If you’re an INFJ personality type yourself, you’ll know firsthand that there are some non-negotiables in life. Whether it be rooted in their morality, their need for freedom, or their unique outlook on life, INFJs take these requirements very seriously. So, what are these crucial necessities and why does this usually easy-going type become so inflexible when it comes to these? Alright, let’s get right into it, starting with…
Number 1: The requirement of boundary-setting
This isn’t the first (or last) time you’ll hear us rant about just how important the ability to set boundaries is for the INFJ personality type, and that’s because there is simply no alternative to this challenging life requirement. To put it simply, INFJs are known to fall into the people-pleaser role all too often. Through this easygoing intended tendency, the INFJ puts themselves up against some of the most unnecessary challenges and struggles.
Whether it’s due to the fact that they never want anyone to feel embarrassed or disappointed, or that they simply don’t want to be rude, peer pressure can certainly pull on the INFJ’s heartstrings in certain scenarios. And although this intentional apathy helps them connect with others unlike anyone else, it can also result in some seriously slippery slopes.
However, when the INFJ takes the necessary steps to draw the line in the sand when required, they allow themselves to stay true to who they are and what they’re comfortable with. Although it takes some practice, this specific boundary-setting habit eventually allows the INFJ to realize they don’t need to feel guilty when standing up for themselves.
Related:
Do INFJs Need To Be Bored To Be Happy?
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
5 Sneaky Tactics Narcissists Use to Target Innocent Souls
Top 10 Reasons Narcissists Cheat: Understanding the Psychology Behind Their Infidelity
Number 2: The requirement of freedom and independence
If you’re an INFJ or if you know anything about this complex personality type, it won’t come as a surprise that independence is ultimately one of their most important requirements for a happy life. Ultimately preferring to march to the beat of their drum, this free spirit can’t help but follow their unwavering desire to achieve and create their life on their terms.
This desire to be self-reliant goes far beyond preference and has a lot to do with their cognitive functions. With their introverted intuition and thinking functions playing a significant role in their need for freedom, the INFJs can trust their logical conclusions and problem-solving skills over those that are suggested to them.
They don’t ‘need’ other people like some do, resulting in both good and not-so-good outcomes. While other types feel insatiable when they don’t have people around, the INFJ’s creativity, motivation, and overall satisfaction with life can suffer when they aren’t able to fully utilize their independence. Whether it’s the controlling boss in their life, the overbearing partner, or simply the inability to follow their intuitive hunches, INFJs can easily feel restricted when independence isn’t readily available.
Number 3: The requirement of some form of human connection
While independence is among the most crucial requirements for the INFJ personality, so is the need for human connection. While many INFJs manage just fine on their own, deep down, there’s always this nagging pull towards utilizing their gifts for the sake of their fellow humans.
Even for this true introverted type, a prolonged lack of human connection will always result in them feeling like something is missing. Of course, this doesn’t mean they need a bustling social life or a large circle of friends, but having a romantic relationship or a few close friends can profoundly impact how they perceive themselves and the world around them.
Understandably, this can be challenging for INFJs, who often feel alienated and misunderstood, however, this challenge only makes finding a deep connection even more special. And special is what the connection must be for it to be worth an INFJ’s while, for unlike most people who are satisfied with small talk and casual acquaintances, this type seeks connections that dive far beneath the surface. For them, a deep connection requires time and effort to cultivate and is essential for feeling truly in tune with someone.
Number 4: The requirement of solitude
Much like their unquestionable need for freedom and independence, the INFJ requires ample amounts of solitude in their day-to-day lives. This personality type can’t possibly live a fully satisfying life without taking the necessary time to themselves. Alone time is an essential component to their overall mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
Being the extroverted feelers they are, INFJs are constantly absorbing the emotions of others and trying to find the best solutions to others’ problems, which ultimately leads them further and further away from being in tune with themselves. On top of that, their extroverted sensing function is continuously subconsciously active, giving them no choice but to always pick up on the smallest of details around them at all times. Considered both a gift and a curse, these cognitive functions deplete them of their energy much faster than the average person.
Therefore, it’s within these essential times of solitude where the INFJs can fully ground themselves, process the details they’ve subconsciously observed, and disconnect their feelings from those around them. Time in solitude is an absolute must, and without it, those around the INFJ will quickly see that they’re simply not themselves.
Number 5: The requirement of utilizing their creativity
Speaking of solitude, the INFJ needs to keep the rule of ‘everything in moderation’ in mind. Although it’s considered completely natural and necessary for this intuitive personality type to focus on their inner reality, it’s in taking the time to detach from their thinking that they find the necessary balance they long for in life. INFJs greatly benefit from distracting themselves from their thoughts, even if it’s done in the comfort of only themselves. Whether it’s through a creative outlet such as writing, reading, painting, or drawing, or through less creative endeavors such as meditation, walking in nature, exercising, or yoga.
When the INFJs utilize their less developed extroverted sensing cognitive function properly, they’ll find a sense of happiness that isn’t available through their familiar introverted intuition. To spend at least 20 minutes a day actively staying out of their overworked minds, INFJs find a new sense of clarity, enjoyment, and appreciation for the simpler things life has to offer.
Number 6: The requirement of being understood at surface level
To be an “understood INFJ” might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s not as far-fetched as it seems. While younger INFJs may long to feel more understood by those around them, the mature INFJ doesn’t need to be fully understood. Over time, this personality type begins to take pride in their mysteriousness and deep thinking, eventually seeing their complexity as a quirk they wouldn’t change if they had the chance.
However, every INFJ requires, on some level, to understand why they do things a little differently. In reality, they’re not as quirky or eccentric as they might be perceived. While there’s a certain level of feeling understood that comes from having a few close human connections, it’s ultimately up to the INFJs themselves to figure out who they are.
Thanks to the multitude of MBTI resources, it’s never been easier for INFJs to gain a better understanding of themselves. Of course, learning about your MBTI personality type can help anyone figure themselves out, showing where to apply their strengths in life. Yet, for INFJs who are so familiar with feeling misunderstood, connecting with other INFJs with similar experiences can provide a sense of belonging and the comforting realization that they’re not alone.
Number 7: The requirement of constantly having a new goal
Perfectionistic, self-critical, and future-focused, it’s fair to say that goal-setting and achieving serve to be pretty important for the INFJ type. The concept has been instilled in us from an early age… Always have a goal in mind, both short and long-term. Well, there may just be an ounce of legitimacy behind it all when it comes to an INFJ’s overall satisfaction.
To say that INFJs need to set tangible and realistic goals in life is an understatement, for once this type loses sight of some form of direction forward, they will quickly find themselves lost, disorganized, and even relying on their shadow functions of indulgence and rash decision-making to get through day-to-day life.
Rooted in their need for continual learning, having future goals gives the INFJ’s innate creativity and imagination a focal point. Rather than living life on auto-pilot, allowing their introverted intuition to ruminate about any given piece of information, having a clear goal gives their imaginative intuition a direction. And since INFJs are known for self-improvement, with a curious goal in mind, any INFJ can stay encouraged, no matter how difficult the endeavor may be.
Leave a Comment