I am an INTJ
- You’re distant and serious until you get to know someone better. Much better
- You hate small talk and wasting your valuable time with social pleasantries
- You’re blunt. You may learn to curb that with time, but only with strangers; With the people close to you, you don’t go to that trouble
- You have intense focus. When you care about a subject or come upon a problem at work, you tune everything out and don’t come up for air until you’re satisfied that you’ve mastered it to some degree. That for me, is what astonishes people the most, what causes them to take notice of me when they’d so far dismissed me as unimportant
- You see patterns everywhere and like to test your theories against them. At the same time, you’re not afraid to adjust your patterns if you discover that something doesn’t fit
- You have no respect for people who make important decisions based on their feelings, those who act without planning and those who fail to keep their promises
- You’d rather spend time alone than with boring company. If in said company, you’ll either stand up and leave, if you can do it without attracting too much attention, or retreat into your inner world which is always fascinating
- You like to find the reason WHY behind everything. And I mean everything. When something doesn’t make sense you can become obsessed and have trouble moving over it
- Your word is your vow. Which is why you usually take some time to answer since you want to be sure of what you’re gonna say
- You can move between multiple point of views with ease and understand the reasoning behind each one, even if your own POV is completely different. It’s like a superpower that allows you to get into other people’s minds and somewhat mitigates your lack of empathy
- You love your analytical, logical way of thinking, your straightforwardness, your (almost absolute) objectivity and believe that if more people were like you, the world would be a much better place
Overly Critical and Perfectionistic: INTJs often have high standards for themselves and others, and when these aren’t met, they may become overly critical. This perfectionism can lead to self-criticism, disappointment in others, or even a reluctance to delegate tasks if they don’t trust that it will be done to their standards.
Emotionally Reserved: INTJs can appear aloof or emotionally detached, which may make it difficult for others to connect with them. They tend to focus on logical analysis over emotional expression, which can unintentionally create distance in relationships or cause them to dismiss others’ feelings as irrelevant.
Impatient with Inefficiency: INTJs have a strong aversion to inefficiency and may become frustrated when things are done inefficiently or without reason. This can make them come across as impatient or even demanding, especially if others don’t share their standards for efficiency or structure.
Difficulty Handling Emotionally Charged Situations: INTJs might feel out of their element in highly emotional or subjective situations, finding it difficult to empathize fully when decisions are based on feelings rather than logic. This can cause tension in both personal and professional relationships, especially if they don’t see a clear path to resolving the issue.
Rigid or Stubborn: When INTJs have made up their minds, they can be very determined—even stubborn—about their conclusions. This rigidity can lead to conflicts, particularly when they don’t take others’ viewpoints into account or adapt well to unexpected changes in plans.
Reluctant to Show Vulnerability: INTJs can have a hard time opening up emotionally, which might make it difficult for others to get to know them deeply. They may fear showing vulnerability as it could seem like a weakness, even though sharing openly can lead to stronger, more supportive relationships.
Tendency to Isolate: INTJs often prefer working alone and may isolate themselves, especially when they’re focused on a project. This independence can be positive, but taken to an extreme, it might lead them to miss out on valuable feedback or the benefits of collaboration.
Overthinking and Paralyzing Analysis: Sometimes, INTJs’ need to plan and analyze leads to “paralysis by analysis,” where they overthink and get bogged down by potential obstacles. This can prevent them from taking action if they’re too focused on perfecting every detail beforehand.
Curiosity and Learning: INTJs often have a relentless drive to understand how things work. This curiosity means they frequently pursue knowledge, whether through formal education, personal projects, or deep dives into topics they find intriguing. This can make them invaluable in roles requiring specialized expertise or problem-solving.
Visionary Mindset: INTJs can see beyond the present, often envisioning what could be improved. This vision allows them to anticipate challenges or roadblocks well before they happen, which is excellent for leadership roles or any job involving strategic planning. Their focus on the future can sometimes make it challenging to stay engaged with day-to-day tasks that lack long-term impact.
Efficiency Focus: INTJs have a natural inclination toward efficiency and improvement. They quickly notice inefficiencies in systems, processes, or even workflows. This skill can sometimes make them appear impatient or demanding, especially in environments resistant to change. However, this same quality often results in high-quality work and streamlined procedures when INTJs are given the space to innovate.
Selective Socializing: INTJs are often reserved, choosing quality over quantity in friendships and connections. They enjoy meaningful conversations and tend to form deep, lasting relationships. This selectiveness can make them seem aloof or distant, but for those they do connect with, they are incredibly loyal and supportive.
Inner Drive and Resilience: INTJs are known for their perseverance and focus on achieving their goals. Once they set their sights on something, they put in the necessary effort and refuse to be discouraged easily. This resilience allows them to overcome setbacks and continue progressing even when obstacles arise. However, it also means they may need to consciously practice flexibility to avoid burnout.
Personal Standards and Self-Improvement: INTJs often set high standards for themselves, sometimes more than they expect of others. This drive for improvement isn’t about competition but rather an internal need to be the best version of themselves. This can, however, lead to self-criticism if they feel they fall short of their ideals.
Desire for Autonomy: Independence is crucial for INTJs. They value having control over their work and decisions, which makes them most comfortable in roles where they’re trusted to manage their responsibilities without micromanagement. This autonomy fuels their creativity and motivation, but a lack of it can be frustrating.
