It’s been some time since I’ve visited this subject about INFJ Masters and personal development. It’s not an easy topic to share on since life mastery covers many many areas.
But if INFJ Masters do have any characteristic, it is the ability to lead through their vision, inspiration and dedication to the cause.
INFJs and Forecasting The Future
From my experience, INFJs tend to have the ability to forecast the future. By saying this, I don’t mean that INFJs can see what WILL happen in the future, but more towards the ability to see the probabilities of certain events taking place.
How Introverted Intuition (Ni) Works for INFJs
Someone has ever asked me to describe how Ni works (Ni being Introverted Intuition). The best way I can describe how this dominant function in INFJs work is through the following:
The INFJ Introverted Intuition (Ni) works to forecast or anticipate the future by taking as many factors into account as possible. It’s based within a framework of understanding the larger picture, how the possible human behaviors work within that larger picture, potential push and pull factors, current momentum, anticipated future events, surrounding elements of a person’s social circle and network.
INFJ Ni Takes EVERYTHING Into Consideration
When an INFJ looks towards the probable futures, he or she takes everything into account and applies an intuitive weightage towards each factor. Based on everything, the INFJ then makes an educated and intuitive guess about what the future will be.
INFJs who have developed their Ni and understanding of global forces will also be able to anticipate global changes and trends based on current and possible future events. This is a major reason why INFJs are so dedicated towards humanity.
They can “see” the direction and future of mankind.
INFJ Masters and Leadership
What does forecasting the future have to do with becoming an INFJ Master?
The truth is, an individual is not able to change or influence the future on his or her own. If he or she is able to gather, influence and share his or her vision with a group of people, the INFJ Master will have leveraged his ability to influence the future of his community and society.
Many INFJs who are able to forecast the future have yet to develop this leadership ability. Not because they aren’t able to, but by nature INFJs prefer to stay out of the spotlight and allow others to shine. Hence you find INFJs are typically the “shadow masters”, or the people who influence from behind the scenes.
But if you are an INFJ seeking a life more fulfilling and purposeful, leadership is something that you inevitably must learn.
There are many forms of leadership. INFJs do not lean towards the showy and blustery style of leading. Instead, because of their desire to get things done (from their “J”ness), they tend to lead by example and usually get involved with the actual work.
Other Leadership Traits of an INFJ Master
An INFJ Master leads by sharing his vision and passion, usually inspired by the need to help humanity. His values typically border on doing things for the greater good and towards a balanced, vibrant and growing community (as one of the things that also guides an INFJ is the need for growth).
An INFJ Master not only inspires others through his vision of the future, but also by lending his efforts towards making sure processes are in place, people are engaged and fulfilled, others have ownership of the vision and that basically everyone is taken care of in every way possible.
But Mastery comes not only through the ability to lead, but also knowing when to lead and when to allow others to lead. Through his or her understanding of the future, an INFJ Master’s ability to read a person will allow him to guide another who is more fitting for a position to step up and shine.
Whoever is best for that job is given that job, because through his or her performance the greater community benefits.
INFJ Masters also learn to set aside their own desire for being out of the spotlight to take up the reins if necessary.
When the future of the people they care about is at stake, there are things more important than staying in the shadows doing their own thing.
An INFJ Master is able to set aside his own desire for peace and quiet, because he understands that this physical life is temporary. As much as he desires to linger beside quiet waters, bubbling streams and the coolness of nature, if there is work to be done…. an INFJ Master does it until it is.
Does this mean that INFJ Masters don’t have their own fears, misgivings and setbacks?
INFJs tend to be harder on themselves than the people around them. Each mistake, no matter how slight or inconsequential, can linger on his or her mind for days until they have made peace with it.
With their strong Fe (Extroverted Feeling), they are aware of how things are and how they should be. For them, the saying that for those who are given much, much is expected, holds true. With their strong abilities to intuit and feel, they hold themselves to higher standards because they “know better”.
Yet, being human, mistakes are inevitable. Emotions and feelings hold sway over rational and logical judgement. People make mistakes.
INFJ Masters and Self Acceptance
INFJ Masters have learnt this and understood that they are also a part of humanity and are susceptible to mistakes. They have learnt to accept that they are not perfect, to acknowledge when they have made a mistake and then take the necessary actions to correct them if possible.
