Discover the 7 Key Weaknesses of the INFP Personality Type

With every MBTI personality, come a series of strengths and weaknesses. The INFP is no different. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, and being an INFP comes with its set of challenges and struggles. Here are seven of the main weaknesses associated with the INFP personality type.

Indecision and Non-commitment

As perceivers, INFPs are known to be adaptable, open-minded, and flexible. They tend to resist being locked into long-term commitments or limiting their options. 

For this reason, INFPs can struggle with many decisions and find it difficult to fully commit outside of their passionate interests for fear of settling for less than they could potentially achieve. INFPs make decisions based on their personal values and feelings. 

What feels right to them will ultimately dictate what they will or won't do. While they may have fairly consistent values and principles that govern their choices, INFPs can be subject to sudden changes of heart that lead to actions that appear irrational and irresponsible. 

INFPs tend to have strong values and opinions, but making practical decisions in their daily life can often be a dilemma for them.

Lack of Objectivity 

As someone who makes choices primarily based on what they feel is right for them, INFPs can be susceptible to making decisions that appear inconsistent in their application. 

This is because they rely more on an internal standard than an external one. INFPs can sometimes be confronted with facts and figures that conflict with what they believe in deeply or want to believe in. 

For INFPs, their idealism and subjective notions of reality can seem more real to them than reality itself. Their idealism can often challenge logic, and this can sometimes do more harm than good depending on the situation. 

INFPs may struggle to accept uncomfortable truths and may be guilty of occasional cognitive dissonance. They can be extremely tenacious in their faith and commitment to what they know in their heart. 

When it comes to their personal values, they can be stubborn and deny when reality does not validate their hopes and dreams.

Distraction and Neglect of Details 

For INFPs, tending to details is not their strong suit. While they may be very perfectionistic about certain things, their minds often float away from reality and drift like a balloon. 

They are often reprimanded for not paying enough attention or following instructions correctly. INFPs tend to focus on the bigger picture, extracting a more general impression or the gist of everything. 

Consequently, they may miss or neglect some important and relevant specifics. This can extend to a lack of awareness of their own responsibilities for which they can also be neglectful. 

Managing mundane and daily tasks is something that INFPs can easily forget to do when their attention is so often preoccupied in la la land.

Impractical Thinking 

As their inferior Te (extroverted thinking) suggests, INFPs place less emphasis on efficiency and regimenting their lives highly systematically. 

They tend to consider such lifestyles as restrictive and boring. Instead, they favor a more explorative lifestyle that emphasizes the process of discovery and creativity, however impractical. 

Consequently, INFPs can often be blinded by their idealism and neglect the logistical sustainability of their ideas or expectations. 

Additionally, INFPs can sometimes be too attached to doing things differently or their way and sometimes run into obstacles that could have easily been avoided if they followed a more conventional and practical approach. 

INFPs can struggle to keep their lives organized and running smoothly. When they exercise their inferior Te, it is often under stressful circumstances, and INFPs can become intrusive, hypercritical, and more.

Being too hard on oneself 

INFPs are sensitive and often take minor things too personally. Criticism and negative feedback can easily make an INFP feel attacked. 

Additionally, they can dwell on their own failures and mistakes. INFPs can lose sleep over things they said or do to someone and wish they could take it back. Their conscience is a neurotic voice in the back of their head that can give them a lot of pain. 

INFPs can really indulge in self-pity and despair, perhaps because they somehow appreciate their pain? After all, it provides them with material to write songs, poems, and stories. 

However, INFPs take their values, ethics, and moral codes, whatever they may be, very seriously, and when they feel they have not lived up to those standards, disappointment can haunt them.

Verbal communication and socialization 

As introverts, INFPs can be very isolated and generally find it difficult to express themselves verbally as they do in their writing. 

Social inhibition can make them stumble over their words and be vague and cautious. INFPs tend to be more thoughtful and adept at choosing their words, and thus real-time communication often does not give them enough time to adequately organize their thoughts and feelings. 

Although INFPs tend to create highly imaginative and eloquent writers, their verbal communication skills often fall short. 

