Known for their complicated, and somewhat contradictory nature, INFJs are usually
explained by their introverted, intuitive, feeling and judging functions - their 4 most
dominant.. Yet, each personality type is a little more intricate than just main functions..
That’s why in today’s video, we’re going to be deep diving
into the 8 cognitive functions that make INFJs in particular so unique.
Welcome or welcome back psychos! Before we get into it, we’d love for you to like and
subscribe to our channel, as well as to click the notification bell so that you never miss a video!
Alright, let’s jump right in starting from the top with..
Number 1 - The INFJ’s Dominant function: Introverted Intuition
Ahh.. the infamous introverted function - The function most used by the INFJ,
as well as the INTP personality type. It also ranks number one on the INFJs’ cognitive function
stack, which represents the order in which we use cognitive functions.
INFJs use this function to navigate and make sense of the world around them. It also gives them
that “sixth sense” that helps them, to an extent, predict the future. You see,
INFJs use this function subconsciously and make intuitive patterns and connections
in a seemingly abstract way. And more often than not, they come to a symbolic conclusion
or a breakthrough that they’ve foreseen almost every time before it happened.
That’s why the INFJs around you are heavily driven by this function and don’t have an
“off” button for it. This leads to two general types of INFJs with this function – Mature INFJs
with Introverted Intuition and Immature ones. The mature INFJs you’ll meet with this function
will be wise, resourceful, and disciplined. You’ll know one when you see them set
attainable goals for themselves and strive to overcome the odds to achieve these goals.
Immature INFJs with this function, however, get stuck in their own intuition and have trouble
moving forward. If you know an INFJ that has unrealistic goals and easily gets distracted,
chances are they’re being swallowed by their own dominant function.
Number 2 - The INFJ’s Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Feeling
This function takes second place on INFJs cognitive function stack. But,
as common as it is amongst INFJs, it’s still not the dominant one. If you know an INFJ, you’ve
likely seen them read the room, and the people in it, like an open book. They’re not psychics,
but it’s their own ability to sense others’ emotional state – even if they try to mask it.
If it seems like an INFJ in your proximity is trying to avoid conflict and making sure no
brawls break out, know that they’re doing this out of their utmost and genuine care. You’ll see them
checking on people, spreading harmony and peace, and eliminating any friction that might cause
problems between the individuals around them. But not all INFJs can handle it the same way,
which again splits them into two parties. Mature INFJs with Extraverted Feeling – these
people are open, empathetic, and helpful. They tend to control this function and are great at
setting and respecting boundaries and taking rejection with a smile. But if you catch an
INFJ who has self-doubt, concern for people’s opinions, and approval issues - you’re dealing
with an immature INFJ. One who has yet to develop healthy Extraverted Feeling.
Number 3 - The INFJ’s Tertiary Function: Introverted Thinking
This one is less used than the other two but plays a significant role in the stability and
consistency of INFJs’ daily decision-making habits. You know that person who always
seems to be going down their own little mental rabbit holes for hours on end - and then they
jump out of it with some really in-depth solution for a problem? Well, that’s an
INFJ using the function: Introverted Thinking. How do they do it? They analyze their mental data
(ideas, insights, and theories), to come up with effective and unique solutions to vexing problems.
And just like a data scientist, they set up systems and models
to make sense of how things work. If developed well, this function can help INFJs become wiser,
more careful decision-makers. If not, it can lead to overthinking, self-deception, and emotional
conflict. So, if you feel like an INFJ is being too reckless and unreasonable with their intuitive
thinking, rest assured they’re using their more logic-based function to understand and back it up.
Number 4: The INFJ’s Inferior Function: Extraverted Sensing
Extraverted Sensing comes last in the cognitive function stack and takes fourth place
on the top four most used cognitive functions by INFJs. It pushes INFJs to show a rather hidden,
rarely active side of their personality: the extrovert. Dubbed as the “extrovert of
introverts,” INFJs do have a vibrant, outgoing, and unreserved side to them. They occasionally
enjoy extraverted activities and love living in the moment with people whose company they prefer.
This is thanks to their least dominant function: Extraverted Sensing. It allows them to use their
five senses to be in the present moment and embrace it with all their might. So the next time
you want to get that INFJ friend to hang out with you, set up plans for a morning hike, a skydiving
trip, or a game of laser tag. They’ll also enjoy any kind of exciting, heart-pumping activity.
