Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test and found that your personality type has changed over time?
It can be a confusing and even unsettling experience to see a shift in how you perceive yourself and the world around you.
In this article, we’ll explore one person’s journey from being an INFJ to becoming an INFP. We’ll delve into the differences between these two personality types and examine how life experiences can shape our personalities.
So, if you’re curious about why your MBTI may have changed or just interested in learning more about these two types, read on.
Why Did My MBTI Change From INFJ To INFP
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences for four dichotomies: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.
For one individual, their MBTI type shifted from INFJ to INFP over time. This change was instigated by a shift in their worldview and life experiences.
As an INFJ, this person saw the world mainly through the lens of their Introverted Intuition, which is a perceiving function. They were structured, rigid, and analytical, with empathy that functioned in a unique way. They would feel emotions as their own, taking them on as though they were experiencing joy or pain.
However, after experiencing some degree of trauma and a shift in their worldview, this person found themselves shifting towards an INFP personality type. INFPs lead with introverted feeling and enjoy using extraverted intuition to see a multitude of ideas and possibilities in the external environment. They are more open-minded, spontaneous, and artistic than INFJs.
The shift from INFJ to INFP was due to a change in this person’s philosophy of life. They went from being open to letting opportunities come to feeling that they needed to make things happen themselves. They became more focused, determined, and less distracted. With this focus came a slight decrease in open-mindedness towards ideas they didn’t find useful or valuable.
Understanding The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences for four dichotomies: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.
The first dichotomy, extraversion vs. introversion, refers to how an individual prefers to direct their energy. Extraverts tend to focus on the external world and gain energy from social interaction, while introverts tend to focus on their inner world and gain energy from solitude.
The second dichotomy, sensing vs. intuition, refers to how an individual prefers to gather information. Sensors tend to focus on concrete facts and details, while intuitives tend to focus on abstract concepts and possibilities.
The third dichotomy, thinking vs. feeling, refers to how an individual prefers to make decisions. Thinkers tend to prioritize logic and objective analysis, while feelers tend to prioritize emotions and subjective values.
The fourth dichotomy, judging vs. perceiving, refers to how an individual prefers to approach the outside world. Judgers tend to prefer structure and organization, while perceivers tend to prefer flexibility and spontaneity.
It’s important to note that each dichotomy represents a preference rather than a fixed trait. For example, an individual may have a preference for extraversion but still enjoy spending time alone. Additionally, the MBTI does not measure intelligence or abilities – it simply provides insight into an individual’s preferences and tendencies.
While the MBTI can be a useful tool for self-awareness and understanding others, it’s important not to rely too heavily on it or use it as a definitive label for oneself or others. As individuals grow and develop throughout their lives, their preferences may shift or change entirely.
What Is An INFJ And An INFP?
INFJ and INFP are two of the 16 personality types in the MBTI. INFJ stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging, while INFP stands for introverted, feeling, perceiving.
INFJs are typically more introverted and rely on their intuition to gather information, making decisions through feelings and emotions as opposed to logic. They also prefer to approach their life with more structure and scheduling, as opposed to flexibility and spontaneity. INFJs have a strong concern for doing the right thing and helping others, often referred to as the “Advocate” of the MBTI.
INFPs, on the other hand, lead with introverted feeling and enjoy using extraverted intuition to see a multitude of ideas and possibilities in the external environment. They are more open-minded, spontaneous, and artistic than INFJs. They are often referred to as “The Healer” of the MBTI due to their caring and empathetic nature.
One key difference between these two types is how they experience empathy. INFJs feel emotions as their own, taking them on as though they are experiencing joy or pain. Meanwhile, INFPs will have a mental knowledge of someone’s emotions and can mirror them like a pro, but they don’t feel innate physical reactions and absorb the feelings as an INFJ does.
