"Quiet and mystical, yet very inspiring and tireless idealists."

The short explanation of "the advocate" is above, and it definitely rings true. I've been told that my story is inspiring my entire life. So, I try my best to inspire others. It's actually the entire reason that I started this blog. I wanted to use it as a platform to share my story and make a difference in the world. My ultimate goal would be to end the stigma against both mental and physical illnesses, but I've got a long way to go.

As I continued reading the personality file, I began seeing similarity after similarity. The 16 personalities test results are split into eight different sections, which are then organized further. I have read through each section and pulled out the pieces that most closely describe myself.

All graphics are from 16personalities.com

Introduction
According to the results, the INFJ personality is rare. So much so, that it makes up less than 1% of the population. It's also said that, "INFJs are not idle dreamers, but people capable of taking concrete steps to realize their goals and make a lasting positive impact." I couldn't agree with this statement more. I am a dreamer, but I am also realistic. I know that if I want something I have to work towards it and consider whether or not it is actually attainable.

The introduction also stated, "INFJs tend to see helping others as their purpose in life, but while people with this personality type can be found engaging rescue efforts and doing charity work, their real passion is to get to the heart of the issue so that people need not be rescued at all." As I mentioned earlier, my goal is to end a stigma that has been around for as long as I can remember. I don't just want to stand up for myself and the people like me, but I want to end the issue all together.

Help Me Help You
The following quote also rang true for me, "INFJs indeed share a very unique combination of traits: though soft-spoken, they have very strong opinions and will fight tirelessly for an idea they believe in. They are decisive and strong-willed." As a Taurus, I have always been very stubborn. To the point that I actually thought that I was going to be a lawyer one day. After taking this personality test, I can see why I thought that. My original plan was to defend the women and families that were affected by domestic violence and child abuse. It's a cause that has always been important to me, given my family's history.

The results also hit the nail on the head when they said, "INFJs take great care of other’s feelings, and they expect the favor to be returned – sometimes that means giving them the space they need for a few days." I am definitely the kind of person that needs to be alone sometimes. Anyone that is close to me knows that it isn't a big deal if I suddenly withdraw from them.

Live to Fight Another Day
I don't think I've read anything more true than the following statement, "The passion of their convictions is perfectly capable of carrying them past their breaking point and if their zeal gets out of hand, they can find themselves exhausted, unhealthy and stressed."  I've been called a workaholic and an overachiever more times than I can count. When I get an idea or I become passionate about something, I move forward at lightening speed. I want to do everything I can to complete the task, and it has definitely come at a cost. I've struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life and I really think that the stress has aided in the onset of my chronic illnesses.

Advocates You May Know
I really liked that they included a section on others that have the same personality that I do. It's an incredible feeling to know that I'm in the same category as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa.




Strengths & Weaknesses
I definitely found my strengths and weaknesses to be true. I am every single one of the things that is listed. My strength are incredibly helpful when I use them. However, my weaknesses can cause many problems. The perfectionist in me tends to spend too long on something even when it's finished and that can definitely lead to a burn out.

INFJ Strengths

• Creative
• Insightful
• Inspiring and Convincing
• Decisive
• Determined and Passionate
• Altruistic

INFJ Weaknesses

• Sensitive
• Extremely Private
• Perfectionist
• Always Need to Have a Cause
• Can Burn Out Easily

Romantic Relationships
The Meyer-Briggs test is definitely accurate when it comes to my relationships. They point out that, "INFJs will take the time necessary to find someone they truly connect with – once they’ve found that someone, their relationships will reach a level of depth and sincerity that most people can only dream of," which is true. I have never been one to have short relationships or flings. My husband and I dated for three years before getting married and we were friends for four years before that. I definitely don't take relationships lightly. I want to get married once, so it was important for me to find the right guy.

They are especially accurate when the said, "INFJs are often perfectionistic and picky. People with this personality type aren’t easily talked into something they don’t want...if a suitor tries to resort to manipulation or lying, as INFJs will see right through it." I've learned to take everything that is said with a grain of salt. I can almost always tell when someone is lying to me and I definitely don't put up with it.

Is This for Real?
The results state that, "One of the things INFJs find most important is establishing genuine, deep connections with the people they care about." I completely agree with that. I don't just get in relationships to have someone there, I actually want to be close with that person on all levels.

I also agreed when they said, "they are warm, friendly, caring and insightful, seeing past facades and the obvious to understand others’ thoughts and emotions." I think that this sometimes gets me in trouble. I can usually see through to my friends feelings even if they're trying to hide something from me. I tend to be over honest and tell them exactly how I feel. I want the best for my friends, so if I think someone is doing something dumb, then I'm going to tell them that.

