Introduction

“Treat people as if they were what

they ought to be and you help them to
become what they are capable of being.”
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

Advocates (INFJs) may be the rarest personality

type of all, but they certainly leave their mark on the
world. Idealistic and principled, they aren’t content to
coast through life – they want to stand up and make a
difference. For Advocate personalities, success doesn’t
come from money or status but from seeking fulfillment,
helping others, and being a force for good in the world.

While they have lofty goals and ambitions, Advocates

shouldn’t be mistaken for idle dreamers. People with this
personality type care about integrity, and they’re rarely
satisfied until they’ve done what they know to be right.
Conscientious to the core, they move through life with
a clear sense of their values, and they aim never to lose
sight of what truly matters – not according to other
people or society at large, but according to their own
wisdom and intuition.

Seeking Purpose
Perhaps because their personality type is so
uncommon, Advocates tend to carry around a sense –
whether conscious or not – of being different from most
people. With their rich inner lives and their deep, abiding Fortunately, this sense of being out of step doesn’t
desire to find their life purpose, they don’t always fit in diminish Advocates’ commitment to making the world a
with those around them. This isn’t to say that Advocates better place. Advocates are troubled by injustice, and they
can’t enjoy social acceptance or close relationships – typically care more about altruism than personal gain.
only that they sometimes feel misunderstood or at odds They often feel called to use their strengths – including
with the world. creativity, imagination, and sensitivity – to uplift others
and spread compassion.
Nothing lights up Advocates
like changing someone else’s Thoughtful and compassionate, Advocates pour a
great deal of energy and care into their relationships. This
life for the better. doesn’t mean that they always feel appreciated in return.
Advocates tend to act with great thought and care, and
it can frustrate them when other people don’t recognize
Many Advocates see helping others as their mission in their good intentions. As a result, even constructive
life, and they’re always looking for ways to step in and criticism may feel incredibly personal or hurtful to these
speak up for what is right. People with this personality persona lities.
type also aspire to fix society’s deeper problems, in the
hope that unfairness and hardship can become things
of the past. At times, however, Advocates may focus A Personal Mission
so intently on their ideals that they don’t take adequate
care of themselves – a pattern that can lead to stress
and burnout. Many Advocates feel that their life has a unique
purpose – a mission that they were put onto this earth
to fulfill. For people with this personality type, one of
the most rewarding aspects of life is seeking out this
purpose – and then, once they’ve found it, striving to do
 onnecting with Others
C it justice.
(and Themselves) When Advocates encounter inequity or unfairness,
they rarely give up – instead, they consult their intuition
Advocates may be Introverted, but they value deep, and their compassion to find a solution. With their innate
authentic relationships with others. Few things bring ability to balance the heart with the head, Advocates are
these personalities as much joy as truly knowing another hardwired to right the wrongs of the world, no matter how
person – and being known in return. Advocates enjoy big or small. These personalities just need to remember
meaningful conversations far more than small talk, and that while they’re busy taking care of everyone else, they
they tend to communicate in a way that is warm and need to pause sometimes and take care of themselves
sensitive. This emotional honesty and insight can make as well.
a powerful impression on the people around them.

A few close relationships,

provided that they’re genuine,
can fill Advocates’ hearts to
the brim.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Advocate (INFJ) Strengths

Creative – Advocates aren’t exactly like everyone Passionate – Advocates crave a sense of purpose
else – and that’s a wonderful thing. People with in life. Rather than living on autopilot or sticking to
this personality type embrace their creative the status quo, they want to chase after their ideals.
side, always on the lookout for opportunities to This isn’t a personality type that shies away from
express themselves and think outside the box. big dreams – in fact, Advocates are energized and
impassioned by the beauty of their visions for the future.
Insightful – These personalities know all too well that
appearances can be misleading. Advocates strive to Altruistic – People with this personality type aren’t
move beyond superficiality and seek out the deeper truths happy to succeed at another person’s expense. Advocates
in life. This can give them an almost uncanny ability to want to use their strengths for the greater good, and they
understand people’s true motivations, feelings, and needs. rarely lose sight of how their words and actions might
affect others. In their heart of hearts, they want to make the
Principled – Advocates tend to have strong beliefs world a better place, starting with the people around them.
and values, particularly when it comes to matters of
ethics. When Advocates talk about topics close to their
heart, their conviction and heartfelt idealism can inspire
and persuade even the sternest of skeptics.
 Advocate Weakness

