Wonderfully Complex!

“O  Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away… You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand… Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it… You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God.”  

~Excerpts from Psalm 139

Well, I was close but mistaken in thinking I was an ISFJ... after taking two free personality tests yesterday, paying for the 160-page extended results e-book, then spending most of last night and this afternoon reading it and taking 20 pages of notes #notexaggerating, I have confirmed that I am definitely (still) an INFJ!!

My personality type is titled "The Confidant" or "The Advocate," depending which test you use.  

*Sidenote: I love that each of the 16 types reflects a different facet of the Trinity - we are all made in the image of an awesome God who is an Adventurer, Explorer, Giver, Artist, Defender, Advocate, Confidant, Architect, Supporter, etc.

Also... wow, I had forgotten how much this stuff fascinates me!  In my case, it is on point and oddly comforting and uniquely helpful!  I really do understand if you don't feel the same way and prefer to skip this post, but for anyone interested, here are some statements from my results that I found amusing:

• INFJs tend to see helping others as their purpose in life, but their real passion is to get to the heart of the issue.  #true #myblogtitle
• Though soft-spoken, they have very strong opinions and will fight tirelessly for an idea they believe in.  #yes
• Strengths:  Creative, Insightful, Convincing, Determined, Passionate, Altruistic
• Weaknesses:  Sensitive, Perfectionistic, Always Need to Have a Cause, Can Burn Out Easily
• Spend far more time engaging in various internal discussions than observing concrete things around them.  (True - I'm ridiculously unobservant about certain things and have no directional sense, but personal stuff fascinates me, and I remember dates and names and stories most would tend to forget.)
• They seek out people who share their desire for authenticity, and go out of their way to avoid those who don’t. INFJs should be careful not to put their friends on an imaginary pedestal. #yaaaas
• If their self-esteem is weak... their intense need to connect may allow others to victimize them. INFJs must learn to apply the same compassion they have for others to the person they see in the mirror. (Thankfully, it's getting stronger!)
• Inclination to grow and to discover who they are. It will feel quite natural to INFJs to go on deliberate journeys of self-discovery. INFJs can restore their self-confidence by simply being who they are and doing what they do.  :)
• Very dedicated and strong-willed; develop deep emotional attachments. Giving up and letting go is a tremendous challenge for INFJs.  #yathink!?
• Romantic relationships with INFJs are not for the uncommitted or the shallow.  #preach
• They see their relationships as eternal, unbreakable bonds, throwing everything they have at making their partner happy. #andbestfriendships
• It is very unlikely that an INFJ’s child will ever say that they did not have enough emotional support growing up.  #truth lol
• They like and need a good amount of time to deliberate before they present an idea or argument. #lifechurch
• They are perfectionists who do whatever it takes to embrace high standards – usually of their own creation.  All bets are off if they can’t connect personally to the subject. The bigger picture always takes priority, and putting a lot of labor into what they see as mundane or unimportant seems like a senseless act. #geometry
• Quality trumps quantity every time, and over the years, they will likely end up with just a few true friendships.  #yesplease #thankful
• Likely the rarest personality type, their uniqueness is not always appreciated... Feeling apart and misunderstood can be quite depressing for some INFJs. #formerlytrue
• Can be quite talkative and eloquent, sometimes giving the impression that they are a lot more Extraverted than they really are. This contradiction can be confusing to others.
• Many INFJs struggle to begin a career because they see ten wildly different paths forward, each with its own intrinsic rewards, alluring but also heartbreaking, because each means abandoning so much else. #currentlytrue
• They need to find meaning in their work, to know that they are helping and connecting with people -- roles as counselors, psychologists, doctors, life coaches and spiritual guides are all attractive options. 
• They crave creativity too, the ability to use their insight to connect events and situations, effecting real change... They need work that has “soul."  It’s essential that their work feels purposeful and creative, so repetitious tasks are very unlikely to appeal to INFJs.  #yep
• They often pursue expressive careers such as writing, elegant communicators that they are, and author many popular blogs, stories and screenplays. #hoorayforblogging
• Music, photography, design and art are viable options too, and they all can focus on deeper themes of personal growth, morality and spirituality.
• They fall flat in work focusing on impersonal concerns, mundanity, and high-profile conflict... They will simply wilt under the scrutiny, criticism and pressure of courtroom prosecution and defense, corporate politics, and cold-call sales. :(
• People with this personality type tend to do very well in supporting roles, but they should seek something more – INFJs tend to avoid career paths requiring a great degree of independence, but this is often the only way to further professional goals. 
• Jobs that are perfectly suitable for 80%+ of the population would likely frustrate and exhaust most INFJs very quickly.
• Despite their aversion to controlling others, they are likely to establish their independence by either finding a leadership position, or simply starting their own practice.... free to follow their hearts, applying their personal touch, creativity, and altruism to everything they do.
• Do not ever think that the gnawing feeling that you are in the wrong place will pass, if all arguments point to the fact that a particular role is unsuitable for you.
• Decisive and able to keep a cool head in critical situations, but far more comfortable when they have enough time to assess the situation and make an informed decision.
• Pretty tall demands when it comes to a satisfying work environment. Not only does this personality type need to be able to express their creativity and insight, INFJs need to know that what they are doing has meaning, helps people, leads to personal growth and, all the while, is in line with their values, principles and beliefs. #mmhmm
• It is no wonder that many Advocates, surrounded by so many people who are so unlike them, begin to feel lost. Some struggle for much of their lives, trying to be something they’re not...  #sadness #nomore
• Some Potential Careers: Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, Nurse, Physician, Religious Educator, Adult Education, Elementary or High School Teacher, Human Resources, Recruiter, Journalist, Writer. #seriously #allonmylist
• Famous INFJs:  Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Nicole Kidman #yay
• Regardless of all their weak points, people with this personality type often say that they would not change one thing about themselves. Not a single INFJ stated that they would like to change something radical, in stark contrast with other personality types. INFJs know they are not perfect, but they are very good at drawing upon their inner strength and imagination.  #lovethis

Okay, that's enough about me. lol  I'm thankful for God's timing with this, as I have been hoping that the gnawing feeling would pass eventually.  I know that someday, having a family will be a wonderful cause for me to devote my heart to, but for now, I need to choose a job that will help me come alive rather than "wilt!"  It was helpful and fun for me to read through all this, but my personality type is the most likely to enjoy this kind of self-discovery stuff and learning about the patterns and connections with others.  Either way, I would recommend taking the test and at least reading through all the free stuff they offer! :)