Are you an INFP?
Do you often feel like you don’t quite fit in with the rest of the world?
Do you struggle with procrastination, indecisiveness, and feeling drained emotionally?
If so, you’re not alone.
Being an INFP can be challenging, and it’s not just because we’re introverted.
Our idealism, creativity, and authenticity can sometimes make us feel out of step with the world around us.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why being an INFP is hard and offer some tips for navigating these challenges.
So grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let’s dive in.
Why Being An INFP Is Hard
As an INFP, you may find it difficult to translate your rich inner world into reality. This can lead to procrastination and not finishing objectives, which can be frustrating and draining. Our tendency towards depression and anxiety can also make it challenging to navigate the world around us.
INFPs often care deeply about not hurting other people, which can make it hard to make decisions or take action that may be necessary for our own growth and well-being. We may also struggle with criticism or confrontations, which can further contribute to feelings of inadequacy.
Our creativity and idealism can sometimes cause us to feel out of step with societal norms and expectations. We may want to do things in our own unique way, but this can be challenging in a world that often favours conformity. This can lead to a sense of isolation and feeling like we don’t quite fit in.
INFPs are deep thinkers who believe that there is more to the world than what is seen on the surface. While this can lead to expansive thinking and creativity, it can also lead to feeling isolated from others who may not share our perspectives.
The Struggle With Idealism
One of the biggest challenges for INFPs is their idealism. We often hold strong values and beliefs that may not align with those of the majority, leading to a sense of isolation. It can be difficult to conform to societal norms and expectations when we want to do things in our own unique way. This can lead to feeling like we are constantly swimming upstream against the current.
INFPs may also struggle with indecisiveness and perfectionism. We may find it difficult to make decisions because we fear making the wrong choice. This fear can stem from a lifetime of being criticized for being slow or unrealistic. We may also have a hard time settling on a career path that feels true to our soul, often taking detours before finding our calling.
Our idealism can also make it challenging to deal with the harsh realities of life. INFPs may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and have a difficult time handling criticism or confrontations. Our sensitivity to others’ feelings can make it hard to assert ourselves and take action that may be necessary for our own growth.
Feeling Like An Outsider
One of the biggest struggles for INFPs is feeling like an outsider. We may have many acquaintances and even friends, but we often feel like we don’t truly belong. This feeling can be especially prevalent in social situations, where we may feel like we’re the outsider looking in. We may not understand a joke or take a joke too far, and feel like we’re talking to a wall when we try to share our thoughts and feelings.
Even with our closest friends, we may still feel like we’re holding back and not truly revealing our authentic selves. This can be due to a fear of not being understood or accepted. It can also be challenging when others assume that we don’t want to participate in social events or activities, leading to further feelings of isolation.
As INFPs, we often have a rich inner world that can be difficult to translate into reality. This can make it hard to connect with others who may not share our perspectives or understand our unique way of thinking. It can also lead to feeling like we’re on the outside looking in, even in situations where we’re surrounded by people.
The Perfectionism Trap
One of the biggest challenges for INFPs is the trap of perfectionism. As idealists, we hold ourselves to very high standards and can be extremely self-critical. This can lead to a constant feeling of not being good enough, even when we have accomplished a lot.
The problem with perfectionism is that it can be paralyzing. We may spend so much time trying to make something perfect that we never actually finish it, or we may avoid taking risks for fear of failure. This can prevent us from reaching our full potential and can be a major source of stress and anxiety.
It’s important for INFPs to recognize when they are falling into the perfectionism trap and to take steps to counteract it. One way to do this is to set realistic goals and timelines for ourselves, rather than aiming for perfection. We should also learn to accept constructive criticism and not see it as a personal attack on our abilities.
Practicing self-compassion is also crucial in overcoming the perfectionism trap. We need to learn to be kinder to ourselves and recognize that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. By embracing our imperfections and being willing to take risks, we can break free from the trap of perfectionism and achieve greater success in our lives.
Difficulty With Decision Making
One of the biggest challenges for INFPs is our difficulty with decision-making. We tend to over-analyze everything, which can lead to “paralysis by analysis.” Our associative thinking means that one decision can lead to endless possibilities, causing us to feel overwhelmed and unable to make a choice.
Another reason for our indecisiveness is our desire for flexibility and options. We do not want to be tied down to one thing and prefer to keep our options open in case we are not happy with the choices we make. This can lead to us being spontaneous by nature, but also means we struggle with making commitments.
Our decision-making process is also based on feelings and values, rather than logic or practicality. We make choices based on harmony and what feels right, which can be challenging when faced with decisions that do not have a clear moral or ethical component.
Additionally, INFPs are incredibly self-critical and do not want to make the “wrong” decision, which can lead to feelings of guilt and regret. We may also worry about how our decisions reflect on us as individuals, adding even more pressure to the decision-making process.
Emotional Exhaustion
One of the biggest challenges for INFPs is emotional exhaustion. As highly sensitive individuals, we can become easily overwhelmed by the emotions of others and the world around us. This can lead to feeling drained and depleted, which can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression.
There are many different factors that can contribute to emotional exhaustion for INFPs. For example, we may struggle with social events or being around negative people for extended periods of time. We may also feel drained when we are pushed to make decisions before we have had time to explore all of our options or when we are criticized by others.
Another factor that can contribute to emotional exhaustion for INFPs is not having enough time alone to process our own thoughts and emotions. We need time to recharge and reflect, and when we don’t get this time, we can become easily overwhelmed by the demands of the outside world.
Dishonesty and a lack of authenticity can also be draining for INFPs. We value honesty and integrity, and when we encounter situations where people are not being truthful or authentic, it can be difficult for us to navigate.
Coping Strategies For INFPs
If you are an INFP struggling with the challenges mentioned above, here are some coping strategies that may help:
1. Embrace Self-Care: As an INFP, it is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This may involve setting aside time for activities that bring you joy, such as reading or spending time in nature. It may also involve seeking out therapy or counselling to work through any emotional challenges you may be facing.
2. Set Realistic Goals: INFPs often have big dreams and aspirations, but struggle with breaking them down into manageable steps. Setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller tasks can help you stay focused and motivated.
3. Practice Mindfulness: INFPs can sometimes get lost in their own thoughts or emotions, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce stress.
4. Seek Out Like-Minded Individuals: While it’s important to connect with people who have different perspectives, it’s also important to connect with individuals who share your values and interests. This can help you feel less isolated and more understood.
5. Embrace Your Uniqueness: As an INFP, it’s important to remember that your unique perspective and approach to life is valuable. Embrace your creativity and individuality, even if it doesn’t always fit in with societal norms.
By incorporating these coping strategies into your daily life, you can learn to navigate the challenges of being an INFP and embrace your strengths and gifts.
