INFP
INFPs are passionate about their values, and find meaning in supporting the personal development of others. They easily recognize the possibilities for growth in themselves and others, and often have a vision for how to heal the world around them. INFPs adapt easily to change and appreciate dynamic environments where creativity and new ideas are valued, particularly when related to improving the lives of others.
INFPs have complex inner emotions and are intensely committed to aligning their values with the lives they lead. They are often focused on the future, looking for new and creative ways to serve others. INFPs are constantly working to understand those around them, and, as a result, tend to be perceptive, able to grasp connections and relationships between people easily.
INFPs are excellent listeners, often providing quiet and warm support to others. They appreciate calm and harmonious environments, but may sometimes be too reluctant to provide constructive criticism, for fear of disrupting the group. INFPs are often reserved, opening up only to those who share their values and have earned their trust. Once they have formed a relationship, however, INFPs are intensely loyal and dedicated.
INFPs feel restricted by rules and structure and have a hard time performing job tasks that do not connect to their values. They tend to be humble, and may not speak up about their accomplishments. INFPs are quick to express their appreciation for others, however, taking care that those around them feel valued.
INFP Type Dynamics
The core of the INFP personality type is Introverted Feeling. This dominant function guides the way INFPs make sense of things and process information in their own minds. Using Introverted Feeling, INFPs seek meaning and truth in their emotional experience. They reflect to create a deep sense of personal values and seek clarity based on their own internal values system.
The auxiliary function for INFPs is Extraverted Intuition. This mental function supports their dominant Introverted Feeling to help them take in information about the world around them. When using Extraverted Intuition, INFPs explore meaning and imagine possibilities for improving their environments. They are curious about others and pursue understanding of people and ideas.
The tertiary Sensing function is less developed for most INFPs, especially early in life. When this function is not well developed, INFPs may have trouble noticing present realities and facts about the physical world.
The inferior function for INFPs, or that function which is least likely to be conscious and well developed, is Extraverted Thinking. When this function is not developed, INFPs can have trouble evaluating options and making decisions based on objective logic.
INFPs in the Population
INFP is the ninth most common type in the population. They make up:
- 4% of the general population
- 5% of women
- 4% of men
Famous INFPs
Famous INFPs include Isabel Myers (creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), St. John the disciple, Carl Rogers, Princess Diana, George Orwell, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Rogers, A.A. Milne, Helen Keller, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts, and William Shakespeare.
INFP at Work
At work, the INFP is not particularly driven by money or status, preferring work that aligns with their personal values and allows them to help others. INFPs are typically motivated by vision and inspiration, and want to engage with projects and causes that feel important to them.
INFPs enjoy the process of creative problem-solving, and want to understand complex issues. They appreciate innovation, and want to come up with original ideas to improve circumstances for people. An ideal job for a Healer allows them to express their individuality in the way they work, and takes advantage of their ability to see unique solutions.
INFPs enjoy working autonomously and having control over how and when to complete a project. They often enjoy participating in teams, although they want to be free to put their own personal stamp on their work. When they do work with other people, it's important to the INFP that they be cooperative, supportive, and flexible, and that they have similar passion for their ideals.
Popular Careers for the INFP
Top careers for the INFP include:
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To read more about the INFP, visit the INFP page at Truity.com.
Comments
Would have chosen writer had
Would have chosen writer had it been offered, which is why I put "other"; tho I notice it does show above as one of the occupations in which INFP's are 'overrepresented'... ;-)
Hi, I have just done the
Hi, I have just done the personality test and identified myself as an INFP. My most recent choice of occupation has been as a writer. I have self-published my first book on Amazon Kindle called "My Journey Back to Health - How I survived mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings naturally without harmful drugs" by Alice Hill (my pseudonym name). I have also been an artist, aromatherapist, health & weight management coach, amongst other occupations which appeals to my INFP traits. I agree it can be difficult making a living playing to my interests/strengths, especially in these present times where the values of INFPs have been undermined, especially by the pharmaceutical industry, Banks, finance and food industry! I would really appreciate any customer reviews of my book from any fellow INFPs who may identify with my experiences or insights raised.
