…it rocks to be an INTJ…

I think that I have made good attempts to explain the reasons behind the blog…

Here’s a little more about my wonderful INTJ personality!!!!

INTJs make up 2% of the US population. (I’m a rarity! Holla!!!)

INTJs are analytical problem-solvers, eager to improve systems and processes with their innovative ideas. INTJs have a talent for seeing possibilities for improvement, whether at work, at home, or in themselves. They have a hunger for knowledge and strive to constantly increase their competence; often INTJs are perfectionists with extremely high standards of performance for themselves and others. They may not want to bother with people who they do not perceive to be their intellectual equals. INTJs live in a world of abstraction and theory, and may sometimes be absentminded in their preoccupation with concepts. Often intellectual, they enjoy analysis and complex problem-solving, and are much less comfortable with the illogical and unpredictable nature of other people and their emotions. INTJs enjoy applying themselves to a project or idea in depth, and putting in concentrated effort to achieve their goals.

Popular hobbies for the INTJ include reading, cultural events, taking classes, appreciating art, computers and video games, and independent sports such as swimming, backpacking, or running marathons.

Relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ’s Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations. Oh so true,

This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals; for instance, they tend to have little patience and less understanding of such things as small talk and flirtation (which most types consider half the fun of a relationship). To complicate matters, INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand. Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense. This sometimes results in a peculiar naivete’, paralleling that of many Fs — only instead of expecting inexhaustible affection and empathy from a romantic relationship, the INTJ will expect inexhaustible reasonability and directness. (THIS IS WHY I NEED PEOPLE TO SAY WHAT THEY MEAN!)

In relationships, the INTJ is loyal but independent. INTJs can be almost scientific in choosing a mate and make devoted partners once they have found a match that fits their rigorous list of requirements. INTJs often have a passion for self-improvement and take pride in fulfilling their responsibilities within a relationship. However, they often do not see the need for affection or niceties, feeling that their devotion should be evident. Their partners often find them difficult to read, and indeed they do not show emotion easily; INTJs find the process of discussing emotions much too messy and disorganized. INTJs value a partner that allows them the independence to achieve their goals, and one who appreciates their efficacy, insight, and ability to offer creative solutions to problems.

Good matches for the INTJ include other INTJs as well as ENTJs. These types share a appreciation for logic, structure, and results. Also good matches are ENFJ and INFJ, types which have a similar preference for an orderly environment but can help the INTJ tune in to values and emotions.

As parents, INTJs are devoted and supportive. They set firm limits and provide consistent reinforcement, but within that structure allow a lot of latitude for their children to explore their own interests and potential. INTJs get a lot of satisfaction from parenting and want to develop productive, competent, and self-sufficient children who think for themselves.

As mates, INTJs want harmony and order in the home and in relationships. They are the most independent of all types. They will trust their intuitions about others whem making choices of friends and mates, even in the face of contradictory evidence and pressures applied by others. The emotions of an INTJ are hard to read, and neither male nor female INTJ is apt to express emotional reactions. At times, both will seem cold, reserved, and unresponsive, while in fact INTJs are almost hypersensitive to signals of rejection from those for whom they care.

At work, the INTJ excels at creating and implementing innovative solutions to analytical problems. INTJs naturally see possibilities for improvement within complex systems and are organized and determined in implementing their ideas for change. They are comfortable with abstraction and theory but gain the most satisfaction out of turning their ideas into reality. The ideal work environment for an INTJ is logical, efficient, structured, and analytical, with colleagues that that are competent, intelligent, and productive. The ideal job for an INTJ allows them to use their analytical skills to problem-solve in a challenging environment, and to take responsibility for implementing their ideas to create efficient, innovative systems.

In leadership positions, INTJs are strategic, analytical planners and problem solvers. They are good at making tough decisions and sorting out complex issues. INTJs excel at managing projects that implement a vision of improved efficiency or innovation, and although they prefer not to have to manage other people they will take over if no other leader steps up.  INTJs value competence and decisiveness, and may sometimes neglect to listen to differing opinions once their mind is made up. While they focus on creating logical and innovative solutions, they may sometimes leave out the details of their plans, leaving their teams to wonder exactly how things will be accomplished.

