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The Counselor

INFJ MBTI type: The Counselor

I - INFJ definition and how to determine who is an Advocate

1. What is an INFJ personality type? 

One of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator's 16 personality types is INFJ (MBTI). If you received an INFJ rating, this means that you have an introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging personality type. People with this personality type, also known as the "Advocate" or the "Idealist," frequently feel misunderstood. 

Maybe it's because INFJ is the least common MBTI personality type, comprising only 1% to 3% of Americans. 

Find out more about the INFJ personality type in the sections that follow.

If you identify as an INFJ, you are more likely to possess particular traits. These qualities consist of:

  • Compassionate: INFJs are capable of being soft-spoken and empathetic due to their strong emotional intelligence and intuition. However, this does not imply that they are easily intimidated. INFJs are able to take decisive action to achieve their goals and have strongly held beliefs. 
  • Helper: Despite their innate introversion, INFJs are capable of developing deep, lasting relationships with others. They take pleasure in helping others, but they also require time and a quiet place to rest. 
  • Idealist: The INFJ is distinguished by their capacity to put their ideals into practice. They actually make the changes they dream of seeing in the world. 
  • Organized: INFJs are organized people who like to take charge by planning ahead, organizing, and making decisions as soon as possible. 
  • Both emotional and logical: both logical and emotional INFJs prioritize their feelings over impersonal facts when making decisions. ye.commastmastmastmastmastmastmas, and INFJs are aware of both the positive and negative aspects of the world and aspire to improve it.

2. INFJs characters 

Someone who possesses the introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging personality traits is an advocate (INFJ). They frequently approach life with profound thought and creativity. Their inner vision, moral principles, and quiet, principled humanism serve as their compass in everything.

Even though advocates (INFJs) are the least common personality type of all, they leave a lasting impression on society. They want to stand up and change the world because they are idealistic and have strong morals. Success for Advocate personalities comes from finding fulfillment, helping others, and being a force for good in the world rather than from wealth or status. 

Although they have high ideals and ambitions, advocates are not idle daydreamers. Integrity is important to people with this personality type, and they are rarely happy until they have followed their moral convictions. Conscientious to the core, they move through life with a clear sense of their values, and they aim never to lose sight of what truly matters - not according to other people or society at large, but according to their own wisdom and intuition.

Looking for a Goal

Many Advocates consider it their life's work to help others, and they are constantly looking for opportunities to intervene and stand up for what is right. This personality type also aspires to address society's more fundamental issues in the hope that injustice and suffering will eventually disappear. But occasionally, Advocates might be so preoccupied with upholding their principles that they neglect to look after their own needs. This behavior can result in stress and burnout.

Linking Up With Others (and Themselves)

Even though they may be introverted, advocates value meaningful connections with others. Few things give these people as much joy as getting to know someone well and having that reciprocated. Advocates typically communicate in a warm, sensitive manner and prefer meaningful conversations to small talk. The people in their immediate vicinity may be profoundly affected by their emotional candor and wisdom. 

Advocates are thoughtful and caring people who put a lot of effort and thought into their relationships. This does not imply that they constantly feel valued in return. Advocates often take great care and thought when they act, so it can irritate them when others fail to see their noble motives. Therefore, even helpful criticism might come across as deeply hurtful or personal to these personalities.

An individual mission

Many Advocates believe that their lives have a special meaning and that they were sent to this planet to carry out a specific mission. Finding this purpose and then working toward fulfilling it are two of life's most fulfilling experiences for people with this personality type. 

When faced with injustice or inequity, advocates rarely give up; instead, they lean on their compassion and intuition to come up with a solution. Advocates are hardwired to right the wrongs of the world, no matter how big or small, because of their innate ability to balance the heart with the head. These personalities simply need to be reminded that they occasionally need to take a break from caring for everyone else in order to look after themselves.

II - Strengths and Weaknesses of the INFJ

The INFJ personality type has both positive and negative traits, just like other personality types.


