Resources for INFJ's

[Himanshu]

Since one of the most popular personality type here (after INTP and INFP) are INFJ, and I have been studying this material for a long time, so I thought.. Why not compile the best stuff for my fellow INFJs?

Before getting into it, understand that Cognitive Functions are the first principles on which all the different models (MBTI, Socionics, Objective Personality System, etc) are based on. If you get the distinctions between Cognitive functions right, you can play with these models to see what makes sense and is useful to you. 

One simplistic way of looking at cognitive functions is:

• Intuition and Sensing are what you TRUST when it comes to new information: Do you trust abstract principles (Intuition) or Do you trust physical-sensory input? (No wonder Actualized.org is porn for Intuition-dominant people.) 
• Thinking and Feeling are how you decide which information to keep and which not to: Does it work? (Thinking) or Do I like it? (Feeling) 

The typical cognitive function stack for INFJs is Introverted Intuition > Extraverted Feeling > Introverted Thinking > Extraverted Sensing.

And since most people die without properly developing their fourth function, that means INFJ have SINGLE observer ('Addicted' to Introverted Intuition - "What are the patterns?") and DOUBLE deciders (Extraverted Feeling - "Do other people like it?" AND Introverted Thinking - "Does it work for me?").

To put that in perspective:

• INTP have SINGLE decider ('Addicted' to Introverted Thinking - Does it make sense to me? Does it work for me?) and DOUBLE observers (Intuition AND Sensing)
• INFP have SINGLE decider ('Addicted' to Introverted Feeling - Do I like it? Does it align with my core beliefs and values?) and DOUBLE observers (Intuition AND Sensing)

With that, here are the most useful resources I have found from the perspective of understanding and personal growth:

Over-developed Extraverted Feeling / Empath:

 

Not directly relevant, but because she has a soothing voice and gives her own spin to Leo's video on Judgement (also an INFJ Ni-Ti):

 

Every individual is unique and if you want a perfect description of each one of those, it would take 7.8 million profiles. Thankfully there are patterns and wise men who identified those patterns wrote about them. But it is still a model and only as intelligent as the person using them. 

[Lyubov]

Good thread. I'm an INFP but I think I will benefit from these resources as well

[Himanshu]

@LyubovThere are a lot of similarities in INFJ and INFP - despite having a very different function stack. Let me know what clicks for you and what doesn't.

[integral]

Any of you INFJ relate to this guy? Hes INFJ Ni-Ti dominant. 

Edited June 20, 2020 by integral

[integral]

The cognitive functions represent questions your constantly asking yourself consciously and subconsciously. Leos video on asking high quality questions applies here. Learn how to ask high quality questions, ask them repeatedly until they become automatic/subconscious. 

[EddieEddie1995]

Than you! I just discovered 16 types. Im INFJ-T Its crazy how accurate this is! When I was reading about it, I just couldn't believe how a test like that can be so accurate! This will benefit me SO MUCH! Thank you! 

[Guest SirVladimir]

 

[Himanshu]

@SirVladimir Very well explained.

An almost exhaustive description of INFJ type, compiled from all major sources:

• PART 1 - Introduction to functions, natural strengths, general traits 
• PART 2 - On INFJ Flaws, Weakness, Disadvantages, Struggles, Hardships, and Dark Side (1/2)
• PART 2 - On INFJ Flaws, Weakness, Disadvantages, Struggles, Hardships, and Dark Side (2/2)

Some hidden gems I have found:

• Book recommendations on setting boundaries and overcoming common issues most INFJs face growing up:
  • http://infj.com/InvaluableResources.htm
• Book recommendations on Type and Temperament
  • http://infj.com/INFJ_dotcomRecommendedReading.htm
• I found reading Frances Vaughan's Awakening Intuition very helpful. Both in gaining a deeper ability to trust my own intuition and making finer distinctions between what is intuition and what is not. The way it is written goes very well with non-dual teachings.
  • 

 

 

 

 

• The INFJ Handbook by Vicky Jo - Co-Active Life Coach 
  • Invaluable stuff! Covers a lot from Time Management and Career to Symbols and Mythology. 

If you are open to listening to a Rick-like figure (Rick & Morty anyone?) talk about an INFJs Self-Actualization journey:

 

Edited June 22, 2020 by Himanshu

[DreamScape]

I am an INFJ/INFP - T

We are a very intuitive bunch

[Guest SirVladimir]

4 minutes ago, DreamScape said:

We are a very intuitive bunch

Welcome to the cult. 

[ivankiss]

Can I join the club? ? INFJ-A advocate.

I have little to no knowledge on this stuff. But it seems interesting. 

Two minutes in and I'm feeling what this guy's saying so far.

Edited June 22, 2020 by ivankiss

[EddieEddie1995]

I just have to repost it here hehe This is Amazing!  

[Himanshu]

Who knew.

 

[Yog]

Just a bag of INFJs for you: ... and some mixed feelings.

Gandhi, Hitler, Martin Luther King, Osama Bin Laden.

[Himanshu]

 

[Artsu]

I'm an INFJ, and i want to correct you on a couple points.

First of all, Feeling is not about if you like something although that does overlap with Fi. Feeling is reasoning based on socio-emotional concerns rather than the logico-mechanical concerns of thinking.

Second, people do generally develop their 4th function, even their 8th. It's when you get into the stages of Self and self-transcendence that things start really getting rarified.

 

(As far as i am aware, you need to activate all 8 function positions in order for actualisation to be possible)

Edited July 4, 2020 by Artsu

[Himanshu]

@Artsu No conflicting ideas here.

 

On 04/07/2020 at 7:15 AM, Artsu said:

(As far as i am aware, you need to activate all 8 function positions in order for actualisation to be possible)

Exactly. 

[Artsu]

1 hour ago, Himanshu said:

@Artsu No conflicting ideas here.

 

Exactly. 

Yes so that is how we tie in Jungian type with actualisation. What is happening before you actualise? Well, you are going from your 1st to 8th function. It is only when you integrate your weakest part that you can start functioning as a whole. 

[Artsu]

The traversing of the 8 functions is ego consciousness. Youre not yet self actualised at that point because youre functioning in terms of components, not in unison. Ego is especially linked to the 1st function, and any other easy to access function, with the development of the harder to reach functions being more in terms of counterparts to the ego. Inregration of the 8th function represents the culmination of wise old man/woman, esteem, fu'masta, 4th circuit, and likely stage orange. Transcendence of the 8 function through their union represents self, self actualisation, shiny baby, 5th circuit, green, and perhaps awakening.

I have speculated that each stage of actualisation may be about upgrading each of the 8 functions into a transcendent form, but im not sure if thats how it works, or if there is more of a similarity between different people as they uncover reality, or even greater differences due to transcendence and increasing complexity.

[Artsu]

https://m.youtube.com/user/NaixyyTemple/videos

Nai'xyy roughly means INFJ. Scroll down to the bottom of the video list and go from there.