Have you ever heard someone refer to ENFPs as unicorns or oddballs?
With only 8.1% of the US population falling under this personality type, it’s no wonder they’re often seen as unique and rare.
But is ENFP really the rarest personality type out there?
In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind ENFP rarity and debunk some common myths about this fascinating personality type.
So, let’s dive in and discover what makes ENFPs so special!
Is ENFP The Rarest Personality Type
Contrary to popular belief, ENFP is not the rarest personality type. While they do make up only 8.1% of the US population, there are other personality types that are even rarer.
For example, INFJ is considered the rarest personality type among men, making up only about 0.5% of the total males tested. This introverted, feeling, and idealistic personality type is known for their empathy and ability to connect with others on a deep emotional level.
However, when it comes to overall rarity, ENFP falls in the middle of the pack. They are the tenth rarest personality type out of the 16 types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
It’s important to note that rarity does not necessarily equate to superiority or uniqueness. Each personality type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and all are valuable in their own way.
What Is An ENFP And How Is It Defined?
ENFP is a personality type that stands for Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. This means that ENFPs are energized by time spent with others, focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, make decisions based on feelings and values, and prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. ENFPs are known for their enthusiasm, idealism, restlessness, and open-mindedness.
ENFP is one of the sixteen personality types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, who developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). The ENFP personality type is also called the “Champion” because of their enthusiasm for helping others realize their dreams. ENFPs are creative and do best in situations where they have the freedom to create and innovate.
There are two subtypes of ENFPs: ENFP-A and ENFP-T. ENFP-A, also known as the “Assertive Campaigner,” tends to be more confident and has more emotional control in their relationships. On the other hand, ENFP-T or “Turbulent Campaigners” often have less confidence and less emotional control, experiencing more anxiety when dealing with everyday stress.
While ENFPs are not the rarest personality type, they are often misunderstood. They can be described as spontaneous, creative, personable, energetic, future-focused, enthusiastic, caring, and people-centered. However, they can also have difficulty with follow-through and may feel overwhelmed or experience sudden changes in emotions if forced to make a decision before they’re ready for it.
ENFPs In The Population: The Statistics Behind The Rarity Claim
ENFPs are often referred to as rare personalities, but what do the statistics say? According to the Myers-Briggs Company, ENFPs make up 8% of the world’s population. This percentage is slightly higher for women, with 10% of women being ENFPs compared to 6% of men.
However, when compared to other personality types, ENFPs are not the rarest. In fact, they are the most common out of the iNtuitive personality types. According to a chart from 16 Personalities Statistics, ENFP is one of the more common types at 7.6% of the population. The rarest personality type is INFJ, making up only 1.5% of the population.
It’s also important to note that while ENFPs may be considered rare in some contexts, they are still a significant portion of the population. With over 7% of people identifying as ENFP, it’s clear that this personality type has a significant impact on society and culture.
Common Misconceptions About ENFPs And Why They’re Not As Rare As You May Think
Despite not being the rarest personality type, ENFPs are often subject to a number of misconceptions. One of the most common misconceptions is that ENFPs are always outgoing and extroverted. While they do possess an extroverted function, their dominant function is actually introverted intuition. This means that ENFPs require plenty of alone time to process their thoughts and feelings, and can often appear introverted in certain situations.
Another misconception is that ENFPs are flighty and unreliable. While they do enjoy exploring new ideas and options, they are also highly adaptable and able to make quick decisions when necessary. Their openness to new experiences and their ability to pivot when needed can actually make them highly effective problem solvers.
Finally, some people believe that ENFPs are overly emotional and prone to mood swings. While they do possess a high level of sensitivity, this can actually be a strength rather than a weakness. Their ability to pick up on subtle cues and emotions can make them highly empathetic and intuitive, qualities that are valued in many professions.
The Unique Traits And Strengths Of ENFPs
ENFPs are known for their warm and friendly personalities, making them natural connectors and motivators. They are often described as enthusiastic, charismatic, and energetic, with a natural ability to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
One of the unique traits of ENFPs is their ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. They are imaginative and open-minded, always looking for new and innovative ways to approach challenges. This makes them great brainstorming partners and team players in creative industries such as advertising, design, or entertainment.
