Can an INFP become an INFJ? (5 differences)

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

Can an INFP become an INFJ? 

No, an INFP cannot become an INFJ because the MBTI type cannot be altered. However, an INFP, or any type, may work on their flaws and achieve the positive characteristics of an INFJ.

An INFP cannot become an INFJ because of the following 5 differences between INFPs and INFJs – 

• INFPs are dominant judgers, whereas INFJs are dominant perceivers.
• INFPs are highly individualistic, whereas INFJs are highly social.
• INFPs and INFJs act differently when experiencing stress.
• INFPs often move from idea to idea, whereas INFJs are more focused on one idea.
• INFPs mirror emotions, whereas INFJs absorb them.

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

Who is an INFP?

The INFP personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four key personality qualities based on C.G. Jung’s work.

Each of the four letters of the INFP code represents a significant personality feature of the INFP personality type. 

INFPs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), base their decisions on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).

Because of their empathetic idealism and gentle concern for others, the INFP personality type is often known as the “Healer.” The INFP is also known by the following nicknames:

• The Thoughtful Idealist (MBTI)
• The Mediator (16Personalities)

An INFP prefers an unstructured and free-spirited lifestyle. INFP is an introverted and ultra-creative Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type. The INFP is sensitive, creative, and loyal to their values.

INFPs are creative idealists who are guided by their primary ideals and beliefs. A Healer who is preoccupied with possibilities; the actuality of the time is merely a fleeting concern. INFPs see the possibility of a brighter future and seek truth and purpose in their own unique way.

INFPs are sensitive, loving, and compassionate people who are highly concerned with their own and others’ personal progress. INFPs are individualistic and nonjudgmental, believing that each person must forge their own path. 

INFPs like spending time investigating their own ideas and ideals, and they gently encourage others to do the same. INFPs are creative and frequently artistic; they like discovering new ways to express themselves.   

INFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –

• INFPs are introverts who are quiet and reserved. INFPs find that being in social situations depletes their energy, thus they prefer to connect with a small number of close pals. While they like being alone, this should not be mistaken for timidity. Rather, it simply implies that INFPs get energy from alone time. INFPs must, on the other hand, devote energy to social circumstances.

• INFPs rely on intuition and are more concerned with the overall picture than the finer points of a situation. INFPs can be quite thorough about things that are important to them or tasks they are working on, yet they tend to overlook little or insignificant details.

• INFPs value personal sentiments above everything else and their actions are affected more by these concerns than by objective data.

• INFPs prefer to keep their choices open when it comes to making decisions. INFPs frequently put off making key judgments in case the circumstance changes. The majority of judgments are made based on personal ideals rather than reasoning.

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.

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

INFPs are dominant judgers, whereas INFJs are dominant perceivers.

The letter “P” in INFP stands for perceiving, while the letter “J” in INFJ stands for judging. The major roles of these two categories are diametrically opposed. 

Ni is a Perceiving function, which means it tries to adapt to and understand the world. Fi is a Judging function, which means it takes an organised approach to life with the purpose of regulating one’s surroundings.

INFPs are highly individualistic, whereas INFJs are highly social.

INFPs have a strong sense of self. INFPs use Fi to conduct their lives truthfully and in accordance with their inner values and feelings. While INFPs cherish harmony in their relationships, they are opposed to losing their individuality for the sake of harmony or the greater good, unlike INFJs. 

The notion of losing themselves to the mob’s homogeneity is unnerving to INFPs. They would prefer that everyone be themselves. INFPs are sympathetic and frequently invest in other people’s lives in order to help them attain their full potential and become their most true and ideal selves.

Ni paired with Fe, on the other hand, causes INFJs to seek harmony in their relationships. They strive to prevent conflict and promote positive feelings in social situations. As a result, INFJs can be chameleons in social situations. 

They adapt to other people’s personalities, sometimes copying their body language, tone of voice, and other characteristics to make them feel more at ease—and can appear to be rather outgoing. 

