Are you an INFP struggling to find your place in the world?
Do you feel misunderstood and overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life?
You’re not alone.
INFPs are often seen as dreamers, scatter-brained, and too sensitive for the real world.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t thrive and find success.
In this article, we’ll explore how to survive as an INFP, including tips for finding your ideal career, managing criticism, and staying true to your values.
So take a deep breath, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive in.
How To Survive As An INFP
1. Embrace Your Idealism
As an INFP, you have a strong sense of idealism and a desire to make a difference in the world. Embrace this quality and use it to guide your decisions and actions. Don’t let others discourage you or make you feel like your dreams are unrealistic. Instead, focus on what you can do to make a positive impact in your own unique way.
2. Find Your Ideal Career
INFPs thrive in careers that align with their values and allow them to express their creativity and empathy. Look for jobs that involve helping others, such as counseling, social work, or teaching. You may also enjoy creative fields like writing, art, or music. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different career paths until you find the one that feels right for you.
3. Manage Criticism
INFPs can be sensitive to criticism, especially if it feels harsh or unjustified. Remember that not everyone will understand or appreciate your unique perspective and that’s okay. Instead of dwelling on negative feedback, focus on the positive aspects of your work and seek out constructive criticism from people you trust.
4. Stay True To Your Values
INFPs have a strong need to act authentically and will never be happy unless they are true to themselves. This means staying true to your values even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Don’t compromise your beliefs or values for the sake of fitting in or pleasing others. Instead, surround yourself with people who appreciate and support your unique perspective.
5. Practice Self-Care
INFPs can be prone to burnout and overwhelm, especially if they’re not taking care of themselves properly. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Take breaks when you need them and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Understanding Your INFP Personality Type
As an INFP, you are known for being a dreamer, idealist, and poet. You have a profound imagination and an exploratory approach to life. You yearn to understand the human experience and live up to your deeply-held values. Understanding your personality type can help you navigate the world around you and live a more fulfilling life.
One of your greatest strengths is empathy. You are thoughtful and caring, and you have the ability to understand other people’s emotions well. You can individualize your approach for each person, making them feel important and prioritized. As ‘the mediator’, you pay attention to how your decisions will affect people emotionally, making sure to avoid hurting others at all costs.
You are also highly creative and imaginative. You are not afraid to explore endless possibilities and see connections and patterns in things and situations. This enables you to develop unique approaches to solving complicated problems. Your creativity also makes you drawn towards creative expression.
As an INFP, you are generally open and tolerant of other people’s lifestyles and beliefs. Being attuned to other people’s needs and emotions allows you to see things from their points of view. This makes you flexible and able to adapt to different situations.
You have a natural heart of service and are always on the look-out for ways to help others. You are dedicated to those you value, whether it be people, a specific cause, or your perceived calling and purpose. Being ‘the idealist’, you are driven by a purpose that is often directed towards caring for and attending to other people’s needs.
Finally, it’s important to remember that as an INFP, you have a strong need to act authentically. You will never be happy unless you are true to yourself. This means staying true to your values even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Surround yourself with people who appreciate and support your unique perspective, and don’t compromise your beliefs or values for the sake of fitting in or pleasing others.
Finding Your Ideal Career As An INFP
As an INFP, finding the right career is crucial to your overall happiness and sense of fulfillment. You thrive in roles that allow you to express your creativity and empathy while aligning with your values and beliefs. Careers in the creative arts, social work, healthcare, counseling, teaching, and human resources can be a great fit for INFPs.
It’s important to remember that you are not attracted by fame, status, or money. Instead, you are driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to the greater good. Look for jobs that offer autonomy and independence, as well as opportunities to use your imagination and creativity.
When considering career options, it’s important to take into account your INFP strengths. As a supportive and creative leader, you motivate your subordinates through encouragement and nurture their growth. However, you may struggle with giving criticism or making difficult decisions when under stress.
To find your ideal career as an INFP, focus on jobs that allow you to make a positive impact in the world while staying true to your values and beliefs. Don’t be afraid to explore different career paths until you find the one that feels right for you. Remember to prioritize self-care activities to prevent burnout and overwhelm. With these tips in mind, you can build a successful career that aligns with your true self as an INFP.
Managing Criticism And Rejection As An INFP
As an INFP, you may find it challenging to deal with criticism and rejection. This is because you have a natural tendency to be self-critical and expect a lot from yourself. When faced with criticism, it can make you doubt yourself and your abilities. However, it’s important to remember that criticism is a natural part of life and can be an opportunity for growth and improvement.
The first step in managing criticism as an INFP is to give yourself time and space to process your emotions. Take a step back and try to understand your thoughts and feelings before reacting. If possible, communicate with the person who criticized you and let them know that you need some time to analyze things because you’re upset. This way, they won’t be left wondering why you’re giving them the silent treatment.
