INFJ ZEN

Young INFJs juggling school and extracurriculars

Skater girl

F3 “Deductive Analyst”

• Make logical deductions

• Backtrack or correct your thinking due to a reasoning error

• Follow a chain of reasoning

--Source of description: https://medium.com/@jungian.typologic/the-brain-region-activations-5e83e6dfebbe

It is suggested that most people have less activity in this region relative to other regions. INFJs probably use the F3 region on the center-right side near the front of the brain much less relative to other personality types. While INFJs are capable of thinking in words or symbols while following a branching logical structure or chain of reasoning towards a conclusion, they are not as natural at doing so and sometimes need to be explicitly shown by others how to think this way.

In MBTI terms, types who use F3 to a high degree are probably those with higher extroverted thinking (Te). Generally, TJs are particularly good at deductive reasoning. STJs tend to go step-by-step and are able to easily backtrack and correct their thinking due to errors of reasoning. NTJs appear to incorporate more intuitive leaps while making logical deductions.

F8 “Grounded Believer” • Recall exact, literal details • Say a word or phrase with strong emphasis • Identity what we believe • Rate how much we like or dislike something • Ignore context

--Source of description: https://medium.com/@jungian.typologic/the-brain-region-activations-5e83e6dfebbe

INFJs probably use the F8 region on the right side near the front of the brain moderately relative to other personality types. While INFJs are capable of recalling exact literal details, putting emphasis on words or phrases, identifying what they believe, rating their likes and dislikes and ignoring context, they tend to do so in moderation.

In MBTI terms, INFJs have secondary extroverted feeling (Fe). They readily tune in to what others are feeling but tuning in to their own feelings and personal beliefs (Fi) requires more thought and introspection than what normally occurs on a subconscious level.

While INFJs are sometimes aware of personal likes and dislikes, it may take time (ie: self-interrogation, being required to write an essay on the topic) for their preferences to rise to the level of consciousness and to reach an understanding of the reasons why they have the preferences they do.

Usually, those with higher introverted feeling (Fi) are more immediately aware of their personal beliefs, likes, feelings; they tend to take compliments and insults much more personally. INFJs have a fairly strong filter and tend to take it less personally when their beliefs are challenged.

INFJs are capable of recalling exact, literal details, especially regarding people or things that are important to them. However, INFJs lean towards subjective and emotive memory and it requires a conscious effort for them to remember literal details (repeating them over and over to themselves, writing them down and reading over them repeatedly). Those with higher introverted sensing (Si) tend to be better at this type of recall.

SFJs who have higher extroverted feeling (Fe) and introverted sensing (Si) also seem to have a greater ability to verbally emote or express through speech what they believe is important - and in recalling literal details in support of their beliefs.

INFJs are generally capable of but require more effort to (a) become aware of what they believe and feel (b) recall literal details regarding what they think is important and (c) express their beliefs through speech.

F7 “Imaginative Mimic” • Infer based on context • Imagine another place or time • Mirror others’ behavior • Ask “maybe” and “what if” • Mentally play out a situation

--Source of description: https://medium.com/@jungian.typologic/the-brain-region-activations-5e83e6dfebbe

INFJs probably use the F7 region on the left side near the front of the brain less well relative to other personality types. While INFJs are capable of mirroring others' behaviour, inferring by context, mentally rehearsing, asking "what if" and playing out that scenario, I don’t think they are particularly natural at doing so.

In MBTI terms, probably those with higher extroverted intuition (Ne) are subconsciously playing out the most elaborate "what if" scenarios in their minds. Many science fiction writers have higher extroverted intuition. INFJs tend to have much less elaborate "what if" scenarios playing out in their minds and generally do not care as much as others regarding these types of things.

Those with higher extroverted intuition (Ne) also seem better at inferring based on context: figuring out what a teacher wants on a multiple choice test and giving them the answer they most expect; figuring out what a prospective employer wants to hear in response to a question in a job interview. INFJs tend to have more trouble figuring out expected answers in such situations.

Interview with an INFJ singer and dancer on his life and career

Interview with an INFJ software engineer on her life and career

At track meets.

Distance running. Running away from the pack.

Fp2 “Process Manager” • Notice where you are in a task • Perceive that you are done • Consider a new or unpleasant idea Broadly, tracks whether we are at the beginning, middle, or end of a task. Helps regulate our emotions while processing negative, depressing or disruptive data.

-- Source of description: https://medium.com/@jungian.typologic/the-brain-region-activations-5e83e6dfebbe

INFJs probably use the Fp2 region at the front right of the brain very well relative to other personality types. Process is fundamental to how INFJs think and interact with the world. Tasks that involve process are generally less stressful.

As a result, INFJs often engage in activities and work that are process-oriented. From refining the process in a recipe or a chemistry experiment to organizing the management systems of a company to make it run more efficiently, INFJs naturally fixate on making tasks and systems work better. A bit perfectionistic, INFJs may be put off by inefficient process in management systems.

INFJs are also good at staying open and considering new or unpleasant ideas. They may take in a lot of new ideas, including very negative ones without getting easily overwhelmed. However, they are not immune to becoming overwhelmed at some point. For example, considering too many new ideas without having the resources (time, wellness, experience, mental capacity, education level, etc.) to properly process what they think about those ideas may become stressful.

Fp1 “Chief Judge”

• Provide a reason

• Decide between options

• Detect an error

Helps us decide quickly and explain our reasoning. Helps us ignore unwanted, negative ideas and feedback.

