I – Introverted
N – iNtuitive
T – Thinking
J – Judging
INTJs are rare- no more than 1% of the population. While not the most rare, INTJs are definitely the most misunderstood. Our primary mode of living is focused internally where we take things in via our intuition; our secondary mode is external where we deal with things rationally and logically. INTJs are nicknamed “masterminds” which comes from the way our minds work. The best description of an INTJ mind I’ve ever come across is this: my mind is a nonstop cacophony of overlapping voices madly free-associating themselves from one idea to the next. It sounds ludicrous- but it’s all so natural for us to be able to think without thinking, to have information be taken in, processed, analyzed, concluded, filed away, and written on a post-it so we can later use it, all while remaining unconscious to the process.
I – Introverted: To be introverted does not mean being shy or a hermit. Although time alone is essential for INTJs, introversion is mainly where we get our energy from: as an extrovert gets his/her energy buzz from being around people, an introvert obtains energy from being alone. For us INTJs, prolonged social activity is tiring and can literally suck the life force out of us. We need time alone so we can recharge, recuperate, and of course do the various activities that we find exhilarating such as reading, playing video games, watching (intelligent) movies, catching up on the news, etc.
N – iNtuitive: Yes, we tend to be impulsive, but that is not the significance of our intuition. This is simply how we take in information- INTJs preferred method of taking in and absorbing information is by relying on our natural instincts instead of trusting our five senses. Again this intuition is not to be mistaken for simple spontaneity, INTJs have a keen sense of knowing, and when cooperative with our excellent judgment, can be astonishingly accurate.
T – Thinking: Our thinking factor refers to how we make decisions. Unlike Fs who prefer to make decisions based on their Feelings and emotions, we Thinkers rely on our brains, intelligence, and thought processes. INTJs are rational and logical thinkers and since we value intelligence above almost everything, our alone time is absolutely essential for us to analyze our thoughts, research them, research them some more, research random topics that have sparked our interest and may or may not be relevant to the decision we’re trying to make, and finally think up a conclusion which for INTJs is always the best one.
J – Judging: No, we do not judge people (although INTJs are known for having a sense of being above others) but the Judging factor refers to the basic day-to-day lifestyle that we prefer and is concerned with how we deal with the external world every day. We INTJs are organized and purposeful and more comfortable with scheduled and structured environments. Our highest extroverted function is decision making, therefor we prefer Judging.
