What is the A in INFP A? (5 insights)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “What is the A in INFP A?” and explore the various dimensions of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP and one of its subtypes named INFP-A that will help understand the answer. 

What is the A in INFP A?

The A in INFP A stands for ‘Assertive’. The following are 5 insights into the INFP-A personality type –

• INFP-A is one of the subtypes of INFP and is less common than INFP-T.
• INFP-As are more forthright in their choices.
• INFP-As are more self-assured and have a sense of direction. 
• INFP-As are gregarious and pleasant.
• INFP-As are optimists and have less regret.

These 5 insights into the INFP-A personality type will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFP means. 

Who is an INFP?

The INFP personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four key personality qualities based on C.G. Jung’s work.

Each of the four letters of the INFP code represents a significant personality feature of the INFP personality type. 

INFPs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), base their decisions on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).

Because of their empathetic idealism and gentle concern for others, the INFP personality type is often known as the “Healer.” The INFP is also known by the following nicknames:

• The Thoughtful Idealist (MBTI)
• The Mediator (16Personalities)

An INFP prefers an unstructured and free-spirited lifestyle. INFP is an introverted and ultra-creative Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type. The INFP is sensitive, creative, and loyal to their values.

INFPs are creative idealists who are guided by their primary ideals and beliefs. A Healer who is preoccupied with possibilities; the actuality of the time is merely a fleeting concern. INFPs see the possibility of a brighter future and seek truth and purpose in their own unique way.

INFPs are sensitive, loving, and compassionate people who are highly concerned with their own and others’ personal progress. INFPs are individualistic and nonjudgmental, believing that each person must forge their own path. 

INFPs like spending time investigating their own ideas and ideals, and they gently encourage others to do the same. INFPs are creative and frequently artistic; they like discovering new ways to express themselves.   

INFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –

• INFPs are introverts who are quiet and reserved. INFPs find that being in social situations depletes their energy, thus they prefer to connect with a small number of close pals. While they like being alone, this should not be mistaken for timidity. Rather, it simply implies that INFPs get energy from alone time. INFPs must, on the other hand, devote energy to social circumstances.

• INFPs rely on intuition and are more concerned with the overall picture than the finer points of a situation. INFPs can be quite thorough about things that are important to them or tasks they are working on, yet they tend to overlook little or insignificant details.

• INFPs value personal sentiments above everything else and their actions are affected more by these concerns than by objective data.

• INFPs prefer to keep their choices open when it comes to making decisions. INFPs frequently put off making key judgments in case the circumstance changes. The majority of judgments are made based on personal ideals rather than reasoning.

What are these 5 insights into the INFP-A personality type?

INFP-A is one of the subtypes of INFP and is less common than INFP-T.

The letter A stands for “Assertive” in INFP-A. INFP is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and it is further separated into INFP-A and INFP-T subtypes based on their reactions to events and confidence in their abilities. 

While the INFP definition already represents separate personality features, there are differences in the qualities of the two subtypes in different settings.

INFPs with a type A personality are less common than those with a type T personality. INFPs aren’t always the most outspoken personality types, and their actions can be a little more passive.

INFPs are also less structured and forthright in their dealings with others, and they don’t always follow through, especially when they’re young. This makes them less likely to be a type A INFP, but it doesn’t rule out the possibility.

INFP-As are more forthright in their choices.

While the INFP-A personality is more forthright in their choices, they are also more at ease and confident in them, rather than continually trying to better.

The INFP type A is excellent at accomplishing tasks and has no qualms about following through. They are more relaxed and fearless to fail, which gives them the confidence to complete tasks. 

Because they are terrified of never being flawless, INFPs who lack these attributes may find it difficult to continue with undertakings.

These meticulous characteristics make it difficult for them to finish tasks and goals, but the INFP-A personality does not have this problem. 

They move on with their efforts and complete them without the constant need to enhance or adjust things. They are self-assured in their decisions and unafraid of failing or being criticised for their actions.