-- Source of description: https://medium.com/@jungian.typologic/the-brain-region-activations-5e83e6dfebbe

INFJs probably use the Fp1 region at the front left of the brain much less well relative to other personality types. While INFJs are capable of making decisions, providing reasons for decisions, deciding between options, detecting errors, I don't think they are particularly good at doing so under stress (or at a rapid pace and at a high volume for a prolonged period of time with limited resources).

If INFJs have to decide very quickly, decide between many options, explain their complex reasoning for a decision, detect a lot of errors, and ignore a lot of negativity while doing so, they are likely to become overwhelmed or pressured rather quickly compared with those with a very strong executive ability. Overuse of this region sounds particularly exhausting.

Screen shot source: https://medium.com/@jungian.typologic/the-brain-region-activations-5e83e6dfebbe

In a previous post, I listed which brain regions I think INFJs use to a high degree. I suggested that INFJs have a strong back right bias.

Here are regions I think INFJs underuse.

While I can’t be sure without an actual scan, I have an idea that INFJs don't use these regions so much:

Fp1

F3

F7

FC

C3

P3

T3

T5

And I think that they use these regions somewhat moderately:

F4

F8

FC6

C4

Pairs figure skating bronze medal performance at the 1995 World Figure Skating Championships by Jenni Meno (ESFP) and Todd Sand (INFJ)

It is rare that an introverted actor is hired to play the lead role in a popular tv series, where they carry the show and where their personality bleeds into the main character.

Here, an ISTJ lead actor stars as Elena Gilbert, a popular teen with a mysterious adoptive past struggling to live a normal life in a supernatural teen drama about vampires.

Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries

It is rare that an intuitive actor is hired to play the lead role in a popular tv series, where they carry the show and where their personality bleeds into the main character.

Here, an ENTJ lead actor stars in a popular coming of age sitcom.

Blossom in Blossom

It is rare that an introvert or an introverted intuitive actor is hired to play the lead role in a popular tv series, where they carry the show and where their personality bleeds into the main character.

Here, an INFJ lead actor stars as Merlin, the wizard of Arthurian legend who helps guide King Arthur to the throne.

Merlin in Merlin

What MBTI types tend to be elected as American President?

Here is a look at American Presidents and their MBTI types (since 1933 and adequate television footage).

Donald Trump (January 20, 2025-) & (January 20, 2017-January 20, 2021) ESTP

Joe Biden (January 20, 2021-January 20, 2025) ESFP

Barack Obama (January 20, 2009-January 20, 2017) ENTP

George W. Bush (January 20, 2001-January 20, 2009) ESFP

Bill Clinton (January 20, 1993-January 20, 2001) ESFP

George H.W. Bush (January 20, 1989-January 20, 1993) ISFJ

Ronald Reagan (January 20, 1981-January 20, 1989) ESFP

Jimmy Carter (January 20, 1977-January 20, 1981) ESFJ

Gerald Ford (August 9, 1974-January 20, 1977)  ISTJ

Richard Nixon (January 20, 1969-August 9, 1974) ENTJ

Lyndon B. Johnson (November 22, 1963-January 20, 1969) ESTJ

John F. Kennedy (January 20, 1961-November 22, 1963) ESTP

Dwight D. Eisenhower (January 20, 1953-January 20, 1961) ESTJ

Harry S. Truman (April 12, 1945-January 20, 1953) ESFP

Franklin D. Roosevelt (March 4, 1933–April 12, 1945) ESFP

Totals out of 15 American Presidents:

6 ESFP

2 ESTP

2 ESTJ

1 ESFJ

1 ENTJ

1 ENTP

1 ISTJ

1 ISFJ

13 E types

13 S types

9 P types

8 F types

7 T types

6 J types

2 N types

2 I types

* Eight types have not been American President (since 1933) including: ENFP, ENFJ, ISTP, ISFP, INTJ, INFJ, INTP, INFP

Trends

Regardless of party affiliation, Americans overwhelming vote for a show and elect extroverted S types, especially ESFPs!

The United States of America has a constitutional federal representative republic system of government. Citizens vote directly for their President and Americans tend to elect showy leaders over competent administrators with less personal charisma.

Extroverts are very overwhelmingly preferred to introverts. Only 2/15 or 13% of Presidents have been introverts. Vice President Gerald Ford (ISTJ) succeeded to the office of President without running for election after President Richard Nixon's (ENTJ) resignation due to the Watergate scandal. He lost the following presidential race to another extrovert, Jimmy Carter (ESFJ). Vice President George HW Bush ran for election against Michael Dukakis (ISTJ) and won a first term but lost a second term to Bill Clinton (ESFP).

Feelers are slightly preferred to thinkers. 8/15 or 53% of Presidents have been feelers, while 7/15 or 47% of Presidents have been thinkers. There does not seem to be any substantial differences in party affiliation for Presidents of feeling and thinking preferences.

There are overwhelmingly more sensors than intuitives. 13/15 Presidents (or 87%) have been sensors while 2/15 (or 13%) were intuitives. Both intuitive types were extroverted, thinking types: Richard Nixon (ENTJ), a Republican has auxiliary introverted intuition; Barack Obama (ENTP), a Democrat has dominant extroverted intuition. There does not seem to be any substantial difference in party affiliation for Presidents of sensing and intuiting preferences.

Perceiving type Presidents are elected somewhat more often than judging types. There have been 9/15 or 60% perceiving and 6/15 or 40% judging type Presidents (since 1933).

Introversion and intuiting appear to be significant inhibitors to becoming President of the United States of America.