate. 😊

  5. Sonya | 7th May 17

    Very interesting and well explained. Thank you. This explains a lot about some of the things I have wondered about! I know I’m being vague here 🙂 but this has been very helpful.

  6. LG | 9th Sep 17

    I am thoroughly enjoying your blog and find it to be both fascinating and insightful. I have long felt (since I was a young one), that I was peculiar, so it’s certainly comforting to know I’m not alone.

  7. Lady Gem | 10th Sep 17

    It is such a relief to know there are others like me. It takes away a lot of the loneliness I’ve felt my whole life. I’m so glad I stumbled across this blog. I definitely want to learn more about introvert personality types to learn myself better.

  8. Kayla | 25th Sep 17

    This describes me word-for-word. It’s so frustrating being an introverted people-person! I like people but my introvert gets in the way of interacting with people. Plus since I’m INFJ it’s hard to find someone I could really connect with anyway. *sigh*
    I was just reading an INFJ article on another blog (I think it’s called Personality Junkie) and one thing they mentioned (maybe you’ve written about it too, but I’ve only just discovered your site) is that INFJs will sometimes experience a sensation of “disembodiment” – like they’re outside of their bodies. This used to happen to me a lot. It doesn’t happen as often anymore, but I always thought it was weird. Like, I’d feel like I didn’t exist, or that I was looking at myself, rather than from myself. Strange questions would pop into my head, like “Do I even exist? Am I real?” And a realization that “I am me. This is me. I’m Kayla. Or am I Kayla? Is this all just a dream?”
    Also there have been times when I’ve had dreams that felt so real, I later wondered if they actually happened. There was one dream in particular that I literally thought had actually happened. Sometimes I’d be thinking about it as if it were a real occurrence until I’d remember it was just a dream.

    • kayla J. | 31st Jan 18

      that is very strange, Kayla, almost exactly how I feel especially the dreaming part – my dreams are stronger than my waking life sometimes. And believe it or not, I am also called Kayla! spooky….

  9. Hannah Maguire | 15th Mar 18

    Hello everyone, I’m not sure if I am a true INFJ, but I have read pretty much every article out there and I’m pretty sure I am one. I am 13 and so I can’t buy the real MBTI test. Anyway, if someone could tell me if I am an INFJ, it would make my life a whole lot easier!

    One of my stranger qualities is that I remember smell and pictures in my minds eye more than actual memories, and I ‘feel’ memories as well. It’s very hard to describe… 😐

    Also, talking to certain people feels like walking on a tightrope. That’s a strange metaphor, but it’s the best way I can describe it.

    Whenever I’m alone or feeling lonely (which happens a lot), I feel like a completely different person.

    Sometimes I look in the mirror and think ‘who am I? I’m Hannah? I can move my hands… weird… I look like this?! Is this me?!’ I also experience disembodied moments in my minds eye.

    When I was in primary school I was very extroverted and interested in people, but it felt like a lie. I think I might have matured into an INFJ, because in my younger years I wasn’t introverted in the slightest. It’s probably because I’m an only child. Also my whole life ever since I was a toddler I have felt a connection to animals and nature. I also treat animals like people because I feel like they understand me. I feel sad when I look at animals in zoos because they are caged up and deprived of their freedom.

    I hate people who get so caught up in their own lives that they don’t care about the fact that they have (for example) cut down a forest to make way for a private swimming pool. The fact that humans can be so cruel and wicked scares me. When I see or hear about animal cruelty, it’s like a slap in the face.

    I judge if a person is worthy to be my friend by how they regard others that aren’t as fortunate as them.

    There’s no in between. I’m either super happy or downright depressed. Anger for me is like my insides are being torn to shreds. My heart shatters every time my friends so much as walk off without me. So much so, that I test to see if my absence makes an impact on them. If my friends wait for me it’s like I just got given a million pounds.

    There is only one person who I don’t feel awkward around. We help each other to not feel lonely and we understand each other. She’s not an INFJ, and we are pretty much opposites, but I feel comfortable around her and I can tell her almost anything and not be afraid of being classified as ‘weird’.

