January 1, 2023

Personality Test (Myers Briggs): INFJ-T

I took this Myers Briggs test at the “16Personalities” website. Interesting and eerie how it the results are so familiar. You can take the test for yourself HERE.

I plan to go back through these results over the weekend to designate which landed for me ✅ and what missed the boat 🛑I hope you have fun learning more about me and yourself by taking your own test and sharing.

I appear to be in good company with other INFJ (Advocates)…

• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Nelson Mandela
• Mother Theresa
• Marie Kondo
• Lady Gaga
• Nicole Kidman
• Morgan Freeman
• Goethe
• Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)
• James Wilson (House M.D.)
• Aragorn (The Lord of The Rings)
• Galadriel (The Lord of The Rings)
• Tom Kirkman (Designated Survivor)
• Rose Bukater (Titanic)
• Desmond Hume (Lost)
• Aramis (The Three Muskateers)
• Michael Scolfield (Prison Break)
• Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird)
• Matthew Murdock (Daredevil)

Introduction

WHO IS AN ADVOCATE (INFJ)?

An Advocate (INFJ) is someone with the Introverted🛑, Intuitive✅, Feeling✅, and Judging✅ personality traits. They tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination✅. Their inner vision, personal values, and a quiet, principled version of humanism guide them in all things✅.

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.”

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (German Poet; August 28th, 1749 ~ March 22nd, 1832)

Advocates are the rarest personality types of all. Still, Advocates leave their mark on the world. They have a deep sense of idealism and integrity, but they aren’t idle dreamers – they take concrete steps to realize their goals and make a lasting impact✅.

Advocates’ unique combination of personality traits makes them complex and quite versatile✅. For example, Advocates can speak with great passion and conviction, especially when standing up for their ideals✅. At other times, however, they may choose to be soft-spoken and understated, preferring to keep the peace rather than challenge others✅.

Standing Up for What’s Right

Advocates generally strive to do what’s right – and they want to help create a world where others do the right thing as well✅. People with this personality type may feel called to use their strengths – including creativity, imagination, and sensitivity – to uplift others and spread compassion✅. Concepts like egalitarianism and karma can mean a great deal to Advocates✅.

Advocates may see helping others as their purpose in life✅. They are troubled by injustice, and they typically care more about altruism than personal gain✅. As a result, Advocates tend to step in when they see someone facing unfairness or hardship✅. Many people with this personality type also aspire to fix society’s deeper problems, in the hope that unfairness and hardship can become things of the past✅.

Nothing lights up Advocates like creating a solution that changes people’s lives.

Connecting with Others (and Themselves)

Advocates may be reserved, but they communicate in a way that is warm and sensitive✅. This emotional honesty and insight can make a powerful impression on the people around them✅.

Advocates value deep, authentic relationships with others, and they tend to take great care with other people’s feelings✅. That said, these personalities also need to prioritize reconnecting with themselves✅. Advocates need to take some time alone now and then to decompress, recharge, and process their thoughts and feelings✅.

The Cost of Success

At times, Advocates may focus so intently on their ideals that they don’t take care of themselves✅. Advocates may feel that they aren’t allowed to rest until they’ve achieved their unique vision of success, but this mindset can lead to stress and burnout✅. If this happens, people with this personality type may find themselves feeling uncharacteristically ill-tempered✅.

Advocates might find themselves feeling especially stressed in the face of conflict and criticism✅. These personalities tend to act with the best of intentions, and it can frustrate them when others don’t appreciate this✅. At times, even constructive criticism may feel deeply personal or hurtful to Advocates✅.

A Personal Mission

Many Advocates feel compelled to find a mission for their lives✅. When they encounter inequity or unfairness, they tend to think, “How can I fix this?”✅ They are well-suited to support a movement to right a wrong, no matter how big or small✅. Advocates just need to remember that while they’re busy taking care of the world, they need to take care of themselves too✅.

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Strengths & Weaknesses

Advocate (INFJ) Strengths

Creative✅

Advocate personalities enjoy finding the perfect solution for the people they care about. To do this, they draw on their vivid imagination and their strong sense of compassion. This can make them excellent counselors and advisors.

Insightful✅

Advocates typically strive to move past appearances and get to the heart of things. This can give them an almost uncanny ability to understand people’s true motivations, feelings, and needs.

Principled✅

People with the Advocate personality type tend to have deeply held beliefs, and their conviction often shines through when they speak or write about subjects that matter to them. Advocates can be compelling and inspiring communicators, with their idealism persuading even the hardest of skeptics.

Passionate✅

Advocates can pursue their ideals with a single-mindedness that may catch others off guard. These personalities rarely settle for “good enough,” and their willingness to disrupt the status quo may not please everyone. That said, Advocates’ passion for their chosen cause is a key aspect of their personality.

Altruistic✅

Advocates generally aim to use their strengths for the greater good – they rarely enjoy succeeding at other people’s expense. They tend to think about how their actions affect others, and their goal is to behave in a way that will help the people around them and make the world a better place.

Advocate (INFJ) Weaknesses

Sensitive to Criticism✅

When someone challenges their principles or values, Advocates may react strongly. People with this personality type can become defensive in the face of criticism and conflict, particularly when it comes to issues that are near to their hearts.

Reluctant to Open Up

Advocates value honesty, but they’re also private✅. They may find it difficult to open up and be vulnerable about their struggles🛑 & ✅. This might also be because they think they need to solve their problems on their own or don’t want to burden other people with their issues✅. When Advocates don’t ask for help, they may inadvertently hold themselves back or create distance in their relationships✅.

Perfectionistic✅

The Advocate personality type is all but defined by idealism. While this is a wonderful quality in many ways, an ideal situation is not always possible. Advocates might find it difficult to appreciate their jobs, living situations, or relationships if they’re continually fixating on imperfections and wondering whether they should be looking for something better.

Avoiding the Ordinary✅

Advocate personalities tend to be motivated by a sense of having a greater purpose in life. They might consider it tedious or unnecessary to break their big visions into small, manageable steps🛑. But they may be setting themselves up for frustration if they don’t turn their dreams into everyday routines and to-do lists🛑. Without these specifics, their goals may never materialize🛑.

