INFJ · Ni-Fe-Ti-Se

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Introduction

This ego development profile is supplementary to the _Type Development Guide_. You are advised to read and understand the principles of ego development before using this profile, otherwise, you are likely to misinterpret and misapply the ideas.

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INFJ Functional Stack: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se

Core Values: vision, insight, harmony
Strengths: quickly see obscure connections and generate creative ideas, oriented towards helping others
Weaknesses: unrealistic in approach, overly idealistic in perspective, too concerned about the opinions of others
Shadow Conflicts: Ne seen as draining, overwhelming, illogical, confused; Se seen as meaningless, thrill-seeking, irresponsible, short-sighted; Si seen as narrow-minded, persnickety, self-limiting

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INFJ Process of Ego Development

Level 1: Self-Protection Mindset

distorted Ni: single-minded, intolerant, impractical, unrealistic, pessimistic, stubborn, secretive (to avoid judgment), act independently without consulting others; seen as intense, eccentric, guarded, self-pitying, resentful, aloof, oversensitive, self-absorbed

distorted Fe: selective attention, approach to others is detached from reality, harbor unspoken resentments, overlook or suppress own needs to accommodate others, lack faith in relationships, feel they do not belong anywhere, conflict avoidant, hypersensitive to criticism or disharmony

under intense stress or in the grip of Se: shutting out emotions, deluding themselves that they are coping well, imagine others do not like them, misinterpret comments or body language, punish themselves for being different, judgmental; obsessively focus on physical details, overindulge in sensory pleasures, feel the world is hostile and against them

Level 2: Social Identification Mindset

Ni: need to maintain ego image as unique individual with high ideals; enjoy being a personable, caring, influential member of a group

ego defense: guarded, pursue secret interests/hobbies, very judgmental of those who are “different” from them

Level 3: Selfhood Mindset

Ni: generate ideas, see connections that are not obvious to others, want to improve the world, imaginative, helpful, caring, like to have time to know people better; can be oversensitive, moody, dramatic, overbearing, unassertive, prone to diva-like outbursts; can be easily frustrated or disappointed because of unrealistic ideals, find it difficult to verbalize insights/ideas, only trust themselves to do the work, quick to give advice but reject others’ advice

ego defense: avoid disagreements and criticism, overdependent on people who share similar interests, seek encouragement and approval from others, pursue plans in secret without consulting others

see T preference as lacking care and empathy; see P preference as frustratingly indecisive and lazy

Level 4: Conscientious Mindset

Ni: creative, conceptual, idealistic, complex, deep, organized, driven, long-range vision, form mental models to understand the world, sensitive to interpersonal dynamics, attentive, caring, collaborative, empathic, make every effort to accommodate; can still be people-pleasing, overly reliant on others, unassertive

start to notice blind spots like: poor attention to practical details, trouble with routine or repetitive tasks, discomfort with making tough decisions

ego defense: still avoid harsh truths or overlook conflicting details

start to see some value in T and S preferences as long as they do not go too far against their own preferences; interest in self-improvement; try to balance positive and negative feedback non-defensively

Level 5: Self-Insight Mindset

Ni: global vision, insightful initiatives and creative solutions, visionary thinking, more realistic view of their ideals

Fe: less concerned with appeasing others and more genuine and committed in their actions, trust their own insights, rely less on confirmation or approval from others, compassionate, gentle, loyal, humanistic approach

start to see more value in T and S preferences; take more time to enjoy simple pleasures in life; more mindful of internal processes; more accepting of differences or flaws in others; supportive mentors

access to Ti: become more focused on practical/workable solutions that help people grow and develop, but still fear becoming cynical or compromising their ideals

Level 6: Authenticity Mindset

Balanced Ni+Fe: strongly intuitive, uncannily empathetic, inspiring, wise, understand how people and systems are interrelated, appear “spiritual” to others, understand that people are responsible for their own actions or development

less need to defend their ego image of being intelligently insightful, imaginative, creative, unique

can start to use T and S preferences appropriately; more in tune with the present moment and physical body; able to just “be” with people without always seeking approval or some deeper experience; accepting of people previously judged as “abrasive” or “superficial”

access to Se: better at adapting to concrete details, find pleasure in physical activities/skills, set more realistic goals

Level 7: Wholeness Mindset

realize that the need to have inspiring vision/imagination is driven by ego

accepting of differences; value other perspectives, especially recognizing that not everybody wants to be creative and idealistic

can integrate S, N, T, F preferences; freed from black and white thinking and able to see a “third” viable perspective to work from

Keep exploring this personality type:

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