Are you one of those people who never lose their faith in the good? Then you could be an INFP personality. The INFP personality type is based on the Myers-Briggs modelwhich occurs between 16 different character types distinguishes. Only about 4 % of all people in the world can be classified as INFP.
In the following article, we will look in detail at the character traits, strengths and weaknesses of this rare personality type.
The abbreviation INFP stands for the following character traits:
Let's take a detailed look at the characteristics of the INFP:
Introverts are often mistaken for shy personalities. But there is an essential difference: Who introvert The INFP personality type enjoys being completely alone with his thoughts from time to time. This is exactly what happens to the INFP personality type. He doesn't need a constant hustle and bustle around him, but likes to withdraw from the world.
Intuitive people have what is colloquially called a gut feeling. Their thoughts often revolve around events in the future. They often have premonitions that can hardly be justified rationally, but afterwards prove to be correct.
Feelers are ruled by their emotions. They like to take care of other people and want to make sure everyone is doing well. They are not afraid to express their feelings freely.
Perceivers appreciate flexibility. Rigid structures are abhorrent to them, they much prefer to keep several options open in life. They observe their environment closely and perceive even the smallest changes. In this way, Feelers remain able to react spontaneously to new situations.
The "INFP-T" section is a subgroup of the INFP personality type known as the "Turbulent Facilitator". These personalities are known for their deep emotional complexity and their propensity for self-reflection and personal growth. However, they can also be prone to self-doubt and periods of insecurity. Their turbulence is evident in their drive to constantly improve and in the way they respond to criticism and challenges. Despite their inner fluctuations, INFP-Ts are passionate about living their ideals and values and are often very creative. They prefer to live in harmony with themselves and others and strive to positively influence those around them.
The INFP is the idealist among the Myers-Briggs personalities. People of this personality type try to find something positive in everything. They are convinced that everyone is good and lovable at heart. If the INFP suffers a life crisis, he believes that even this difficult path will lead to something good.
The INFP is usually described as shy and reserved by those around him. This is indeed the case in the outward appearance. In the soul of the INFP, however, dreams and passions bubble. It's just that he doesn't let everyone share in them. However, once you have gained his trust, nothing stands in the way of a very inspiring and profound friendship.
Because of all its characteristics, the INFP is also called a "mediator".
The mediator has numerous concise strengths:
INFP personalities are often admired by their family and friends for their optimistic attitude. They do not condemn anyone, but are firmly convinced that external influences drive people down the wrong path. In their view, no one is born evil. This attitude can be an advantage in interpersonal relationships. The mediator is very profound.
The INFP wants to shape his life freely according to his wishes. He rejects constricting conventions and regulations that make no sense to him. He does not allow himself to be pressed into any rigid social concept. Of all personalities, the INFP can react most flexibly to new situations.
Live and let live - that is the motto of the INFP personalities. They believe that everyone should be happy according to their own ideas, as long as they do not harm anyone else in the process. Prejudice and skepticism are alien to mediators.
If the INFP is convinced of a cause, he will put his whole heart and soul into it. He will stand up for his goals and convictions passionately and with full commitment. Due to his introversion, the INFP will shy away from the focus of the public. Nevertheless, he is immediately on hand to drive the respective project forward.
The INFP personality combines open-mindedness with idealism. This combination enables the INFP to view the world from an unconventional perspective. INFPs always focus on the big picture. They connect issues that other people cannot see in context. For this reason, many INFP personalities are writers, poets or songwriters.
INFP personalities always think ahead. Their introversion belies their perseverance. They don't give up just because the first difficulties arise. INFPs consider all eventualities in advance and are therefore well prepared for problems. A project that is close to their heart is consistently completed. There is no doubt about that.
As the saying goes: where there is light, there is also shadow. This also applies to the personality structure of the mediator:
You have read correctly: The idealism of the mediator can be seen as both a strength and a weakness. The decisive factor is the extent of the idealistic convictions. If they go too far, disappointment is inevitable. After all, bad things will always happen in the world. Powerlessness in this respect can severely shake the INFP personality.
Possible Disappointments also lurk in the private sphere. INFPs tend to strongly idealize their friends, family and life partners. Ultimately, however, no one is perfect. The INFP experiences this realization as discouraging and sobering.
When INFP personalities are committed to something or someone, they often forget everything else around them. They even neglect their own Needs. Other people who just do not fit into the intended concept feel pushed back. This is not deliberately intended, but the mediator still feels guilty afterwards. Sometimes he wants to give much more than he can.
INFP personalities can be completely absorbed in their fantasies. Sometimes it seems as if they are literally living in their fantasy world. Although this can be inspiring for the artistic mediator, they sometimes lose touch with the real world. This is particularly the case when they are working on a creative project (e.g. writing a book).