Popular careers for the INTJ include:

economist financial planner investment banker computer programmer financial analyst network administrator systems analyst software developer

university teacher archivist psychiatrist scientist astronomer biomedical researcher cardiologist surgeon

attorney engineer architect pilot graphic designer writer columnist/critic inventor

 

Famous INTJs include Dwight Eisenhower, Alan Greenspan, Ulysses S. Grant, Stephen Hawking, John Maynard Keynes, Ayn Rand, Isaac Asimov, Lewis Carroll, Cormac McCarthy, Thomas Jefferson, and Sir Isaac Newton. (Ayn Rand, Cormac McCarthy, and Isaac Asimov are my favorite authors, go figure?)

Interesting facts about the INTJ:

• On personality trait measures, score as Discreet, Industrious, Logical, Deliberate, Self-Confident, and Methodical
• Among types least likely to suffer heart disease and cardiac problems
• Least likely of all the types to believe in a higher spiritual power
• One of two types with highest college GPA
• Among types with highest income
• Personal values include Achievement
• Of all types, least likely to state that they value Home/family, Financial security, Relationships & friendships, and Community service
• Overrepresented among MBA students and female small business owners
• Commonly found in scientific or technical fields, computer occupations, and legal professions

INTJ Strengths

* Not threatened by conflict or criticism
* Usually self-confident
* Take their relationships and commitments seriously
* Generally extremely intelligent and capable
* Able to leave a relationship which should be ended, although they may dwell on it in their minds for awhile afterwards
* Interested in “optimizing” their relationships
* Good listeners

INTJ Weaknesses

* Not naturally in tune with others feelings; may be insensitive at times
* May tend to respond to conflict with logic and reason, rather than the desired emotional support
* Not naturally good at expressing feelings and affections
* Tendency to believe that they’re always right
* Tendency to be unwilling or unable to accept blame
* Their constant quest to improve everything may be taxing on relationships
* Tend to hold back part of themselves

INTJs live much of their lives inside their own heads. They constantly scan their environment for new ideas and theories which they can turn into plans and structures. Sometimes, what they see and understand intuitively within themselves is more pure and “perfect” than the reality of a close personal relationship. INTJs may have a problem reconciling their reality with their fantasy.

INTJs are not naturally in tune with their own feelings, or with what other people are feeling. They also have a tendency to believe that they are always right. While their self-confidence and esteem is attractive, their lack of sensitivity to others can be a problem if it causes them to inadvertantly hurt their partner’s feelings. If this is a problem for an INTJ, they should remember to sometimes let their mate be the one who is right, and to try to be aware of the emotional effect that your words have upon them. In conflict situations, INTJs need to remember to be supportive to their mate’s emotional needs, rather than treating the conflict as if it is an interesting idea to analyze.

Sexually, the INTJ enjoys thinking about intimacy, and about ways to perfect it. In positive relationships, their creativity and intensity shine through in this arena. In more negative relationships, they might enjoy thinking about sex more than actually doing it. They’re likely to approach intimacy from a theoretical, creative perspective, rather than as an opportunity to express love and affection. Although, the INTJ who has learned the importance of these kinds of expressions to the health of their relationship is likely to be more verbally affectionate.

INTJs are able to leave relationships when they’re over, and get on with their lives. They believe that this is the right thing to do. They may have more difficulty accomplishing the task than they like to exhibit to other people.

INTJs are highly intense, intelligent people who bring a lot of depth and insight into most major areas of their life. In terms of relationships, their greatest potential pitfall is the tendency to think about things rather than doing them, and their difficulty reconciling reality with their inner visions. INTJs are likely to be in positive, healthy relationships, because they’re likely to leave relationships which aren’t working for them (unless other circumstances prohibit that).