Prone to Burnout✅

Advocates’ perfectionism and reserve may leave them with few options for letting off steam. People with this personality type can exhaust themselves if they don’t find a way to balance their drive to help others with necessary self-care and rest.

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Romantic Relationships

“Love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Nelson Mandela (Former President of South Africa; July 18th, 1918 ~ December 5th, 2013)

Advocates (INFJs) tend to take the process of finding a romantic partner seriously. People with this personality type look for depth and meaning in their relationships, preferring not to settle for a match that’s founded on anything less than true love✅.

It can take time for Advocates to find a compatible partner. Some people might think Advocates are too choosy, and it’s true that these personalities can have unrealistic expectations. Some Advocates might hold out for a “perfect” partner or relationship that ultimately doesn’t exist✅.

That said, Advocates’ idealism – if balanced with just enough realism – can actually enhance their love lives. Advocate personalities tend to be in touch with their core values, so they care about compatibility as well as surface-level attraction. This can help them avoid matches that aren’t founded on authenticity or shared principles✅.

Once Advocates do find a suitable relationship, they rarely take it for granted. Instead, they tend to look for ways to grow as individuals and strengthen their connection with their partner. This can help Advocates’ relationships reach a level of depth and sincerity of which many people can only dream✅.

Is This for Real?

Advocates care about integrity, and they tend to bristle when people try to change them or talk them into something that they don’t believe. As a result, Advocate personalities gravitate toward partners who appreciate them as they are. And there’s a great deal to appreciate about Advocates: they’re warm, caring, honest, and insightful, with an ability to see the truth that lies beneath surface appearances✅.

People with this personality type create a depth to their relationships that can hardly be described in conventional terms. Because of their sensitivity and insight, Advocates can make their partners feel heard and understood in beautiful ways. Advocates aren’t afraid to express their love, and they feel it unconditionally✅.

One of the things Advocates find most important is establishing genuine, deep connections with the people they care about.

Advocates tend to recognize that love isn’t a passive emotion but rather an opportunity to grow and learn, and they expect their partners to share this mindset. As a result, relationships with Advocates are not for the uncommitted or the shallow✅.

When it comes to intimacy, Advocates can be incredibly passionate in ways that go beyond the physical. People with this personality type crave an emotional and even spiritual connection with their partner. They cherish not just the act of being in a relationship but also what it means to become one with another person in mind, body, and soul✅.

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Friendships

“The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.”

Henry David Thoreau (American Naturalist; July 12th, 1817 ~ May 6th, 1862)

Advocates (INFJs) have a deep desire for authenticity and sincerity in everything they do – from their daily activities to their relationships. As a result, people with this personality type rarely settle for friendships of convenience. Rather than rely on superficial interactions with the people they see every day at work or school, they generally prefer to have a close circle of confidants✅.

Advocates tend to light up around friends who share their passions, interests, and beliefs. Few things give these personalities more pleasure than connecting with others over discussions about meaningful ideas and philosophies. Once Advocates know they can trust someone completely, they find it incredibly fulfilling to share their innermost thoughts, ideas, and feelings with them✅.

Searching for a Heart of Gold

Just as Advocates have high standards for themselves, they also have high standards for their friendships. They want to feel compatible with their friends on a deep level. In addition, Advocate personalities generally want to surround themselves with people who will inspire them to grow and improve. Most Advocates don’t just want to have fun with their friends – they also want to learn new things, make new discoveries, and deepen their bonds✅.

This is a tall order, and Advocates may feel that it’s difficult to meet the sort of friends they’re searching for. Because Advocates are a rare personality type, they may meet relatively few people who really remind them of themselves. As a result, they may feel as if they need to settle for less-than-fulfilling friendships or else accept being alone✅.

Fortunately, Advocates are more than capable of finding the types of friends they long to meet – they might just have to use their intuition to do so. In their quiet, understated way, Advocate personality types have a knack for seeing beyond appearances and understanding people’s deeper natures. They can use this ability to move past first impressions and figure out whether someone’s interests, values, and attitudes might be compatible with their own. By doing this, Advocates can befriend people who might seem totally different from them but who are compatible on a deeper level✅.

In friendship, it’s as though Advocates are searching for a soul mate, someone who shares every facet of their passions and imagination.

Loyalty and Authenticity

Advocates have a quiet determination that can be quite charismatic, and their ability to express themselves clearly and passionately can make them truly shine. At times, these traits may lead to unwanted attention and popularity for Advocates, who tend to be private✅.

Advocates may sometimes find themselves surrounded by people who want to impress them. Paradoxically, this can make it more difficult for people with this personality type to find friends with whom they feel a connection. After all, the only way to be counted among Advocates’ true friends is to be authentic, honest, and real✅.

Once they do find genuine friends, people with the Advocate personality type make loyal and caring companions. With their trademark warmth and enthusiasm, they support their friends’ efforts to grow and expand their lives. In general, Advocate personalities don’t require a great deal of day-to-day attention from their friends. For them, quality trumps quantity – and that includes the time they spend with their nearest and dearest✅.

As trust grows, Advocates tend to share more of their inner lives with their friends. If these revelations are met with acceptance and support, this can herald the sort of friendship that transcends time and distance, lasting a lifetime✅.

Over the years, Advocates may end up with just a few true friendships rather than a wide circle of casual acquaintances. But as long as those friendships are built on a richness of mutual understanding, Advocates wouldn’t have it any other way✅.

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Parenthood

“My instinct is to protect my children from pain. But adversity is often the thing that gives us character and backbone.”

Nicole Kidman (American-Australian Actress; June 20th, 1967 ~ )

As parents, Advocates (INFJs) tend to look at their relationships with their children as opportunities to learn and grow with someone they care about. These personality types also work to achieve another important goal: raising their children to be independent and all-around good people✅.

Advocate parents generally strive to be devoted and loving toward their children at all times. As they imagine their children’s futures, what Advocates really look forward to is being able to interact and connect as equals with the people they helped raise✅.

Be Unique, Just Like Me

As their children grow, Advocates may unconsciously project a great deal of their own beliefs onto them. People with this personality type often expect their children to demonstrate the same integrity and honesty that they expect from themselves✅.

