INFJs are motivated by things that mean something to them. They have deep values that are important to them that push them to seek constant improvement in their lives. They are also motivated by goals, approval and things that interest them. Staying motivated is only a problem in some situations when they are not really interested or don’t see the change as necessary.
What Motivates an INFJ?
Making a Positive Change
INFJs are motivated by a strong set of personal values and the desire to make the world a better place, for others and themselves. I am constantly thinking about how to make things better, whether it’s at work or at home. My mind is always running, even if I know it’s not something I can change.
I also have a constant stream running in my head about how to make myself better. I’m always pushing myself to make positive changes in my life and do more, especially in my career.
Goals
I have always been motivated by goals. I loved college because I knew that I had 16 weeks to learn something new and then I could check off a box of the classes I took. I was accomplishing something big in pursuit of an even bigger goal. It always seemed like as soon as the semester got started, it was over. Plus, I loved learning new things, so I think that helped as well.
After I graduated from college I realized that I needed goals to reach toward, otherwise I just didn’t do anything. I started working out with the goal of running a 5K. It was the same sort of thing, though it was a lot harder to see any progress. But I loved the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment.
Approval
I am a big people pleaser. I crave attention from certain people in the form of approval and acclamation. I always wanted my parent’s approval, the teacher’s admiration and my coach’s applause. That was what motivates me. I like doing things that no one else either can or will do. I like being unique in that way.
Interest
I have a very black and white personality. It’s all or nothing. Things that I’m interested in, I become obsessed with. Thing’s I’m not interested in, I don’t even know they exist. As long as I’m interested, I have no problem staying motivated. I can’t walk away from it.
How to Stay Motivated
When I really believe in something, I have no problem with motivation. Nothing can stop me from accomplishing my goal. I spent 10 years in college without hardly any problems being motivated. I’ve moved across the country several times and have been very motivated to make things work, no matter how difficult it got.
But that’s not always the case. Sometimes my motivation isn’t as strong. It comes in short bursts instead. I get really motivated and feel like I could change the world for a few days. Then it’s just gone, it disappears into thin air. I have no idea where it goes or how to get it back. This usually applies to diets and certain projects that I want to accomplish, but I’m not that interested in.
I’ve found that the buddy system works well for some things. When I have people counting on me, I will usually stay motivated. The only time I’ve ever been really successful at a diet was when I had a buddy at work keeping me in check every day.
Motivation is not always something that comes easy. If you are struggling, you just need to find something that you love, that you are passionate about and find a reason to push you forward. Whatever it is that you are doing, find a way to make it fun and to incorporate all the things that make you want to do it. Yes, it is a lot easier said than done!
What are you struggling with? How did you find motivation? Let me know in the comments or hit me up on Facebook or Instagram.