Strengths

Weaknesses

sensitive to other people's needs

possibly too sensitive

Reserved

Occasionally challenging to get to know

extremely artistic and creative

can have excessively high standards

a future-oriented attitude

Stubborn

values close, profound connections

doesn't like conflict

enjoys reflecting on life's purpose


Idealistic



1. INFJ Strengths

  • Creative - It's wonderful that advocates aren't exactly like everyone else. This personality type embraces creativity and is constantly on the lookout for new ways to express oneself and think outside the box. 
  • Insightful - These individuals are all too aware of how easily appearances can be deceiving. Advocates make an effort to look past the surface and discover life's deeper truths. This can give them an almost uncanny ability to understand people's true motivations, feelings, and needs. 
  • Principled - Advocates frequently possess steadfast moral principles, especially when it comes to ethical issues. Even the most hardened skeptics can be moved and persuaded by advocates when they speak about issues that are near and dear to their hearts. 
  • Dedicated – Advocates yearn for a sense of direction in life. They want to pursue their ideals rather than follow a routine or maintain the status quo. Big dreams are not avoided by people with this personality type; on the contrary, Advocates are energized and moved by the beauty of their future visions. 
  • Altruistic – Altruistic individuals don't enjoy their success coming at the expense of others. Advocates want to use their strengths for the greater good, and they rarely lose sight of how their words and actions might affect others. They genuinely desire to improve the lives of those around them and the world at large.

2. INFJ Weakness

  • Adaptable to Criticism- Advocates don't mind receiving criticism as long as they don't perceive it as a challenge to their core beliefs. This personality type can become defensive or dismissive when discussing issues that are important to them. 
  • Unwilling to Communicate - Advocates are private people who value honesty and authenticity. Because they don't want to burden others with their problems, they might find it difficult to be vulnerable and open about their struggles. Unfortunately, Advocates may unintentionally hold themselves back or put distance between themselves and their relationships when they refuse to ask for assistance. 
  • Perfectionistic – Idealism pretty much sums up the Advocate personality type. While in many ways this is a wonderful quality, it sometimes leaves little room for the ugliness of everyday life. If an advocate is constantly focusing on flaws and wondering if they should be looking for something better, it may be difficult for them to enjoy their jobs, homes, or relationships. 
  • Ignoring the Routine – Averting the Routine The aspiration of advocates is to live extraordinary lives. But without breaking it down into small, manageable steps, it's difficult to accomplish anything extraordinary. Advocates may struggle to realize their lofty goals unless they translate their aspirations into practical routines and to-do lists. 
  • Burnout Prone – Advocates are prone to burnout because of their perfectionism and reserve, which leaves them with few ways to release tension. If they don't strike a balance between their need to help others and the necessary rest and self-care, people with this personality type risk exhausting themselves.

III - INFJ Cognitive Processes and INFJ-A /  INFJ-T

In the 1940s, Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs developed the MBTI. It is based on Carl Jung's theories, a Swiss psychoanalyst. The four major psychological processes that Jung identified are thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. Each of these functions tends to be either outwardly focused (extraverted) or inwardly focused (introverted). 

Consider the various cognitive processes as the components of a personality type. How these ingredients combine and interact determines the precise recipe for each type. The MBTI uses two fundamental elements that, when combined in various ways, result in 16 different types. The hierarchy of those functions comes before the actual functions themselves. 

Each type has a dominant function that serves as the type's defining feature. Then, an auxiliary function, another well-developed personality trait, supports this. Less conscious and less developed are the tertiary and inferior functions. The following are INFJs' primary, secondary, tertiary, and inferior functions.

1. The cognitive function of INFJ

Dominant: Introverted Sensing

  • INFJs frequently put a lot of emphasis on their own internal perceptions. 
  • INFJs have a tendency to hold onto their intuitions very tightly, frequently to the point of becoming single-minded in their focus. 
  • INFJs are occasionally stereotyped as being unbending and stubborn. 
  • Additional: Extraverted Attitude 
  • INFJs are acutely sensitive to the emotions of others but occasionally less sensitive to their own. 
  • INFJs occasionally find it difficult to decline requests from other people. They are so sensitive to other people's emotions that they are afraid of upsetting or hurting their feelings.