At the same time, Advocate personalities may also push their children to think independently, make their own choices, and develop their own beliefs. Depending on the child’s developmental stage and temperament, they might find these expectations confusing or stressful – even though their Advocate parents have the best of intentions✅.

Advocate parents want to raise children who are ethical, creative, and kind.

If all this independence is taken to heart, it can cause some trouble for Advocate parents as their children move into the more rebellious phase of adolescence. This is especially true if their children choose beliefs that go against their values as Advocate parents. In this situation, Advocates may feel as if their children are criticizing or rejecting them – a hurtful thing to such a sensitive personality type✅.

A Job Well Done

Ultimately, Advocate parents tend to realize that it isn’t a sign of failure if their children turn out differently than they’d expected. Instead, they come to see this as a sign that they’ve successfully helped raise someone who has the ability to form their own ideals. Advocates’ children often come to appreciate the combination of independence and integrity with which they were raised – especially as they get older✅.

Advocates strive to make sure that their children grow up with a firm understanding of the difference between right and wrong. Parents with this personality type encourage their children to fight for a cause they believe in and to be the best they can be. Whatever age their children might be, Advocates can find a great deal of fulfillment and meaning simply in helping their children learn to be true to themselves✅.

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Career Paths

“It’s better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain, than to say, ’I don’t want to try because I may not succeed completely.’”

Jimmy Carter (39th U.S. President; October 1st, 1924 ~ )

Advocates (INFJs) tend to seek a career path that aligns with their values rather than one that offers status and material gain. Fortunately, people with this personality type are able to find work that suits them in just about any field✅.

In fact, many Advocates have trouble deciding which job is best for them because they’re able to imagine so many possibilities. These personalities may see 10 wildly different paths forward, each with its own set of rewards. This can be exciting but also stress-inducing, because picking just one means letting go of so many others✅.

Truth, Beauty, Purpose

Advocates want to find meaning in their work and to know that they are helping and connecting with people. This desire to help and connect can make roles as counselors, psychologists, teachers, social workers, yoga instructors, and spiritual leaders very rewarding for Advocates. Careers in health care – especially the more holistic varieties – can also be attractive options for this personality type✅.

Many Advocates are also strong communicators. This explains why they are often drawn to careers in writing, authoring many popular books, blogs, stories, and screenplays. Music, photography, design, and art can all be viable options as well, allowing Advocates to focus on deeper themes of personal growth and purpose✅.

That said, Advocates can excel in a range of fields. Wherever they work, people with this personality type can find ways to help others. They can also find ways to use their creativity in nearly any position. No matter what it says on their business cards, Advocates’ insight can enable them to spot unusual patterns and come up with out-of-the-box solutions, creating real change in others’ lives✅.

Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood

Advocates’ needs may be hard to meet in some work environments, especially those that offer little independence and agency. Advocate personalities are sometimes drawn to behind-the-scenes and noncompetitive roles, but these jobs can lead to frustration if they don’t allow Advocates to act as they see fit, grow as individuals, and make a difference✅.

For this reason, people with the Advocate personality type may feel fulfilled by seeking out leadership positions or by starting their own business. By finding jobs that offer more autonomy, Advocates can focus on applying their creativity and integrity to everything they do. Advocates may also find it gratifying to create bridges between seemingly disparate professional fields – for example, by writing about psychology or by being an environmental lawyer. These hybrid careers can offer plenty of opportunities for Advocates to exercise their creativity and their love of learning✅.

Where Advocates struggle is in work that doesn’t take personal needs into consideration, is overly repetitious, or promotes conflict. Jobs with these characteristics can leave Advocates frustrated and unfulfilled. People with this personality type may also chafe at the criticism and pressure that come with cutthroat, competitive work environments✅.

A Sense of Mission

In truth, Advocate personalities can do well in any field. To be truly happy, however, they need to find work that aligns with their values and allows them some independence. Advocates crave opportunities to learn and grow alongside the people they are helping. When this happens, Advocates may finally feel as if they are fulfilling their life’s mission, contributing to the well-being of humanity on a personal level✅.

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Workplace Habits

Advocates (INFJs) have some specific needs when it comes to a satisfying work environment. People with this personality type want to know that their work helps people and promotes their own personal growth. This means that their work must be in line with their values, principles, and beliefs.✅

In the workplace, Advocates tend to thrive when they have opportunities to express their creativity and insight, and they’re especially motivated when they know that what they’re doing has meaning. They also tend to do best when they can ignore workplace politics and hierarchies and simply do what matters to them. Most people with this personality type prefer not to think of themselves as above or below anyone else – no matter where they are on the job ladder✅.

Fortunately, Advocates are resourceful and creative, and they can find ways to make nearly any position work for them✅.

Advocate Subordinates

Advocates value cooperation, sensitivity, and independence. As employees, they tend to gravitate toward managers who are open-minded and willing to consider their input. Advocate personalities may become frustrated when they feel unheard, so having a manager who listens to them can make all the difference✅.

Ideally, Advocates will also find a manager whose values align with their own and who offers them encouragement and praise✅ . Because Advocates tend to act on their convictions and aim to do their best, their morale can be vulnerable to criticism, particularly if it’s unwarranted✅. Other morale killers for these personalities may include strict rules, formal structures, and routine tasks.🛑

Of course, a perfect work environment isn’t always possible. Advocate employees with less-than-ideal managers may need to draw on their inner resilience and seek out other mentors. The good news is that people with this personality type are more than capable of handling workplace challenges, including the challenge of having a difficult manager✅.

Advocate Colleagues

As colleagues, Advocates can be quite popular and well-respected. People with this personality type are likely to be seen as positive, eloquent, and capable coworkers. Among their greatest strengths is their ability to identify others’ motives and defuse conflicts and tension before anyone else even senses a disturbance✅.

At times, efficiency may be less of a priority🛑 for Advocates than collaborating with and helping colleagues who need a boost✅. While this is usually a strength, there is a risk that others will take advantage of their desire to help✅. Advocates may find themselves picking up the slack for their less dedicated coworkers at the expense of their own energy and well-being✅.

Although they tend to be warm and approachable colleagues, Advocates are still Introverts. From time to time, they may need to step back and work alone, pursuing their own goals in their own ways✅.

