INFJ - Protecting The Defenseless

INFJ types are natural defenders of those who cannot defend themselves. They instinctively - and often, without realizing it - gravitate toward situations in which others are being taken advantage of. They enjoy an advanced awareness about situations that go unnoticed by other types. And they can systematically formulate a plan of action to complete projects in the most efficient way possible. INFJs have an highly-developed intuition about the world around them. They can easily see past the obvious to explore the more subtle, usually unspoken dynamics that yield the most accurate perspectives.

Below, we'll describe how people with INFJ personality types' intuitive nature leads to them to suspicion and why they are unerringly self-confident in their own abilities. Plus, we'll explain how these traits can limit their success.

Intuitive And Suspicious

Because of their refined intuition, INFJ personalities harbor an inherent suspicion about the people in their world. While they exhibit a generous affability amongst those they know well, they're innately apprehensive around new people. As such, they select their friends carefully, after significant time spent observing them and interacting with them. That said, once INFJs befriend a person, the bond is typically long-lasting and the connection is a deep one.

Self-Confidence And Faith

People with the INFJ trait can easily absorb, understand, and process complex problems. And their intuition allows them to construct solutions to those problems that are usually more efficient than alternatives posed by others. They have a tendency to believe that their method, approach, or resolution is the most appropriate response for any given situation - and they're often correct. Over time, INFJs develop a concrete faith in their intuition. They're typically self-reliant, independent, and confident that their instincts are accurate.

INFJ Personality And Strengths

Their tendency to come to the aid of others, often at the sacrifice of their own pursuits, is consistent with their inherent aversion to interpersonal conflict. INFJs can quickly surmise the motivations of other people and will proactively avoid saying or doing anything that will cause grief or dejection. While they are relatively easygoing and close friends enjoy their company, INFJs' personal values drive them to exceed their expectations of themselves. This pursuit of excellence seeps into their personal lives and makes them especially devoted as parents and familial nurturers.

Potential Weaknesses

INFJ personality types place an inordinate amount of pressure upon themselves. They are, in effect, the quintessential perfectionists, driven by an instinctive passion to reach their potential in every task they undertake. While this predisposition often results in their performing above others' expectations of them, they usually fall short of their personal goals. As such, INFJs' feelings of success are fleeting. Also, their personal drive tends to spill over into their family life and they can aggressively push their spouses and children to excel.

There is little doubt that INFJs have an instinctive gift for achieving greatness, but doing so may come at the cost of personal fulfillment. While they don't need to sacrifice their high expectations, INFJs should understand how occasionally failing to meet those expectations can seem more important than it truly is. Rather than the failure representing the path toward mediocrity, it may be the door to personal satisfaction.