Are you an INFJ struggling to find your strength and confidence?
As one of the most empathetic and intuitive personality types, it can be challenging to balance your desire to help others with your own personal growth.
But fear not, because there are ways to harness your unique strengths and become a strong INFJ.
In this article, we’ll explore tips and insights on how to trust your intuition, embrace your vulnerabilities, and make the most of your natural abilities.
So let’s dive in and discover how you can become a powerful force as an INFJ.
How To Be A Strong INFJ
1. Trust Your Intuition
As an INFJ, your intuition is one of your greatest strengths. However, it can be challenging to trust your gut feelings, especially if you’re used to relying on logic and reason.
But learning to trust your intuition can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. Remember that your intuition is the result of your mind rapidly processing a person, environment, or situation. Even if you can’t fully understand the logic behind it, trust that your instincts are usually right.
2. Embrace Your Vulnerabilities
As an INFJ, you may feel pressure to be perfect and get your communication right. But it’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and embracing your vulnerabilities can actually make you more likeable and relatable.
Start by opening up to the friends you trust the most and work your way up to your wider social circle. The first time you let your guard down may feel awkward, but it’s often mixed with a sense of relief at finally getting your thoughts and opinions out into the world.
3. Focus on Your Strengths
INFJs tend to be very aware of what other people need and are naturally empathetic. This may lead them to take on a caring or nurturing role in others’ lives. However, it’s important to also focus on your own strengths and passions.
Do what you do best (and what you love to do) and outsource or delegate the other things. In that way, you’ll have a more fulfilling work-life and eventually become a master of your craft.
4. Connect with Others
INFJs are able to connect deeply with those around them. They are good listeners, who are able to serve as a helpful friend or confidante to those who need it. They seek close relationships with others, often using their skills to build strong, reliable friendships.
By connecting with others and building strong relationships, you can create a support system that helps you grow and thrive as an INFJ.
Understanding The INFJ Personality Type
INFJ is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFJs are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging individuals who are guided by a deeply considered set of personal values. They are intensely idealistic and can clearly imagine a happier and more perfect future. INFJs have a gift for understanding people and identifying their underlying needs and emotions. They care deeply about the human race and want to help people by listening, counseling, and emotionally supporting them.
INFJs believe that a better world can only be attained if we concentrate on doing what is right, regardless of short-term consequences. However, harmonious relationships are also extremely important to the INFJ. They are skilled mediators who look for the root sources of conflict to find common ground with others. Because of this, they tend to prefer a diplomatic communication style and are careful not to unnecessarily ruffle feathers.
INFJs have a profound respect for human potential and a deep interest in understanding the mind. Because of this, they are motivated to pursue authentic self-development and strive to live up to their true potential while encouraging and guiding others to do the same. According to idealistic INFJs, if we believe in our ability to accomplish the extraordinary, the extraordinary will instantly become a possibility.
INFJs tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. Their inner vision, personal values, and a quiet, principled version of humanism guide them in all things. They aren’t content to coast through life – they want to stand up and make a difference. For Advocate personalities, success doesn’t come from money or status but from seeking fulfillment, helping others, and being a force for good in the world.
Trusting Your Intuition As An INFJ
As an INFJ, your intuition is an essential part of who you are. It’s important to trust your inner voice, even if it goes against what others may be telling you. Your intuition is often the result of your mind processing information at a rapid pace, so it’s important to trust it even if you can’t fully understand the logic behind it.
When faced with a decision, take a moment to calm your thoughts and focus on the present situation. This will allow your intuition to come forward and help guide you towards the right decision. Remember that there are no right or wrong choices in life, only learning opportunities. Trusting your intuition will help you make decisions that align with your values and lead to a more fulfilling life.
It’s also important to note that sometimes your intuition may lead you in the wrong direction. In these situations, it’s important to take a step back and reassess the situation. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from trusted friends or family members, but ultimately trust yourself to make the best decision for you.
Embracing Vulnerability And Emotional Intelligence
As an INFJ, vulnerability may feel uncomfortable and scary. But embracing vulnerability is an essential part of developing emotional intelligence and becoming a stronger individual.
Start by acknowledging and accepting your vulnerabilities. Recognize that everyone has weaknesses and that it’s okay to make mistakes. Embrace your imperfections and use them as opportunities for growth.
Next, practice being vulnerable with others. Start small by opening up to a trusted friend or family member. Share your thoughts, feelings, and fears with them. As you become more comfortable with vulnerability, you can gradually expand your circle of trust.
Remember that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. Being vulnerable allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and build stronger relationships. It also helps you to develop empathy and understanding towards others.
In addition to embracing vulnerability, it’s important to develop emotional intelligence. This involves being aware of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. Practice mindfulness and self-reflection to better understand your own thoughts and feelings.
