The INTJ is one of the most strategic personality types, with a lifelong thirst for knowledge and the ability to make deep observations very quickly. INTJs can come across as decisive and opinionated, but on the inside, they question everything. They learn quickly and are equally fast to apply new knowledge to real problems. Their standard for all beliefs, theories and systems is, “Does it work?”

But that’s only the start of what it means to be an INTJ. Read on to learn more about this complex personality type.

INTJ Personality Traits

While there are many INTJ personality traits, perhaps the most iconic is their relentless habit of improving or optimizing the world around them. They will come up with a better way to do anything, from organizing a shopping list to running a business. This can irritate others, who like things they way they were, but it can also be incredibly valuable.

This personality type is one of the rarest, and also one of the most misunderstood. INTJs are seen as the “mastermind” personality, or compared to robots, but INTJs have a deep emotional side as well. They simply treat their emotions as private. Only the people they truly trust get to see them.

Key INTJ facts include:

  • INTJ stands for Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Judging. The INTJ is one of the 16 personality types based on the Myers-Briggs personality system. The system itself was originally based on work by psychologist Carl Jung.
  • People with the INTJ personality tend to excel at analysis and critical thinking, as well as organizing systems and making things work better.
  • INTJs can sometimes be seen as cold, reserved, or even aloof. They may struggle to fit in in social situations. However, their personalities are highly valued in business, and they have the capacity to be great leaders.
  • By the numbers: INTJs make up just 2% of the U.S. population. There is no reliable worldwide data, but this number may vary somewhat in different countries and cultures.
  • INTJ women: There are more male INTJs than females, with female INTJs making up just 0.8% of the U.S. population. Many INTJ women report not feeling at home with traditional feminine or “girly” activities.
  • The outsider: Because INTJs are so rare, many feel like outsiders or like they never fit in. As a result, having a chance to become friends with other INTJs and feel “understood” can be incredibly rewarding. INTJs also value achievements such as career advances, building wealth, or achieving influence. These serve as external “proof” that the INTJ’s intelligence is valuable, even if society doesn’t always treat them that way.

Are You an INTJ?

If you’re an INTJ, or you think you might be, it’s important to know that your personality is a great asset. In fact, you have some of the most needed and highly-valued traits in our world today. INTJs who address their weak spots have a tendency to rise to the top of leadership in corporate careers, or run successful businesses of their own. INTJs also make pivotal contributions as researchers, academics, scientists, and authors — as well as politics and law.

But no INTJ is limited to these roles alone. There are INTJs thriving in just about every walk of life, including as creatives and community leaders. This is because INTJs are great learners in any field. Your ability to learn quickly and master new skills, combined with your strategic mind, is a powerful tool. There is a reason so many INTJs hold positions of influence or authority.

INTJ Resources

Other INTJ resources you may wish to read include:

INTJ personality test: Want to find out if you’re an INTJ? Take this free personality assessment from our partner site.

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