The Differences Between INFJ And INFP
While INFJ and INFP share many similarities, their cognitive functions are polar opposites. The most significant difference between the two lies in their dominant cognitive functions. INFJs lead with Introverted Intuition (Ni), while INFPs lead with Introverted Feeling (Fi).
INFJs tend to have a more analytical and structured outlook on the world, despite being emotional and empathic. Their Ni function is more open to exploration, but it is introverted, which means that their inner world is full of pattern spotting, in-depth analysis, creativity, and uncanny intuition hidden from others. Their second primary function is Extroverted Feeling, which makes them appear less flexible, but they feel more open and creative inside.
On the other hand, INFPs make decisions based on their values and feelings because their Fi function is introverted. They are masters of emotion and have a deep understanding of the human condition, which is often reflected in their art, writing, or other creative pursuits. Outwardly, they appear open, spontaneous, and creative to the outside world because of their second primary function, Extroverted Intuition. Their analytical side is more hidden.
INFJs naturally tune into other people’s moods and emotions because their feeling function is extroverted. This superpower gives them high levels of empathy and makes them ideal candidates for careers in therapy, social work, and counseling. However, it may also make it challenging for them to discern their own feelings as they tend to absorb others’ emotions and feel them as if they were their own.
INFPs naturally tune into their own feelings because their feeling function is introverted. They understand the human condition better than any other personality type and have a deep sense of concern for others, especially those who are hurting. They can easily imagine what others are going through but may struggle with people-pleasing.
Lastly, INFJs use Introverted Thinking (Ti) as their “relief” function during stress-free times. They enjoy tinkering with ideas and principles and doing brain-teasers and mental puzzles. INFPs use Introverted Sensing (Si) during stress-free times to revisit places they’ve been, ideas they’ve explored or pull information from the past or history. They can be very nostalgic and enjoy reminiscing about past experiences.
How Life Experiences Can Affect Personality Types
Life experiences can have a significant impact on an individual’s personality type. While the Myers-Briggs theory suggests that personality type is inborn and remains fixed throughout life, research has shown that shifts in personality do take place over time.
For example, as people age and mature, they develop different facets of their personality type. They may become less extraverted and more introverted, more concrete in their thinking, and more appreciative of structure and order in their lives. These changes correspond to being more sensing and less intuitive, as well as being more likely to identify as judgers.
Individual experiences can also cause a shift in personality. New circumstances, relationships, or challenges might make a person discover things about themselves that they didn’t know before. For younger individuals who have spent more time living in a way that others impose on them, rather than being in touch with their own natural style, having the chance to make their own choices might reveal a completely different side of themselves.
It’s important to note that while drastic shifts in personality are still very unusual, most changes are small, gradual, and subtle. If an individual has identified the personality type that fits them best, they may not ever change enough to start identifying with a whole different type. However, everyone is a work in progress and will continue to discover new things about themselves for many years to come.
Coping With A Change In MBTI Personality Type
A change in MBTI personality type can be a confusing and difficult experience. It’s important to remember that personality is not set in stone and can change over time based on life experiences and personal growth. Coping with a change in MBTI personality type requires self-reflection and acceptance.
Firstly, it’s important to take time to reflect on the reasons for the change in personality type. What life experiences or shifts in worldview led to this change? Understanding the reasons behind the change can help with acceptance and moving forward.
Next, it’s important to accept the new personality type and embrace its strengths and weaknesses. Each personality type has unique traits that can be beneficial in different situations. Embracing the strengths of the new personality type can help with personal growth and development.
It’s also important to communicate with loved ones about the change in personality type. This can help them understand any changes in behavior or preferences, and can also help with maintaining relationships.
Finally, it’s important to remember that MBTI personality types are not definitive labels. They are simply tools for understanding oneself and others. A change in personality type does not define who a person is, but rather reflects their current preferences and tendencies.
In summary, coping with a change in MBTI personality type requires self-reflection, acceptance, embracing strengths, communication with loved ones, and remembering that personality types are not definitive labels.
