Do INFJs Love Minimalist Things?

When it comes to material possessions, there is no clear correlation between INFJs and minimalism. It's a matter of personal preference. However, when it comes to communication and explaining concepts, many INFJs indeed value simplicity and directness. This article delves into the nuances of INFJs and their relationship with minimalism.

INFJs as Social Minimalists

INFJs often appreciate efficiency and clarity, finding value in directness and straightforwardness in conversations. They tend to avoid long, detailed stories and prefer to get to the heart of the matter quickly. This trait makes them 'social minimalists' who value simplicity and clarity in both verbal and written exchanges.

The Influences of William Morris

William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, famously stated, 'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.' This philosophy resonates with some INFJs. While the author of this article has a diverse collection of beautiful and functional items, they still manage to adhere to this principle. They have thousands of books, paintings, and household goods that are all personally meaningful, but they do not purchase items solely for the sake of having them.

Personal Challenges and Goals

For many INFJs, maintaining a clutter-free environment is a necessity. Clutter and disorganization can be overwhelming and detract from their sense of peace. The author, for instance, regularly strives to keep their home organized and efficient. They acquire items based on their usefulness, and while they enjoy buying things to prepare for the future, they often find that they end up using less than what they purchased. This can lead to a feeling of accumulation without satisfaction.

Despite their desire for a clutter-free environment, the author acknowledges that they cannot completely eliminate all possessions. The presence of a young child living in the home necessitates a certain level of 'home-y' feels, which sometimes results in minor clutter. However, their ultimate goal is to achieve even greater minimalism, possibly by moving into a studio loft apartment in the future.

The Role of Creativity

Creativity, for many INFJs, is not confined to physical possessions. The author places their creativity and inspiration into other aspects of their life, such as personal attire and mannerisms. They do not feel the need to fill their home with artistic works and trinkets, as these can detract from their sense of comfort and peace. Instead, they find inspiration in other ways, such as watching programs like Hoarders to understand the deeper reasons behind people's attachment to material possessions.

The author currently has two cinema cameras on their coffee table, which are a minor example of clutter. These items will be returned to their cases and stored neatly after their upcoming shoot. This is emblematic of their approach to minimalism: keeping things organized and out of sight to maintain a sense of cleanliness and order.

Conclusion

While INFJs can appreciate the value of simplicity and directness, it is important to recognize that personal preferences can vary widely. Just because some INFJs value minimalism does not mean they all do. Factors such as personal goals, family responsibilities, and individual preferences all play a role in shaping one's relationship with material possessions.