Necessary, but in his eyes annoying obligations (household, shopping, visits to authorities, etc.) he delays in such phases or does not take them at all. This can go so far that the INFP even neglects his need for sleep or food intake. It is self-explanatory that all this cannot be healthy in the long run.
Mediators take criticism very much to heart. They perceive critical remarks as a personal attack and are unable to see them as suggestions for improvement. In this way, however, they miss important opportunities for personal development.
INFPs avoid conflict whenever possible. This is due to their great need for harmony. If a conflict cannot be avoided, they try to find a satisfactory compromise for all parties involved as quickly as possible. Although this sounds positive at first, it is very draining for the mediator.
The ability to always look at the big picture of a situation also has its disadvantages. Those who always focus on the big picture may overlook individual important facts. If it turns out that some aspects of an overall picture contradict the mediator's ideals, he or she will find it difficult to deal with this.
It is difficult to really get to know an INFP personality. The image that INFPs convey to the outside world usually only shows a few facets of their personality. As a result, they are very often completely misjudged by other people. The latter is of course problematic when it comes to integrating into a group or making friends.
INFP personalities find it particularly difficult to find a profession in which they flourish. Almost all young mediators dream of an artistic career - usually as a writer. Although they undeniably have the necessary linguistic talent, a career as an author requires a certain amount of luck as well as talent.
In order to be able to make a living from writing, you first have to be discovered. This is where it usually fails (for the time being). This is by no means to say that the dream is doomed to failure. After all, many INFP personalities have become famous authors and poets. Before that, however, it is important to find a compromise in order to make a living.
Just how difficult it is for artists in Germany to make a living from their art is demonstrated by a current study.
Since many INFPs see their bread-and-butter job as a financial bridge until their artistic breakthrough, their commitment is limited. For their true professional Life goal however, they work tirelessly.
In most cases, adolescent INFP personalities struggle with their career choice and are then forced to choose any job in order to earn money. Quitting as soon as artistic success is achieved is already stored in the back of their minds. Although this is legitimate, it would be much more expedient to pursue a fulfilling professional task until an unspecified point in time X.
Instead of doggedly committing to becoming an author, INFPs should remain open to using their language talent elsewhere. Language talent is in demand in many professions. INFPs can be great translators or copywriters. These professions usually also provide the flexibility of time and place that freedom-loving mediators value so much.
In addition to all language-based professions, there are also areas of work that aim to help other people. INFP personalities find it very satisfying when they experience that they can really make a positive difference. Careers in social work, psychotherapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation are ideal.
INFP personalities should refrain completely from hectic, team-oriented jobs (salespeople, clerks, service providers). INFPs cannot thrive in a working environment that drains them mentally and stifles their creativity. This can even lead to depression.
There are several interesting and insightful studies.
Romantic idealism also manifests itself in the INFP personality's choice of partner. The INFP often has a concrete idea of their dream partner. Mediators long for a soulmate who complements them internally. Romantic dream scenarios play out in their imagination - of togetherness, marriage, a family home and a happy bunch of children.
However, finding a person in the real world who exactly matches this dream image is difficult. INFP personalities must learn to understand that a relationship does not work magically, but requires compromise and understanding. They are usually willing to accept this and commit themselves wholeheartedly to the relationship.
Getting to know each other is the real problem, not relationship skills as such. Many a potential partner feels the demands of the mediator overwhelmed. If there is conflict early in the relationship, INFPs withdraw. It just wasn't meant to be with us, they think to themselves.
Once INFPs are in a relationship, they lose themselves in hopeless romance. They are passionate lovers. Their partner's happiness is their priority. They do not constrict anyone, because they themselves do not want to be constricted. INFPs respect their life partner as an independent person with a need for freedom.
The mediator's conflict avoidance behavior and sensitivity can lead to difficulties in a partnership. INFPs quickly feel personally attacked by their partners. They do not react rationally to a perceived injury, but try, Guilt to arouse the interest of the other person. The latter does not always happen consciously.
In this way, they bring about exactly what they don't want: The conflict comes to a head because the partner feels manipulated. INFP personalities should try to face criticism with calm objectivity.
The INFP character can come up with all sorts of curiosities:
It is hardly surprising: among the famous INFP people are numerous well-known authors, poets, actors and musicians:
There are many different personality models that can help you to fathom your character traits. The DISG test is one of the most frequently used models worldwide. It is scientifically sound and based on the latest research findings. The DISC model distinguishes between four different types of communication:
The knowledge about your own personality type helps you to improve and target communication with your fellow men. This is of great advantage in both private and professional contexts.
Are you curious now? Then do not hesitate any longer and make our free DISG personality test:
