Strengths And Weaknesses Of Infj

The INFJ personality type is one of unique combination. It combines structure and organization with compassion and willingness to place other’s needs before our own. There are many qualities that are beneficial, but also some that may cause conflict. In this reflection I will address a few of the positives and negatives to being an INFJ such as the need for structure, the innate desire to nurture and listen, as well as having a sense of responsibility. INFJs are well rounded individuals who believe that a good balance in the key to life.

Two strengths that come with the personality type INFJ are being scheduled and companionate. These are two of my most prominent strengths. As an individual, I thrive off of schedule and structure. When I have

a structure in my life, a schedule to follow, I tend to be able to accomplish more, and effectively manage my time. Schedules keep me cool, calm, and collected. One of the benefits to being schedule oriented is rarely double booking myself, or taking too much on. A perfect example is when the studio owner of the dance studio I used to attend went on maternity leave. She had me take over the studio while she was gone. This included teaching all of her classes, running the front desk, and taking care of the administrative side of things. All of this on top of going to school, and working part time at a local coffee shop. Without schedule, structure, or even my planner, I don’t know how I would have done it. But, because I had those organizational tendencies at my fingertips I was able to swim as opposed to sinking.
INFJs also are known as “councilors” or “listeners”.

As a listener, people tend to come to me with issues or conflicts within their lives that they would like to resolve or receive advice for. My residence hall is a great example. In my pod some of the girls call me “Bah-Chan” which is Japanese for Grandma. This is not only because at the beginning of the fall semester I went to bed around 9pm, but also because they don’t necessarily consider me a friend but a mom to the “mom” figure. It is due to some of the other character traits I possess of an INFJ. I care about others, sometimes even more than I care about myself. Because of that, many see my as the “frumpy old lady” who doesn’t party, and they have to check in when they get back from parties. Let’s face it, I’m the party pooper of my friend group. It doesn’t matter that I have no interest in those social events because of how introverted I am, but also because my life at home required me to grow up faster. When I see a friend deciding to party continuously, or know someone is hurting my heart breaks. I want to be able to reach out to them and encourage them so that they know they have someone supporting them. No matter what the situation is, or who opens up, words of comfort always come to my mind. Consoling those who are hurting tends to be a

strength.
In some ways, I consider the responsibility that comes naturally to INFJs a point of critique. The majority of times we find friends; it turns into a one-way friendship. Because we are listeners, we attract friends who need a someone to listen. Maybe they are the listeners in their friend group and then they themselves need someone who will listen, making us a 1st generation listener, or “grandma” listener. Another critique INFJs often receive from others is that they are too private about their lives. I have found that it is hard to fully trust an individual. Very rarely will I find a friend who I can confide in 100%. There is an uncertainty that comes with vulnerability. There is something inside that tells me I have to be strong for others, that I need to be there for them, to listen to them. But, I often neglect my own needs to be listened to because I care more about others, and their feelings and needs than my own.
Going back to strengths, INTJs are very conscious and aware of our tasks and responsibilities. We prioritize well, making sure our necessary responsibilities have been completed before we let loose. We are organized individuals, who do well with time management skills. These inherent qualities will become a great benefit to us in the real world when it comes to jobs. Especially if we take on a position as a counselor, clergy, teacher, or even a scientist.
INFJs have a lot going for them, they are organized, caring and compassionate individuals who love going out of their way to make sure your day is brighter. An ideal job for them may fall into the counseling field. While there are many strengths and qualities that complement an INFJ, there are also a few characteristics that bring in conflict. Those characteristics are, in some ways, responsibility, and being too private. However, the positives outweigh the negatives, leaving the platform of a strong individual who is not afraid to listen, someone who is loyal, trustworthy, and responsible.