Of course, this can be developed with effort, and INFPs who engage and strengthen their social muscles will undoubtedly be able to impress others with their verbal and literary spirit. INFPs generally prefer to communicate via text and email much more than face-to-face or on the phone.

Time management 

INFPs tend to struggle with time. They are constantly late or arrive too early. Managing their time effectively is a skill that INFPs need to work on. 

INFPs can often have 1001 things they want to do but can't accomplish a single one unless they develop a realistic attack plan. 

When they are excited and motivated, they can become too zealous and disperse their energies too widely. 

Blocking time and not allowing themselves to be distracted is essential. Their aversion to routine can make it difficult, but incorporating some rituals and routines can help simplify their lives and help them focus and accomplish more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the INFP personality type has many strengths, there are also several key weaknesses that can hold them back in their personal and professional lives. 

Being too hard on themselves, struggling with verbal communication and socialization, and having difficulty managing their time are just a few of the challenges that INFPs face.

However, it's important to remember that these weaknesses are not set in stone. With effort and practice, INFPs can overcome these challenges and develop their skills in these areas. It's all about finding a balance and taking small steps towards improvement.

Moreover, it's important to recognize that weaknesses are not inherently negative. They can be opportunities for growth and self-discovery. INFPs can use their weaknesses as a tool for self-reflection and improvement, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

So, if you are an INFP and struggling with any of these weaknesses, remember that you are not alone. With a bit of effort and self-compassion, you can overcome your challenges and become the best version of yourself. 

And for those who may not be INFPs, perhaps this article can serve as a reminder to embrace our own weaknesses and use them as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

What are INFP characters? Traits, Strengths, and Weaknesses

Do you ever feel like you don’t fit in with the rest of the world? That no matter how hard you try, you never quite seem to fit in with what is expected?

 If so, you may be an INFP character. INFP stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perception and is one of the 16 personality types identified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFP characters are often misunderstood, as they are seen as mysterious and aloof by others. 

In this blog post, we will explore the unique qualities of INFP characters and how they can be used to benefit yourself and those around you. 

With a better understanding of INFP characters, you can unlock a more fulfilling life and discover the potential of your own personality. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of INFP characters! 

1. What are INFP characters and what do they represent?

INFPs are highly creative, especially in their art and writing. They are independent and typically prefer to do things on their own rather than in groups. They tend to think before they act and tend to have well-developed intuition.

INFPs are extremely empathetic and generally have a gentle and compassionate personalities. They are in tune with their emotional needs and have no problem expressing their emotions. 

Even though they are in tune with their emotions, they rarely display their emotions outwardly, preferring instead to use their intuition.

INFPs tend to have a deep and profound interest in life. They are often more than a little philosophical and tend to question everything. 

They want to know how things work and why things are the way they are. They have a deep respect for the old ways and are often interested in folklore.

INFPs need plenty of peace and quiet. Too much noise can become overwhelming for them, and they generally dislike crowds.

INFPs prefer deep conversations and value people and relationships more than money. They are usually highly intuitive and tend to notice details that most people miss. They are often highly imaginative and enjoy dreaming. They hate being intimated or taken advantage of.

2. The INFP personality type and its strengths and weaknesses

The INFP personality type is characterized as gentle, warm, and considerate. They have a meticulous eye for detail with a tendency to overthink everything.

The INFP personality type tends to be introverted, preferring to stay detached and avoid conflict.

They are intuitive, imaginative, and imaginative, which gives them the ability to identify patterns and trends.

INFPs tend to be strong-willed, often being very stubborn and unwilling to change their point of view.

They are often creative and curious, which gives them the ability to think outside of the box and have a unique approach to problem-solving.

The INFP personality type tends to be compassionate and altruistic.

They are often sensitive and empathetic, leaving them vulnerable to other people’s emotions.

INFPs tend to struggle with decision-making, which can leave them vulnerable to stress.

They are often shy, making them hesitant to speak up and take risks.

They are usually reserved and polite, which sometimes makes them seem distant or aloof.

3. The Idealistic and Rare: Understanding the INFP Personality Type

The INFP character type, also known as the “idealist” type, is the rarest of all the personality types. Only 1% of people are INFPs, making them the rarest of personality types.