    I have been targeted by manipulators many times, and I have a feeling that one is an energy vampire.

    I also like someone, but it’s not as simple as that. I feel like I over love. I’m 13 but already experiencing the kind of love a 17 year old would have. I have no desire for one night flings or relationships that last a week. If I was to date someone, I would have already confirmed with myself that that person would be with me forever.

    Thanks to anyone who has read this, and please help me!

    -Hannah

    • Caleb | 16th Apr 18

      Hannah, thanks for sharing. I completely understand where you are coming from. I can relate to most of your experiences. As an INFJ male, I feel awkward too sometimes. Based on your descriptions I think you are an INFJ. If you feel awkward, just remember you are your own unique person and you don’t need to fit in to be special.

    • Jeremy | 17th Apr 18

      Hey Hannah, try using this site https://www.16personalities.com/ it’s free! 😉

      best wishes in your quest for knowledge,

      -Jeremy

      ps: everyone is an energy vampire to an INFJ!
      pss:just kidding….sort of.

    • Sophia | 9th May 18

      Hi Hanna,

      I can certainly relate! I am an INFJ who has just spent about three weeks learning everything there is to know about INFJs, driving my husband nuts with my curiosity and epiphanies that seem obvious to him. As an INFJ, my biggest blind spot is myself, so it helps to learn more.

      I am pretty sure you are an INFJ from what you’re saying. INFJ children mostly used the “Ni” cognitive function, so think about your life so far and see if this resonates. When I use “Ni”, it feels like I’m taking in every piece of information around me, storing it, and connecting new information to what I already know – like a giant mind map. For example, in high school I was the kid who understood the books we read in English because I linked it to what I knew about people and culture at the time the book was written. This gave me insights into either the book or the historical context that others didn’t seem to get. When I express these kinds of insights, I get one of two responses from people. Either blank stares and ignoring the statement (I can tell they didn’t understand) or “Wow, I’ve never thought about it that way! That’s exactly what is all about.” Facts aren’t important to me, patterns are. Every new piece of information I have is a lens through which I can view other parts of the world, even if they don’t seem related. I think in metaphors.

      As an INFJ heads toward teenage-hood, a second cognitive function emerges and becomes strong, “Fe”. The “Fe” function is how INFJs come to decisions and act on them. “Fe” is caring deeply for others, on a level I can’t describe to other people. It fills me with purpose and joy when I can help people. If someone else in the room begins to cry, I usually do too because I feel what they feel. I’m a very forgiving person (almost to a fault), but the one thing I can’t forgive is people hurting others on purpose. Pretty much everything in your post exemplifies this cognitive function.

      It makes sense as well that you would be more conscious of “Fe” than “Ni” when writing your post. For INFJs, it feels like we’re on an Fe ship sailing through Ni waters. You pay more attention to the ship because the water is ubiquitous.

      I wouldn’t trade being an INFJ for the world. In return for the cost of being “weird” and not taking care of myself the way I should, I get to make the world a better place and do things only I could do because of my uniqueness.

  10. Joyce Garcia | 20th Jul 18

    I’m INFj and I can relate with everything you wrote. When I was a small girl I felt alone. Growing up, I always felt misunderstood. The ones who get me, I keep them for life because it’s a rare thing to find people who really get you. And for the most part, while people fascinate me, I also find them exhausting.

  11. Jess | 13th Jul 19

    Love your site. Your clarity and compassion for we INFJ’ is so helpful. I am comforted and excited by the knowledge I am gaining through your blog. Thank you !

    • Megan | 15th Jul 19

      I’m so glad, thank you!! 🙂

  12. Jennie | 18th Jul 19

    Is there a way to start an INFJ club!? I want to meet some of my fellow rare personalities. Since we are few and far between, most likely. I live in Little Rock- anyone near me!? 😊

  13. tig | 23rd Jul 19

    1 percent ?

  14. Janna | 29th Aug 19

    I have been living in confusion all my life, and I often went through severe emotional stress because I felt
    no one is able to understand me, and I couldn’t understand myself either. I am grateful to find this blog, and this happened by chance. Now I know who or what I am … the INFJ personality certainly relates to me. Thank you.

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