I have taken the Myers Briggs personality test several times and I always get INFJ as my personality type. Today I took the 16 personalities version of the MBTI test to make sure I was still the same and I got INFJ- T. When I looked over the traits of a T (turbulent) vs. an A (assertive) INFJ, I became a bit discouraged. Basically Ts are more insecure than As which in turn has some negative impacts. Of course I want to be an A, but I also know that I still struggle with some insecurities (who doesn't?).
What is unique about INFJs is that they are the rarest personality type (only 1% of the population are INJFs). Some strengths of INFJs are that they are creative, insightful, inspiring, decisive, determined and altruistic. I feel comfortable and confident saying that I am creative, insightful, determined and altruistic, but I don't think I am inspiring or decisive. Maybe this is where the T from my INJF- T comes in? If I was more confident and self assured perhaps I would feel differently? The weaknesses of INFJs are that they are sensitive, extremely private, perfectionistic, always need to have a cause, and can burn out easily. I can see all of these weaknesses in myself and I have to be really careful to look out for them. I have gotten better about being sensitive and extremely private. I used to be the high schooler that would cry over low tests scores, had to had straight As and based my self worth on my GPA. I like to think I have grown past this but the urge is still there. I am taking some classes at CSUF and I do find myself checking my grades a bit compulsively.
I just finished re-reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. I feel that the character in the novel that is most like an INFJ is the main character Francie. Francie like INFJs is an introverted deep thinker. She spends most of her childhood reading and even tried to read every book in her local library in alphabetical order. Francie is also very determined. Her mother decides to have her bother finish high school instead of her because she knows that Francie will find a way to finish. This ends up being true.
I think that Francie does not show the altruism that is typical of an INFJ. Francie cares about knowledge and learning for her own benefit and there does not seem to be a higher purpose behind it. I completely relate to Francie's love of reading and use of reading as an escape when she is experiencing hardship. I feel that Francie cares more about knowledge for knowledge sake than I do. I love learning but if I don't see a greater purpose behind it, it hard for me to stay dedicated. For example I could never have the patience to read every book in a library in alphabetical order.
Word Count: 498
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