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This is very similar to the test I took on Keisey's temperament test. But
another interpretation which I see the most apt description to my own perception
of myself:
This is what Marina Margaret Heiss says:
INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual
range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend
to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion,
they are generally "doers" as well as dreamers. This rare combination
of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate
amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to
be drawn.
INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as
the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for
extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in
people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world.
On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate
and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or
obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and
organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs
will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their
intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing
both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the
emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent
"givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing
aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often
misunderstood -- particularly by those who have little experience with this rare
type.
Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between
detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, INFJs may
well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others,
for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny
gift, however, are the empathic abilities often found in Fs, which seem to be
especially heightened in the INFJ type (possibly by the dominance of the
introverted N function).
This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of
certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in
negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not
uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these
may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex
type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF
vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of
achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps
enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their
deepest and most convoluted feelings.
Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to
have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong
personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the
"inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher
education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious
choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by
their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical
fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the
mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may
cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences.
However, the significant minority of INFJs who do pursue studies and careers in
the latter areas tend to be as successful as their T counterparts, as it is *iNtuition*
-- the dominant function for the INFJ type -- which governs the ability to
understand abstract theory and implement it creatively.
In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are
INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on
human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their
systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" than
analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to
take for granted -- yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the
resulting contributions to society so vital and profound.
Copyright © 1996-2002 by Marina Margaret Heiss and Joe Butt
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