Sensitive to Criticism – Advocates aren’t averse of real life. Advocates might find it difficult to appreciate
to feedback – that is, unless they believe that their jobs, living situations, or relationships if they’re
someone is challenging their most cherished continually fixating on imperfections and wondering
principles or values. When it comes to the issues whether they should be looking for something better.
that are near and dear to them, people with this
personality type can become defensive or dismissive. Avoiding the Ordinary – Advocates yearn to do
extraordinary things with their lives. But it’s hard to
Reluctant to Open Up – Advocates value honesty achieve anything extraordinary without breaking it down
and authenticity, but they’re also private. They may into small, manageable steps. Unless they translate their
find it difficult to open up and be vulnerable about dreams into everyday routines and to-do lists, Advocates
their struggles, not wanting to burden someone else may struggle to turn their grand visions into reality.
with their issues. Unfortunately, when Advocates don’t
ask for help, they may inadvertently hold themselves Prone to Burnout – Advocates’ perfectionism and
back or create distance in their relationships. reserve leave them with few options for letting off
steam. People with this personality type can exhaust
Perfectionistic – The Advocate personality type is all themselves if they don’t balance their drive to help others
but defined by idealism. While this is a wonderful quality in with necessary self-care and rest.
many ways, it doesn’t always leave room for the messiness
Romantic
Relationships
“Love comes more naturally to the
human heart than its opposite.”

NELSON MANDELA
 Advocates (INFJs) look for depth and meaning in People with this personality type create a depth
their relationships – and their romantic relationships to their relationships that can hardly be described in
are no different. This is a personality type known for conventional terms. Because of their sensitivity and
having a vibrant, vivid imagination, but few Advocates insight, Advocates can make their partners feel heard
can imagine themselves settling for a match founded on and understood in beautiful ways. Advocates aren’t
anything less than true love. afraid to express their love, and they feel it with all their
hearts.
It can take time for Advocates to find a compatible

One of the things that

partner. Some people might think that Advocates are too
choosy, and it’s true that these personalities can be prone
to unrealistic expectations. With their perfectionistic, Advocates find most important
is establishing genuine, deep
idealistic nature, Advocates might be tempted to hold
out for a “perfect” partner or relationship that ultimately
doesn’t exist. The good news? Advocates’ idealism – connections with the people
if balanced with just enough realism – can actually
enhance their love life. they care about.

Advocates tend to recognize that love isn’t a passive

Is This for Real? emotion but rather an opportunity to grow and learn, and
they expect their partners to share this mindset. As a
Advocates tend to be attuned to their core values, result, relationships with these personalities are not for
keenly aware of what matters to them on a soul level. the uncommitted or the shallow. Advocates are intensely
This helps them look beyond surface-level attraction and passionate in ways that transcend the present moment,
understand whether they’re compatible with someone and what truly fulfills them is the way that a loving,
on a deeper, more meaningful level. These insights are meaningful relationship evolves and deepens over time.
essential for helping Advocates avoid matches that
aren’t founded on authenticity or shared principles. In their heart of hearts, people with the Advocate
personality type crave an emotional and even spiritual
Advocates care about integrity, and they tend to connection with their partner. They cherish not just the
bristle when people try to change them or talk them into act of being in a relationship but also what it means to
something that they don’t believe. As a result, Advocate become one with another person in mind, body, and soul.
personalities gravitate toward partners who appreciate
them as they are.

As romantic partners,
Advocates are warm, caring,
honest, and insightful – and Friendships
they patiently work to uncover
“The most I can do for my friend is
their loved one’s innermost simply be his friend.”
needs and desires.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Once Advocates do find a suitable relationship,

they rarely take it for granted. Instead, they tend to look Advocates (INFJs) rarely settle for shallow, superficial
for ways to grow as individuals and strengthen their friendships. When it comes to social fulfillment, they
connection with their partner. This can help Advocates’ aren’t satisfied by casual interactions with colleagues
relationships reach a level of depth and sincerity of or classmates. Advocate personalities crave authentic,
which many people can only dream. meaningful friendships – friendships that allow them to
share their dreams, bare their souls, and feel understood
and accepted for who they are. And if that means having
just one or two confidants rather than a wide circle of
The Power of Love acquaintances, so be it.
 While Advocates may seem quiet or reserved to This is a tall order, and Advocates may feel that
the world at large, they absolutely light up around their it’s difficult to meet the sort of friends they’re seeking.
close friends. Few things bring them more pleasure or Because their personality type is so rare, Advocates may
delight than talking through their passions, interests, and meet relatively few people who really remind them of
beliefs with a kindred spirit. People with this personality themselves. As a result, they may worry that they need to
type enjoy the pleasure of their own company, but settle for less-than-fulfilling friendships – or else accept
Advocates still find it liberating to let their guard down being alone.
and be completely and utterly themselves with a friend
they know they can trust.

