Have you ever known someone who has a plan for their day, their week, and pretty much their whole life? Someone who probably has a plan to plan for the plan? Then you probably know an INTJ introvert. 😂
I’ve known a lot of people with an INTJ personality type, so I can relate. But if you’re not sure yet, keep reading for more about the INTJ meaning and how they show up in the world.
The INTJ Introvert
INTJ is one of the eight introverted personality types in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment (MBTI).
The MBTI is a personality test that helps identify preferences in four categories that compose a person’s four-letter result. The “I” is given to people who have more of a preference toward introversion.
INTJs make up about 2 to 3% of the US population. About 60% of them are male, and about 40% are female.
The INTJ Personality Type
Myers-Briggs calls the INTJ introvert “The Conceptual Planner.” I’ve also seen this introvert type called the “The Architect,” “The Mastermind,” and “The Strategist.”
The INTJ introvert gets these names because they tend to focus on the future and are meticulous about planning for it. They often have large, far-reaching goals but won’t tell anybody about them. 🤫 At least not until they’re accomplished.
Characteristics of the INTJ Introvert
INTJs are system thinkers. They look at a problem and try to find a solution that will fix the problem and any other problem connected to it. INTJs apply the same thinking to different areas of their life.
They often see relationships, their career, and even their family as a system to plan for and tweak as they go.
This type of thinking makes them very conceptual and strategic in everything they do. They are independent, highly logical, and a little aloof.
They are also innovative and insightful and love to be well-informed. It is very common for an INTJ introvert to find interest in a topic and dive deep until they feel they’ve mastered it.
INTJ Brain Works
The INTJ personality type, along with the other 15 personality traits identified by the MBTI, is based on Carl Jung’s four key psychological functions: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. All of these cognitive functions are either introverted or extroverted.
The Strongest Parts of the INTJ Personality Type
The “I” and the “N” are the primary parts of the INTJ personality type. These letters stand for introverted intuition. This means INTJs are really good at looking at the bigger picture.
They enjoy facts and figures but are more interested in the meaning behind them. They look at all potential outcomes and possibilities when making decisions.
The “T” is the second most dominant part of the INTJ personality type, and it stands for extroverted thinking. This part of the INTJ personality type leads them to find structure and order in the world around them.
The Lesser Parts of the INTJ Personality Type
The lesser dominant parts of the INTJ personality type are introverted feeling and extroverted sensing. These are lesser-developed parts of this personality type and are often not used very much at all except under stress or extreme fatigue.
They also represent an opposite perspective to the more dominant types. However, if an introvert focuses on developing these lesser-used parts, they can become supports that help them have a more balanced approach to life.
Introverted feeling involves better understanding your feelings and the feelings of others. Extroverted sensing helps an INTJ introvert use their senses and feelings to process information and make decisions rather than logic alone.
INTJ introverts often use this trait when experiencing something exciting that they feel energized by.
INTJ Introvert Examples
Well, Wallflower, I tried to find examples of notable or famous INTJs who are black women – not an easy task! And one I was not very successful at. However, here are a few notable INTJs and quotes from them.
Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
Excellence is being able to perform at a high level over and over again. You can hit a half-court shot once. That’s just the luck of the draw. If you consistently do it… that’s excellence.
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.
Brilliant Strengths of the INTJ Introvert
Exceptional planners. INTJ introverts are some of the best planners around. Their analytical skills and strategic thinking make them very good at strategic planning, and they enjoy doing it.
INTJ introverts are right at home with abstract concepts and enjoy critical thinking. INTJs are very good at seeing the big picture and identifying better ways to get there. These INTJ personality traits make them natural leaders.
Problem solvers. Introverts with an INTJ personality type love solving problems. They are great listeners, which makes them well-suited to handle complex information, tease out the root of a problem, and find innovative solutions.
One of their primary strengths is applying logic and hard facts to their decision-making process. As a result, many people with INTJ personalities make excellent scientists and researchers.
Hard Workers. INTJs are relentless when learning things and when given a project. They will work toward mastery of whatever they put their hands to. Their hard-working nature and intellectual curiosity together make a powerful tool for personal growth and development.
Beneficial Challenges of the INTJ Introvert
Independent. Yes, INTJ introverts are independent – read aloof and overly analytical. While there are benefits to this, it can sometimes make them difficult to communicate with.
However, communication skills notwithstanding, the plus side of this is they are independent thinkers, which helps them form a unique perspective on challenging issues.
Perfectionistic. INTJs can be quite the perfectionists. This helps them achieve great things but also makes it difficult for them to adapt to change. It can also challenge their relationships when they place those high standards on others.
Emotionally Distant. Another important part of the INTJ personality type is that they find discussing emotions difficult – their own and other people’s. This can make them appear emotionally distant and often poses a challenge for maintaining personal relationships.
However, they do enjoy close relationships and knowing people on a deeper level. It just takes a concerted effort for them to share feelings.
Introvert Petal
Societal challenges and discrimination often amplify these challenges for black women. They can even mask underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety. Make sure you take care of yourself and seek help if needed.
Self-Care for INTJ Introverts
As an INTJ introvert, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Here are a few activities to keep in your back pocket. 😉
Protect your comfort zone. Every introvert needs a quiet space to retreat to and have alone time when needed, especially after social interactions.
The place you go to is your comfort zone, Wallflower. Keep it quiet, design it to meet your needs, and don’t let others pressure you to change it.
Have a creative outlet. Painting, knitting, dancing, something that allows you to exercise the other parts of your very analytical brain. Try to find something that you can have fun with while allowing yourself not to be perfect.
Challenge yourself to turn off your high expectations, slow down, and be present.
Journaling. Writing down your thoughts to get them out of your head is an old introvert standby. This is especially helpful for an INTJ introvert.
Journaling will help you process your feelings, get all those fully analyzed plans out of your head, and identify small ways to connect with others in small, routine ways. This way, you can avoid big, uncomfortable feelings talks. 😬
Closing Thoughts
INTJ introverts are high achieving, analytical planners who are excellent problem solvers. They can also struggle with communication, especially when it comes to talking about emotions. INTJs are a natural fit for leadership roles but may need to strengthen their emotional intelligence to be successful.
They enjoy creating new friendships but have little patience for small talk. If you can appreciate that, you’ll count yourself lucky to be friends with an INTJ introvert.
Common Questions
Are INTJs very introverted?
Yes, INTJs are very introverted. That is, if you define being very introverted as spending a lot of time in your head rather than talking to people. They are very analytical and, as a side effect, often aloof. These are trademark characteristics of very introverted people.
Is INTJ a rare personality type?
The INTJ personality is one of the rarer types. It’s not the rarest type – INFJ wins that award. However, the INTJ personality type is among the top three rarest.
How can you tell if someone is an INTJ?
The easiest way to tell if someone is an INTJ is to look for the key characteristics of the INTJ personality type. They are overly analytical, sometimes have a hard time adapting to change, and avoid conversations about emotions. They are also loyal and enjoy helping people solve problems, especially those closest to them