Advocate Managers

As managers, Advocates may dislike wielding their power🛑. These personalities prefer to see those who work under them as equals✅. Rather than micromanage their subordinates, Advocates often prefer to empower them to think and act independently✅. They work hard to encourage others, not to crack the whip✅.

That’s not to say that Advocates have low standards – far from it. Their sense of equality means that they expect their subordinates to live up to the standards that they set for themselves. Advocate personalities want their employees to be rigorous, motivated, reliable, and unfailingly honest, and they will notice if their employees miss the mark✅.

Compassionate and fair, Advocate managers often take pride in identifying their subordinates’ unique strengths. They make an effort to understand their employees’ motivations – an effort that is helped by Advocates’ Intuitive insights✅.

That said, people with this personality type can be quite stern if they catch someone behaving in a way that they consider unethical. Advocates have little tolerance for lapses in reliability or morality. When their employees’ good intentions match their own, however, Advocates will work tirelessly to ensure that their entire team feels valued and fulfilled✅.

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Research shows that Advocates are one of the most likely personality types to…

• …often feel misunderstood (94%);✅
• …feel like helping others gives them purpose (93%);✅
• …be humble in victory (93%);✅
• …pass along a good opportunity if they thought someone else needed it more (83%);✅
• …feel pain just by seeing someone else get hurt (81%);✅
• …consider themselves a private person (97%);✅
• …encourage their child to follow their passion in life, even if it’s unlikely to result in prosperity (95%);✅
• …refuse to take any credit for the work they haven’t done (83%);✅
• …have fears they know are irrational (83%);✅
• …know how others are feeling just by looking at them (89%);✅
• …stay awake at night thinking about something that upset them during the day (79%);✅
• …feel upset they cannot help everyone (88%);🛑
• …be emotionally attached to their possessions (76%);🛑
• …re-read an e-mail after sending it (86%);✅
• …be afraid of the dark as children (74%).✅

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INFJ-T Framework

Five Personality Aspects

Five personality aspects that, when combined, define the personality type: Mind, Energy, Nature, Tactics and Identity.

• Mind: This aspect shows how we interact with our surroundings.
  • Introverted individuals prefer solitary activities and get exhausted by social interaction. They tend to be quite sensitive to external stimulation (e.g. sound, sight or smell) in general✅ & 🛑.
  • Introvert (I) Personality: Strength in Reserve
    • Introverts are well-suited to many situations. A tendency to be reserved helps these personality types to pace themselves✅. They’re likely to listen to others more carefully✅. Very introspective, Introverts enjoy more focused “alone time” – leading to more and deeper insights✅ & 🛑. And, while sometimes too sensitive to their environments🛑, this often helps them pick up cues more quickly, making them great at reading many situations✅.
    • 80% of Introverts say they often find that time spent alone is more interesting and satisfying than time spent with other people, compared to 29% of Extraverts🛑.
    • However, this same reserve means that Introverts tend to find outside stimuli like noise, motion, or intrusive lighting frustrating✅ & 🛑. Some of this can be an invigorating change of pace✅ – too much unsettles them and drains their energy✅. These personality types often prefer to be in their own space where they can adjust their environments✅. Add a human factor to this sensitivity – for example, insistent conversations where they’re expected to be just as insistent – and it can exhaust them. They need time alone to regather their energy and restore their calm✅.
• Energy: The second aspect determines how we see the world and process information.
  • Intuitive individuals are very imaginative, open-minded and curious. They prefer novelty over stability and focus on hidden meanings and future possibilities.
    • Intuitive (N) Personality: Eyes on the Horizon
      • People with the Intuitive trait prefer to exercise their imaginations as they seek new ideas and possibilities✅. They live their day-to-day lives just like any other personality type. But while that’s happening, their minds tend to point inward while at the same time gently focusing somewhere beyond the horizon✅. Their lives are ones of questioning, wondering, and connecting the dots in the “bigger picture,” and they love the theoretical✅. They often ask, “What if?” and ponder the possibilities the future might hold✅.
      • 88% of those with the Intuitive trait say they spend a lot of time thinking about “What if?” scenarios✅.
      • But Intuitive people aren’t always the most practical, preferring instead to give things deeper meaning✅ . There may be a long wait as these personality types allow their imaginations free rein✅. They may also leap in too quickly to more complex matters🛑. An entire theory can come together in moments, leaving others confused✅.
      • Practicality can sometimes be overrated, especially when a situation calls for serious change and “coloring outside the lines.” This is where Intuitive people shine✅. They bring interesting dimensions to life beyond everyday ideas – and take those who decide to go along with them✅.
• Nature: This aspect determines how we make decisions and cope with emotions.
  • Feeling individuals are sensitive and emotionally expressive✅. They are more empathic✅ and less competitive🛑, and focus on social harmony and cooperation✅.
    • Feeling (F) Personality: “Who Does This Help?”
      • 88% of those with the Feeling trait said they value and cherish their emotions✅.
      • People with the Feeling (F) trait follow their hearts and emotions – sometimes without even realizing it✅. They may show it to different degrees and in different ways, but however they do it, Feeling personality types tend to be caring, compassionate, and warm✅. These concerned people can be highly protective of those they care about – whether that is their immediate family or remote populations in need✅.
      • However, people with the Feeling personality trait often find they become excessive in their concern for others✅. They may easily burn out✅ – or cause others to – when they become too involved✅ & 🛑. These emotionally aware individuals can become depressed if they feel they haven’t been as selfless in life as they imagine they should be, or if those they have helped seem to fall down regardless✅.
      • 65% of those with the Feeling trait say they mostly listen to their hearts when they make important choices✅.
      • Feeling personality types’ concern for others typically affects all their endeavors✅. This can be practical and close, as with family, friends, and colleagues. Or it can be broader, as with world peace, ending hunger, and giving the disadvantaged a boost.
      • But this reliance on feelings doesn’t mean there is no logic – theirs is just a different logic. They see that emotions can’t simply be waved away, so feelings and the welfare of others shape their lives more than stark facts and cold objectivity✅. Weighing things this way makes these personalities valuable to have around when the big question is, “Who does this help?”
• Tactics: This aspect reflects our approach to work, planning and decision-making.
  • Judging individuals are decisive, thorough and highly organized✅. They value clarity, predictability and closure, preferring structure and planning to spontaneity✅ & 🛑.
    • Judging (J) Personality: Making Things as They Ought to Be
      • People with the Judging (J) personality trait feel most comfortable when the course ahead is well-marked✅. They would rather come up with five backup plans than deal with events as they come✅. Preferring to consider their options ahead of time, personality types with this trait prefer clarity and closure, sticking with the plan rather than going with the flow✅ & 🛑. It’s as if Judging types always keep a mental checklist✅. When they cross something off their list – or even start an item on their list – they consider it complete and not open to reconsideration✅ & 🛑.
      • 66% of those with the Judging trait say they set specific goals that they hope to accomplish each day✅.
      • The downside is, if they take this too far, those with the Judging trait sometimes come across as rigid✅ . However, most are not unreasonably stubborn✅. It’s important to remember their need for structure always is a preference and reality often calls on them to respond in unforeseen ways✅. Too many surprises in a row can leave these personality types frustrated and stressed✅. When this happens, they can still be relied on to develop a plan (and a contingency plan), but however well they handle the unexpected, they rarely enjoy it✅.
      • Judging individuals tend to have a strong work ethic, putting their duties and responsibilities above everything else✅. To them, rules, laws, and standards are the key to success✅. They can be too dependent on these measures, whether applied to themselves or others. But the intent is almost always one of fairness and results✅.
• Identity: Finally, the Identity aspect underpins all others, showing how confident we are in our abilities and decisions.
  • Turbulent (-T) individuals are self-conscious and sensitive to stress✅. They are likely to experience a wide range of emotions and to be success-driven, perfectionistic and eager to improve✅.
    • Turbulent (-T) Personality: Power of Stress, Activate!
      • Turbulent individuals are success-driven, perfectionistic, and eager to improve✅. They are always trying to counterbalance their self-doubts by achieving more✅. Just as they push themselves to become better, they’re as likely to push their projects or efforts in the same direction✅. Turbulent personality types tend to notice little problems and often do something about them before they become larger ones✅.
      • 86% of those with the Turbulent Identity say that comparing themselves to others usually results in a negative feeling✅.
      • There are potential downsides to all this attention and achievement. Always feeling the need to do more, to have more, and to be more, Turbulent individuals can also get caught up in endless thoughts of criticisms, slights, or regrets✅. This can either bog them down or motivate them to do better✅ & 🛑. Their sensitivity to potential problems can be useful – unless that’s all they think about and the problems clutter their attention✅ & 🛑. Turbulent personality types may compulsively scan for what might go wrong instead of keeping their eyes on more positive targets – on what could go right✅ & 🛑.
      • Careful and attentive people are always important to society and keep it safe. At the same time, a fear of stagnation can bring about great change. Turbulent individuals beautifully cover both. When these personalities balance their worries and concerns with positive action, they’re likely to prove themselves to be of great value✅.

