Note: The Photo above was a random photo I picked because a better photo was absent. Please do not use that photo to determine what the content within is about. If I chose it for any reason whatsoever, I suppose it would have to be because the daisy in the photograph looks like an introvert flower. And INFPs are introverts. ;)
I have recently taken a free personality test (on 16personalities.com), which helped me to determine that I am an INFP (otherwise known as “The Mediator,” “The Healer,” or “The Idealist”)! Apparently, it is a very interesting personality type, and makes up approximately 4.4% of the world's population (J.R.R. Tolkien is among the famous INFPs).
Here are some statements that the website made on my personality type that I found to be true of myself (along with information from other sources):
INFPs are constantly improving or looking for ways to improve things (i.e., INFPs are perfectionists).
INFPs are guided by principles, rather than logic, excitement, or practicality (“When deciding how to move forward, they will look to honor, beauty, morality and virtue – Mediators (INFPs) are led by the purity of their intent, not rewards and punishments. People who share the Mediator personality type are proud of this quality, and rightly so, but not everyone understands the drive behind these feelings, and it can lead to isolation.”).
Hobbies popular with INFPs are: writing, artistry (I only do this occasionally), music, poetry, and photography.
INFPs easily speak in metaphors and parables (“Mediators have a talent for self-expression, revealing their beauty and their secrets through metaphors and fictional characters.”).
INFPs are extremely fascinated by fantasy worlds (“Fantasy worlds in particular fascinate Mediators, more than any other personality type.”)
INFPs ardently desire harmony. (“Mediators crave the depth of mutual human understanding.”)
INFPs listen to many, but talk to few. (“While they may be perceived as calm, reserved, or even shy, Mediators have an inner flame and passion that can truly shine.”)
INFPs need to focus their attention on a single worthy cause, not a plethora (“...spread too thinly, they’ll run out of energy, and even become dejected and overwhelmed by all the bad in the world that they can’t fix.”)
INFPs often drift into deep thought (“...enjoying contemplating the hypothetical and the philosophical more than any other personality type.”)
INFPs are highly likely to be misunderstood.
INFPs love it when they can find another with the same interests/beliefs/etcetera (“...but when they find like-minded people to spend their time with, the harmony they feel will be a fountain of joy and inspiration.”)
INFPs are open-minded and flexible (“A live-and-let-live attitude comes naturally to Mediators, and they dislike being constrained by rules. Mediators give the benefit of the doubt too, and so long as their principles and ideas are not being challenged, they’ll support others’ right to do what they think is right.” and “Individualistic and nonjudgmental, INFPs believe that each person must find their own path. They enjoy spending time exploring their own ideas and values, and are gently encouraging to others to do the same.”)
INFPs are extremely creative.
INFPs are passionate for those things that they love (“When something captures Mediators’ imagination and speaks to their beliefs, they go all in, dedicating their time, energy, thoughts and emotions to the project. Their shyness keeps them from the podium, but they are the first to lend a helping hand where it’s needed.”)
INFPs are somewhat timid and shy. (“Mediators...tire easily in social situations; they are excellent at reading into others’ feelings and motivations, but are often unwilling to provide others the same insight into themselves – it’s as though Mediators like the idea of human contact, but not the reality of social contact.” and “Mediators will always need to disappear for a while, removing themselves from others so they can re-center on their own minds and feelings. Often enough people with the Mediator personality type will emerge from this time alone having come to some momentous decision that even their closest friends didn’t know was weighing on them, evading even the option of receiving the sort of support and advice they so readily give. Such is Mediators’ way, for better or for worse.” and “INFPs may initially seem cool, as they reserve their most authentic thoughts and feelings for people they know well. They are reflective and often spiritual, and often interested in having meaningful conversations about values, ethics, people, and personal growth. Typically curious and open-minded, the Healer continually seeks a deeper understanding of themselves and of the people around them. They are passionate about their ideals, but private as well; few people understand the depth of the INFP’s commitment to their beliefs.”)
INFPs like to know that what they are doing is actually accomplishing something of importance (“Knowing that what they are doing is meaningful gives people with this personality type a sense of purpose and even courage when it comes to accomplishing something they believe in.”)
INFPs are often too idealistic.
INFPs can be somewhat impractical.
INFPs take things personally.
INFPs are difficult to get to know.
“INFPs value authenticity and want to be original and individual in what they do. They are often concerned with a search for meaning and truth within themselves.” (“The INFP would rather be true to themselves than try to fit in with the crowd.”)
Almost all INFPs dream to someday become an author.
“To Mediators, if it isn't worth doing, it really isn't worth doing.”
INFPs are generally easy-going individuals.
INFPs like their conversations to be on a meaningful subject.
“INFP” is an acronym which stands for:
Introversion
“Introverted individuals prefer solitary activities and get exhausted by social interaction. They tend to be quite sensitive to external stimulation (e.g. sound, sight or smell) in general.”
iNtuition
“Intuitive individuals are very imaginative, open-minded and curious. They prefer novelty over stability and focus on hidden meanings and future possibilities.”
Feeling
“Feeling individuals are sensitive and emotionally expressive. They are more empathic and less competitive than Thinking types, and focus on social harmony and cooperation.”
Prospecting (or “Perceiving”)
“Prospecting individuals are very good at improvising and spotting opportunities. They tend to be flexible, relaxed nonconformists who prefer keeping their options open.”
Here are the sites I have cited, if you are interested in learning more. ;)
https://www.16personalities.c
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https://www.16personalities.
https://www.16personalities.
https://www.16personalities.
https://www.truity.com/perso
https://www.16personalities.
https://www.16personalities.
https://www.16personalities.
https://www.16personalities.
https://www.16personalities.
Anyhow, hope you found that as interesting as I did! Learning about personality types is a very interesting thing to do! Navaer!
- J.S.