Hi Alice, My name is Monica
Hi Alice, My name is Monica and I am an INFP as well, I have taken the personality test twice and both times scored as an INFP. I have not read your book as of yet but I will be checking it out.
I just wanted to touch base with you because as I was reading your post, it was like I wrote it. I recently was diagnosed with an amalgam tattoo/poisoning and they are taking a biopsy to check it for cancer because it looks suspicious. I have metal allergies so therefore, I am more suseptible to it. Anyway, I started out as a CNA (nurses aid in the nursing home), I went back to school and am a currently a clinical data analyst now but at 45 am going back to school again after my children all left the house. I needed more... so now I am in the Health and wellness management program which I truly love. I took up Aromatherpy about a year ago and make my own formulations for stress relief, lower blood pressure, etc... I will read you book and get back to you. : ) so many similarities!
Hi Monica, Many thanks for
Hi Monica,
Many thanks for your comments - isn't that strange our histories share so many similarities! Like you I discovered the benefits of aromatherapy, especially for stress relief, when I did a course at evening classes about 17 years ago and I think its wonderful. I also talk about this in my book. Regarding your most recent diagnosis with your amalgam tattoo/poisoning, I also write about my experience of the symptoms I had experienced for around 30 years which no medical doctor ever connected with mercury poisoning from my amalgam fillings. It was only through luck/fate that I met someone who was treated by the same dentists as me who specialized in the removal and treatment of mercury fillings. If you decide to take the step of removing your amalgams, be careful to find a dentist who will protect you while you have your fillings removed as it can be a very dangerous procedure otherwise. Incidentally when I did the personality test a second time I scored as an INFJ (The Counsellor) which is interesting as I am thinking about doing a counselling course as part of my degree. I hope you enjoy my book and find the information in it helpful.
Alice, I am also an INFP. I
Alice,
I am also an INFP. I don't have a kindle, but I am soooo interested in your book! I need to get my amalgam fillings out. I used to have a mouth full of them, most of which have been replaced with composite. I have two left to replace. The problem is, the others were replaced before I was aware of the horrifying effects of amalgam. They were carelessly removed. I remember swallowing some of the material at the time. I have had neurological symptoms and many other issues. I am hoping a heavy metal detox will help. Anyway, thank you for writing the book. When I read it, I will post a review for you.
Blessings,
Daryl
:S It seems as though all the
:S It seems as though all the careers right for an INFP are either hard to make a living at or require a high degree of education. That sucks.
yeah. That is so true, its so
yeah. That is so true, its so lame. I have actually been researching to find out what i want to become and everything I am interested in are either hard core living after attaing a degree i.e. Nursing, or, yeah, high degree of education is needed i.e to become a food scientist. But i think its pretty good in a way as we aim high and we will earn respect later on :)
This is probably because the
This is probably because the INFP is not content to sit behind a desk and waste their life away just to make money, if its truly important, than its not going to be easy.
When I found out I was an
When I found out I was an INFP, I switched from Engineering design to Sales and my career took off. Customers love it when you heal their problems with a product.
I agree.
I agree.
Sales stressed me out.
Sales stressed me out. Companies wanted us to 'upsell' stuff that people didn't need or want. It also frustrated me when there were too many people. They just kept coming, one after another.It just didn't stop!When I was in sales, I was drained, exhausted, had anxiety attacks, trouble sleeping, got sick often, and pretty much went 'snakey'. As soon as I quit; I started to feel better. - INFP has been the most consistant- (I switch between INFP and ISFP and INFJ/ISFJ.. maybe the test depends upon my mood and circumstances at the time?)
So true, I hated retail!
So true, I hated retail!
For me , yes I hated too the
For me , yes I hated too the retail , and the sales under stress.
RETAIL RULES. I love
RETAIL RULES. I love interacting with peeps on a one on one basis. It allows me to be creative and fulfills my need to, well, interact and be productive at the same time. I think if you work in the right environment, with folks that support your idealism, you can make a go of it.