Loyalty and Authenticity

Searching for a Heart Fortunately, people with this personality type are
of Gold more than capable of finding the types of friends they
long to meet – they might just have to devote additional
energy to it. Sometimes these friends may be hiding
Advocates are known for having great expectations in plain sight, among acquaintances whom Advocates
– not just for themselves but also for their friendships. simply don’t know all that well. This personality type
High on this list of expectations is authenticity. If is known for having astute first impressions of other
Advocates have to be fake or tone themselves down to people, but even Advocates can miss the deeper
gain someone’s approval, then that person probably isn’t potentials of the people they encounter on a daily basis.
the best friend for them. And it’s hard for people with When they give these people a chance, Advocates may
this personality type to respect someone who won’t be find that they share values and attitudes that make them
honest with them in return – let alone anyone who can’t compatible on a deeper level.
be honest with themselves.
Once they do find genuine friendships, Advocates
Another expectation that Advocates bring to their make loyal, caring companions. At times they may even
friendships is mutual support and growth. Having fun be surprised by the fierceness of the loyalty and devotion
together is wonderful, but for these personalities, it isn’t they feel toward their friends. Few situations in life bring
quite enough. Advocates want to surround themselves out Advocates’ bravery and commitment quite like the
with friends who inspire them to learn and expand and opportunity to stand up for a friend who needs them.
improve themselves. For them, the surest way for two
friends to deepen their bond is by helping each other With their trademark warmth and enthusiasm,
move forward on their respective life missions. Advocate personalities support their friends’ efforts to
grow and expand their lives.

In friendship, Advocates aren’t Ultimately, the only way to be counted among

Advocates’ true friends is to be authentic, honest, and
just searching for someone to real. Over the years, Advocates may end up with just a

spend time with. They want to

few true friendships rather than a wide circle of casual
acquaintances. But as long as those friendships are
find a soul mate – someone who built on a richness of mutual understanding, Advocates
wouldn’t have it any other way.
resonates with their passions
and their convictions.
Parenthood might expect their child to model the same integrity and
honesty that they expect from themselves, becoming
dismayed whenever their child behaves in a way that
“My instinct is to protect my children they perceive to be ungenerous or unethical. Or they
might push their child to be independent and creative
from pain. But adversity is often the and unique, seeing it as a sign of weakness if their child
thing that gives us character and craves external structure and guidance.
backbone.”
Advocate parents may
NICOLE KIDMAN
unconsciously project a great
deal of their own beliefs and
values onto their children.

To a child, all of these expectations can feel

contradictory and impossible to fulfill – and, depending
on the child’s personality and their developmental stage,
these expectations might actually be impossible to fulfill.
In adolescence, children might rebel by flouting these
As parents, Advocates (INFJs) have a clear vision standards or by espousing beliefs that go against their
for what matters to them: raising their children to be Advocate parent’s values. In this situation, Advocates
independent and all-around good people. Advocate may feel that their children are criticizing or rejecting
personalities take their responsibilities seriously, and them – a hurtful thing to such a sensitive personality
if they become parents, they think deeply about how type.
they can shape their children’s lives and experiences in
positive ways.

Parenthood isn’t easy, but few Advocates expect it A Job Well Done
to be. These personalities know that many of life’s most
worthwhile pursuits are also the most challenging – a Advocates strive to make sure that their children
mindset that helps Advocates keep sight of joy and grow up with a firm understanding of the difference
fulfillment amid the daily struggles of raising children. between right and wrong. Parents with this personality
In many ways, parenting allows Advocates to make type encourage their children to fight for a cause that
wonderful use of their strengths, including creativity, they believe in and to be the best they can be. Whatever
compassion, and the incredible strength of devotion that age their children might be, Advocates can find a great
they feel toward those they love. deal of fulfillment and meaning simply in helping their
children learn to be true to themselves.

