Some great things about being an
INTJ. We are a rare breed, which is
probably good. In INTJ fashion, I have
improved this article! Created by Andrew
Ward. Original link is below.
http://thoughtcatalog.com/andrew-ward/2014/10/10-great-things-about-being-intj/
1. Always Looking to Improve
Sure ‘The Mastermind’ may be the given
title to INTJs, but ‘Tinkerer’ could work just as well—if ‘tinker’ didn’t have
such a wonky sound to it. INTJs are constantly on the look out for ways to
improve the world around them. This may annoy those that don’t understand the
inner workings of an INTJ. Often they are almost always going to be their own
worst critic. They often look for fix-up projects for themselves, or the people
in their lives. It sometimes may seem meddling, but most are reserved enough to
only help when asked. Once they do commit to a project, they are in it until
the end.
Always…. I like to tinker. My dad liked to tinker. My thought process is how can this be
better? What is missing? I small thing can plant an idea which leads
to I really do try to improve everything we touch and think about. This may include people. Sometimes it occurs to me that some things
and people should be left alone.
2. Comfortable With a Quiet Night
Like other introverts, INTJs are
perfectly content with a night on the couch. By themselves or with their comfortable
circle, INTJs love a low-key night. It’s not saying that they don’t like to go
out at all (some don’t). It’s that they spend energy when they’re out in highly
stimulating situations, where most of the world (extroverts) feed off that
stimulating energy.
For many INTJs it runs a bit deeper.
Their sanity can sometimes be linked to their need for privacy and quiet. Many
pursue solitary activities like reading and writing to regain their energy.
This can explain why many of them appear extremely irked when someone disrupts
their private time. If they fail to communicate this to the people around them,
the INTJ can come off exceptionally cold and distant. It’s something they
should look out for at times.
This INTJ
appreciates my comfortable circle. It is
a small circle. Yet I also want to be
stimulated. Music, good food,
interesting conversation are great stimulation.
I want to explore the world. “All
who wander are not lost.” I work hard during the week and look forward to some
different stimulation on my weekend and any precious off time.
3. Mental Quickness
The whole ‘Mastermind’ stuff might have
tipped you off to this, but mental quickness goes deeper than that. INTJs are a
witty, innovative bunch that has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Consider
them pack rats of wisdom, if you will. Once they have the knowledge, they use
it to analyze and reach new insights of their own. Sometimes, they use it to
better understand themselves, which falls back onto their desire for
self-improvement.
True! The way to get one off their game is to
invade their personal space. Hugging may
work.
4. Rebellious Free Thinkers
INTJs have questioned authority as long
as their nature has dictated. Just because someone holds a title of authority
or seniority does not mean a thing to an INTJ. Respect is earned by everyone. Rules need to serve a rational purpose.
We
overthink. We analyze all possible
outcomes, good and bad. It is a constant
chess game in my head. Do not confuse free thinking and sarcasm with arrogance.
If threatened I will react.
5. Extremely Loyal
One of the more frustrating aspects of
an INTJ can be their extreme loyalty mixed with their high standards for
honesty and morality. Loyalty and steadiness are highly desirable to them, but
it can take some time to develop. Their reserved nature isn’t just some form of
social aversion. Instead, they are gauging what could come of their potential
relationships. For INTJs, it’s a highly effective way of going about life.
Once you have earned the loyalty of an
INTJ, you have made a lifelong friend that often doesn’t let new people in.
But, if you breach that trust it can be near impossible to gain back. Their
trust can be lost by the slightest social norm that is otherwise accepted in
society. For INTJs, the acceptance of white lies and other commonly accepted
actions is not so easy for them—if at all. That can make their hardline loyalty
the kind of bond you’ll never have to worry about losing. If you think you can
sneak something past an INTJ, you may want to reconsider before losing a
potential friend over something small.
Another truth. I pick up on lies and
inconsistencies. If you are in the
comfortable circle you will be given the benefit of the doubt. If not, you will
likely be written off as an unworthy fool.
Generally kind and conscientious (live and let live) but viciously loyal is
a better definition. My reaction to betrayal or if someone injures my family,
will unleash the full fury of an INTJ mastermind.
6. Open-Minded
Most INTJs are hard to sway once they
have made up their minds, but that isn’t the case when they are forming their
opinions. INTJs are actually one of the more open minded kinds of people. INTJs
are often part of the most progressive group in the conversation.
This can be puzzling when factoring in
their judgment (J) tendency. How does the tolerance work with all that judgment?
I keep the
circle small and do not tolerate fools easily.
Although sometimes I like to watch a good train wreck.
7. The Rational Approach
What may drive others crazy is one of
an INTJs strongest characteristics. They take pride in possessing a strong,
pragmatic approach to life, but it comes with a down side. While most of the
world jumps for what they want, an INTJ takes their time—deciding if it fits
their fickle standards. This can make relationships a massive issue for them.
Then again, that rationale allows for them to also separate emotion from
situations.
A rational approach can be a problem
for the INTJ as well because they seek precise answers, which is not the way a
large amount of people operate.
It should be
the way people operate! I have learned,
but do not completely understand the thinking, that some people do irrational
things.
8. Keen Observers
As previously stated, trying to get
something past an INTJ is a dangerous game, my friend. Whether it’s big or
small, an INTJ could react rather harshly if you get caught. The reason for
that is their observation that rivals an owl. The ability comes from their
introverted intuition being a dominant factor in their personalities. This
fosters their mental quickness because of the constant flow of knowledge they
take in.
When not using this to be amateur
sleuths, an INTJ can use their observations to optimize a situation. They can
remove themselves from the action to see what is going on, or hone in on a
person during a conversation—especially if the INTJ is lacking anything to say
on their end.
I observe and
judge. Not much gets by me. However, I am disappointed when others do not
do the same and fail to pick up on the clues I am leaving.
9. Hardworking, Determined to Achieve Their Goals
A lazy INTJ is something you will
rarely come across. They are workhorses, but only when they want to. Good luck
getting them to quit once they have found a subject they are in to. They will
stick at it until they know it inside and out. Long hours of practice and
studying excite an INTJ because they know they are that much closer to
perfecting their task. Between their work ethic and mental prowess, it is no
surprise that they often excel in tasking situations. Where others often become
exhausted, INTJs remain charged behind their new found knowledge. If you can’t
find your INTJ loved ones, check where the books and computers are first.
An INTJ is always multitasking and acquiring more information. I see very
few limits if I truly apply myself.
10. Natural Leadership Abilities
When so much of their personality
steers towards wise, fair leadership their reluctance to be the focal point
puts their true ability to change the world into doubt. Their pragmatism and
foresight allows them to make rational strategies that often come to fruition.
Yet, frequently they will remain quiet unless they deem no one else fit for the
leadership role.
Once in the role of leaders they can be
highly effective. However, their nature to disregard emotions over the greater
good of the cause can rub people the wrong way. A great INTJ leader should
consider branching out of their comfort zone to factor emotions in while
remaining their typical pragmatic self.
I am a modest man from Minnesota, I lead my team
in a quiet and respectful way. I do not
need to make work or schedule extra meetings.
I do not need to hear myself talk.
No drama. I expect results. They deliver.