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Type Groups

Roles: Determines our goals, interests, and preferred activities.

• Diplomats (Intuitive and Feeling [ _NF_ ] types, both Assertive and Turbulent variants)
  • Diplomats focus on empathy and cooperation, shining in diplomacy and counselling✅. People belonging to this type group are cooperative and imaginative, often playing the role of harmonizers in their workplace or social circles✅. These traits make Diplomats warm, empathic and influential individuals, but also cause issues when there is a need to rely exclusively on cold rationality or make difficult decisions✅.
  • Diplomat personality types care about helping and connecting with others✅. They prioritize being kind and generous, and in general, they’d rather cooperate than compete✅ & 🛑. Empathy seems to come naturally to these personalities✅. It can almost seem as if their hearts and minds resonate with other people’s emotions✅.
  • These types aim to understand themselves and others✅. They often have deep insights into human nature, and they can use these insights to influence the people around them✅. Fortunately, Diplomat personality types tend to do this with care✅. They are sensitive to other people’s feelings, and they want to nudge the people around them in positive directions✅.
  • 94% of Diplomats say they prefer deep conversation to small talk✅.
    • Striving for Change
      • Diplomats have a deep belief in the ideals of humanism – altruism, compassion, and understanding✅. These personality types believe it is possible to create a kinder world, and they strive to do so every day✅.
      • The Intuitive trait fuels this optimism✅. Paradoxically, though, it also makes these types hyper-sensitive to wrongdoing✅. This sensitivity provides Diplomat personalities with the motivation they need to tackle injustice, which is important✅. If left unchecked, however, this personality trait can trigger self-righteousness or single-mindedness✅.
      • 97% of Diplomats say they often drift into daydreaming or fantasizing about different ideas or scenarios✅ & 🛑.
      • In general, Diplomats are motivated by principles rather than practicality✅. This helps them to stay true to their big dreams and ideas✅. That said, these types may have trouble enacting plans that are pragmatic rather than passion-driven🛑. Diplomats can be tempted to ignore day-to-day tasks in favor of their big dreams and ideas✅. As these personalities mature, however, they often learn to balance these necessary tasks with the big-picture thinking they enjoy✅.
    • A Higher Purpose
      • Among friends and family, Diplomat personalities can range from quietly caring to brightly gregarious. Unfortunately, their open hearts can make them vulnerable when others are inconsiderate✅. That said, these types wouldn’t have it any other way. Someone must trust first, and Diplomats will almost always volunteer✅.
      • These personality types see magical beauty where others see the humdrum of daily life✅. This trait attracts many Diplomats to creative expression✅. These types can be passionately inspired by music, writing✅, cuisine, theater – or many other creative pursuits✅.
      • 86% of Diplomats say their ideal job requires a lot of creativity✅.
      • Diplomats want to bring progress and beauty to the world around them✅. These types are led by a sense of higher purpose, and they care about serving the greater good✅. As a result, activism, spirituality, healing, and volunteering are common interests for these personality types✅.
    • The Need to Belong
      • For Diplomats, authenticity and connection aren’t just buzzwords✅. These concepts – which might seem vague or wishy-washy to other types – form the bedrock of Diplomats’ lives✅. This explains why relationships matter so much to these personality types – and not just any type of relationship, but rather real, meaningful bonds✅.
      • When asked about their ideal social life, only 8% of Diplomats would like to spend most of their time alone. Instead, the majority of Diplomats express a desire for a partner and a few good friends✅. These personalities may also worry more about loneliness than other types, with nearly two thirds of Diplomats saying they worry about being lonely in their old age✅ & 🛑.
      • 77% of Diplomats say they often feel a strong need to belong✅ & 🛑.
      • For many Diplomats, a central challenge of their lives is to balance their need for authenticity with their need to belong✅. More than any other personality Role, Diplomats say that the need to belong often motivates them to do things they otherwise wouldn’t✅ & 🛑. This sort of behavior might not bother other types, but it poses a real dilemma for Diplomats. Being fake can feel literally painful to these types, who long to be loved and accepted for who they are, not for their ability to fit in✅.
      • For Diplomats, an important part of self-development is learning to be real…even if they fear that doing so won’t make them popular✅. The irony is that many Diplomat personalities only feel a deep sense of belonging and connection once they learn to approach relationships as their whole, true selves✅.
    • What is Success, Anyway?
      • If your life goals are to earn pots of money, land an impressive job, buy a fancy car, and be better than everyone else – well, you’re probably not a Diplomat✅ & 🛑.
      • But that isn’t to say that Diplomats don’t have their own type of ambition. 85% of Diplomats say it’s important to them to make a lasting impact on other people, outside of their family and closest friends✅. In other words, these personality types want to make a lasting difference in the world – which is no small feat✅. This might explain why Diplomats are second only to Analysts in saying that they sometimes set impossibly high standards for themselves✅.
      • Only 18% of Diplomats say their career is the most important thing in their lives✅.
      • Perhaps because they have such a lofty view of success, Diplomats are the Role least likely to consider themselves successful✅. It’s important to note that the great majority of people with these personality types still say they’d be upset if they never became successful. As a result, many people with these types may feel as if they’re constantly striving toward ideals and expectations that they’ll never meet✅.
      • To address this sense of inadequacy, many Diplomats find they must let go of comparisons to other people✅. 79% of Diplomats say they consciously compare themselves to others either often or very often✅. By releasing these comparisons, Diplomats can free themselves to do things their own way, in their own time – rather than fretting over whether they’re successful yet.
    • Time to Leap
      • You know that expression, “Leap and the net will appear”? Diplomat personality types can fall into the trap of thinking they’ve leapt – metaphorically speaking – when they’re actually still perched at the ledge✅ & 🛑. Because these personalities have such active mental lives and imaginations, they can forget that thinking about starting a business isn’t the same as actually starting a business, or that watching videos of dancers isn’t the same as throwing themselves into a pirouette.
      • For many Diplomats, the secret to tackling their greatest challenge is simply to take action✅. Of course, that’s easier said than done. The majority of Diplomats say they overthink simple tasks – so you can only imagine how much they might overthink major life decisions or their most precious dreams🛑.
      • 76% of Diplomats say they usually trust their gut feelings – more than any other Role✅.
      • Fortunately, Diplomats tend to have a deep intuitive sense of what is right for them✅. Many of these personality types find that by tuning into this wisdom – and honoring it – they can find satisfaction and meaning in their everyday lives, no matter what challenges arise along the way✅.

