Can an INFJ become an INTJ? (5 differences)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “Can an INFJ become an INTJ?” and explore the various dimensions of the two Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFJ and INTJ that will help understand the answer. 

Can an INFJ become an INTJ?

No, an INFJ cannot become an INTJ because the MBTI type cannot be altered. However, an INFJ, or any type, may work on their flaws and achieve the positive characteristics of an INTJ. When INFJs seek to turn off their emotions and respond robotically, INFJs typically replicate INTJs’ behaviour. INFJs and INTJs are cousin kinds, although there are significant variances between them.

An INFJ cannot become an INTJ because of the differences between INFJs and INTJs in the following 5 areas – 

• Values. 
• Motivation.
• Communication.
• Managing Stress.
• Resolving Conflicts.

These 5 differences between an INFJ and an INTJ will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFJ and INTJ mean. 

Who is an INFJ?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) inventors Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers established sixteen personality types. INFJ is one of them. Introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgement (INFJ) are four key personality traits based on psychologist C.G. Jung’s work.

Each of the four letters in the INFJ code represents a significant personality feature associated with the INFJ personality type. 

INFJs prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible because they are energised by time alone (introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (intuitive), make decisions based on feelings and values (feeling), and prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging).

Because of their inclination to be idealistic, sympathetic, and sensitive, the INFJ personality type is also known as the “Counselor.” The INFJ is also known by the following nicknames:

• The Insightful Visionary (MBTI)
• The Advocate (16Personalities)

INFJs are nurturers who are creative and nurturing, with a strong sense of personal integrity and a desire to help others reach their full potential. INFJs have a knack for coming up with unique answers to people’s problems, and they are both creative and dedicated.

The Counselor (INFJ) has a unique ability to sense other people’s emotions and intentions, and will frequently know how they are feeling before they do. INFJs have faith in their capacity to read others and trust their perceptions of others. 

The INFJ is a secretive type who is choosy about communicating inner thoughts and feelings. INFJs are sensitive, yet they are also guarded.

INFJ Personality Type Characteristics.

• INFJs can be soft-spoken and empathic due to their high sense of intuition and emotional understanding. This does not, however, imply that they are cowards. INFJs have strong convictions and the capacity to act aggressively to achieve their goals.

• Despite their introversion, persons with the INFJ personality type may develop deep, lasting relationships with others. INFJs appreciate assisting others, but they also require rest and relaxation.

• The INFJ is distinguished by their ability to put their ideals into action. INFJs don’t merely want a better world; they make it happen.

• People with the INFJ personality type enjoy taking charge by planning, organising, and making choices as soon as feasible.

• INFJs prioritise their emotions above objective facts when making judgments. This does not, however, imply that they view the world through rose-coloured glasses. INFJs have an excellent understanding of the world, including the good and the terrible, and aim to improve it.

Who is an INTJ?

The INTJ personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INTP is an acronym that stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging, four essential personality qualities based on the work of psychologist C.G. Jung.

Each of the four letters of the INTJ code represents a significant personality feature of the INTJ personality type. INTJs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), like to focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), make judgments based on logic and reason (Thinking), and prefer to be planned and structured rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging).

Because of their methodical, logical manner of thinking, INTJs are frequently referred to as Mastermind types. The INTJ is also known by the following nicknames:

• The Conceptual Planner (MBTI)
• The Architect (16Personalities)

INTJs are analytical problem-solvers who use their creative ideas to better systems and procedures. They have an uncanny ability to recognise areas for growth, whether at work, at home, or in themselves.

INTJs, who are often smart, love logical reasoning and complicated problem-solving. They approach life by examining the theory behind what they perceive, and their attention is usually drawn inward, to their own careful examination of the world around them.

INTJs are drawn to logical processes and are less at ease with the unpredictability of other people and their emotions. They are often autonomous and picky in their relationships, preferring to engage with intellectually challenging people.

INTJ Personality Type Characteristics Are –

• Make an effort to spend time alone and avoid huge groups of people.
• Concentrate on the overall picture rather than the specifics.
• Make judgments based on logic and intuition.
• Set lofty objectives for oneself and others.
• In order to have a better knowledge of complicated issues, they need to read more about them.

What are these 5 differences between an INFJ and an INTJ?

Values. 

INFJs are radical humanists, altruists, and optimists when it comes to values. They are motivated by a desire to help individuals attain their full potential, assist those in need, and improve the world.

INFJs, often known as Advocates or Counselors, are idealists in action. They’re often defined as folks who aren’t in the least bit interested in material or financial gain.

They are peacemakers who seek to do what is ethically good, and unlike dreamers, they take action and make their ideals a reality. Make sure to read our in-depth INFJ personality type page to learn a lot more about these folks.

The INTJ personality type, often known as Architects or Masterminds, is not the same as the INFJ personality type. People with the INTJ personality type prioritise intelligence and willpower above everything else.