I'm still in sales, and feel
I'm still in sales, and feel exactly as you mentioned....just curious, did you find a more rewarding, satisfying career, and if so, in what area?
Thank you,
Karl
Actually I shifted from
Actually I shifted from agricultural engineer towards rural sociologist, and it worked out!
Problem is that I'm so critical against dominant ways of thinking, that I had problems to continue in my research institute.
I'm unemployed now, but I hope that somebody will understand my idea's at someday...
Good luck Karl,
I hope you can find a way to construct a more beautiful world!
Greetings,
Bert
Yes! I started getting
Yes! I started getting anxiety attacks after starting a sales job also. I don't think INFPs are well suited to retail.
I'm incredible at sales I had
I'm incredible at sales I had to do telemarketing for 4 months when I was out of work.... at first i almost got fired, then I broke all their records 3 months in a row when i got another job. my bonus checks were bigger than my managers pay..... I love art and have a degree in interior design but having it as a career is stressful. I don't get my energy from extroversion but I can apply it there and do great. people used to ask me what my secret was in sales... and i don't know if anyone ever believed my but it was two things. (spiritual) visualization and mediation, and being really TRULY nice.
I'm always intrigued when I
I'm always intrigued when I see the folks who enjoy sales/ retail (as I do here) when they are INFPs. I have read extensively about MBTI and careers, and have used MBTI in my career as an adult educator. Nowhere have I seen that we are even remotely suited to sales. Chitchatting with customers would be very draining to INFPs. Although we are able to "sell" concepts and ideas, discussing products with people would ordinarily hold little interest for us.
To discover the applicability of MBTI in careers, I would recommend the book "Do What You Are" by Barbara and Paul Tieger. It should be required reading for high school students, and will go a long way toward helping them avoid the false starts and confused choices made by so many.
I did poorly at sales in a
I did poorly at sales in a store that calls itself a Health Food store, but really carries no food; just supplements and bodybuilding and diet stuff. But when I worked in a craft store, I was increasingly successful and rose to manager because I like people individually, enjoy helping them and am very good at problem-solving. I didn't try to sell them stuff they didn't need. I did a lot of teaching and even now, 6 years or more since the chain was forced out of business, former customers approach me downtown or on the bus to talk about the stores and to thank me for my help. INFPs can be good at sales if they are passionate about the product.
It IS tiring, though, especially during sales or holiday seasons. I would go home and not talk to anyone for an hour or tso; just played computer games, did sudoku puzzles or read so I could turn off the sensory overload.
I have had good and bad
I have had good and bad experiences working in sales. The one time I did enjoy it, I was selling plus size clothing in a relaxed atmosphere... because I felt I was helping girls who felt body shame, I really enjoyed it. However, I've done sales elsewhere-- places that were more intense in their need to meet their goals. I did not like that at all.
I find it interesting that
I find it interesting that you would say talking to customers would be draining. In my, admittedly very limited, experience I have found talking with, but most importantly helping people was my favourite part of the job. I worked mostly as a cleaner in a super market bakery, and interacting with the customers was often the best part of the day for me. Perhaps it was only because it served as a break from the anxiety of not meeting my managers standards, but I would argue as an INFP that the real issue in working in sales is feeling overwhelmed: either by expectations that force you to bend your own personal moral code, or by being confronted by high volumes of loud, impatient and/or angry customers. If you are only faced with this around peak selling season then there is no reason why an INFP couldn't succeed in a sales position. I think the bottom line is a desire to help people, and that may just come in the form of helping them find the perfect dress, or new pair of shoes etc.
You're probably not an INFP.
You're probably not an INFP. INFP's may be likely to see sales as draining and shallow (as in not deep or meaningful). Finding meaning in a sales profession for an INFP seems very unlikely.
