Can an INFJ change? (5 ways)

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

Can an INFJ change?

Yes, an INFJ can change. An INFJ can change in the following 5 ways – 

• INFJs should question their own instincts.
• Allow others to gain from their mistakes.
• Allow others to agree to disagree as well.
• Make friends with the extroverts.
• Take it easy.

These 5 ways in which an INFJ can change will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFJ means and how INFJs feel about change. 

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.

How do INFJs feel about change? 

Change can cause INFJs to respond in a variety of ways. While they appreciate having the freedom to experiment with new visions or ideas for the future, they may be apprehensive if they envision undesirable consequences.

They take longer to adjust to change than most other kinds. They want to explore their options, assess the potential consequences, and consider how the change would affect them and others around them.

When INFJs have a vision or image of the future that seems pleasant and fresh, they are most inspired to change. They despise predictability and boredom and are enthralled by new alternatives and possibilities; all they need is time to cognitively engage with the change and ponder the connections and effects it will have on all parties involved.

Tips for Presenting Change to INFJs –

• If at all feasible, give them the change one-on-one.
• Allow them time to analyse and consider the change before expecting a quick answer.
• Describe the broad picture – how will the future look after this reform is implemented?
• Give them the chance to shape the future and creatively impact change.
• Recognize the potential effects of the change on themselves and others.
• Explain the change’s underlying ideals and ethics. Is this the most ethical option?
• Show your gratitude and support.
• Provide them with a clear understanding of the priorities, outcomes, and objectives.

What are these 5 ways in which an INFJ can change?

INFJs should question their own instincts.

For the most part, INFJs have excellent intuition, yet their intuition can mislead them when interacting with others. 

INFJs will often withdraw into the safety of their own heads rather than speak openly about what they are feeling when something bothers them; conversely, given the depth of the emotions they experience, they rarely express their feelings of love, affection, and appreciation as directly as one might expect. 

To strengthen their communication skills, INFJs should go out of their way to convey their sentiments to others, both positive and unpleasant, no matter how uncomfortable it makes them feel.

Allow others to gain from their mistakes.

INFJs are persuasive, intuitive, and perceptive. Despite the considerable work INFJs put into developing and marketing their notions and ideas, there will always be dissenters. 

INFJs might get disillusioned with others who fail to accept their findings, and they may believe that their opponents are behaving in bad faith or have hidden intentions. 

When faced with situations like this, INFJs should strive to realise that complete agreement is difficult to achieve and that some people will continue to have opposing perspectives. Both parties should simply agree to disagree and move on in such cases.

Allow others to agree to disagree as well.

When emotions are high and disputes are raging, INFJs will try everything they can to restore peace and harmony. 

But their aversion to separation and love of harmony is so strong that INFJs fail to realise that sometimes the only way to resolve a conflict is to bring it out into the open, where bridges of understanding may be constructed. 

On the whole, INFJs detest confrontation, which is a healthy thing. However, instead of continually attempting to sweep things under the floor, their efforts to play peacemaker may be more successful if they focused on keeping the lines of communication open when differences emerge.

Make friends with the extroverts.

Because sharing their skills with anybody outside of a small trusted group goes against their inclinations, skilled INFJs frequently opt to keep their gifts wrapped up and concealed, despite the fact that they have a lot to offer. 

INFJs, on the other hand, would benefit from building cordial ties with extraverts whenever feasible. It’s no secret that being among more naturally open and talkative individuals may assist INFJs break out of their shells and into the world, where their intellect, sensitivity, and compassion can benefit others.

Take it easy.

When INFJs make a conscious effort to focus on one thing at a time, they are more productive and successful. 

Their inventive imaginations, on the other hand, usually undercut their efforts to remain on track, and they will frequently begin new projects based on new ideas before the old ones are completed—and, before they realise it, they will be buried by an avalanche of work. 

There’s not much INFJs can do to slow down and take things one at a time, but if they keep reminding themselves to slow down and take things one at a time, they might be able to resist the impulse to go off on tangents at least some of the time.

Conclusion – 

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

References –

How does an INFJ change? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/How-does-an-INFJ-change

Bevier, D. Why INFJs Struggle with Major Life Changes (and How to Deal). (2019, June 24). Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/why-infjs-struggle-with-major-life-changes-and-how-to-deal/

Is It Possible to Change Your Personality Type? 16 Personalities. (n.d.).  Retrieved from https://www.16personalities.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-change-your-personality-type

Storm, S.  Can Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type Change? (2018, June 14). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2018/06/14/can-your-myers-briggs-personality-type-change/

Storm, S.  Here’s How You Feel About Change, Based on Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type. (2019, 

June 11). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2019/06/11/heres-how-you-feel-about-change-based-on-your-myers-briggs-personality-type/

Owens, M. INFJ, THE COUNSELOR. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INFJ/strengths-weaknesses

Owens, M. INFJ, THE COUNSELOR. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INFJ/careers

Cherry, K. INFJ: The Advocate (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging). (2021, June 17). Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/infj-introverted-intuitive-feeling-judging-2795978

INTJ and INFJ Relationship. Crystal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.crystalknows.com/personality-type/relationship/intj-infj