Tertiary: Introverted Thinking

  • INFJs base their decisions on ideas and theories that they develop as a result of their own observations. 
  • INFJs make decisions primarily with the help of their extroverted feelings and introverted intuition, especially when they are around other people. However, individuals with this personality type might rely more on their introverted thinking when they are by themselves. 
  • An INFJ may attempt to make decisions under pressure by leaning on emotions, especially if doing so will result in winning over others. An INFJ is more likely to trust their intuition more when things aren't as stressful.

Inferior: Extraverted Intuition

  • This aspect of the INFJ is less developed and largely unconscious, but it still affects personality. 
  • This personality trait aids INFJs in maintaining awareness of their surroundings and paying attention to the world around them. 
  • INFJs can live in the present rather than only worrying about the future thanks to their extroverted sensing. 
  • INFJs benefit from this personality trait by appreciating physical activities like dancing and hiking.

2. Assertive advocate (INFJ-A) vs. Turbulent advocate (INFJ-T)

An INFJ-A is known as a "Assertive Advocate" and frequently exhibits confidence while maintaining a laid-back attitude. INFJ-Ts are referred to as "Turbulent Advocates" and are typically less self-assured and more easily stressed.

In spite of the fact that Assertive (INFJ-A) and Turbulent (INFJ-T) Advocates are more likely to resemble one another than not, their Identity personality trait highlights some subtle differences between them. It significantly affects how each person thinks, behaves, and reacts to their respective worlds. 

Advocates with an assertive style are more likely to be at ease and confident. Turbulent Advocates are typically more sensitive to stressors and are likely to question themselves more. Please visit their overview page to learn more about the fundamental distinctions between Assertive and Turbulent Identities.

Differences between INFJ-A and INFJ-T:

  • Both personality types care about other people, but Assertive Advocates are more likely to be optimistic and Turbulent Advocates are more likely to concentrate on the challenging aspects of a problem. 
  • Worries and concerns can be used by turbulent advocates to advance their goals because they frequently fuel them. 
  • Both Assertive and Turbulent Advocates are capable of falling victim to life's drama, but Turbulent Advocates are more likely to be deeply affected by it. 
  • The Assertive Advocates are less affected by stress and regret, but this does not mean that they don't care. 
  • Turbulent Advocates are more likely to learn from their mistakes than Assertive Advocates because their regrets affect them more. 
  • Compared to turbulent advocates, assertive advocates are less susceptible to peer pressure. However, focusing on other people's perspectives either too little or too much can present its own challenges. 
  • Turbulent Advocates may feel they need people in their lives, whereas Assertive Advocates are more likely to want them.

IV - INFJs in Relationships 

1. Personal Relationships

INFJs are usually quite good at expressing themselves and have a gift for language. They have a vibrant inner life, but they are frequently reluctant to let others know about it unless they are very close to them. INFJs are sensitive and reserved, but they can also make good leaders. Even when they don't assume overt leadership positions, they frequently function behind the scenes as subtle influencers. 

INFJs are motivated by their high moral standards and look for significance in all aspects of their lives, including their relationships and careers. This personality type is frequently associated with deep and complex individuals. INFJs may not have a large social circle, but their close friendships are frequently incredibly strong and enduring. 

INFJs are motivated by the desire to improve people's lives and the world. They typically have great listening skills and are skilled at communicating with those to whom they are emotionally connected and close. INFJs have a tendency to be introverted and only willing to share their "true selves" with a select few people, despite their deep concern for others. INFJs require some alone time to "recharge" after being in social situations.

INFJ Compatibility:  ENTP and ENFP are the MBTI personality types that get along best with INFJ. ISTP and ESTP personality types are the least compatible with INFJs.

2. Romantic Relationships

Advocates (INFJs) seek complexity and significance in all of their relationships, including romantic ones. Few Advocates, despite the fact that they are known for having a vibrant, vivid imagination, can picture themselves settling for a relationship based on anything other than true love. 

To find a compatible partner, Advocates may need some time. Some individuals may believe that Advocates are overly picky, and it is true that these personalities are sometimes prone to having irrational expectations. With their perfectionistic, idealistic nature, Advocates might be tempted to hold out for a "perfect" partner or relationship that ultimately doesn't exist. The positive news The idealism of advocates can improve their love life if it is moderated by just the right amount of realism.

