I’ve always been an oddball, feeling different from the rest. Then I discovered I’m an INFJ, the world’s rarest personality type.
Discovering this wasn’t easy, but there are telltale signs that can clue you in.
Being an INFJ is a unique experience, filled with deep introspection and a genuine concern for others.
In this article, I’ll share nine signs that could mean you’re part of this exclusive club.
Let’s dive into the mysterious world of the INFJ.
1) Deep introspection
When you’re an INFJ, you’re not just a thinker, you’re a deep thinker. You find yourself constantly diving into the depths of your own mind, pondering life’s big questions.
INFJs are known for their introspective nature. They’re not content with surface-level interactions or shallow conversations. They crave depth, meaning and understanding in everything they do.
This thirst for profound understanding extends to their own selves as well. They often spend a lot of time reflecting on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
If you find yourself regularly lost in thought, reflecting on the complexities of life and your place in it, you might just be an INFJ.
Being introspective does not necessarily mean you’re an INFJ. It’s just one sign among many. So let’s move onto the next one.
2) Sensitivity to others
As an INFJ, I’ve always been acutely aware of the emotions and feelings of others. This sensitivity extends beyond mere empathy; it’s as if I can perceive their emotional state like a sixth sense.
I remember a time when I walked into a room where my friends were chatting and laughing. But amidst the jovial atmosphere, I noticed that one friend was unusually quiet. I could sense a heaviness around him, even though he was trying to put on a brave face.
When I approached him later, he admitted he was going through a rough patch. No one else had noticed.
This heightened sensitivity to others’ emotions is a common trait among INFJs. We’re often the first to notice when someone is upset, even when they’re trying their best to hide it. It’s like an emotional radar which picks up on subtle cues that others might miss.
If you frequently find yourself in similar situations, noticing emotional nuances that others don’t, it could be a sign that you’re an INFJ. But let’s keep going; there are more signs to explore.
3) Need for solitude
INFJs, despite being deeply connected to people, also have a strong need for solitude. This is due to their introverted nature. They recharge by spending time alone, often immersed in their thoughts or creative pursuits.
While this might seem contradictory given their sensitivity towards others, it’s a vital aspect of their personality. Their deep-thinking and introspective nature requires quiet and solitude to function optimally.
Notably, INFJs make up less than 1% of the population. This rarity often translates into feeling misunderstood or “different” from others, further fueling their need for solitude.
If you find yourself craving alone time, not out of antisocial tendencies but as a means to recharge and reflect, you could be showing another sign of being an INFJ. But let’s not stop here; there are more signs to uncover.
4) Future-oriented
Being an INFJ means always looking ahead. We are future-oriented, often caught up in thoughts about what’s next.
We aren’t just dreamers, though. Our vision for the future is often meticulously planned and grounded in reality. We have a knack for understanding how the present actions will impact the future.
This forward-thinking nature often translates into being goal-oriented and driven. Whether it’s career plans or personal growth, we are always working towards something.
If you’re constantly thinking about the future, meticulously planning your steps and how they align with your long-term goals, you might be revealing another telltale sign of being an INFJ. But let’s dive deeper; there are more signs to discover.
5) Strong moral compass
As an INFJ, one of the things that sets us apart is our strong moral compass. We have a deep sense of right and wrong and are often guided by our principles and values.
We are not ones to go along with something that clashes with our values, even if it means standing alone. You won’t find us shying away from advocating for what we believe in.
This strong moral compass often makes us natural leaders who inspire others with our conviction and integrity. But it also means we feel deeply troubled by injustice and unfairness.
If you find yourself guided by a strong set of principles, unafraid to stand up for what you believe in, you might be showing yet another sign of being an INFJ. Let’s continue to uncover more signs.
6) Desire to make a difference
There’s a fire within INFJs, an undeniable desire to make a difference in the world. It’s not about fame or recognition for us; it’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives and the world around us.
Our hearts ache for those who are suffering, and we yearn to do something to alleviate that pain. We dream of a better world, and more importantly, we strive to make that dream a reality.
This passion often results in INFJs choosing careers in counseling, teaching, or other fields where they can directly impact others’ lives.
If your heart is constantly pulled towards making a difference, if you feel an intense need to contribute positively to the world, this could be another sign that you’re an INFJ. Let’s keep going; there are more signs to explore.
7) Difficulty opening up
I’ve always been a bit of an enigma to those around me. I listen, I observe, I understand others deeply, but when it comes to expressing my own feelings and thoughts, I often struggle.
INFJs are known to be private and reserved, especially when it comes to their inner world. We’re like a puzzle, difficult to decipher unless we allow you in. This is not because we want to be mysterious, but because we fear being misunderstood or judged.
It takes a lot of trust and time for us to open up completely. But once we do, we form deep and lasting bonds.
If you find it hard to express your innermost feelings and thoughts, preferring to observe and understand others instead, you could be showing another sign of being an INFJ. But there are still more signs to discover.
8) Strong intuition
INFJs are often described as having a sixth sense. This doesn’t mean we possess supernatural powers, but rather, we have an uncanny ability to understand people and situations without needing explicit details.
Our intuition is like a guiding light, helping us navigate through life. We trust our gut feelings and they often prove to be accurate. This intuitive nature often surprises others, making us appear more insightful and perceptive than most.
If you find yourself relying on your intuition frequently, and it usually leads you in the right direction, this could be another sign that you’re an INFJ. But let’s move onto the final sign.
9) Authenticity is key
At the heart of every INFJ is the drive to be authentic. We value sincerity and despise anything fake or superficial. We strive to be true to ourselves and expect the same from others.
This quest for authenticity often means we’re not afraid to be different, to go against the grain if it aligns with our true selves. We would rather be alone than wear a mask to fit in.
If you constantly strive for authenticity and are unafraid to embrace your uniqueness, then this could be the most telling sign that you’re an INFJ.
The journey of self-discovery
Being an INFJ, the world’s rarest personality type, is a unique experience. It’s filled with deep introspection, heightened sensitivity, a strong moral compass, and an insatiable desire to make a difference.
But remember, being rare doesn’t mean being alone. There are others like you, navigating this complex world with the same depth of understanding and empathy.
Recognizing these signs in yourself is not about labeling or limiting yourself. It’s about gaining insights into your strengths and tendencies, helping you navigate life in a way that feels most authentic to you.
As Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology and the mind behind personality typology said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
So if you resonate with these signs, embrace them. They are part of your journey to becoming who you truly are – an authentic, introspective INFJ.
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