This is something that takes time for some INFPs to develop, and it may not be something that comes readily to them when they are younger. This is because they may need to work on their sense of confidence in themselves as they are.

Because they are prepared to follow through, they will not be concerned about their decisions or continuously second guess them. They are less concerned with the outcomes and are less concerned with the process.

INFP-As are more self-assured and have a sense of direction. 

They are more certain of what they desire and do not need to modify their course frequently.

They don’t dwell on minor issues, and they don’t let them cause excessive tension and concern. Most INFPs don’t have this trait because they are typically preoccupied with minor details that don’t show up on the surface.

The INFP-A personality does not let perfectionism stop them from pursuing their goals. Even in the face of adversity, they will keep moving forward and desire to believe in themselves.

They will make these decisions with far more confidence, unconcerned about the outcome. They don’t experience fear in the same way that less developed or volatile INFPs do. Their natural way of doing things is more relaxed, and they have greater faith in their own abilities and path.

INFP-A personality types aren’t afraid to speak up for themselves and don’t feel the need to apologise for it all of the time. They will voice their minds when they wish, rather than feeling compelled to do so all of the time.

They can be rather outgoing, yet they prefer to concentrate on their intimate relationships. They feel at ease interacting with these folks and can speak up without feeling self-conscious.

They aren’t always second-guessing their sentiments and thoughts; rather, they are at ease speaking their minds when the time is right or simply when they want to.

INFP-As are gregarious and pleasant.

When it comes to persons they like and like being around, the INFP type A is often gregarious and pleasant. They may not want to be social with everyone they encounter, but if they do, they are perfectly fine with it.

They may still be introverts who prefer not to be around others all of the time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy being the centre of attention.

While all INFPs like profound conversations, type A INFPs are less at ease talking about their daily worries or petty matters. They’d prefer not to dwell on drama or gossip and instead let go of their worries.

They don’t feel compelled to complain about anything that happened at work that day; instead, they prefer to engage in deep and meaningful conversations that leave them feeling fulfilled and energised.

They aren’t scared to jump right into these chats, preferring not to waste time and energy on small talk or seemingly unnecessary conversations. The INFP type A wants to get right to the heart of the matter without feeling self-conscious about it.

While they are still INFPs, they have several characteristics that most people don’t associate with INFP. They are more forceful and in command of their behaviours, and they are no longer hesitant to take risks.

They don’t second-guess themselves or their decisions, and would rather go ahead and do it than second-guess themselves. This INFP doesn’t let their fears hold them back, and they have a lot more relaxed approach to life and work.

INFP-As are optimists and have less regret.

INFP-As are known for being “glass half-full” thinkers. While they are aware of what is going on around them, they see the best in individuals and situations alike. They are a good source of inspiration and encouragement because of their positivity.

INFP-As have fewer regrets than INFP-Ts. This does not imply that they are unconcerned. They are more capable of embracing and acknowledging their shortcomings and failures, as well as letting them go.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “What is the A in INFP A?” and reviewed the features and functions of the introverted and extremely inventive Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP and one of its subtypes named INFP-A to help determine how what the A in INFP A means. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

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Assertive Mediator (INFP-A) vs. Turbulent Mediator (INFP-T). 16 Personalities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.16personalities.com/articles/assertive-mediator-infp-a-vs-turbulent-mediator-infp-t

INFP-A (Assertive) and INFP-T (Turbulent) Personalities Compared In-Depth. HIGH5TEST. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://high5test.com/infp-a-and-infp-t/

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Stafford, S. INFP Type-A: How the INFP Behaves as the Type A. (2019, May 26). Retrieved from https://personalitygrowth.com/infp-type-a-how-the-infp-behaves-as-the-type-a/

Storm, S. Your INFP Personality Type and Your Enneagram Type. Psychology Junkie. (2020, April 22). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2020/04/22/your-infp-personality-type-and-your-enneagram-type/

INFP, The Healer. Truity. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INFP

Granneman, J. 12 Secrets of the INFP Personality Type. Introvert, Dear. (2018, January 14). Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/10-type-secrets-of-the-infp/