Photo Credit: Heart Smile Photography

Friendships
The friendship section was pretty accurate too! They were on target when they said, People with the INFJ personality type are unlikely to go for friendships of circumstance, like workplace social circles or chatting up their local baristas, where the only thing they really have in common is a day-to-day familiarity. Rather, INFJs seek out people who share their passions, interests and ideologies, people with whom they can explore philosophies and subjects that they believe are truly meaningful." A lot of the friends that I made through work or school didn't actually end up lasting. Once we graduated or moved on, we didn't see each other anymore of find reasons to hang out. A majority of my friendships now come from online. Some of the friends that I've met online in the last few months have been more caring and kind than people I've known for years. In fact, one of my best friends and I have never actually met, yet we talk every day!

Closed Book and Speed Reader
I wasn't too keen on this section of the results. There were parts that I agreed with and there were parts that couldn't be further from the truth. One thing that I agreed with is that my friendships and my relationships are very similar. I know what I'm looking for and it's very easy to weed out those that don't fit what I'm looking for.

The main thing that I didn't agree with is the following: "In friendship it is as though INFJs are searching for a soul mate, someone who shares every facet of their passions and imagination." I may be a perfectionist, but I don't think I am when it comes to friendships. I know that I don't need someone exactly like myself. I want to be able to have healthy conversations and learn from the other person. I would like to have some similarities, but don't all friends want to have something in common?

Like Finding a Needle in a Haystack
I found a lot of what was said in this section to be true, especially "Further complicating things are INFJs’ eloquence and persuasiveness, which lead to a lot of (unwanted) attention and popularity. Their quiet, determined idealism and imaginative expression naturally draw influence, and if there’s anything INFJs avoid, it’s the accumulation of power over others." Throughout school I always received unwanted attention. In elementary school, it was because I hung out with the boys because I had a brother and all of my cousins were boys. Then in middle school, I was bullied a lot. In high school, I still dealt with bullying, but I also got a lot of unwanted attention from guys. I don't like being the center of attention so I just tried to ignore it, which only worked some of the time.

I also agreed with the following statements: "INFJs don’t require a great deal of day-to-day attention – for them, quality trumps quantity every time, and over the years they will likely end up with just a few true friendships, built on a richness of mutual understanding that forges an indelible link between them." I've always known a lot of people and been on good terms with them, but I really only have
3-5 good friends at a time. We don't talk often, but we all know that we would be there for one another if we're needed.

Parenthood
To be honest, I kind of skipped over this one. I'm not a parent, unless my fur babies count, and I really don't intend on becoming one either. However, I decided to read over it when I was getting this blog post together.

Be Unique, Just like Me
There was a good point that was made in this section, "As their children grow, INFJs will likely try to project a great deal of their own qualities onto them, demanding the same sort of idealism and honesty that they demand from themselves." Even though I don't plan on having children, I do think that I would have done this. I like to think that my good qualities are worth passing on and that all parents want to have honesty from their children.

A Job Well Done
As I continued reading, I thought that what was said was kind of true for all parents. I understand that INFJs are more sensitive and advocates, but I think all parents want similar things for their children. So, I didn't think the following statement was specifically for my personality type: "So long as their child grows up with a firm understanding of the difference between right and wrong and is able to fight for a cause they believe in, striving to be the best they can be, INFJ parents will be satisfied with what they’ve accomplished together with their child."

Career Paths
The results were definitely correct when they said I wasn't destined for a corporate career path. As I mentioned earlier, I used to think that I was going to be a lawyer, but that is definitely not the case now. I once worked for a polling company and that was the worst job that I've ever had. I called people that didn't want to be called and got yelled at while sitting in a cubicle - I definitely don't recommend it. My favorite jobs were Nannying and being a resident assistant, because I was actually able to connect with people.

It also rang true when they said, "many INFJs struggle to begin a career early on because they see ten wildly different paths forward, each with its own intrinsic rewards, alluring but also heartbreaking, because each means abandoning so much else." I specifically named this blog Perfectly Ambitious for this reason! I have so many goals and dreams that I want to accomplish and I don't think that I have to pick just one. I'm currently running a blog, an online shop, and working on my first novel!

Truth, Beauty, Purpose
I definitely agree that, "INFJs need to find meaning in their work, to know that they are helping and connecting with people." It's part of why I love blogging! I love knowing that I'm able to connect with so many people all over the world and use this platform as a place to voice what I'm passionate about.