INFPs have strong morals and will abide by them, even if it hurts them.

INFPs also dislike confrontation, but they will often avoid arguing or debating if it means avoiding a confrontation.

INFPs also don't like to be the center of attention and often try to stay in the background.

INFPs often have a different view of the world, and they are able to see solutions and ideas that others can't see.

INFPs take life slowly and enjoy everything about it.

INFPs also have great communication skills, which helps them to talk to others and give advice.

INFPs also love to stop and smell the roses and appreciate the finer things in life.

4. How to identify if you are an INFP and how to live as an INFP

INFPs are introspective and value inner qualities such as trust, understanding, and honesty. They dislike being the center of attention and prefer to observe, listen, and give advice. 

These characteristics can make it hard for them to identify themselves as INFPs; they may often be shy around new people because they feel that they don’t know enough to offer any advice.

INFPs are creative, imaginative, sensitive, and imaginative. They make great artists and writers because they find inspiration in the world around them. 

They are patient when it comes to others, but they will often give the wrong advice if they aren’t sure that the other person is capable of understanding it.

INFPs are caring and empathetic toward other people. They will often take time to get to know someone else before making any judgments, and they will gladly help out a friend if they need it. 

However, they may have a hard time opening up to others, because they dislike conflict and feel awkward around people they don’t know. INFPs will do their best to avoid conflict at all costs, but they won’t hesitate to confront someone if the situation calls for it.

5. How to support and understand an INFP

INFPs are some of the most misunderstood, undervalued, and difficult people to get to know. This is why INFPs are often seen as eccentric, overly sensitive, or "weird", and they often don't fully comprehend why others don't see things the way they do.

Like many introverts, INFPs seek a lot of alone time to recharge, and this can result in quiet or withdrawn behavior. 

They dislike small talk and big crowds and prefer to spend their time on activities that interest them, such as reading, writing, and pursuing their creative interests. INFPs often feel misunderstood and out of place.

They are very independent and prefer working alone, although they enjoy having close relationships with a few close friends. 

INFPs enjoy deep conversations and will often take a lot of time to process information. They prefer theories over practicalities and prefer to theorize about abstract concepts, which often makes them seem eccentric.

Conclusion

INFP characters have a rich inner world full of imagination and idealism. However, many INFPs are introverted and have difficulty connecting with others, which leads to isolation and loneliness.

There are many tools that INFPs can employ to overcome these challenges, including MBTI personality type profiles and coaching. 

I hope this blog post has been helpful and that you have gained a better understanding of INFP character types. 

If you liked what you read and would like to learn more about INFP characters, please check out several of my articles on this subject, including the INFP Personality Profile and the 5 Key Traits of INFP. Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common traits of an INFP?

INFPs are known for their creativity, empathy, idealism, and strong sense of values. They often have a vivid imaginations and are driven by their personal values rather than external rewards.

What are the strengths of an INFP?

INFPs are often great listeners and communicators, thanks to their empathetic and intuitive nature. They are also excellent at creative problem-solving and can bring unique and imaginative ideas to the table. They are loyal, caring, and deeply passionate about their beliefs and causes.

What are the weaknesses of an INFP?

INFPs can struggle with practical tasks and details, often getting lost in their own thoughts and ideas. They may have a tendency to take things too personally and can become overwhelmed by stress or conflict. They can also be indecisive and struggle with assertiveness.

Are there any famous INFPs?

Yes, there are several famous people who are believed to be INFPs, including J.R.R. Tolkien, William Shakespeare, Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Johnny Depp.

Can an INFP be successful in a competitive career?

Yes, INFPs can excel in any career that aligns with their values and passions. They often do well in creative fields, counseling, or social work, but can also succeed in business or other competitive careers with the right motivation and support.

Can an INFP change their personality type?

While it is unlikely for someone to completely change their personality type, INFPs can work to develop their weaker functions and become more well-rounded individuals.

What other personality types are compatible with INFPs?

INFPs tend to get along well with other intuitive and feeling types, such as INFJs, ENFPs, and ENFJs. However, any personality type can have a successful relationship with an INFP as long as there is mutual respect and understanding.