Strategies: The Strategy layer shows our preferred ways of doing things and achieving goals.

• The word “strategy” suggests a course of action. In our use, Strategy describes how personality types act in response to the world around them and how they might choose to accomplish things.
• Strategies express themselves primarily in two ways: social style and resistance to stress. Social style entails how other people factor into an individual’s Strategy and to what degree. One example might involve whether a person prefers working in a team or alone.
• Resistance to stress includes the degree of impact that a stressful situation might have on an individual and their efforts, as well as how resilient they might be when trying to restore themselves after a challenging event. An example of this might involve whether a person quits after a jarring setback or presses forward.
• Constant Improvement (Introverted and Turbulent [ I___-T ] types)
  • Constant Improvers are quiet, individualistic people✅. They tend to be perfectionistic and success-driven, often spending a lot of time and effort making sure that the result of their work is the best it can be✅. As their name says, Constant Improvers are high achieving individuals dedicated to their craft…however, they also tend to worry too much about their performance✅.
    • Sensitive Souls
      • Constant Improvers tend to be sensitive and introspective✅. They are often deep individuals who enjoy having their own space and freedom✅. In general, these personality types feel more comfortable on their own than mixed up in the judgment of the real world✅.
      • This may be because they share the two personality traits most representative of sensitivity to their environment – Introversion and Turbulence. As a result, they may find it stressful to deal with tense environments✅ or new situations🛑. In these moments, Constant Improvers can be deeply uncomfortable – although they may not want to let on how they really feel✅. In reaction, these personalities might retreat inward, react defensively, or try to escape the situation altogether🛑. Alternatively, they might give up their own wants or needs in an effort to keep the peace✅.
    • Driven by Doubt
      • Constant Improvers tend to experience self-doubt✅. They have a strong drive, but it comes paired with a strong fear of failure✅. These personality types invest a great deal of their identity in their successes✅. As a result, even a minor misstep or embarrassment can be crushing✅.
      • On the upside, this vigilance offers these personality types a knack for sensing trouble✅. This can be quite useful in situations that need to balance risk and reward – whether a financial investment or a romantic opportunity✅. When faced with a potential risk, these types look for ways to prevent problems✅. Although it slows them down in the short term, this approach can prevent longer-term issues✅.
      • 79% of Constant Improvers say they often dwell on their regrets✅ & 🛑.
      • Constant Improvers direct much of their attention toward their personal interests✅. They strive to master hobbies, careers, or new means of self-expression✅. This level of dedication can create impressive, beautiful results✅.
      • People with Constant Improvement personality types can be perfectionistic, dedicating tremendous time and energy to their pursuits✅. Unfortunately, if they put too much pressure on themselves, this approach can backfire✅. For example, Constant Improvers may feel forced to abandon an endeavor because a single detail doesn’t line up right✅ & 🛑.
    • Reality and Romance
      • At times, Constant Improvers may experience a nagging feeling that something is missing from their lives✅. It’s worth noting that often this really is just a feeling, not a reflection of reality. These personality types have it in their nature always to be seeking something more – even if their lives actually are going just fine✅.
      • But as Constant Improvers assess their lives, wondering what might be missing, they may find themselves focusing on their romantic relationships – or lack thereof✅. And these personalities are more likely to say they often construct an ideal partner in their heads when they’re single✅.
      • 62% of Constant Improvers say they’re more concerned about being single for extended periods of time the older they get✅ & 🛑.
      • Although Constant Improvers may find themselves longing for romance, they don’t necessarily find it easy to start up a relationship✅. They’re less likely than other personality Strategies to say that they usually take the initiative in asking someone out✅. This makes sense, given that Constant Improvers can feel hesitant about putting themselves out there – and asking someone out is an incredibly vulnerable position to be in✅.
      • This might sound like bad news, but it doesn’t have to be. As they grow and mature, Constant Improvers often learn how to transform their feeling that something is missing into positive energy – and by doing so, they not only discover gratitude for the good things in their lives, but also become proactive about making helpful changes✅. This mindset shift can empower these personality types to find fulfillment in their relationships – as well as in every other aspect of their lives✅.
    • The “Right” Career?
      • Constant Improvers’ longing for “something more” extends to their professional lives✅. Just over a quarter of these types say that their career is a great fit for them – a rate of agreement that is less than the other Strategies.
      • This doesn’t necessarily mean that Constant Improvers are in the wrong careers for them – although they might wonder if they are. More than half of these personality types say they often think about switching careers, and they’re more likely than the other Strategies to say that they feel stuck in their current job✅.
