The INFJ’s challenge with sensory overload is inevitable, but what happens when this big-picture
thinker is faced with too many details? As a judging type, people may assume that the
INFJ is extremely detail-oriented, but this is actually far from the truth. So, why is it that
the smaller details don’t really matter to an INFJ and should it be considered a bad thing?
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Number 1: They’re naturally focused on the bigger picture
INFJs are already known for being more likely to have their head in the clouds than their feet
on the ground. They prefer the world of concepts, ideas and philosophy, a clear indication of their
dominant introverted intuitive function. However, with perfectionism, truth and accuracy as some of
the INFJ’s top priorities in life, having a big-picture outlook on life can get quite
complicated. INFJs are always trying to find the deeper meaning behind the things and are always
looking for patterns that they hope will provide some insight into where things are going in the
future. It’s as if INFJs are constantly thinking about how everything is interconnected on a
larger scale, yet they require as many details as possible from their outer experience in order for
that larger picture to be as accurate as possible. In fact, this birds-eye view perception that INFJs
rely on in certain situations is ever-changing, because with the right detail, INFJs are
more than willing to change their beliefs. Number 2: Details can seem like a nuisance
Besides being directly focused on the bigger picture, INFJs are generally more interested
in the deeper, more meaningful side to life. Often wrapped up in their vivid imagination
and the beauty in life, sometimes the pesky little details seem irrelevant. Sure, INFJs need certain
details when creating their accurate big picture outlook, but when it comes to things like gossip,
work drama, and he said/she said scenarios, INFJs can’t help but to feel annoyed. Of course,
to some people, these topics of conversation are very important, especially when someone is coming
to an INFJ for advice. Ironically, if INFJs were given the details they enjoy observing themselves
within social situations such as things like body language and non-verbal gestures,
they would be much more interested. Plus, INFJs like to observe things on their own
anyway. Having details explained to them filtered through someone else’s perception
just isn’t accurate enough for the INFJ to truly see the bigger picture.. which brings us to..
Number 3: They want to discover details at their own pace
Well, it’s not only at their own pace that INFJs like to leisurely take in details,
but also in the way they prefer to observe those details themselves. Like we mentioned, INFJs are
big picture thinkers but they don’t just require any type of detail. Of course, when it comes to
the INFJ, it’s always a bit more complicated, as they require only the relevant details
their extroverted feeling and sensing functions naturally look out for. With their extroverted
feeling function subconsciously observing other people’s feelings, emotions, gestures, and body
language, INFJs see the little things most people would completely overlook. On the other hand, the
INFJ’s extroverted sensing function helps them to be aware of their surroundings and appreciate the
beautiful little details of life by being fully present in the moment. The most ironic aspect of
the INFJs' preference to observe their own details is that most of the time they don’t even realize
they’re doing it. Usually, these functions run in the background of their imaginative introverted
intuition, their most dominant function. In fact, for the INFJ to be told specific details
of a situation rather than observing them on their own, the information gets stored and absorbed in a
completely different manner. In other words, it’s much more likely for an INFJ to forget information
they’ve been told, especially if they see it as irrelevant to the grander scheme of the situation.
Number 4: They aren’t black & white thinkers
One of the main reasons INFJ don’t like to be informed of details from other people is
because of the biased aspect. The INFJ has a very particular and open-minded approach
when it comes to the way they judge and come to conclusions. Unless we’re talking
about door-slams or a challenge to their morals, they rarely use a black-and-white approach when
deciphering which action to take and which side they are on. And in these circumstances, details
are an INFJ’s best friend. It’s not that they are always stuck in between the 2 sides of the coin,
or that they’re unable to know where they stand but rather no matter how strongly they believe in
their own viewpoint, they will always understand or at the very least, question the other angles.
And in order to do that, they need details. This is what gives this empathetic personality type
the ability to see the good in people, and to sometimes come across like they’re playing the
devil's advocate. However, in reality, the INFJ is always willing to change their characteris
fluid values and multifaceted opinions should they find a specific detail that they feel is
a better source of information, or come across a belief that resonates stronger.
Number 5: Too much data is seriously overwhelming
Sensory issues play a role in the INFJ’s life in more ways than one, but overloading them
with details is one sure way to overwhelm an INFJ. To be a little more specific,
most of the INFJ’s decision making is naturally led by their extroverted feeling function which is
most focused on group harmony due to the specific focus on emotional energies. However, when there's
too many details at hand, INFJs rely on their introverted thinking function to navigate and come
to conclusions. In fact, they’re able to combine their introverted intuition and introverted
thinking functions in order to understand an idea from every imaginable angle. And although
this thought process rarely fails them, if it’s used to often, it can lead to serious mental and
emotional burnout. INFJs love to learn new things but they find analyzing data most enjoyable as a
low-pressure pastime. Afterall, the INFJ is much more drawn to the idea of being a philosopher
than a knowledge expert in any given topic anyway. So, collecting all the details isn’t their goal,
but rather finding the ‘why’ behind larger-focused details in order to fully understand them.
Number 6: They can get stuck in their head
Now, just because INFJs are considered big-picture thinkers doesn’t mean they
don’t get fixated on certain details every now and then. Like we mentioned, INFJs are unique
in the sense that their big-picture ideas are only formulated and adjusted through relevant details.
As much as details overwhelm them, there's times when they can’t do anything but ruminate
about specific elements of a situation because they’re stuck at a crossroads in formulating
this so-called bigger picture. And so, they can easily get stuck in their heads about
things without even realizing they’re pulling away from the larger concept.
This is even more true when the INFJ feels as if they did something wrong because of their
inner perfectionism. For example, if something came out wrong in the midst of a conversation,
in order to gain that larger perspective of how that person may view them, they may ruminate about
how what they said could have been perceived. They will think of every possible way their words may
have been understood by the other person and then without truly knowing if they’re right,
they’ll either make the conclusion that what they said doesn’t really matter or that they’re
doomed. Either way, this thinking process can take days before they reach a conclusion.
Number 7: Perfectionism makes details difficult
Speaking of perfectionism, details can either be the INFJs bestfriend or their
worst enemy when it comes to their creativity and work ethic. In fact,
most INFJs are extremely aware of the challenges they face when it comes to details, to the point
that some INFJs would consider it a weakness. Luckily, it’s not every area of life that the
INFJ’s perfectionistic and detail-oriented habits come into play. However, when INFJs
are challenged to get something ‘just right’ all the INFJ wants is details. This is mostly apparent
within career and life circumstances that require them to be detail-oriented. In these instances,
INFJs want anything but vagueness, especially if they’re solely responsible for the outcome.
Because deep down they know they can be rather aloof when it comes to the smaller things, INFJs
tend to overcompensate by over-checking their work and spending considerable amounts of time
on the insignificant specifics until they get it just right. However, without this detail-oriented
alter-ego, INFJs wouldn’t have the confidence in themselves to take on so much responsibility.
Well PSYCH-Os, that’s it for today’s video.. So, let us know in the comments
below if you struggle with details as an INFJ! Also, make sure to leave us a like,
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