INFJ - Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging

"Catalysts For Positive Change"
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I inhabit a world of ideas. I am an independent thinker with strong feelings, firm principles and personal integrity.

I trust my own ideas and decisions, even in the face of skepticism. I am motivated by an inner vision that I value above all else, including prevailing opinion or established authority. I often see deeper meaning and have intuitive insights into situations. My inspirations are important and valid to me even if others don’t share my enthusiasm.

I am loyal, committed and realistic. I am quietly forceful in having my ideas accepted and applied. I value integrity and can be determined to the point of being stubborn. Because of the strength or my convictions and my clear vision of what is best for the common good, I can be a great leader. I am often honored or respected for my contribution.

Because I value harmony and agreement, I like to persuade others of the validity of my viewpoint. I win the cooperation of others by using approval and praise, rather than argument or intimidation. I will go to great lengths to promote fellowship and avoid conflict.

Generally a thoughtful decision maker, I find problems stimulating and usually reflect carefully before I act. I prefer to focus in great depth on one thing at a time, which can result in periods of single-mindedness.

Empathetic and compassionate, I have a strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others. I am aware of other people’s emotions and interests and often deal well with complicated people. I myself tend to have a deep, complex personality and can be both sensitive and insensitive. I can be reserved and hard to get to know, but am willing to share my inner self with people I trust. I tend to have a small circle of deep, longstanding friendships and can generate plenty of personal warmth and enthusiasm in the right circumstances.

POSSIBLE BLIND SPOTS

Since I tend to be so absorbed with “the idea”, I can sometimes be impractical and am capable of neglecting routine details that need attention. Becoming more aware of what is around me and relying more on proven information helps me anchor my creative ideas in the real world.

I can be so committed to my own principles that I develop tunnel vision. I can be stubborn to change, and may resist changing a decision once it has been made. Sometimes I overlook important facts that don’t support my position or resists ideas that conflicts with my values. I may not hear the objections of others because to me, my position seems unquestionable. I need to attempt to look at myself and at my work more objectively, as others might.

Because I am so protective of my vision, I tend to over-regulate. I am often a perfectionist and I can be hypersensitive to criticism. Although I am strong-willed, I also have difficulty dealing with conflicts in relationships and can become disappointed or disillusioned if conflict develops. The more objective I can be about myself and my relationships, the less vulnerable I will be to this.

THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR ME TO FOCUS ON ARE: 

1. Pay attention to details

2. Be flexible

3. Work at acting spontaneously

MY STRENGTHS

-Integrity that inspires people to value my ideas
-Focus and single-mindedness about projects that are important to me
-Decisiveness and strong organizational skills
-Creativity and ability to come up with original solutions
-Empathy and ability to anticipate others’ needs
-Perspective to see the big picture and the future implications of actions and ideas
-Ability to understand complex concepts
-Genuine interest in others and talent for helping others grow and develop
-Independent streak and strong personal convictions
-Drive to be productive and reach my goals 

-Deep commitment to work I believe in

MY WEAKNESSES

-Single-mindedness that can result in inflexibility
-Unrealistic sense of how long things take
-Difficulty working on projects that have conflict with my values
-Tendency to be impractical about viability and/or feasibility of some ideas
-Difficulty working in competitive or tension-filled environments
-Reluctance to revisit or reverse decisions once they have been made
-Difficulty dealing with conflict and a tendency to ignore unpleasantness
-Trouble disciplining subordinates with objectivity and directness
-Difficulty communicating complex ideas simply 

-Tendency to be judgmental

FIND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO OBSTACLES THAT ARISE

-Approach temporary setbacks as problems to be solved rather than insurmountable obstacles.
-Use my natural ability to look ahead for the next opportunity or recover from disappointment.

CONCENTRATE ON THE FACTS AND DETAILS, NOT JUST THE BIG PICTURE

-This requires a conscious effort to tune in to what is actually before me – to read what is on the lines, not just what is between them
-Make notes ahead of time to be sure I ask the practical questions about what the activity or plan is really like, including specific details.

TRY TO ESTABLISH REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

-Engage in “reality testing” to make sure I am being realistic about what I am getting involved in. Ask a friend to help me by playing devil’s advocate with my idea.
-Try to set more realistic goals to avoid the tendency to become overly perfectionistic only to end up experiencing the disappointment that comes from not accomplishing all me had hoped.

TRY TO AVOID MAKING DECISIONS BASED SOLELY ON MY PERSONAL FEELINGS 

-Remember that I naturally see things from a personal perspective and need to consciously engage my logical thinking skills.
-Don’t confuse rapport established when I first meet with someone with friendship. Keep myself a bit detached from the situation, not making a more permanent connection until I know more.

DON’T CONSIDER A POSSIBILITY SO LONG THAT I DON’T ACT ON IT

-Develop a reasonable list of options to pursue and a timetable in which to research them. Hold myself accountable for meeting an established quota or deadline.
-Try to be flexible in setting my criteria and remember that sometimes-unexpected benefits appear when me stay open to another point of view.