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We are thought of as the Counselors, the Visionaries, the Confidants of humanity. We are defined as introspective, sensitive, caring and complex people.
It was in early 2009 when I first discovered the Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and its subsequent 16 personality types developed and patented by Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers. Discovering my MBTI personality type: the INFJ, was the beginning of a long period of self-discovery that still continues to this day. If you haven't been acquainted with MBTI, I really encourage you to read more into it after this article.
While labels can be restrictive and limiting, I personally found that identifying as an INFJ assisted me in better understanding who I am and why I think, feel and behave the way I do. Any form of personality classification is an excellent way of understanding and accepting yourself and the people around you, and is a useful component in Involution.
Related Article: Read This When You Are Tired of Everything
As many INFJ's (Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging), and other “IN” (Introverted Intuitive) personality types seem to be drawn to our LonerWolf community, I thought it was about time to write this article.
Realizations, Epiphanies And Life Lessons
Said to exist in approximately 1-3% of the population, INFJ's are somewhat the underdogs in the world of personality types, constituting a smaller than average percentage of people in society.
Additionally, it seems common for the INFJ to display Highly Sensitive and Empathictraits. Many INFJ's (not all), also identify as Old Souls.
Through my years of self-discovery, I've found that I am both a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) and display Empathic abilities. I've also shared some thoughts on being an Old Soul, having written a novella on the subject last year. Keeping all these factors in mind, these are some of the most humbling life lessons I've learnt in the past few years, many of them thanks to my INTJ coauthor, best friend and partner Sol.
Lesson #1 You want to solve everyone's problems …
… You realize some problems aren't made to solve. Problems provide a catalyst for change, and can offer valuable life lessons to the ones experiencing them. Therefore, it's not always our place to fix people's issues. With enough experience and discernment we realize that some problems are out of our grasp and control for a reason.
Related Article: 10 Ways to Stop Dropping Into Habitual Negative Emotions
Lesson #2 You find it almost impossible to find anyone who speaks the same “language” as you …
… You realize other people also speak unique languages that aren't necessarily understood, or reciprocated, by you. It's easy to feel misunderstood and frustrated with social encounters, but just as there are many races on earth, so too are there many languages of the mind and heart. You feel frustrated that people don't reciprocate the same level of interaction as you, but what makes you think that you don't reciprocate on the exact same level as them? You aren't alone in your frustration.
Lesson #3 You are tired of carrying the emotional baggage of others, but feel guilty for not being there for them …
… You realize that it's completely fine and healthy to take time off for yourself. You must show love and consideration for yourself in order to show the full extent of your love and consideration to others.
Lesson #4 You are loyal to a fault, and are bitter that other people you care for aren't …
… You realize that no two people are the same. People have their virtues and faults, and you are free to guide your loyalty elsewhere. There are many other loyal people in the world.
Lesson #5 You are disappointed at how bland and shallow people are …
… You realize that people are on different wavelengths from you, and haven't necessarily developed the same mental or emotional faculties as you have. That's fine. People have different interests and different capabilities, and you are certainly not alone at the end of the day. There are people out there like you..