Stuff like cycling, swimming, running, and even playing sports. But it can get too stimulating
for them, which explains why they prefer to do these activities in less crowded areas
with a few people around. This way they get to enjoy themselves with the company they like
without exerting too much energy. Number 5: The INFJ’s Opposing Role:
Extraverted Intuition Taking first place in the Shadow
functions - the deeper of the cognitive functions - is Extraverted Intuition. This function is
opposite to the dominant one: Introverted Intuition. This function causes INFJs to
consume so much external data around them like pictures, sounds, conversations, opinions, and
content, etc. that they get easily overwhelmed. And because of their intuitive nature,
they subconsciously create abstract patterns and connections, and sometimes, they get wrapped up in
them. That’s the reason this function takes fifth place amongst the INFJs’ cognitive functions.
And if faced with multiple choices and options, INFJs can get annoyed, stressed, and triggered.
So, instead of using their intuition to cut a clear path through the noise, they end up using
their Extraverted Intuition, which in return makes them headstrong, unhelpful, and agitated. INFJs
are usually calm and steady, but their “sixth sense” can become a curse to them, sometimes. So
if an INFJ displays negative behavior and “acts weird,” It’s probably because of their Extraverted
Intuition throwing them off their game. Number 6: The INFJ’s Inner Critic:
Introverted Feeling The sixth function,
Introverted Feeling, is opposite to the Auxiliary function Extroverted Feeling., It guides INFJs
to dial in and focus on themselves. And being the “Judging” type of personality,
they start getting in their own heads. Because of this function, they prefer to process their
complicated feelings on their own, which might give off the impression that they don’t want to
deal with others while they’re in that state. This function instigates most of the sensitive,
unfavorable emotions INFJs have about themselves and others. It activates those negative,
momentary feelings INFJs have under certain situations and usually causes self-doubt
and a misguided sense of accountability. Then, the inner critic gets to work, and they start
reliving all sorts of unfortunate past traumas and failures. The more they try to break out of it,
the stronger it’ll pull them back in If an INFJ makes a mistake, you’ll most likely
see them beat themselves up over it relentlessly – even if it’s not worth stressing over.
Number 7: The INFJ’s Joker: Extraverted Thinking The Extraverted Thinking function takes seventh
place in the cognitive function stack ranking. That’s because it’s hardly ever used by INFJs,
and they don’t show its effect often. But they do use external logic,
facts, and rules to come to conclusions and make decisions. When using Extraverted Thinking,
INFJs weigh the pros and cons, gather outside information, and set up a system of thought and
execution they believe makes the most sense. It almost programs them into thinking in a
binary system of ones and zeros and prompts them to neglect all sorts of social cues. In a way,
it actually interferes with their ability to read the air.
So in your everyday life, you might encounter situations with INFJs where they seem completely
oblivious to their own disorganized thinking and execution of tasks. They might even get
defensive if you bring it up the wrong way. The reason behind that is the Extraverted
Thinking function that tricks them to believe that their system is flawless and suitable for everyone
to follow. So, sometimes, when you disagree with an INFJ, you’ll sound senseless to them.
Number 8: The INFJ’s Bogeyman: Introverted Sensing This one is the least useful function to INFJs.
It is what gives them sleepless nights staring at the roof and pushes them to self-isolate for
days – and even weeks. It’s more detail-focused and exhibits a lot of comparison between the
present and the past. And considering how INFJs can be heavy self doubters,
the ramifications this function can bring onto their everyday life can be costly.
It causes INFJs to bring up inner information from past experiences and, as a result,
reminds INFJs of past mistakes and failures. They can create patterns within past experiences
and connect present ones to them, making them feel stuck in the past and unable to break free
of that thought loop. You can see now why this function is the least used by INFJs and why it’s
called “the Bogeyman” of cognitive functions. Alright PSYCH-Os, that’s it for today’s video..
So, if you’re typed as the INFJ, can you recall all 8 of these functions within yourself?
Let us know in the comments below! Also, make sure to leave us a like, share this
video with your friends and also subscribe to our channel so that you never miss a video!