I think an INFP could be
I think an INFP could be great at sales...on one condition. They believe in the product and believe it will better the lives of those they are selling to. I did wedding dress sales and I did well, but did ot upswell because I HATE selling people things they cannot afford. It really depended on the customer. I would often feel drained at the end, but I enjoyed the work when people left happy with their purchases. :)
There are also different
There are also different types of sales in business. I am a "relationship builder" in sales. I build relationships & partnerships with other executives. Usually requires:
a) not being pushy
b) being transparent & honest
c) long term relationship building
Perfect.
where would I find a position
where would I find a position like this?
I was a telemarketer for a
I was a telemarketer for a few months. I was the #2 salesman for the Co. The #1 was a real shark. Much better hard-sell than was I. People bought from me because they trusted me. Something in my voice..., etc. That would also be why I quit. I did not believe in the product. What I've most enjoyed thoughout my life is songwriting. I was a perfectionist at it. Now, I drive a truck for a family business. It gives me a lot of hours to myself to think, be alone, make my own decisions, be flexible (stop where and when I want to, etc). When given enough time to think, I can save the Co. time and money. However, they do not always appreciate my long-winded, incredibly detailed emails of how we can fix the way we do everything! Info they would never get in a face-to-face meeting however, so I write it down. For the most part, I love driving the only downside, and it's a big one for an INFP, is that it's not quite fulfilling or meaningful enough which is why I still consider and dream of songwriting as a career, as well as counselling, clergy, etc.
Add to the list of things
Add to the list of things INFPs hate: customer service/waitress... I can't stand it because it is 100% out of alignment with what I want to do with my life. I'm ok at sales, I am good because the person I am selling feels so comfortable with me because I am an authentic person. I suck at though because I am an authentic person LOL.... I have a hard time in business because I am not a blood sucker.... My goal is to have my own business so I can hire people to be the blood sucker that I could never be in a million years ha ha ha. (oh crap there goes my idealism again perhapes!!)
I must disagree. I'm an INFP
I must disagree. I'm an INFP and I love customer service/waitressing. Yes, it can be draining, but I derive my greatest satisfaction from solving people's problems, putting their minds at ease, and connecting with them. There's nothing better than hearing a customer's genuine and uninhibited "Thank you."
As an INFP, I too have
As an INFP, I too have switched jobs many times in my life. I didn't care for waitressing either but I am currently in retail and absolutely love my job. I love giving my opinion on products and love chit chatting with customers. I never feel like I'm forcing anyone to buy because our products are absolutely wonderful and basically sell themselves. The only problem with my job is the pay. it's not a commission job so I have to settle for the low hourly rate they pay. This is why I am considering going into management. I hope this is not a huge mistake. I would like to add a job to my resume that shows that I can stick it out for the long haul. I have never kept any job for longer then two years.
Im an INFP and am studying
Im an INFP and am studying and working as a librarian at a university
Preferred Careers for me:
Writer, Psychologist, Neuroscientist, Neuropsychology, Librarian
Acceptable Careers for me:
Audioligist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Speech Pathologist
Hated Careers:
Accountant, Finance, Sales
I am at awe at how accurate
I am at awe at how accurate the INFP description is for me. I work in the writing/editing/publishing sector and I work for myself...which is in align with me needing autonomy. Sooo true about the values. I cherish my values and if they are violated, I don't like it at all!! I do try to keep an open mind but yes I can be stubborn about that~~what's good to know is that it looks like I'm following my true nature because most or all of the jobs I've had is written under INFP!
I am a counselor and I write
I am a counselor and I write stories and articles in my spare time. In the past the "I" was equal to the "E" split 50/50. But now it's the Introvert all the way. This INFP description goes with the Pisces label - to me they say about the same thing. Astrology was the first personality assessment.
I'm an INFP and a Leo. I
I'm an INFP and a Leo. I don't know too much about astrology, but don't the 2 seem a little opposite?
Hi Monique. I'm an INFP/Leo
Hi Monique. I'm an INFP/Leo as well.
Yes, being an INFP + Leo are very opposite.
This is what I deal with...
I love people. I really appreciate them and I'm nice and caring...they are attracted to me and want to spend time with me ALL OF THE TIME.
