Why INFJs Embrace Everything About MBTI

You’ve struggled your entire life trying to find your true self. Then, you stumble upon the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality test, and everything starts to make sense.

Here, I will discuss the fascinating journey of understanding my own personality, the embrace of my INFJ type, and the differences between MBTI and other personality tests.

Understanding Myself with MBTI

Before the MBTI, I searched for answers about hypersensitive empaths and family scapegoats. While some explanations made sense, none fully captured the complexity of my existence.

Once I discovered the MBTI, things began to click. It explained nuances that previous theories couldn't. I found solace in the realization that you are not alone and that many more share your experiences.

Debunking the Dichotomies of MBTI

The MBTI is a powerful tool, yet its strict dichotomies sometimes fall short. Let's break down the four key scales: E/I, S/N, T/F, and J/P.

Introversion (I) vs. Extroversion (E)

The E/I scale distinguishes between introversion and extroversion. An introvert finds rejuvenation in solitude, reflecting on experiences, and formulating ideas deeply. In contrast, an extrovert may generate ideas on the fly, engage in discussions, and make decisions quickly.

Interestingly, there's a category of individuals who occupy a space between these extremes: ambiverts. They draw energy from both solitude and social interaction.

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

The S/N scale divides into sensing and intuitive types. Sensing individuals ground themselves in reality, while intuitives look beyond the present to envision possibilities.

Imagine a child exploring their world through direct sensory experiences vs. another child imagining and creating stories. The former experiences the world through Sensing, while the latter views it through Intuition.

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

The T/F pairing represents decision-making styles—rational and objective (Thinking) vs. emotional and empathetic (Feeling).

Engineers, for instance, rely on facts and logic when making decisions, whereas social workers must consider the emotional impact of their choices.

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

The final dichotomy, J/P, deals with organization and adaptability. Judgers plan meticulously, while perceivers stay flexible and open to change.

The Limitations of MBTI

Despite its significant contributions, the MBTI isn't without criticisms. The four dichotomies are often seen as overly rigid, and the theoretical assumptions behind them are not entirely supported by empirical evidence.

For instance, the idea that one must be solely a sensory or intuitive thinker is overly simplistic. Many individuals exhibit qualities from both categories.

INFJ: A Unique Perspective

INFJs, like myself, represent a complex amalgam of traits. The theory that famous figures like Hitler and Mahatma Gandhi both fit the INFJ profile highlights the testing's limitations.

Despite these criticisms, the MBTI remains a valuable tool for self-discovery and understanding.

In closing, while the MBTI is not perfect, it offers a framework to explore our identities. For INFJs, the embrace of our type comes with a deep appreciation for the nuances of human nature.