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
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.