      • This restlessness doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, restlessness can be an incredible motivator to do great things✅. The trouble comes when Constant Improvers feel trapped: wanting to make a change, but suspecting they’re unable or helpless to do so✅. This feeling can have a number of roots, such as self-doubt or a general worry that other people don’t “get” them✅.
      • 96% of Constant Improvers say they often feel misunderstood✅.
      • As in other areas of their lives, Constant Improvers who pursue personal growth often discover that their feeling of helplessness is exactly that – a feeling✅. This can be a powerful discovery. In its wake, these personality types are better able to harness their personal and professional strengths and deal with their feeling of “stuckness.”✅ This may take the form of finding a new career, or it might involve advocating for themselves in their current workplaces so that they get more of their needs met✅. Either way, Constant Improvers often find that they have more agency in their professional lives than they’d realized✅.
    • The Strength of Sensitivity
      • In general, Constant Improvers care a great deal about what others think of them✅. This can trigger insecurity, to be sure, but when kept in balance, it can create some truly wonderful traits. These personalities are often curious about and sensitive to others’ feelings✅. This can make them excellent listeners, friends, confidants, and partners✅.
      • Some types might think that sensitivity is synonymous with weakness, but Constant Improvers know that isn’t the case✅. These personality types often exemplify how sensitivity and vulnerability can be hidden strengths✅. Their attunement to their own struggles and insecurities can help them to bond deeply with others✅. It can also motivate them to act with kindness and compassion✅.
      • Although they may not always realize it, Constant Improvers offer the world a wealth of gifts✅. Once they learn to trust themselves as much as they trust others’ opinions, these personalities can shine✅.

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Assertive Advocate (INFJ-A) vs. Turbulent Advocate (INFJ-T)

While Assertive (INFJ-A) and Turbulent (INFJ-T) Advocates are likely to be more alike than different, their Identity personality trait provides some nuanced dissimilarities between the two. It impacts the way each thinks, acts, and responds to their worlds to a significant extent.

Assertive Advocates are more likely to be confident and relaxed. Turbulent Advocates are likely to question themselves more and are ordinarily more sensitive to stressors✅.

74% of Assertive Advocates feel like they effectively manage the stress in their life, compared to 28% of Turbulent Advocates. – “HANDLING STRESS” SURVEY

Turbulent and Assertive Advocates and the People in Their Lives

All Advocate individuals decide matters primarily by filtering them through their feelings, and their decisions often reflect the value they place on their morality. How they think about people and what they are going through is a defining factor for their personality type. But Turbulent Advocates are likely to turn empathizing with others up a notch when compared to Assertive Advocates✅.

Turbulent Advocates often let their passions lead them to great accomplishments. These are fueled by their regard for the people in their lives and concern for moral and idealistic issues. They can become overly involved in the problems of others. This involvement might even generate a kind of hyper-empathy where these personalities identify too much with those they seek to help✅.

If Turbulent Advocates become invested and then are not able to help to the degree they think they should, Turbulent self-criticism can be excessively harsh. They can sink into brooding and become miserably mired in worry and regret✅.

75% of Turbulent Advocates say they are prone to seeing difficulties everywhere, compared to 42% of Assertive Advocates. – “OPTIMIST OR PESSIMIST?” SURVEY

To add to this, Turbulent Advocates are more willing to exaggerate the impact of something that bothers them or hurts the people they care about. People with this personality type often interpret things as being far worse than they are. But such exaggeration is rarely on purpose or about dishonesty. It’s more a reflection of their tendency to hold more negative views of things. It can genuinely reflect what they believe. But even if it comes from a good place, magnifying the problems can add unneeded stress and intensity to an already difficult situation✅.

When the Assertive Advocates become bothered by injustice, inequality, or the problems of others, they are more likely to respond in a hopeful manner. They may pay just as much attention to any troubling concerns and human difficulties, but they refuse to become stressed by them.

35% of Turbulent Advocates feel like they are in control, even when things are going wrong, compared to 72% of Assertive Advocates. – “OPTIMIST OR PESSIMIST?” SURVEY

That doesn’t mean these personalities aren’t genuinely invested, or that they don’t care. There are many ways, apart from fretting, to take an interest in the plight of others.

Assertive Advocates are more likely than their counterparts to stay on an even emotional keel when relating to others. Rather than spending a lot of time thinking about the pain and misery some may suffer, these personality types are more likely to think in terms of plans and visions that may lead to a more positive future. They can be just as intense imagining the emergence of something good as Turbulent Advocates can be about their worries and regrets.

But this optimism can, at times, have negative outcomes. Life through rose-colored glasses doesn’t always promote a clear vision. Assertive Advocates might shrug off legitimately important problems that need to be addressed, choosing instead to focus on brighter things. On these occasions, they may overlook essential tasks. Turbulent Advocates are more likely to spot such things long before Assertive Advocates do✅.