In many ways, an INFJ Master doesn’t just work on his external environment. His or her work takes place in both worlds, internal and external. As he works on developing and improving the external world around him, he is also constantly working on improving the inner world that exists within.
INFJ Masters, in their leadership, do not show they are “perfect”. Instead, they acknowledge their humanity and connection with everyone else. It is through this acknowledgement of connection that helps to bring everyone together. It is through the realization that change and growth can only come if everyone works together instead of against each other.
One message that is important and resonates through the soul of INFJ Masters… is the message that we are all connected at varying levels and in varying degrees. What one person does will ultimately affect another because no one is truly separate.
It is because of this understanding and awareness that INFJ Masters strive to better humanity and society, sometimes to their own cost. Yet it is also because of their awareness of the soul that they have the drive to push beyond physical barriers, knowing that there is life on the other side of the veil.
INFJ Masters light the way.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
DARBRIGHT This is Pure GENIUS. SEE i knew we were going to get along!!!! this is why i love science and psychology this article is awsome. you just pint point everything about who i am just when i thought no one could understand me
you are awesome darbright and God bless you for that. i even liked this par “An INFJ Master is able to set aside his own desire for peace and quiet, because he understands that this physical life is temporary.” very true. the only way i can say thank you for this article is by sharing these links i hope you enjoy 
http://www.poetry.com/poetry_forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=26055
http://www.poetry.com/poetry_forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=28721
Wow. Wonderful article. I didnt realize there was a site like this dedicated to the growth of an INFJ out there. Continue writing please. It’s a pleasure reading your insights into how INFJ function. I especially liked the Jedi-esque article on development haha.
I have never found a blog that I feel so enlightened by. I can relate to these words on so many levels. I am so excited to know that there is a unique way that I can navigate this world as an INFJ.
@Anibal:
Thanks. I did go through the links, but I’m not one for poetry. To each their own!
@ Patrick:
Truth be told, being INFJ has its many pros and cons. I’m still in the process of gaining better understanding of how INFJ cognitive processes work. And even after understanding how these functions work, it’s still another thing to apply that understanding into effective results.
@Michelle:
Thanks for the compliments. INFJs tend to be multi-talented as both right and left brains are balanced. It’s about finding our own way though this world and discovering how exciting it can be to see the world through INFJ lenses.
Thank you for this post! Your words resonate with me deeply about self-sacrificing for the greater good.
As someone going into their MBA program after a long hiatus from graduating with a degree in Sociology and Psych, I see a greater and greater need for INFJs to step up to the plate as entrepreneurial leaders. Perhaps it is the inspirational talk by Susan Cain on TED that has my mind contemplating this recently. Nonetheless, the message rings true: “these introverts (referring to Wozniak, J.K. Rowling, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gandhi, etc) did what they did not in spite of their temperaments — but because of them.” A great example of an INFJ entrepreneur is Blake Mycoskie of Tom’s Shoes.
As I embark on my own journey of social enterprising, what do you suggest as the next steps toward making a difference in the world and “being the change I want to see?” (from your perspective of course.)
@MsD:
Great question! I hope I can give an adequate answer that makes sense…
Making a difference in the world depends entirely on each person’s global perspective. Every person sees the world from different heights, so making a difference is a uniquely individual experience.
Some people understand the world through the context of their immediate family. Everything they do, they do for their family.
Another may understand the world through corporate leadership. To them, making a difference may be guiding their company to create and deliver maximum value for the “tribe” they serve.
A political leader may view making a difference through what he or she can do for their countrymen.
A spiritual leader may view making a difference through the context of helping people reach “enlightenment” and spiritual self mastery.
So making a difference is a uniquely individual experience depending on where you are standing right now.
The most important thing I can say about this right now is that making a difference can only be effective if you do what’s in front of you right now.
Doing what wecan within our current sphere of influence will make a difference to the people around us.
I wouldn’t think about “changing the world” if we can’t even handle what’s in front of us, right?
Besides, influence is built up over time and interaction. Every corporate leader started from somewhere. Every politician had to begin where they were.
Even social entrepreneurs have to start where they are. The best form of influence is through word of mouth. And that comes when people really get something out of what is being done.
Once you have a valuable and effective service or product, effective marketing helps to spread the word faster, that’s all. If a product or service is questionable, sooner or later the flaws will appear.
Doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect though. It just means that we have to be prepared to improve or modify the way we “make a difference” as our understanding and experience tells us.
As for “being the change I want to see”, I’d say we all need to ask ourselves if the “change we want to see” is truly for the benefit and highest good of the people involved.
Changes bring with them disruption and temporary chaos at times. It’s something that we need to be ready to deal with.
It may not be us personally who need to restructure and guide the framework of the new reality, but eventually there needs to be some order and stability for society to function smoothly.
That said, if a change is truly for the benefit of the people involved?
If you have the fire, the passion, the courage?
Go for it.
Sometimes the people who changed the world had no clue what they were doing in the first place.
The thing is…
if others find that the changes are really beneficial…
You’ll attract people and resources to jump on your bandwagon simply because everyone wants a better world to live in.
My take?
Begin where we are and do what we can.
I never really knew I was an INFJ until recently—so I’ve been reading a LOT about them(me) recently. I always knew my personality, but didn’t know there was a type to make sense of it
It’s so intriuging to read about the similarities between INFJs. I think about the workings of the world a LOT, the little things, then jumping back to the big picture, of ourselves, our world. I work in health care and see so many problems of our modern day human selves (specific examples: obesity, sedentary lives, unhealthy eating, food processing). It gets a depressing when I think of those who don’t really have the right environmental factors etc from the get-go, those of are born into “unfair” or underadvantaged situations
The truth that we are all connected is why we feel the need to help others. It’s easy to say that there are so many problems in the world, so many big/intertwined issues, how can I ever make a difference? So maybe that’s what I’m working on, or at least thinking about — especially when I go to work and take care of a patient who I know, no matter what I do for them, I know I cannot solve their problems, as I see it as societal problem. I often think about spirituality too…
I honestly don’t know if I’d ever be a master – your article does inspire me though! Maybe if I can merge my strengths and passions something great will happen…
This entire journey of an INFJ is just too good! Thanks a ton for citing out the various stages that an INFJ goes through. Its only recently that I have come to know that I am an INFJ too and all of a sudden the world makes more sense!
(Yes, I have felt like an alien many a times, not really fitting into the so-called normal world)
I have been told that I am a living dichotomy when I show equal adeptness in seemingly different areas of work. I now know that I am not crazy, just an INFJ with multi-layered and multi-dimensional outlook to myself and the world in general. I suddenly feel that I belong to this planet now
Your write up has a zen like quality to it and resonates with me to the T. Thanks a lot for this. God Bless You.
Great article, I feel like you really nailed a lot here that relates to me. I’m really glad I read this, especially since it’s quite relevant to me right now. I’ve just started having to step up to the plate and lead others. Ideally Ive always thought a leader should be the person who has the best ideas and can project the best place to steer the ship. I’ve done this a lot at my work behind the scenes, but my projects are growing in scope and people. I know Im going to have to adopt skills that come naturally to others as well as let my own shine. I have a lot of cred for my work, but not that typical leadership personality cred that lots of people gravitate towards and fall behind. Great advice here. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m bookmarking your site.
What a soul enriching and informative article about an INFJ.I serendipitously discovered that INFJ is my personality type not quite long ago.Prior to discovering my personality,I have been feeling like a loner and seeking to find why I am this way.Many a time,I unsuccessfully force myself to fit in and live like others but this inability to fit in made me more confused and asking question about whom I am,but now I can confidently give meaning and understanding to my existence on this earth.Thank you very much for the article!
Hearing your views and soaking them up
Determination that seems embedded in my core keeps me from sitting on the sidelines….but sharing my thoughts and things is always easier said than believed. for me that’s the toughest part of being INFJ. most aren’t ready or willing to hear you, some think your crazy others flat out disagree then every other year or so someone listens with an open mind and a willingness to attempt to comprehend. 
This is a wonderful read! Thank you for sharing! It’s amazing the journey that many (if not all) INFJ’s have to go through to find their way in the world. My husband and I are both INFJ’s and we are now working happily in the non-profit education world trying to make a difference.
I am really trying to develop my leadership skills and am often coming up against a wall of my own inadequacies. I love what I do, but I always feel that I could be doing it much better! Do you have any literature that you would recommend that I look into?
Many thanks!