Hi there, I’m A.J. Drenth. Founder of Personality Junkie, author of five books on personality, and a lifelong INTP explorer. Like many INTPs, my path has been anything but straightforward. I’ve wrestled with existential questions, struggled to find meaningful work, and hit walls in relationships. I’ve searched for purpose, found it, lost it, and had to redefine it. I’ve been through the full cycle of the Hero’s Journey as an INTP—and now, I want to help others navigate their own path.
1. Seeking Purpose: The Endless Why
From a young age, I was consumed with the need to understand. Philosophy, psychology, religion—all were part of my relentless quest to make sense of life. But knowing something intellectually and feeling it as meaningful are two different things. I believed my purpose would come through intellectual mastery, yet I still felt unmoored.
2. Finding Purpose
I threw myself into writing and built Personality Junkie, which resonated with thousands of people. For over a decade, my work thrived, providing both income and intellectual fulfillment. I had seemingly “figured it out.”
3. Success & The Inevitable Question: Now What?
Despite my success, something felt incomplete. I had spent years immersed in Introverted Thinking (Ti), but my Extraverted Feeling (Fe) was underdeveloped. I longed for deeper human connection, yet struggled to integrate it. At midlife, I found myself facing a new crisis: Was my best work behind me? Was this all there was?
4. Struggle & Breaking Down the Old Self
The COVID downturn shook everything. My writing no longer felt as inspired, and I began to question the sustainability of my work. I also confronted personal struggles—relationship conflicts, addictive behaviors, and the deep-seated fear that I was “not enough.” Like many INTPs, I had used my intellect as a shield, avoiding emotional vulnerability. But avoidance only took me so far before life demanded more.
5. Overcoming: Integrating the Whole Self
Midlife forced me to stop living solely in my head. I had to learn to embrace action over endless analysis, presence over abstraction. I explored new ways of integrating my strengths while facing my weaknesses head-on. Eventually, I found a path forward—one that balances intellectual rigor with meaningful human engagement. Coaching INTPs became a natural next step.
What I Offer: A Guide, Not a Guru
Many INTPs don’t relish the idea of being “coached” in the traditional sense. We don’t like being told what to do. But we do benefit from having a sounding board—someone to help us refine our thinking, challenge blind spots, and explore new perspectives when we feel stuck.
Here are some areas where I can help:
- Clarifying Identity & Purpose: Aligning your values, interests, and strengths into a coherent vision for your life.
- Choosing a Career or College Major: Finding work that doesn’t drain your soul.
- Philosophical & Existential Exploration: Wrestling with nihilism, doubt, and the search for meaning.
- Overcoming Inertia & Procrastination: Moving from endless analysis to real-world action.
- Balancing Work & Relationships: Learning to integrate Fe without losing yourself.
- Men’s Issues: Navigating sexuality, relationships, and personal integrity.
- Midlife Transitions: Re-envisioning the second half of life with renewed purpose.
Is This For You?
If you’ve resonated with my writing and feel that you’d benefit from a conversation, I invite you to reach out. What I can offer is insight, perspective, and a deep understanding of the INTP mind—from someone who has lived it fully.
If you’re interested, complete the form below, and I’ll typically respond within a few days.
Let’s explore where your journey might take you next.
[contact-form-7 id=”94a960c” title=”Contact form 1″]