They actually suggested psychology and that was one of my biggest interests in college. Before leaving school, I was able to finish my AA degree. I took all the required general studies classes and then all of my electives fell into three categories: psychology, philosophy, and sociology. I knew that I couldn't do anything with just a BS in one of those subjects, but I would take every class possible if it was free!

I also found it interesting when they said, "INFJs’ needs don’t end at meaning though – any productive work can be rationalized to be meaningful, as any productive work helps someone, somewhere. INFJs crave creativity too, the ability to use their insight to connect events and situations, effecting real change in others’ lives personally." I try to be as productive as I can be and I even keep an accomplishments journal to record my productivity; and I also crave creativity. I've always been interested in the arts, but I've never been able to narrow it down. I love writing, photography, jewelry making, and graphic design as well as DIY crafting.

This photo is my own.

Two Roads Diverged in a Yellowed Wood
There is not one part of this section that I disagreed with, it was all 100% true! Since I don't have the personality to enjoy working in the corporate structure, I am more likely to establish my own independence by "either finding a leadership position, or simply starting their own practice. As independents, sole proprietors in the parlance of business, INFJs are free to follow their hearts, applying their personal touch, creativity and altruism to everything they do."

As I mentioned earlier, I have always been a creative soul and the results explained that "INFJs often pursue expressive careers such as writing, elegant communicators that they are, and author many popular blogs, stories and screenplays. Music, photography, design and art are viable options too, and they all can focus on deeper themes of personal growth, morality and spirituality."

It also stated that although I can function in the corporate world, I fall flat in the mundane tasks and wouldn't be truly happy. It's also said that in order for INFJs to be truly happy, they "need to be able to exercise their insightfulness and independence, learn and grow alongside the people they are helping, and contribute to the well-being of humanity on a personal level." Of course, I agree with all of these things!

Workplace Habits
The last section talked about what INFJs ideal workplace situation is, but this section explained that "INFJs are a clever and inspired group, and with a few of the right conditions, most any position can be made to work."

Subordinates
I definitely agreed with what was said on being a subordinate. Although I can follow instructions, I do better when I am in charge. The results also pointed out that, "INFJs act on their convictions, so when they do something, it’s something that has meaning to them – if those actions come under criticism, even justified complaints, but especially unwarranted ones, their morale is likely to tank spectacularly." I know that constructive criticism is necessary, but I don't exactly do well with it. It wasn't until last year that I participated in peer reviews. Even though a majority of the review was good, I still focused on the small negative portions of the review.

Another good point they made was, "with a little encouragement every now and then, INFJs will be hardworking, trustworthy, and more than capable of handling their responsibilities and professional relationships." When I feel comfortable and appreciated, I will go above and beyond for others, whether or not it's work related.

Colleagues
As someone that hates conflict, I couldn't agree more with the following statement: "INFJs are likely to prioritize harmony and cooperation over ruthless efficiency, encouraging a good, hardworking atmosphere and helping others when needed."

However, they were also right when they said, "while this is usually a strength, there is a risk that others will take advantage of INFJs’ commitment to their responsibilities by simply shifting their burdens onto their more dedicated INFJ colleagues’ desks." On more than one occasion, I have taken on other responsibilities in a group setting because I didn't want the end product to fall through. I mainly did this because I felt that it would reflect poorly on me. Many of my colleagues and supervisors began expecting that of me because they knew I didn't like conflict, but wanted what was best for everyone.

Managers
What I mentioned earlier, is exactly why the following statement is true, "As managers, INFJs are often reluctant in exercising their authority, preferring to see their subordinates as equals, coordinating and supervising people, leaving the technical systems and factual details to more capable hands, and working hard to inspire and motivate, not to crack the whip." I would rather encourage everyone to do better than to confront them on what they need to change. I have high standards, but I don't like criticizing others.

The results also noted, "INFJs have no tolerance for lapses in reliability or morality," which couldn't be any more true. I definitely don't have tolerance for that. If it's someone that I care about, I will definitely say something. However, if it's work related and can be dealt with through a higher superior, then that is definitely the route that I'd take.

Conclusion
I really enjoyed the conclusion: "Few personality types are as sensitive and mysterious as INFJs. Your imagination and empathy make you someone who not only cherishes their integrity and deeply held principles but, unlike many other idealistic types, is also capable of turning those ideals into plans, and executing them." I hope that one day I'm able to make a difference like some of the other well known INFJs have!