My Personality Type

ISFP personality

Forming around 8% of the population, ISFP personalities are generally seen as the most spontaneous and unpredictable of all Introverted (I) types. Only one thing is constant in their lives and that is change—ISFPs love exploring and embracing new things, ideas, and activities. They are very good at sensing such opportunities, but the ISFP personality traits also push them toward experimenting and coming up with ideas that no one has thought of before. ISFPs usually find it easy to set new trends and inspire other people. Their penchant for experimentation is unmatched by any other personality type.

This personality trait is connected with ISFPs’ love of freedom—ISFPs are very independent and fiercely resist all forms of control. People with this personality type are the ultimate “free souls,” seeing nearly all rules, guidelines, and traditions as self-imposed limitations that make life dull and boring. ISFPs live completely in the present, refusing to dwell on the past or prepare extensive plans for the future. They take things as they come, experimenting and adapting their behavior as necessary.

While certain personality types—especially Sentinels (SJ)—would discard such notions as irresponsible and reckless, ISFPs actually do great in areas that require an artistic, independent approach. ISFP personalities also tend to be very charming, mostly because they find it really easy to pick the best compliment for a particular person. ISFPs’ Observant (S) and Feeling (F) traits mean that they are very much in tune with the physical, sensual world. Consequently, ISFPs rarely have difficulties connecting with other people, despite being Introverted (I). Even when the ISFP is being truly unpredictable or even reckless, their charm easily disarms those around them.

That being said, ISFPs also need time to withdraw from social interaction and let their mind rest. This personality trait can often surprise other people who may have believed that ISFPs’ spontaneity and enthusiasm meant that they would always desire to be “in the open.” However, at the end of the day, ISFPs are still Introverted (I) and their inner batteries need some time to recharge. This contributes to the air of unpredictability and mystery that usually surrounds ISFPs. If someone with this personality type is very private, even their closest friends may have difficulties anticipating an ISFP’s thoughts and reactions.

ISFP personalities also tend to be very sensitive to other people’s feelings. They are inclined to seek harmony in all situations and have no difficulties sensing a change in someone’s emotional state. On the other hand, ISFPs can also be incredibly competitive and react very badly to any form of criticism. That competitive nature often pushes ISFPs toward risky activities such as gambling or extreme sports—and they tend to do quite well in those fields, mostly because they are so in touch with the physical environment.

ISFPs often find it very difficult to follow a structured process and consequently may do quite poorly at school. However, their spontaneity and other personality traits make ISFPs very artistic and give them a great sense of aesthetics. People with this personality type may fall behind in the academic environment, but they can truly shine in the field that utilizes their talents while also giving the ISFP a sufficient degree of freedom.



I change during the course of a day. I wake and I’m one person, and when I go to sleep I know for certain I’m somebody else.


Bob Dylan

Finally, it is worth mentioning that ISFP personalities are very goal-driven and shape their internal principles and rules around those goals. This liberates ISFPs from social expectations and constraints, for better or for worse. If the ISFP’s goal is good and noble, they can be very selfless, amazingly charitable, and inspiring; however, if the ISFP decides to pursue a selfish goal, they can become very egocentric and even conniving, doing everything they can to achieve that goal. People with this personality type should be aware of these tendencies and question their own motives and reasoning from time to time.

If you would like to learn more about the ISFP personality type and its traits, download the ISFP In-Depth Profile – a 60+ page guide covering a number of diverse topics. Otherwise, please keep reading:









Type description
Strengths and weaknesses
Romantic relationships
Friendships
Parenthood
Career paths
Workplace habits
In-depth profile

Some famous ISFPs:
Marie Antoinette, former queen of France
Ulysses S. Grant, former U.S. president
Millard Fillmore, former U.S. president
Warren G. Harding, former U.S. president
Elizabeth Taylor, actress
Bob Dylan, singer
Paul McCartney, singer
Christopher Reeve, actor
Michael Jackson, singer
Kevin Costner, actor
Britney Spears, singer
John Travolta, actor
Donald Trump, entrepreneur