Advocates make loving, caring, sincere, and perceptive romantic partners because they are persistent in learning about their partner's deepest needs and desires.

Establishing true, lasting connections with the people they care about is among the things that Advocates value most. 

Advocates typically understand that love isn't a passive feeling but rather a chance to develop and learn, and they anticipate that their partners will feel the same way. Relationships with people who have these personalities are not suitable for shallow or uncommitted people. Advocates are intensely passionate in ways that transcend the present moment, and what truly fulfills them is the way that a loving, meaningful relationship evolves and deepens over time. 

People who identify as Advocates secretly yearn for a deep emotional and even spiritual connection with their partners. They value the act of being in a relationship as well as what it means to unite in mind, body, and soul with another person.

3. Friendship 

Advocates (INFJs) rarely accept superficial, shallow friendships. Casual interactions with coworkers or classmates don't satisfy them in terms of social fulfillment. The friendships that allow them to share their hopes and dreams, baring their souls, and feeling understood and accepted for who they are, are what advocate personalities long for. And if doing so necessitates having fewer confidants than you would prefer, such is life. 

Advocates definitely light up around their close friends, despite the fact that they may appear quiet or reserved to the general public. Few things give them greater pleasure or delight than discussing their interests, passions, and beliefs with someone who shares them. Although Advocates are comfortable in their own company, they still find it liberating to let their guard down and be wholly authentic around a friend they know they can trust.

INFJs are reserved and private people who can be challenging to get to know. They value close, intimate relationships highly and are sensitive to hurt, even though they frequently conceal these emotions from others. Understanding and promoting an INFJ friend's need to withdraw and recharge involves engaging with them. 

This personality type occasionally feels misunderstood by others. By taking the time to comprehend their viewpoint and value their strengths, you can be a good friend to an INFJ.

4. Parenthood Relationship

INFJs have a tendency to be very close and connected to their children because they are so adept at comprehending emotions. They have high expectations for behavior and have very high standards. 

INFJs are concerned with bringing up kind, compassionate, and caring kids. In order for their children to reach their full potential as individuals, they encourage them to pursue their interests and talents.

As parents, Advocates (INFJs) have a distinct idea of what's important to them: bringing up their kids to be self-reliant, decent people in general. Advocate personalities take their responsibilities seriously, and if they have children, they carefully consider how they can positively influence their development. 

Parenting is difficult, but few Advocates anticipate it to be. These personalities understand that many of life's most worthwhile endeavors are also the most difficult; this perspective enables Advocates to maintain sight of joy and fulfillment despite the daily challenges of parenting. Parenting gives Advocates many opportunities to use their talents to the fullest, including their creativity, compassion, and unwavering love for the people they care about.

Ultimately, Advocate parents tend to understand that if their children don't turn out the way they expected, it isn't a failure on their part. Instead, they learn to interpret this as evidence that they were successful in developing a person with the capacity to form their own beliefs. Children of advocates frequently grow to value their parents' combination of independence and integrity, especially as they age.

V - INFJs in Occupation

INFJs perform well in occupations that allow them to use their creativity. People with INFJ personalities work particularly well in positions that uphold these ideals because they have such firmly held beliefs and values. INFJs frequently perform best in occupations that combine their need for creativity and their desire to have a significant impact on the world. 

INFJs frequently achieve great success in both the classroom and the workplace. They put a lot of effort into their work and occasionally can be perfectionists. INFJs are frequently seen as diligent, upbeat, and amicable by coworkers. Because they are introverted, however, they may find that they need to retreat at times to recharge. 

1. The Look for a Purpose

 Jobs that involve assisting and interacting with people can be incredibly fulfilling for Advocate personalities. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many Advocates prefer to work as therapists, social workers, teachers, yoga instructors, and spiritual advisors. They might appreciate jobs in the service sector that give them the chance to speak with clients directly and form real connections. Careers in health care, such as those in nursing, physical or occupational therapy, medicine, nutrition, or more holistic routes like acupuncture, can also be rewarding options.

