9 signs you’re an INFJ, the world’s rarest personality type

From the Personal Branding Blog

Being an INFJ, the world’s rarest personality type, is a unique experience. It’s like being a rare gem, incredibly valuable but sometimes hard to spot.

Navigating the world as an INFJ can often feel like a puzzle, with your deep intuition and complex inner world leaving you feeling misunderstood or different.

If you’ve ever wondered if you might belong to this rare group, I’m here to give you some clues.

In this article, we’ll dive into 9 signs that point to you being an INFJ. These aren’t definitive proof, but they can help you understand yourself a little better.

Let’s get started.

1) Deep thinkers

Being an INFJ is like being on a constant journey of introspection.

They’re profound thinkers, often lost in their thoughts, exploring concepts, ideas, and theories.

Having a mind that runs deep and wide, INFJs are constantly grappling with life’s big questions – about love, existence, morality, and purpose.

It’s not always easy being an INFJ, as their thoughtful nature can make them feel disconnected from the world around them. However, this depth of thought is a defining trait of this rare personality type.

If you find yourself diving into the depths of your mind more often than not, it could be a sign you’re an INFJ.

2) Highly empathetic

Another key sign of being an INFJ is possessing a high level of empathy.

As an INFJ myself, I’ve frequently found myself absorbing the emotions of those around me like a sponge. A friend’s joy becomes my joy, their sorrow becomes my sorrow.

Once, I remember being at a party where everyone was having a good time. But amidst the laughter and chatter, I spotted a friend sitting alone, looking utterly dejected. Instantly, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. Even though I had been enjoying myself moments before, I couldn’t shake off my friend’s despair.

I left the party to sit with them, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence. This is something INFJs often do – they respond deeply to the emotional state of others.

3) Need for solitude

INFJs are often seen as social chameleons. They can blend into any social setting, making connections easily due to their empathetic nature. However, they also have a strong need for solitude.

Despite their ability to socialize, INFJs are introverts at heart. They require regular periods of alone time to recharge their batteries and process their thoughts and feelings.

Interestingly, the brain of an introvert processes information differently than that of an extrovert. According to Dr. Marti Olsen Laney, it’s because of a difference in the dopamine pathway – a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure.

4) Value deep connections

INFJs crave deep, meaningful connections. They aren’t interested in surface-level interactions or casual acquaintances. Instead, they seek relationships that offer depth and substance.

For an INFJ, a conversation about the weather or latest trends feels like small talk. They’d much rather discuss ideas, thoughts, and feelings, delving into the intricacies of human nature and the mysteries of the universe.

This longing for depth extends to their friendships and romantic relationships too. INFJs yearn for partners who can understand and appreciate their complex inner world.

If you find yourself constantly seeking profound connections and eye-opening conversations, it might be another hint that you’re an INFJ.

5) Future-oriented

INFJs often find themselves living in the future. They are dreamers and visionaries, constantly thinking about what could be.

They have a knack for seeing the big picture and can intuitively map out how things might unfold over time. This ability to foresee the future can seem almost psychic to others, but for an INFJ, it’s just how their mind naturally works.

This future focus also means that INFJs are driven by a sense of purpose. They want to understand their role in the world and how they can contribute to it.

6) Sensitive to conflict

Conflict and discord can be deeply unsettling for INFJs. They have a natural longing for harmony, both within themselves and in their external environment.

This sensitivity to conflict isn’t just about avoiding arguments or disagreements. It’s more profound than that. INFJs feel a deep discomfort when there’s a lack of alignment, be it in their relationships, their values, or even their own thoughts and feelings.

Their empathetic nature means they not only experience their own distress, but also deeply feel the tension and discomfort of others involved in the conflict.

7) Struggle to fit in

Despite their empathetic nature and ability to blend into social settings, INFJs often feel like they don’t quite fit in.

This has been a recurring theme in my own life. I’ve often found myself feeling like an outsider, even in groups where I’m well-liked and respected. It’s as though I’m always on the fringe, observing from the outside, never truly feeling a part of things.

This sense of not belonging isn’t due to a lack of social skills or a desire to be different. It’s more about feeling fundamentally different, as if wired in a way that sets us apart.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the outside looking in, you might be an INFJ. This feeling of being different is a common thread among those with this rare personality type.

8) Desire to make a difference

INFJs are driven by a deep desire to make a difference. They’re not content to simply exist – they want their life to have meaning and purpose.

They often feel a calling to contribute to the world in a significant way. This could mean working in a helping profession, volunteering, or pursuing a cause they’re passionate about.

This isn’t about gaining recognition or status. Instead, it’s about making the world a better place, even if it’s just in their small corner of it.

If you’re constantly driven by the need to do meaningful work and make a positive impact, you might be an INFJ. This strong desire to contribute is a key characteristic of this personality type.

9) Often misunderstood

The life of an INFJ can often be a paradox. They’re empathetic yet need solitude, social yet feel like outsiders, and future-oriented yet deeply rooted in their values.

This paradox often leads to INFJs being misunderstood. Others might find them complex, contradictory, or even confusing. But for an INFJ, it’s just their unique way of experiencing the world.

Being misunderstood can be difficult. But it’s important for INFJs to remember that their uniqueness is not a flaw, but a strength. It’s what allows them to see the world from a different perspective and make a real difference.

The essence of being an INFJ

Being an INFJ is like embarking on a lifelong journey of discovery and introspection, marked by depth, empathy, and a unique perspective.

Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist whose theories formed the basis for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), once said: “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” This sentiment resonates profoundly with INFJs.

For INFJs, their journey is not just about understanding their rare personality type but also about embracing their unique traits and using them as strengths. They are complex, compassionate, and often feel out of step with the world – but it’s these qualities that allow them to make deep connections, envision a better future, and make a real difference.

If you find yourself resonating with these signs, you might just be an INFJ – part of the world’s rarest personality type. But whether you’re an INFJ or not, remember that every personality type has its own strengths and challenges. The key is to understand and embrace who you are because, in the end, that’s what makes each of us uniquely human.

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