Both Turbulent and Assertive Advocates tend to elevate their friends, the people they fall in love with, and even their colleagues. These personalities generally think the best of those they value and agree with. They might not look as kindly on those who go against their sense of right and wrong or appear to be phony✅.

However, there is a difference between the two: Assertive Advocates see things through a filter that values humanity and want to have people (in limited Introverted doses) in their lives. Turbulent Advocates, in comparison, are more likely to go beyond simply wanting people in their lives✅. These personalities feel more of a need for others and are more affected by what others think of them✅. This need for others and their opinions can help them form deep bonds with others and allows them to collaborate better when that’s called for✅.

38% of Turbulent Advocates find it easy to make an important decision without consulting anyone first, compared to 71% of Assertive Advocates. – “RELYING ON OTHERS” SURVEY

However, unlike Turbulent Advocates, Assertive Advocates are not deeply influenced by the opinions of others – perhaps, at times, to their detriment. This allows these personalities to approach the various missions in their lives with independence and in a streamlined fashion.

73% of Turbulent Advocates feel pressured to live up to a certain standard (e.g., home, car, salary), compared to 42% of Assertive Advocates. – “SOCIAL PRESSURES” SURVEY

But at what point does this independence evolve into arrogance? All Introverted personality types prefer being alone – or, at most, among a small group of carefully chosen people. That said, Assertive Advocates can overplay the role of the lone wolf. These Confident Individualists can become so independent that they forget the needs and wishes of others.

Turbulent Advocates can go the other way – constantly looking for approval, stifling their individuality, and thwarting their efforts as they wait for all who matter to look kindly on their actions and ideas. Pleasing everyone is a rare accomplishment in life, and pursuing it has stalled a lot of people in their tracks✅.

93% of Turbulent Advocates are often afraid of being rejected by other people, compared to 52% of Assertive Advocates. – “RELYING ON OTHERS” SURVEY

Change, Regret, and Advocate Identity Differences

Because of their shared Judging personality trait, both types of Advocates prefer routine and predictability. Neither particularly likes to be caught by surprise✅.

However, Assertive Advocates are much more likely to accept an unusual turn in events, and they somewhat more readily buy into unorthodox ideas and people. They tend to be somewhat more adventurous than their Turbulent counterparts – probably by virtue of their confidence🛑.

Turbulent Advocates, as part of their quest for ongoing improvements, are likely to embrace change, but only within reason. People with this personality type like to have some control over it and to have some guarantee that it is the right change at the right moment. They are likely to take fewer risks than their Assertive counterparts✅.

87% of Turbulent Advocates find it hard not to let a stressful event negatively affect them, compared to 47% of Assertive Advocates. – “HANDLING STRESS” SURVEY

Advocate personalities all share profound regard for the past. They tend to remember the way things have unfolded in their lives deeply and passionately. They glean lessons for the future from their bygone days. However, Assertive Advocates are much less bothered by regrets when their pasts have been rocky, whereas Turbulent Advocates may cling tightly to the memories of such disappointments and missteps✅.

86% of Turbulent Advocates often feel regret, compared to 48% of Assertive Advocates. – “REGRET: GENERAL ATTITUDES” SURVEY

Regret can color Turbulent Advocates’ future actions either positively or negatively: positively, if they are motivated to make up for past missteps; negatively, if these personalities become caught up in guilt or anger. This can be especially devastating if they believe they have harmed others✅.

Because regret does not impact them as much, Assertive Advocates may be less driven to fix past mistakes. If they can just brush off their failures as unimportant, they may not learn critical lessons that can be best taught by trial and error. This may leave these personalities repeating their mistakes more often than they might like.

89% of Turbulent Advocates often catch themselves dwelling on past mistakes, compared to 61% of Assertive Advocates. – “THOUGHT PATTERNS” SURVEY

Summary of Differences

• Both personality types are concerned with other people, but Assertive Advocates are likely to be more hopeful, and Turbulent Advocates to focus on the difficult parts of a problem✅.
• Turbulent Advocates are often fueled by their worries and concerns, and these can be used to make significant progress✅.
• Both Assertive and Turbulent Advocates can get caught up in the drama of life, but those who are Turbulent are likely to be affected by it more✅.
• Stress and regret affect the Assertive Advocate individuals less, but this should not be confused with their not caring.
• Because their regrets weigh on them more, Turbulent Advocates are more likely to learn from their mistakes than Assertive Advocates✅.
• Assertive Advocates are less influenced by the opinions of others than Turbulent Advocates. However, paying too little or too much attention to the opinions of others carries its own difficulties✅.
• Assertive Advocates are more likely to want people in their lives, while Turbulent Advocates may feel they need people in their lives✅.

The same but different – that’s what we discover when we explore Assertive and Turbulent Identities in a single personality type. For Advocates, this means they share the same passion, the same concern for others, the same sense of order, and the same level of conviction about right and wrong✅.

However, it also means each personality type has a somewhat different perspective regarding the metaphorical glass. Is it half-full or half-empty? To what degree do they respond to other people and events, and to what degree do they move forward despite them? It’s all part of the journey of self-exploration.

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Conclusion

In the end, it’s your actions, how you respond to circumstance, that reveals your character.” 

Cate Blanchett (Australian Actor; May 14th, 1969 ~ )

Few personality types are as passionate and enigmatic as Advocates (INFJs). As someone with this personality type, you stand out for your imagination, your compassion, your integrity, and your deeply held principles. Unlike many other idealistic types, however, you are also capable of turning your ideals into plans and executing them✅.

Yet Advocates face challenges too. Even the most idealistic and dedicated of personality types can become frustrated when it comes to navigating interpersonal conflicts, confronting unpleasant facts, pursuing self-realization, or finding a fulfilling career path. As a result, you may sometimes find yourself questioning who you really are – and who you’re really meant to be✅.

Ongoing Notes In Reflection

Originally posted on December 31, 2021 @ 12:00PM.

Reread January 1, 2023 @2:00PM…reread to reconnect with who I am and how I relate with the world and others.

Reread January 2026 and still feel this reflects me pretty well.

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I challenge each of you to post comments to this blog series so we all can grow together.