Museums, nature preserves, and food pantries are just a few examples of nonprofit workplaces that have a special allure. These organizations may be a good fit for Advocate personalities because they put more of an emphasis on helping the community than making a profit. However, Advocates can still find ways to focus their energy and creativity on doing good deeds even in highly for-profit workplaces. Regardless of what is written on their business cards, advocates have insight that can help them identify odd trends and develop unconventional solutions that actually change the lives of others.

2. Mission-driven Thinking

Many Advocates look for positions with more freedom and flexibility, or they choose to go it alone and launch their own companies. They might also find it fulfilling to build connections between seemingly unrelated professional fields, such as by writing about psychology or practicing law in the environment. Such hybrid careers can provide Advocates with many chances to use their creativity and passion for learning. 

Actually, Advocate personalities can succeed in any industry. But for them to be truly content, they need to find a job that respects their values and gives them some freedom. Advocates yearn for chances to develop along with the clients they are representing. When this occurs, Advocates might at last feel as though they have accomplished their life's work, directly improving humanity.

3. INFJs popular careers

Some career suggestions for INFJs : 

  • Artist
  • Actor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Religious worker
  • Musician
  • Librarian
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Writer
  • Teacher
  • Photographer

VI - INFJs in Class and Workplace Customs

When it comes to a happy workplace, advocates (INFJs) have some specific requirements. The most fulfilling work for people with this personality type enables them to advance personally while also helping others. And it goes without saying that an Advocate's ideal career must align with their personal values. Any obstacle to these values, including bureaucracy, pointless rules, office politics, and dishonest coworkers, can seriously demotivate Advocates. This personality type does best in settings that value justice and equality. No matter where they are on the corporate ladder, the majority of advocates would rather not see themselves as superior to or inferior to anyone else.

1. Supporting Subordinates

 The ideal manager for Advocates is one who shares their values and who encourages and recognizes them.

Cooperation, sensitivity, and independence are important to advocates. They are drawn to managers who are considerate of their opinions and open-minded as workers. Having a manager who listens to them can make all the difference because advocate personalities may become frustrated when they don't feel heard. 

Advocates frequently act on their convictions and strive to do their best, so criticism can be damaging to their morale, especially if it is unjustified. Strict guidelines, formal procedures, and mundane tasks may also demoralize these personalities. When asked to redo their work, they might find it especially discouraging, especially if the request is made for a justification that doesn't make sense to them.

2. Advocate Coworker

Advocates may feel exploited despite their commitment to helping others.

Advocates can be incredibly well-liked and well-respected among their peers. Coworkers who fit this personality type frequently describe them as helpful, articulate, and competent. Their capacity to comprehend the underlying causes of conflict and discern others' motivations before anyone else even notices a problem is one of their greatest assets. 

Efficiency may not always be as important to Advocates as working with and supporting their fellow employees who need support. Although this is typically a strength, there is a chance that others will abuse Advocates' desire to assist. At the expense of their own energy and wellbeing, they might be forced to pick up the slack for their less devoted coworkers.

3. Advocate Managers

Advocate managers are kind and just, and they frequently take pride in recognizing the distinctive skills of their staff members.

Advocates may not like using their authority as managers. No matter what is written on a person's business card, they prefer to view everyone as being on an equal footing. Advocates frequently favor empowering their subordinates to think and act independently rather than micromanaging them. They put a lot of effort into uplifting others and fostering an environment of respect. 

If they observe someone acting in a way that they view as unethical, advocate managers can be especially stern. These personalities don't put up with a lot of moral or dependability failings. However, Advocate managers put in a lot of effort to make sure that every member of their team feels appreciated, happy, and successful when their employees' intentions are aligned with their own.

VII - Famous INFJs you might know

Oprah Winfrey

  • Oprah Winfrey exhibits the traits of an INFJ personality by being determined, giving, and generous. She is committed to both her career and to helping others. But when it comes to her private life, she is a very private person. 
  • Oprah Gail Winfrey is a talk show host, actress, producer of television, author, and philanthropist from the United States. In the United States, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, she was born on January 29, 1954.