Be Unique, Just Like Me Ultimately, Advocate parents tend to realize that it

isn’t a sign of failure if their children turn out differently
than they’d expected. Instead, they come to see this as
Caring and loyal, Advocate parents are willing to do a sign that they’ve successfully raised someone who
pretty much whatever it takes to better their children’s has the ability to form their own ideals. Advocates’
lives. But it would be a mistake to think that parents with children often come to appreciate the combination of
this personality type are pushovers. In fact, Advocates independence and integrity with which they were raised
can be quite strict, because their commitment to building – especially as they get older.
their children’s character in the long term is rarely
outweighed by momentary considerations (such as
giving their child a piece of candy to help stop a tantrum).

While Advocates bring many gifts to raising

children, it’s important to note that no parent is perfect.
At times, Advocates may hold their children to unrealistic
standards that don’t take into account each child’s
personality or stage of development. For example, they
Career Paths their primary job, many Advocates find that creative side
hustles offer a much-needed outlet for the themes and
ideas that occupy their imaginations.
“It’s better to fail while striving for
Nonprofit workplaces, from museums to nature
something wonderful, challenging, centers to food pantries, also hold a special appeal.
adventurous, and uncertain than to say, With their focus on serving the community rather than
drawing a profit, these organizations can be a natural
‘I don’t want to try because I may not fit for Advocate personalities. But even in workplaces
succeed completely.’” that are very much for-profit, Advocates can find ways
to direct their energy and creativity toward helping
others. No matter what it says on their business cards,
JIMMY CARTER
Advocates’ insight can enable them to spot unusual
patterns and come up with outside-the-box solutions,
creating real change in others’ lives.
Advocates (INFJs) long to find a career that aligns
with their values and their dreams – a career that allows
them to fulfill their unique mission in this world. For these A Sense of Mission
personalities, a job isn’t satisfying if it doesn’t offer a Advocates are incredibly versatile, but some work
deeper sense of purpose – no matter how good the salary environments may rub them the wrong way. This is
is. The good news is that people with this personality especially true of workplaces that offer little independence
type can use their creativity and determination to find or agency, forcing employees to adhere to rigid, repetitive
work that suits their needs in just about any field. protocols without regard for their individual needs or
strengths. People with this personality type may also
In fact, Advocates have trouble deciding which job is chafe at the criticism and pressure that come with
best for them because they’re able to imagine so many cutthroat, competitive work environments.
possibilities. They may see half a dozen wildly different
paths forward, each with its own set of rewards. This For this reason, many Advocates seek out
can be exciting but also stress-inducing, because picking more flexible, autonomous positions – or branch off
just one means letting go of so many others. Advocates altogether to start their own businesses. They may also
may even feel a sense of loss when so many doors close find it gratifying to create bridges between seemingly
because one was selected. disparate professional fields – for example, by writing
about psychology or by being an environmental lawyer.
Such hybrid careers can offer plenty of opportunities for
The Search for Purpose Advocates to exercise their creativity and their love of
learning.

For Advocate personalities, jobs that involve helping

and connecting with people can be deeply satisfying. It’s
Advocates tend to feel stifled
no surprise, then, that many Advocates gravitate toward unless their work allows them
the freedom to act according
work as counselors, therapists, psychologists, social
workers, teachers, yoga instructors, and spiritual leaders.
They may enjoy service industry positions that allow to their conscience, their
them to interact directly and build genuine relationships
with their customers. Careers in health care can also creativity, and their own
be rewarding options, including occupations such as common sense.
nursing, physical or occupational therapy, medicine,
nutrition, or more holistic paths such as acupuncture.
In truth, Advocate personalities can do well in any
Many Advocates are passionate communicators. field. To be truly happy, however, they need to find work
This explains why they are often drawn to careers in that aligns with their values and allows them some
writing, creating many popular books, blogs, stories, independence. Advocates crave opportunities to learn
video games, and screenplays. For people with this and grow alongside the people they are helping. When
personality type, the opportunity to tell stories for a this happens, Advocates may finally feel that they are
living can be nothing short of a dream come true. Other fulfilling their life’s mission, contributing to the well-being
Advocates might pursue music, photography, design, of humanity on a personal level.
illustration, or fine art. Even if these artistic pursuits aren’t
 Advocate Subordinates

Advocates value cooperation, sensitivity, and

independence. As employees, they gravitate toward
managers who are open-minded and willing to consider
their input. Advocate personalities may become
frustrated when they feel unheard, so having a manager
who listens to them can make all the difference.

