“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
Albert Camus – INFP
The INFPs
are some of the most insightful, deep-thinking Idealists of all the personality types. They are quick to listen, slow to speak, and generous in their compassion towards others. They rely on their masterful Introverted Feeling (Fi) to form a strong set of internal values, and to empathize deeply with others. They also use Extraverted Intuition (Ne), which helps them to see numerous perspectives and creative outlets for the future. INFPs can be iconic writers, groundbreaking musicians, empathetic counselors, and innovative thinkers. If you look at famous INFPs you’ll find a plethora of talented individuals; J.R.R. Tolkien, A.A. Milne, Edgar Allan Poe, and Vincent Van Gogh are just a few!
What Does INFP Stand For?
I = Introversion. INFPs focus inwards before responding to the outside world. They gain energy from alone time when they can reflect on their own thoughts.
N = iNtuition. INFPs prefer focusing on abstract possibilities and ideas rather than concrete data. They prefer imagining what could be rather than dwelling on what “is.”
F = Feeling. INFPs apply personal values and ethics to decision-making. They want to live in congruence with their moral code and they consider the emotional impact a decision will have on others.
P = Perceiving. INFPs like having a lot of options and tend to be adaptable and spontaneous. They like to mix work with play and enjoy an exploratory approach to life.
INFP Motivations and Weaknesses:
- Driving Force. To live a life in alignment with their values and ethics. To stand up for a cause they believe in. To experience inner harmony and integrity with one’s self.
- Backup Strength. Awareness of possibilities, potential, and alternatives. Highly imaginative and creative, with a strong focus on the big picture.
- Weaknesses: May be disorganized and have difficulty with structure and efficiency. They can struggle to maintain objective, logical consistency in their decisions.
- Stressors: Lack of alone time, conflict situations, rigid rules and schedules, unstable relationships, having a job that lacks personal meaning, being forced to “act” in order to get along with people.
INFP Personality Traits:
While every person varies based on their background and their Enneagram type, INFPs often have the following characteristics:
- They are imaginative and open-minded
- They look for possibilities beyond the immediate situation
- They are empathetic and conscientious
- They need a great deal of alone time to reflect and think
- They tend to keep their feelings close to the chest
- They are skilled at understanding the authenticity levels of others
- They have a radar for the emotional safety of the environment they’re in or the people they’re with
- They easily put themselves in other people’s shoes
- They are curious and excited by variety
- They don’t like being tied down to a lot of rules, structures, or guidelines
- They like to keep their options open
INFP Careers:
Creativity, originality, and integrity are the things that motivate INFPs in a career. It’s essential that what they are doing lines up with their values. They want to look back on their life and see a career that meant something to them or the world and was not simply a meaningless race to get to their next paycheck. They long to express their vision through creative tasks and they crave time to develop ingenious ideas and creative solutions. A quiet place to work, a friendly, caring environment, and an atmosphere of creativity and vision will make them feel at home.
Career Suggestions: Artist, Writer, Musician, Counselor, Religious Advisor, Social scientist, Arts therapist, Human resources worker, Educational software developer.
Famous INFPs:
Albert Camus, George Orwell, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, A.A. Milne, Bill Watterson, Franz Kafka, Edgar Allan Poe, William Blake, Vincent van Gogh, Hans Christian Andersen, William Shakespeare, George R.R. Martin, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Tim Burton, Johny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Florence Welch, Bjork, Thom Yorke, David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Andy Warhol, Andrew Garfield, Robert Pattinson, Adam Driver, Heath Ledger, Chloe Sevigny, Regina Spektor, Matt Bellamy, Lana del Ray
Your Important INFP Links:
24 Signs That You’re an INFP, the Dreamer Personality Type
Dealing with Emotional Overwhelm as an INFP
Your INFP Personality and Your Enneagram Type
12 Fictional Characters You’ll Relate to if You’re an INFP
INFPs and Their Compatibility with Every Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
The Powerful Imagination of INFPs and INFJs
Here’s Why INFPs and INTPs Get Misunderstood
25 Quotes That INFPs Will Instantly Identify With
3 Weird and Wonderful Secrets of the INFP Personality Type
10 Ways to Spark Your Creativity as an INFP
10 Things You Should Never Say to an INFP
The Top 7 Gift Ideas for INFPs
The Childhood Struggles of INFPs
10 Amazing INFP Anime Characters
How Each Myers-Briggs® Personality Type Wants to be Viewed by the World
Here’s Why You Should Avoid Each Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
The Emotionally Unintelligent Versions of Every Personality Type
The Emotionally Intelligent Versions of Every Personality Type