Lady Gaga

  • Lady Gaga's real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. Lady Gaga is a tenacious, aspirational, and imaginative person. She may appear outgoing when she performs, but she hardly ever talks about her personal life. She captivated the world with her musical talent, distinctive stage presence, and eye-catching outfits and costumes. Don't let other souls in the world define who you are or what you can be, she once said in a quote. 

Nicole Kidman

  • One of the most recognizable personalities and an illustration of an INFJ is Nicole Kidman. She was born in the United States on June 20, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is a self-assured, passionate, considerate, and perceptive individual. Actress, singer, producer, and Australian-American Nicole Mary Kidman AC. Nicole identified herself as a woman, a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a functioning member of society.

Adam Sandler

  • Adam's keen intuition and creativity make him an INFJ personality type. He is regarded as one of Hollywood's comedic actors. He also created incredible films like The Waterboy, Happy Gilmore, Anger Management, and Grown-Ups, which made everyone laugh until they cried. Adam also gave $1 million to the Manchester Boys and Girls Club. On September 9, 1966, he was born. In addition to being an American actor, Adam Richard Sandler also writes, directs, and produces films.

Eleanor Roosevelt

  • The first lady is known for being a good counselor, idealist, generous and caring. Despite her dislike of the war, she was willing to assist those in need and the war's victims. She went to the hospitals to see how people were doing because she wanted to help other people. She would never give speeches that were too long, but she was able to change and start political activities as a volunteer. She addressed the societal issues that were stirring up by using her political influence. Congress' appreciation for her increased when she visited in 1917 because of her innate idealistic nature.

Adolf Hitler

  • He was intelligent, intuitive, and dominant despite being labeled as an INTJ; these qualities are indicative of the INFP. His infamous salty has also caused fear and destruction that has affected the world to this day. He is regarded as the physician responsible for starting World War II. Adolf had a vision and wanted to be the leader. He made sure to stay one step ahead because he anticipated how those around him would respond.

Martin Luther King Jr.

  • The activist who gained the most notoriety was Martin Luther King Jr., an American Baptist minister. From 1955 until his animation, he served as the movement's chief organizer in the United States. He had a vision that the wild could improve greatly, and his perseverance drove him to try to bring that vision to pass. He had a strong sense of empathy for their fellow Americans and a grasp of the social ills that exist. He is also a well-known person and an illustration of an INFJ personality.

Edward Norton

  • Edward Norton is an American actor and director who was born on August 18, 1969. Three Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award were among the many honors and nominations Norton received. Edward Harrison Norton was raised in Columbia after being born in Boston, Massachusetts. He thinks that your life experiences have shaped you into the person you are today. He is not only a true original but also ambitious.

Billy Crystal

  • An American actor, producer, comedian, director, writer, and television personality, William Edward Crytek. He has been classified as an INFJ. In keeping with this quality, he maintains a private life and contributes to society and the global community through his activism and humor. He was conceived on March 14, 1948.

Tilda Swinton

  • Tilda Swinton is exceptional, dedicated, and imaginative. She stated that when she is at work, she is a soldier and leads a soldier's life. She views herself in this way; she would have a better chance of surviving if she were only farther away. On November 5, 1960, Katherine Matilda Swinton was born in London, England.
  • Tilda Swinton is exceptional, dedicated, and imaginative. She stated that when she is at work, she is a soldier and leads a soldier's life. She views herself in this way; she would have a better chance of surviving if she were only farther away. On November 5, 1960, Katherine Matilda Swinton was born in London, England.

VIII - 10+ FACTS ABOUT INFJ

  • INFJs Are Introverted and Extroverted At The Same Time.
  • INFJs enjoy supporting others. 
  • INFJs enjoy deep conversations. 
  • INFJs Are Creative. 
  • INFJs Are Passionate And Determined. 
  • INFJs value their solitude. 
  • INFJs have strong intuition. 
  • INFJs are often referred to as the counselor or the advocate. 
  • INFJs are organized and enjoy planning ahead. 
  • INFJs Have a Strong Emotional Sense.