When you’re ready to address the criticism, try to approach the situation with patience, honesty, and consideration. If the criticism is valid, take it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. However, if the criticism is unjustified or unfair, don’t let it bring you down. Remember that not everyone will understand or appreciate your unique perspective.
It’s also important to stay true to your values and beliefs when dealing with criticism. Don’t compromise your principles or change who you are just to please others. Surround yourself with people who appreciate and support your unique perspective.
Finally, practice self-care when dealing with criticism and rejection. Take breaks when you need them and prioritize activities that help you relax and recharge. Remember that rejection is a natural part of life and doesn’t define your worth or value as a person. Keep pursuing your dreams and goals, even in the face of setbacks and challenges.
Staying True To Your Values As An INFP
As an INFP, staying true to your values is essential for your well-being and overall happiness. You have a strong sense of what is right and wrong, and you feel most fulfilled when you are living in congruence with your deeply held beliefs. Here are some tips for staying true to your values as an INFP:
1. Identify Your Core Values
The first step in staying true to your values is identifying what they are. Take some time to reflect on what is most important to you in life. Is it honesty, compassion, creativity, or something else? Once you have identified your core values, make sure that your actions align with them.
2. Set Boundaries
INFPs tend to be empathetic and caring individuals who may struggle with saying no to others. However, it’s important to set boundaries and protect your time and energy so that you can focus on what truly matters to you. Don’t be afraid to say no when something doesn’t align with your values or priorities.
3. Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
It’s important to surround yourself with people who share your values and support your authentic self. Seek out communities or groups where you can connect with others who share similar beliefs and interests.
4. Speak Up When Necessary
As an INFP, you may be hesitant to speak up when you disagree with someone or when something doesn’t align with your values. However, it’s important to speak up when necessary and advocate for what you believe in. This doesn’t mean being confrontational or argumentative, but rather expressing yourself in a respectful and assertive way.
5. Take Action
Finally, staying true to your values means taking action and living in accordance with them. Whether it’s volunteering for a cause that aligns with your beliefs or making choices that reflect your values in your personal and professional life, taking action will help you feel more fulfilled and aligned with your true self.
Remember, staying true to your values as an INFP is not always easy, but it’s essential for your overall well-being and happiness. By identifying your core values, setting boundaries, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, speaking up when necessary, and taking action, you can live a more authentic and fulfilling life as an INFP.
Coping With Overwhelm And Burnout As An INFP
INFPs often struggle with overwhelm and burnout due to their sensitive nature and tendency to take on too much at once. Here are some tips for coping with these feelings:
1. Set Realistic Goals
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones and prioritize the most important ones. This will help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your workload.
2. Take Breaks
It’s important to take breaks when you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. This could mean taking a walk outside, meditating, or simply taking a few deep breaths. Whatever works for you, make sure to take time for yourself and recharge your batteries.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a helpful tool for INFPs who struggle with overwhelm and burnout. By staying present in the moment and focusing on your breath or surroundings, you can reduce stress and anxiety. Try incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga into your daily routine.
4. Seek Support
INFPs may benefit from seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your feelings with someone who understands can help you feel less alone and more supported. A therapist can also provide guidance and tools for managing overwhelm and burnout.
5. Embrace Your Limits
Finally, it’s important to embrace your limits as an INFP. Recognize that you may need more downtime than others and that’s okay. Don’t push yourself too hard or feel guilty for taking time for yourself. Embrace your unique needs and find ways to work within them rather than against them.
Building Supportive Relationships As An INFP
As an INFP, building supportive relationships is crucial for your well-being. However, it can be challenging to find people who truly understand and appreciate your unique perspective. Here are some tips for building supportive relationships as an INFP:
1. Seek Out Like-Minded Individuals
INFPs tend to connect best with people who share their values and interests. Look for groups or communities that align with your passions, whether it’s a book club, art class, or volunteer organization. This can help you meet like-minded individuals who appreciate and support your perspective.
2. Communicate Your Needs
INFPs can be hesitant to express their needs and feelings, but it’s important to communicate openly with those around you. Let your friends and loved ones know what you need in a relationship, whether it’s space to recharge or emotional support during tough times.
3. Set Boundaries
INFPs are known for their empathy and compassion, but it’s important to set boundaries to protect your own well-being. Don’t be afraid to say no when you need to or to distance yourself from toxic relationships.
4. Practice Active Listening
INFPs value deep connections and meaningful conversations. Practice active listening by truly engaging with the person you’re talking to and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
5. Be Patient
Building supportive relationships takes time, especially for INFPs who value authenticity and depth. Don’t rush the process or force connections with people who don’t appreciate or understand you. Instead, focus on building genuine connections with those who share your values and interests.
