Monthly Archives: May 2005

CHARACTER SKETCH
‘Imagine how beautiful the world would be if we could all just get along’, the Idealistic INFP contemplates. Their internal focus concentrates on how they feel about things and decisions are made accordingly. Externally, their highly developed intuition affirms these altruistic beliefs.

More than other intuitive types, they focus on making the world a better place. The INFP begins this admirable mission by searching out the answers to what life really means, and then culminating these findings into a clear purpose and active ways to better serve humanity. Based on these findings, they re-evaluate the path they are traveling, deciding whether to keep going straight or change course; always with the ultimate goal in mind – the good of all. Intuitive, idealistic and a perfectionist are the drivers that help them achieve goals to that end.

They are natural mediators, solving other people’s problems without a hitch. INFPs are flexible and laid-back until their values are placed into question. That’s when they come out fighting, aggressively defending their position or cause. A cause is different than a mere project to them. It’s something they passionately believe in, and have worked out every detail to back-up their position. Mundane details leave them cold. They don’t see the importance of a spic and span house, but their causes require meticulous upkeep.

Decisions based just on facts don’t sit well with them. Their global feelings don’t coincide with the use of hard logic. This skill can be cultivated if you try hard enough, but it’s not something they embrace. On the flip side, when emotionally stressed they may throw out erroneous fact after fact to back up their often illogical outbursts. INFPs benefit from thinking twice, taking deep breaths, whatever they need to do to calm themselves, before it gets to this extreme.

Being the perfectionist creates a tendency to be his or her own worst critic. They may have problems working in a group because the other members may not be as committed and diligent as the INFP. In other situations, giving it more than their best shot is admirable, but here, they may appear to be control happy. Combating these negatives is one of balancing their high ideals with the rigors of every day living. It is important to resolve this dichotomy for their peace of mind and happiness. They’re bent on giving back in hands-on situations rather than in a more concrete logical way. This type of attribute also makes them more comfortable writing about their feelings than telling someone how much they care. Because they write so well, they may be drawn to this creative outlet as a career, or consider counseling, teaching or social services, as a fit.

“You didn’t hear a word I said”, that’s not something anyone will ever say to an INFP. They listen intently, believing it’s the thoughtful thing to do. This act of caring puts people at ease and makes the INFP a trusted friend and confidante. Although it’s not always easy for them to express their feelings, they are genuinely concerned, warm and understanding. He or she tries to avoid conflicts but when it’s a necessity, they come from a feeling perspective, rather than placing blame. This is all well and good, but the INFP needs to be aware that sometimes this stance makes them appear to be too emotional and rather irrational.

They have everything it takes to accomplish great things and to become better and better with each passing day.