But too much contact with people exhausts me and I ultimately feel the need to hibernate. Then they think I'm ignoring them and their feelings get hurt because they think I seemed so gung-ho at first.
Sometimes it's just no win. Sorry. Wish I could be more optimistic. Oh wait, I can...
INFP'S are AWESOME!!!
Good luck, and I hope you find balance...I think life is all about finding balance.
Hugs and good vibes.
According to the basic laws
According to the basic laws of astrology, your sun sign only represents your outward personality, or rather the way you want to be portrayed as by other people. It doesn't say much about your true personality. Emotions are governed by lunar position; mindfulness, or consciousness, is represented by your rising sign, or Ascendant. I personally believe this sign is most important when determining a persons interests and career path, which seems to be the most important aspect of psychological testing....
I don know about yours. But
I don know about yours. But I'm INFJ and I'm an Aries, so much alike.
I'm INFP and a Leo as well.
I'm INFP and a Leo as well. However, I have a lot of my core planets in the 12th house which is the house Pisces rules, so it seems fitting. If you know your birth time, try astro.com to get a natal chart reading. It would be interesting to see if there is any correlation between MBTI and astrology, specifically INFPs and the sign of Pisces.
I'm an INFP and a Leo as
I'm an INFP and a Leo as well.
The part that really bugs me about Leo descriptions is the need for attention or that we like to be at the center of attention. I find that this is true HOWEVER there are some definite perimeters for the feeling.
I do not enjoy being at the center of attention for what I categorize as selfish reasons. I'd rather be the center of attention for some good deed I did, for bettering someone's situation, and attention based on what I have done for others, not because I won a beauty pageant or something. I also find that attention that is more calm, full of "thank you"s, and more intellectual is much more satisfying than a celebratory party, being on stage etc.
As others have expressed, I find that people are drawn to me (Leo aspect) but I tire of people after a while and/or tire of too many people at once (INFP aspect). I crave close, meaningful, loyal relationships (friends, family, romantic) but need my own space. I find that introverted people are my best friends because they understand the need for "me time."
I try to use it to my advantage by giving friends advice and helping them realize their goals. Its pretty calming to channel peoples' attraction to you yet your need to hibernate. You can do deep thinking during hibernation which ends up helping you and your loved ones when they come aknockin'.
Just my 2 cents.
Astrology would be an
Astrology would be an assessment *if* you got to pick when you were born based on your personality. Otherwise, it's the opposite of an assessment--it's something that says what you're supposed to be like, regardless of what your actual actions, thoughts, feelings, etc. show.
Personally, I think it is likely that someone's actual personality type could correlate to their astrological type only if they already believe in astrology and let it influence how they act and develop. That is, if you think you're "supposed" to be headstrong, you might cultivate that quality in yourself. If your astrological sign states you are flighty, you might excuse that behavior in yourself and allow it to become a bigger part of your personality that you would have if no one told you that's what you're supposed to be like (according to your sign).
Maybe I'm taking this too seriously--do people really believe in astrology, of is it just a funny thing to point out when there is a match or a mismatch between your sign and your actual personality type?
I'm also both an INFP and a
I'm also both an INFP and a Pisces, and I agree with the other INFP who mentioned it - the descriptions of the two are nearly interchangeable! My ENFJ, Capricorn spouse is kind enough not to laugh at me for the credence I put in astrology - but when your "type" is the same in every assessment, why not believe it?
I'm a virgo, and a solid NFP
I'm a virgo, and a solid NFP (sometimes I test E, and sometimes it's I). I'm different though, since I also have a sagittarius ascendant, a 9th house sun, venus, and mercury, AND neptune trine my sun. People have a lot of presumptions about virgo, but it's actually the sign of service and the healer.
I've considered trying to strengthen my judging, but I like who I am. Even if I am a little in discipline. I wouldn't trade infp for infj.
I have a theory about the I/E
I have a theory about the I/E switch. For women, certain times of the month we tend to naturally be more extroverted (days leading up to and during ovulation), and closer to our moontime and during,more introverted. So, I'd go with readings that are the furthest from either of those extreme times of the cycle.