Pay attention to nonverbal cues from others, such as body language and tone of voice, to better understand their emotions. Use this information to communicate effectively and build stronger relationships.
Setting Boundaries And Prioritizing Self-Care
As an INFJ, one of the biggest challenges you may face is setting healthy boundaries. However, having healthy boundaries in place is important for everyone, introvert or extrovert, INFJ or not. Healthy boundaries allow us to prioritize our needs and take care of ourselves first so that we can be refreshed enough to take care of others.
The first step to establishing healthy boundaries is identifying the issue. In what ways do you set unhealthy boundaries? Are you a compliant, avoidant, controller, or non-responsive? In what ways do these boundaries shape your relationships? Identifying your unhealthy boundaries is the first step to establishing healthy ones.
Once you have identified the patterns that are causing issues in your relationships, assess your priorities. Ask yourself why you’re reacting with unhealthy boundaries. What is being compliant or controlling “protecting” you from? Is it the fear of judgement, emotional connection, or uncertainty? Is it more important to protect these fears than to form healthy and fulfilling relationships? Figure out what you prioritize the most so you can build boundaries that meet these priorities.
After realizing your priorities, the next step is to set rules and apply those rules to all of your relationships. For example, if you’re a compliant person who says “yes” to everything, you may be constantly drained from social obligations. Having time alone to recharge is a priority, but so is maintaining strong relationships. What rule allows you to balance these priorities? Maybe it’s as simple as “Tuesday night is for alone time.” Once you’ve decided on your rule, it is much easier to set boundaries around it. It’s important that the people in your life understand that the boundary isn’t about them — it’s about you and your needs.
Focusing on self-love is also crucial when setting healthy boundaries. Self-care can often look like a bandaid that covers deeper issues. Self-love comes from the core of our being. When we focus on self-love, we take action from a place of compassion for ourselves and others. We are less worried about protecting our energy and instead prioritize sharing our energy in manageable ways.
When setting boundaries, start with your physical needs such as sleep, food, water, and exercise. What do you need for each of these needs and how can work help you meet those needs? Emotional needs and boundaries are also important to distinguish between your emotions and someone else’s. This allows you to say no to tasks or people that aren’t safe or appropriate. Mental needs and boundaries relate to our need for self-expression, contribution, and effectiveness.
Learning to set healthy boundaries was absolutely life-changing for many INFJs and it can be for you too. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your needs as much as you tend to prioritize the needs of others. By setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care, you’ll become a stronger INFJ who can better serve yourself and those around you.
Using Your Empathy For Good: Helping Others While Maintaining Your Energy
As an INFJ, your empathy is one of your greatest strengths. You have a unique ability to understand and connect with others on a deep emotional level. However, this can also be a double-edged sword, as it can lead to emotional burnout and exhaustion.
To help others while maintaining your energy, it’s important to set healthy boundaries. Remember that you can’t help everyone all the time, and it’s okay to say no when you need to. Prioritize your own self-care, and make sure to take time for yourself to recharge.
When helping others, try to focus on one person at a time rather than taking on too much at once. This will allow you to give your full attention and energy to each individual, without spreading yourself too thin.
Also, remember that you don’t have to solve everyone’s problems. Sometimes just being there to listen and offer support can make a huge difference. Use your empathy to understand what someone is going through, and offer words of encouragement or validation.
Finally, don’t forget to use your empathy for good causes outside of your personal relationships. Advocate for causes that align with your values and use your unique perspective to make a positive impact in the world.
By using your empathy for good while also prioritizing your own self-care, you can maintain your energy as an INFJ and continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those around you.
Finding Your Passion And Purpose As An INFJ
As an INFJ, finding your passion and purpose can be a daunting task. However, there are a few steps you can take to help you along the way.
First, dig deep into your personality type. There is a lot of information available online about INFJs, but not all of it is accurate or helpful. Look for trusted sources, such as materials produced by certified MBTI® practitioners. They have been trained to understand the strengths and limits of this personality system and can provide valuable insights into your unique traits.
Next, identify your values and hold to them despite outside pressures. INFJs tend to make decisions based on how they impact others and their values, but it’s important not to ignore your own needs and desires in the process. By staying true to your values, you can create a sense of purpose and direction in your life.
Finally, become more consciously aware of your thoughts. INFJs have a tendency to be more aware of what others are thinking and feeling than their own thoughts and beliefs. To identify your automatic thought patterns, examine the beliefs that may be holding you back. Identify the assumptions you make and the inner critic messages that tell you that you’re not good enough. Once you’ve identified these things, write new beliefs and thoughts that you want to have and practice repeating them every day.
Remember that your purpose as an INFJ may simply be to know who you are and to be that person. By embracing your unique traits and strengths, connecting with others, and staying true to your values, you can create a fulfilling life that reflects who you truly are.