INTJs are big dreamers who believe that with enough determination and information, everything is possible. Frivolous hobbies that don’t lead to something substantial are uncommon among INTJs.

Everything they do is centred on questioning and examining things, as well as finding a better way to do things and making things right. Because INTJs abhor falsehoods and shallow individuals, they place a high emphasis on honesty and depth.

Motivation.

Both personality types are focused on the future, but their focus differs. The intrinsic desire to do the right thing, elevate others, and give any type of assistance is the core drive for INFJs.

They are well-known for being good communicators with exceptional listening skills, as well as kind and comforting. They have a tendency to look at the broad picture and strive toward their objectives while keeping their moral values in mind.

INTJs, on the other hand, are driven by a never-ending hunger for knowledge. They take pleasure in their reasoning and knowledge. Their drive stems from the desire to develop a fresh thought or expose an untruth. Their independence allows them to try out a range of ideas until they find the one that works best for them.

Communication.

Despite their introversion, INFJs have a very easy time communicating with others. Their selfless character permits them to pay attention to what other people are saying and respond appropriately.

Unless their intuitive nature tells them there’s more to it than meets the eye, they never engage in trivial, pointless chats. They don’t just read the words; they also read the body language. 

They can see through what is stated and deduce the significance of what isn’t expressed. As a result, INFJs excel in circumstances where a problem needs to be solved.

INTJs are more remote and reserved than INFJs, who engage in conversation out of compassion and genuine curiosity. They want to associate with persons they think to be on the same level as them.

They have strong feelings about practically everything, including who they communicate with and with whom they share their views. They are rarely seen in formal social settings since they consider them useless and unneeded.

They like discussing scientific issues, new discoveries, and accomplishments, as well as anything else that piques their interest.

Managing Stress.

INFJs are peacemakers and conflict solvers. As a result, they become reserved and distant under stressful situations. Their capacity to see through layers of deception, comprehend people, and predict events is constantly centred on others.

Despite this, they frequently appear to have difficulty coping with their own difficulties and listening to their own demands. When dealing with unpleasant situations, INTJs, on the other hand, do not evade the issue. 

They feel obligated to resolve the tension, regardless of what is causing it. Engaging in intellectually engaging activities or taking up a new sport or hobby is the greatest method to cope with stress.

Resolving Conflicts.

Both personality types aim for justice and peace, as well as dispute resolution. Their techniques, however, are dissimilar. INFJs will go to great lengths to satisfy others and find a workable solution to a situation. 

They have the patience to listen to opposing viewpoints and use their knowledge to come to an accord. When they are insulted, especially when someone criticises their moral principles, they slam the door shut on that person. 

This is known as the INFJ door slam. INTJs are justice-seekers who will go to any length to ensure that any disputes are resolved fairly for all parties concerned. 

Their reasoning function strives to discover a solution to even the most complex problems. They will spend hours debating various solutions and presenting facts and data.

INTJs, on the other hand, are short-tempered, and if they don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, they give up fast, especially if they aren’t personally involved in the argument.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “Can an INFJ become an INTJ?” and reviewed the features and functions of these two introverted Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFJ and INTJ to help determine whether  INFJs can become INTJs. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

INFJ turning into INTJ? INFJs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.infjs.com/threads/infj-turning-into-intj.19442/#:~:text=Your%20type%20is%20just%20whichever%20one%20you%20prefer%20to%20manifest%20most.&text=subwayrider%20said%3A%20%E2%86%91-,I’ve%20read%20that%20many%20INFJs%20eventually%20morph%20into%20an,It’s%20not%20entirely%20uncommon.

I am an INFJ. How do I become an INTJ? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.quora.com/I-am-an-INFJ-How-do-I-become-an-INTJ

Granneman, J. 10 signs you’re actually an INFJ personality type, not an INTJ. (2015, September 16). Retrieved from  https://introvertdear.com/news/10-signs-youre-an-infj-personality-type-not-an-intj/

Can an INFJ turn into an INTJ? And vice versa? Reddit. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.reddit.com/r/intj/comments/jlpghy/can_an_infj_turn_into_an_intj_and_vice_versa/

Esteves, A. INFJ Versus INTJ: Five Ways to Tell These Personalities Apart. (2020, August 19). Retrieved from  https://www.truity.com/blog/infj-versus-intj-five-ways-tell-these-personalities-apart

INTJ vs. INFJ: Let’s Compare the Two. Psychologia. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://psychologia.co/intj-vs-infj/

INFJ vs INTJ Personality Types Compared – All Differences & Similarities. HIGH5TEST. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://high5test.com/infj-vs-intj/

INFJ and INTJ: Compatibility, Love, Marriage, and Romance. Online Personality Tests. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.onlinepersonalitytests.org/infj-and-intj-compatibility-love-marriage-and-romance/

Schallock, E. How INTJs & INFJs Deal with Disappointment. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://personalityjunkie.com/03/intjs-infjs-disappointment/