I have been tested 3x's and
I have been tested 3x's and always came up as an INFP.
Sometimes I feel like a stranger in a strange world .
Some people have described me as aloof..but to friends I am caring altho' sometimes that is not returned.
Art and writing are two activities I love,,but my greatest love is travelling the world and immersing in their cultures. I am and have been for years a travel agent. (more so for my own benefit as I learn about this world) I am either really sad if I am hurt by someone but also can explode like a super nova...or hmmm..maybe sometimes like a pit bull where i put people on the spot and demand the "why" of the action.I love when I can watch people (i.e. airports)..the way they act...the way they dress .Went to college late ,,and had an almost perfect 4.0 gpa.Never had the ability within myself to REALLY put myself OUT "there" .
You are just like me . Like
You are just like me . Like art , writing and travel.. But can u tell me. What subject u take in university?
It's weird but I guess
It's weird but I guess military was one of my dreams. And the navy. Or being a police officer, a detective or a spy.
I know it's not a career for me because I can't control my emotions, so I never really thought it through, but the staff is challenging, pretty rewarding and apart from killing people (which I would never handle) you can do some good things too.
But I stick with what I'm good at. Anyway, I hope there are some INFPs in the world who learned to control their moods and sensitivity and have fun doing the jobs I described.
Im a INFP and a gemini : }
Im a INFP and a gemini : } and i think this very accurate becuase i tend to fantasize about my love life and live in my own little world i hate being alone i need affection and to just be feeled with a warm feeling for my career i want to be a physcologist i like jelping people i hate conflict and being judged also i dont like being around groups of people or team work i get anxiety like you know there judging me or something. I need my space and hate when my space is invaded very protective over my stuff for example when i was a teen and i remember i just redecorated my room and i wanted to show my mom but instead every body came in and started touching my stuff and misplacing them and i told them to get out cuase i felt like i was being violated but thik has more with being a perfectionest any way im rambling on:) im just excited to be around people like me an i feel kind of special cuase were a rare personality.
I am a Passionate Life
I am a Passionate Life Coach.for... Men, Women and Couples.. I am an INFP and a True Libra in Libra...and I Luv it! Helping others helps me settle with my self!
SuzyGSpot.com
I have only recently
I have only recently discovered the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory, and have been quite amazed as to how predictive it is of my nature, aptitudes and interests. For example, I find that I have considered all of the professions usually chosen by this category - and no others!
This type is often called the 'Healer', and I have called myself exactly this in my professional life (I mean the word in the sense of the humanistic psychotherapists - as in Carl Rogers, listed above as an INFP, although my work is through touch).
And, as in the brief description above, I need to be understood as unique and especially to work in a way that is true to myself. Any deviation from this principle, no matter how small, feels quite intolerable to me.
I hope that you don't mind me providing a link to my (non-commercial, slightly academic) website here. It is at Bloch Healing. The reason that I offer the link is because the entire meaning and context of my work as represented on my website is virtually the definition of the INFP view of the world. I hope that some of the INFPs reading this comment will have a look at my definition of the word "Rational", and see that the visible, concrete, tangible definitions of this word are not as comprehensive as the contemporary use would imply - and that you are not alone!
I just feel like some kind of
I just feel like some kind of a mistaken personality hybrid since somehow, I show characteristics of both INFJ and INFP.
My INFJ traits include tendencies of a visionary out of the blue, I think intuitively of what's to come out of certain cause and effects, all with insights that almost no one could relate to.
Then I have INFP traits that include high priority for my own values, I have a hard time showing and describing my feelings towards others, and I'm always trying to find myself and the meaning of my own life.
The first time I took one of these quizzes, I got "INTJ", then "INTF" but as I've matured in my sense of purpose, I believe that I'm probably an "INFx" though this quiz does tell me that I'm most likely an "INFJ" with "INFP" being a close second bet. Of course this all confuses me, but I guess it just tells about the depth of my personality which I've always thought as vague.
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