INFP

The INFP personality type is often described as a sensitive, compassionate, and creative individual who is guided by their strong values and beliefs. INFPs tend to be introspective and reflective, spending a lot of time exploring their own thoughts and emotions. They are often deeply empathetic and can easily put themselves in other people’s shoes, which drives their desire to help others and make a positive impact in the world.

At their core, INFPs are idealists who are guided by a strong sense of purpose and meaning. They often have a deep sense of spirituality or inner faith that guides their actions and values. INFPs value authenticity and individuality, often rejecting conformity and tradition in favor of forging their own path in life. They tend to be creative and imaginative individuals who are drawn to artistic pursuits such as writing, painting, or music.

To understand what each letter in INFP means, the table below describes each the four traits while contrasting them with the opposite trait.

“Idealistic, loyal to their values and to people who are important to them. Want an external life that is congruent with their values. Curious, quick to see possibilities, can be catalysts for implementing ideas. Seek to understand people and to help them fulfill their potential. Adaptable, flexible, and accepting unless a value is threatened.”

Introduction To Type
Isabel Briggs Myers

“Going with the flow. Knowing what is behind what is said. Uncovering mysteries. Exploring moral questions. Talent for facilitative listening. Relate through stories and metaphors. Balancing opposites. Getting re-acquainted with themselves. Have a way of knowing what is believable. Struggling with structure and getting their lives in order.”

Neuroscience of Personality: Brain-Savvy Insights for All Types of People
Dario Nardi

Here are some common themes associated with the INFP personality type:

• Idealism: INFPs are often driven by a strong sense of idealism and a desire to make the world a better place. They may be very passionate about social causes and may work towards creating a more just and equitable world.
• Creativity: INFPs often have a rich inner world and a vivid imagination. They may enjoy creative pursuits like writing, art, or music, and may find it cathartic to express themselves through these outlets.
• Strong Values: INFPs have a strong sense of personal values and are often guided by their moral compass. They may be very idealistic and may work towards creating a world that aligns with their values.
• Empathy and Compassion: INFPs have a natural ability to understand and relate to the feelings and needs of others. They are often very empathetic and caring, and may be drawn to careers in helping professions like counseling or social work.
• Emotional Sensitivity: INFPs may experience emotions very deeply and intensely. They may feel things more acutely than others, and may struggle with processing and regulating their emotions.
• Need for Authenticity: INFPs often have a strong need for authenticity and may feel uncomfortable in situations where they feel they have to compromise their values or beliefs. They may strive for authenticity in their relationships and may be drawn to people who are genuine and authentic.
• Flexibility: INFPs often have a flexible approach to life and may be open to new experiences and perspectives. They may be able to see the potential in others and work towards helping them reach their full potential, and may be very dedicated to long-term goals and visions.
• Inner Depth: INFPs often have a rich inner world and may spend a lot of time reflecting on their thoughts and feelings. They may have a deep understanding of themselves and may be drawn to introspective activities like journaling or meditation.
• Difficulty with Decision-making: INFPs may struggle with decision-making, as they may see multiple perspectives and options and may have a hard time choosing one. They may also be very concerned with making the “right” decision and may experience anxiety or self-doubt around decision-making.

Some challenges and areas for growth for INFPs include:

• Developing Assertiveness: INFPs may sometimes struggle with asserting themselves and standing up for their needs and wants. Developing assertiveness can help INFPs communicate their boundaries and needs more effectively.
• Balancing Idealism with Realism: INFPs often have high ideals and a strong sense of values, but may struggle with practical implementation in the real world. Learning to balance idealism with realism can help INFPs be more effective in achieving their goals.
• Building Resilience: INFPs may be highly empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others, which can sometimes lead to emotional exhaustion or burnout. Building resilience and self-care practices can help INFPs maintain their well-being and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
• Managing Perfectionism: INFPs may have high standards for themselves and others, which can lead to self-criticism or procrastination if they become too focused on achieving perfection. Learning to balance perfectionism with practicality can help INFPs be more effective in achieving their goals.
• Developing Decision-Making Skills: INFPs may sometimes struggle with making decisions, as they may want to consider all possibilities and avoid conflict or hurting others. Developing decision-making skills and setting priorities can help INFPs make more effective choices.
• Building Confidence: INFPs may sometimes struggle with self-doubt or imposter syndrome, especially in professional or academic settings. Building confidence and recognizing their strengths can help INFPs overcome these challenges.
• Setting Boundaries: INFPs may have a tendency to prioritize others’ needs over their own, which can lead to burnout or resentment. Learning to set boundaries and communicate their needs can help INFPs maintain their well-being and build stronger relationships.

“INFPs excel in fields that deal with possibilities for people, such as counseling, teaching, literature, art, science, research, and psychology.”

Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type
Isabel Briggs Myers & Peter B. Myers

“The INFPs’ career choices should tend toward the ministry, missionary work, social work, library research, tutoring, child counseling, college teaching in the humanities-and away from business.”

Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence: 2
David Keirsey

“Occupational trends identified: counseling, writing, arts.”

MBTI Manual
Isabel Briggs Myers

“Those careers that involve human service are the ultimate home of the INFP: psychology, teaching, family medicine, and church work.”

Type Talk
Otto Kroeger, Janet M. Thuesen

INFPs have a unique set of values and interests that make them well-suited to certain careers. As individuals who value authenticity, creativity, and personal growth, they often thrive in careers that allow them to express themselves, help others, and pursue their passions.

One career path that INFPs may be drawn to is counseling or therapy, where they can use their natural empathy and listening skills to support individuals in need. Other helping professions, such as social work or teaching, may also appeal to INFPs who want to make a positive impact on the world. For those with a creative streak, careers in writing, art, or music may be a good fit. INFPs also value independence and may be drawn to freelance or self-employment options that allow them to work on their own terms.

Whatever career path they choose, INFPs will likely be motivated by the desire to help others, pursue their passions, and live a fulfilling life that aligns with their values.