Ideally, Advocates will find a

Workplace manager whose values align with

their own and who offers them
Habits encouragement and praise.
Because Advocates tend to act on their convictions
Advocates (INFJs) have some specific needs when it and aim to do their best, their morale can be vulnerable
comes to a satisfying work environment. For people with to criticism, particularly if it’s unwarranted. Other morale
this personality type, the most rewarding work allows killers for these personalities may include strict rules,
them to help others while also growing as a person. And formal structures, and routine tasks. They may find it
it’s a given that an ideal career for Advocates must be in especially dispiriting when they’re asked to redo their
line with their individual values. work, particularly if it’s for a reason that just doesn’t
seem valid to them.
Anything that gets in the way of these values – from
red tape and meaningless rules to office politics and Of course, a perfect work environment isn’t always
unscrupulous coworkers – can seriously sap Advocates’ possible. Advocate employees with less-than-ideal
motivation. This is a personality type that thrives in managers may need to draw on their inner resilience and
environments that promote fairness and equality. Most seek out other mentors. The good news is that people
Advocates prefer not to think of themselves as above or with this personality type are more than capable of
below anyone else – no matter where they are on the handling workplace challenges, including the challenge
job ladder. of having a difficult manager.
 Advocate Colleagues

As colleagues, Advocates can be quite popular and

well respected. People with this personality type are
often seen as helpful, eloquent, and capable coworkers.
Among their greatest strengths is their ability to identify
others’ motives and understand the root causes of
conflict before anyone else even senses a disturbance.

At times, efficiency may be less of a priority

for Advocates than collaborating with and helping
colleagues who need a boost. While this is usually a
strength, there is a risk that others will take advantage
of Advocates’ desire to help. They may find themselves
picking up the slack for their less dedicated coworkers at
the expense of their own energy and well-being.

Advocates’ determination to be
helpful can leave them feeling Advocate Managers
taken advantage of.
Although they tend to be well liked among their
colleagues, Advocates are still Introverts. From time As managers, Advocates may dislike wielding their
to time, they may need to step back and work alone, power. They prefer to think of everyone as equals, no
pursuing their own goals in their own ways. This isn’t matter what a person’s business card might say. Rather
a sign of resentment or ill will – but rather a signal of than micromanage their subordinates, Advocates often
Advocates’ need to balance serving others with their prefer to empower them to think and act independently.
own self-care. They work hard to encourage others and promote an
atmosphere of mutual respect.

Compassionate and fair,

Advocate managers often
take pride in identifying
their subordinates’ unique
strengths.
That’s not to say that Advocates have low standards
– far from it. Their sense of equality means that they
expect their subordinates to live up to the standards that
they set for themselves. Bosses with this personality
type want their employees to be rigorous, motivated,
reliable, and unfailingly honest, and they will notice if
anyone misses the mark.

Advocate managers can be particularly stern if they

catch someone behaving in a way that they consider
unethical. These personalities have little tolerance for
lapses in reliability or morality. When their employees’
good intentions match their own, however, Advocate
bosses work tirelessly to ensure that their entire team
feels valued, fulfilled, and successful.
 Advocates’ gifts include
idealism, determination, and
the ability to envision a better
Conclusion future – but they don’t just
want to hear what makes
“In the end, it’s your actions, how you
them great. Advocates are
respond to circumstance, that reveals
committed to actually using
your character.”
these gifts to become better
CATE BLANCHETT
people and serve a greater
purpose in this world.
What you have read so far is just an introduction
into the complexities of the kindhearted, creative, and That’s why we’ve made it our mission to help
incredibly rare Advocate personality type. Along the Advocates like you not only appreciate your gifts but also
way, you may have muttered to yourself, “Wow, this is make the most of them. Learning about your personality
so accurate, it’s a little creepy,” or “Finally, someone type is fascinating, but there’s a deeper purpose to it, too
understands me!” You may have even asked, “How do – because self-understanding is what helps you ensure
they know more about me than the people I’m closest that you don’t miss out on whatever it is that you were
to do?” put on this earth to do.

If you feel understood right now, it’s because you So here’s our question for you, Advocate: Are you
are. Years of research have given us deep insights into ready to take full advantage of your unique strengths
the unique strengths and challenges of Advocates like – to unlock your true, exceptional potential? If so, your
you. We understand your creativity and your passion and Premium Profile will give you new insights into your
your commitment to doing the right thing, but we also personality, your relationships, your career path, and your
understand the dark side of your personality type: the life’s mission. This is the journey of a lifetime – and you’ll
nagging fear that you might not reach your full potential find everything you need to get started by moving on to
and make the most of your one wild and precious life. the next section.