Cannot decide whether I am an INFP, INFJ or INTJ

Deciding between INFP, INFJ, and INTJ can be tricky because these types share similar traits, such as introspection, a focus on ideas, and concern for the future.

Here’s a breakdown to help you distinguish between them:

Core Differences Between INFP, INFJ, and INTJ

1. Decision-Making Style

  • INFP (Introverted Feeling – Fi):
    • Makes decisions based on deeply personal values and internal emotional alignment.
    • Asks, “Does this feel authentic and true to me?”
    • Tends to prioritize harmony, meaning, and self-expression.
  • INFJ (Introverted Intuition – Ni + Extraverted Feeling – Fe):
    • Makes decisions based on insights and how choices affect others emotionally or socially.
    • Asks, “Does this align with my vision for the future, and how will it impact others?”
    • Balances personal values with social harmony.
  • INTJ (Introverted Intuition – Ni + Extraverted Thinking – Te):
    • Makes decisions based on logic, strategy, and efficiency.
    • Asks, “Does this work, and is it the best way to achieve my goal?”
    • Values competence and results over emotions.

2. How You Handle Goals and Structure

  • INFP:
    • Flexible and open-ended; prefers to go with the flow and focus on possibilities.
    • Values personal growth and creative freedom over rigid plans.
    • May struggle with completing goals if they feel out of alignment with personal values.
  • INFJ:
    • Structured and goal-oriented, but focused on meaningful, long-term visions.
    • Prefers to plan but ensures those plans are emotionally or morally aligned.
    • Balances emotional impact with strategic steps.
  • INTJ:
    • Highly structured, strategic, and goal-driven; plans in detail to achieve objectives.
    • Prefers efficiency over flexibility and values results over emotional concerns.

3. How You Relate to Others

  • INFP:
    • Focuses on individual connections based on shared values or authenticity.
    • Often introspective and prefers smaller, deeper interactions.
  • INFJ:
    • Focuses on helping and guiding others, often taking on a mentor or advocate role.
    • Naturally empathetic and tuned into the needs of groups.
  • INTJ:
    • Less focused on emotional connections; prefers to work independently or in strategic collaborations.
    • Engages with others when it helps achieve a larger goal or vision.

4. How You Use Intuition

  • INFP (Extraverted Intuition – Ne):
    • Explores multiple possibilities, ideas, and “what if” scenarios.
    • Enjoys creative brainstorming and playing with abstract ideas.
  • INFJ (Introverted Intuition – Ni):
    • Focuses on singular, deep insights and creating a cohesive vision of the future.
    • Prefers clarity and avoids being scattered.
  • INTJ (Introverted Intuition – Ni):
    • Uses intuition to strategize and develop long-term plans.
    • Less concerned with emotional depth, more focused on achieving results.

5. How You Feel About Emotions and Logic

  • INFP:
    • Deeply emotional and values authenticity. May struggle with overly logical or impersonal environments.
    • Tends to internalize emotions and process them privately.
  • INFJ:
    • Balances emotional awareness with rational planning.
    • Empathetic but can step back to make decisions objectively.
  • INTJ:
    • Prefers logic and detachment over emotional decision-making.
    • May view emotions as secondary to achieving practical outcomes.

Quick Test to Decide

  1. When faced with a major decision, do you:
    • INFP: Follow your heart and values, even if it’s impractical?
    • INFJ: Consider how it aligns with your vision and how it affects others?
    • INTJ: Look at the most efficient way to achieve the result?
  2. When working on a project, do you:
    • INFP: Seek creative freedom and avoid rigid plans?
    • INFJ: Plan ahead but make sure it aligns with a bigger purpose?
    • INTJ: Strategize with detailed steps to achieve clear, measurable goals?
  3. In social situations, do you:
    • INFP: Connect with people who share your values and emotional depth?
    • INFJ: Help guide or mentor others, focusing on their needs?
    • INTJ: Engage only when necessary for collaboration or problem-solving?

Your Likely Type Based on Your Preferences

  • If you value authenticity, personal meaning, and creative freedom, you might be INFP.
  • If you value vision, purpose, and helping others, you might be INFJ.
  • If you value strategy, efficiency, and logical execution, you might be INTJ.