ENFPs are also highly empathetic individuals who have a deep understanding of other people’s emotions and perspectives. They are excellent listeners and can easily put themselves in someone else’s shoes. This makes them great counselors, coaches, or therapists who can help others work through their emotional struggles.
Another strength of ENFPs is their ability to adapt to change and be flexible in their approach to life. They prefer to be spontaneous and go with the flow rather than sticking to rigid plans or schedules. This allows them to be adaptable in different situations and environments, making them great travelers or explorers.
Finally, ENFPs have a strong sense of purpose and passion for what they do. They are driven by their values and beliefs, which often center around helping others or making a positive impact on the world. This makes them great leaders or activists who can inspire others to join them in their mission.
Challenges ENFPs May Face And How To Overcome Them
While ENFPs are known for their charismatic and inspiring personalities, they are not immune to challenges. Here are some common challenges that ENFPs may face and how they can overcome them:
1. Struggling with anger: ENFPs have a tendency to avoid conflict and may struggle with expressing their anger in healthy ways. To overcome this challenge, ENFPs should work on recognizing and acknowledging their anger, even if it feels uncomfortable. They can also practice expressing their feelings in a calm and assertive manner, using “I” statements instead of blaming others.
2. Difficulty with boundaries: ENFPs are empathetic and caring individuals who may have a hard time saying no or setting boundaries. To overcome this challenge, ENFPs should practice prioritizing their own needs and learning to say no when necessary. They can also work on communicating their boundaries clearly and assertively.
3. Struggling with follow-through: ENFPs are known for their creativity and spontaneity, but may struggle with following through on commitments or completing tasks. To overcome this challenge, ENFPs should work on setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. They can also enlist the help of a friend or accountability partner to keep them on track.
4. Overthinking and anxiety: ENFPs have active minds and may struggle with overthinking or anxiety. To overcome this challenge, ENFPs should practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. They can also try journaling or talking to a trusted friend or therapist about their worries and concerns.
By recognizing these challenges and taking steps to overcome them, ENFPs can continue to thrive and use their unique strengths to make a positive impact in the world.
ENFPs In Relationships And Career Paths: What To Expect
ENFPs are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great partners in romantic relationships. They are passionate, warm, and open-hearted, and they bring this vibrant energy to their relationships. For ENFPs, romantic relationships are an opportunity to explore the world together and connect on a deep level. They have a deep longing to share their lives with another person, but they need to be careful not to invest too much of their sense of self in their relationship status.
When it comes to career paths, ENFPs are people-oriented, creative, and flexible thinkers. They enjoy working with others and expressing their creativity. They are highly independent individuals who enjoy taking risks and making impulsive decisions. ENFPs want to explore the world and find purpose in life, so taking part in various activities spontaneously is their way of getting to know the world.
ENFPs hate daily routines and fixed schedules where every single action is determined in advance. They prefer a flexible atmosphere where they can behave according to their current mood. However, this can sometimes lead to difficulty getting organized at work or completing tasks that require planning ahead.
ENFPs have a great sense of humor and are good at telling funny stories. They often make their friends laugh with their interesting and intellectual humor. They are also driven by a desire for meaningful emotional connections with other people.
Knowing yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses is one of the strongest tools you will use to make a solid career choice. If you are an ENFP personality type, you’ll save yourself time and energy looking for the right choice. And, you’ll avoid ending up in a job that makes you unhappy. ENFPs are introspective in their unique way. This makes them want to contemplate the deeper meaning and significance of life, sometimes at the expense of addressing everyday practicalities.
In terms of career paths, ENFPs would thrive in roles that allow them to interact with different people and express their creativity. They would make great team leaders or managers due to their strong people skills and ability to understand how individuals and groups function. ENFPs are often motivated by humanitarian causes and seek to understand the wider context of any issue.
Overall, ENFPs bring a unique set of qualities to both romantic relationships and career paths. Their friendly nature, creativity, and desire for meaningful emotional connections make them valuable partners in relationships. In terms of career paths, they would excel in roles that allow them to work with others and express their creativity while also understanding the wider context of any issue.