INFJs have a deep awareness of human nature, and they strive to communicate their visions in a way that others can understand. INFJs like advising and counselling others because it allows them to have a better understanding of the human condition.

INFPs and INFJs act differently when experiencing stress.

When under stress, the inferior function (fourth function) of all personality types might develop uncontrollably. When stressed, INFPs demonstrate ruthless Extroverted Thinking (Te). 

Te’s interests include organisation, systematisation, reasoning, and the creation of order and structure. INFPs may not appear to be their typical sympathetic and open-minded selves when they are stressed. 

They may instead become frigid, critical, and judgemental of themselves and/or others. They may, for example, criticise someone for failing to do something in a certain way, pointing out their shortcomings and errors.

Extroverted Sensing (Se), on the other hand, is the INFJ’s weaker function. Se is impulsive and hyper-aware of what is going on in the physical world at the time. 

As a result, stressed INFJs may make judgments without considering the long-term effects, which is rare for INFJs, who are usually cautious decision-makers who carefully analyse the consequences of their actions. 

INFJs are prone to overindulging in bodily pleasures such as eating, drinking, and shopping.

INFPs often move from idea to idea, whereas INFJs are more focused on one idea.

INFPs employ Ne to entertain various possibilities and thoughts. Because this is how they absorb information from the world, they are also more at ease with ambiguity and unpredictability. 

As a result, INFPs are likely to have a wide range of hobbies and interests that satisfy their desire to learn new things. They may find it difficult to commit to a certain objective, yet this feature also allows them to be adaptable to their surroundings.

INFJs, on the other hand, employ Ni to filter away biases and sharpen perception in order to arrive at “one truth”. This could entail devoting a significant amount of time and effort to pondering a particular concept and determining how it fits into a larger framework of ideas. INFJs operate in this manner.

INFPs mirror emotions, whereas INFJs absorb them.

Because they use Fi, INFPs are acutely aware of their own emotions. They, like INFJs, can empathise with other people’s emotions, but they do so in a unique way: they put themselves in the shoes of another person and “mirror” the other person’s emotions within themselves. 

An INFP, for example, can empathise with someone who is suffering because they have felt comparable emotions. Fe, on the other hand, is used by INFJs to tune in to the sentiments of others. 

They even absorb and experience other people’s emotional emotions as if they were their own. Because INFJs are generally preoccupied with other people’s feelings, they may be blind to their own feelings until they become too strong to ignore.

Conclusion – 

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can an INFP become an INFJ?

Is it possible to be INFP and INFJ?

INFPs and INFJs are compatible and might make a wonderful couple. INFPs and INFJs have many characteristics, including the fact that they are both introverted. They are both nurturing caregivers who are deeply committed to their beliefs and belief systems.

Can an INFP change?

Some Pointers on How to Present Change to INFPs:

Allow them time to consider the adjustment before requiring an instant reaction. Inquire about their thoughts on everything relating to the shift. Allow them time to consider the changes before taking action. Describe your long-term vision.

Can an INFJ be mistyped as an INFP?

INFJs are usually misidentified as INFPs, ISFJs, or ENFJs, but they are also occasionally misidentified as INTJs. There are several causes for this, the most common of which is a lack of effort put in truly understanding the complexity of each kind.

Do INFPs like other INFPs?

INFP personalities may genuinely connect on a deep level since they both want to connect authentically with other people. When two people disclose their true selves and talk frankly, INFP couples can have a very deep bond.

Are INFPs good liars?

INFPs are excellent liars, but they are unaware of it. Although INFPs struggle to lie owing to internal concerns such as the fear of being caught, INFPs look credible in the eyes of others. When INFPs appear to be certain about something, the falsehoods grow more potent.

References-

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I used to be an INFJ, now I am an INFP. What does that mean? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/I-used-to-be-an-INFJ-now-I-am-an-INFP-What-does-that-mean

INFP to INFJ. Reddit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/infj/comments/6bjbeq/infp_to_infj/

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