What is the difference between INFP and ISFP? (3 differences)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “What is the difference between INFP and ISFP?” and explore the various dimensions of the two Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFP and ISFP that will help understand the answer. 

What is the difference between INFP and ISFP?

The following are 3 differences between INFPs and ISFPs –

• INFPs are more cautious, whereas ISFPs are more spontaneous.
• INFPs are preoccupied with the future, whereas ISFPs are focused on the present. 
• INFPs focus on a single task at a time, whereas ISFPs are multitaskers.

These 3 differences between INFPs and ISFPs will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFP and ISFP mean. 

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.

Who is an ISFP?

ISFP is an acronym that stands for one of Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers’ sixteen personality types. Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving is the acronym for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving. 

ISFP describes a person who thrives on alone time (Introverted), prefers facts and specifics over ideas and concepts (Sensing), makes judgments based on feelings and values (Feeling), and prefers to be spontaneous and flexible over planned and organised (Perceiving). 

Because of their intrinsic ability to create aesthetically attractive experiences, ISFPs are frequently referred to as Composer personalities.

ISFPs are gentle caregivers who love their environment with joyful, low-key enthusiasm and live in the present moment. They are adaptable and spontaneous, preferring to go with the flow and take in everything life has to offer. 

ISFPs are quiet and reserved, and they can be difficult to get to know. The ISFP, on the other hand, is warm and pleasant to people who know them well, eager to participate in life’s numerous experiences.

ISFPs have a keen sense of beauty and actively seek it out in their environment. They are sensitive to sensory input and generally have a natural artistic flair. ISFPs are extremely good at manipulating items, and they can master creative instruments like paintbrushes and sculptor’s knife.

ISFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –

• ISFPs prefer to keep their choices open, therefore they frequently postpone decisions to see if circumstances change or if new opportunities arise.
• ISFPs are quiet, kind, friendly, and sensitive.
• ISFPs are also noted for being calm, compassionate, and thoughtful. ISFPs have a laid-back attitude and accept others for who they are.
• ISFPs are detail-oriented people. Instead of worrying about the future, they spend more time thinking about the now.
• ISFPs are more likely to be “doers” than “dreamers.” ISFPs reject abstract theories until they can understand how they may be used in the real world, and they prefer learning circumstances in which they can obtain hands-on experience.

What are these 3 differences between INFPs and ISFPs?

INFPs are more cautious, whereas ISFPs are more spontaneous.

While ISFPs and INFPs share many characteristics, their reactions to the environment are fundamentally different. ISFPs are more spontaneous and act in the moment, whereas INFPs are more cautious and prefer to consider things before making major decisions.

ISFPs are free-spirited individuals who desire everything and everyone to be in harmony. They enjoy engaging in enjoyable activities. They avoid intricacy and drama and consider themselves to be content in general.

INFPs, on the other hand, have a tendency to perceive things in black and white. Something will either match their values or it will not. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety since they are more inwardly focused. 

In comparison to ISFPs, they may find social settings more challenging. INFPs, on the other hand, are incredibly creative and capable of coming up with innovative solutions to challenges when they are at ease.

INFPs have a proclivity for setting lofty goals for themselves and then working tirelessly to accomplish them. When they are having trouble reaching their objectives, they are frequently overly harsh on themselves. 

ISFPs, on the other hand, have a happy-go-lucky personality. They desire to succeed, yet they will not punish themselves if they fall short of their own goals.

INFPs are preoccupied with the future, whereas ISFPs are focused on the present. 

ISFPs prefer action over debate, while INFPs prefer discussion over action. INFPs have a strong moral code by which they will live their lives and make judgments, but ISFPs will judge everything on a case-by-case, moment-by-moment basis. What works for them today might not work for them tomorrow.

INFPs may have difficulty forming relationships because they are afraid of rejection. ISFPs, on the other hand, are introverts by nature yet have an easy time meeting new people.

INFPs are often more worried and cautious in their attitude to life. ISFPs, on the other hand, are more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants type who would rather fly by the seat of their trousers than worry about something.

INFPs are known for living peacefully in their own heads. To those who don’t know them, they may appear busy or aloof as a result of this. ISFPs, on the other hand, are deeply involved in their surroundings and actively participate in what is going on.

INFPs focus on a single task at a time, whereas ISFPs are multitaskers.

INFPs are better at focusing on a single task and finishing it before moving on to the next. ISFPs, on the other hand, can successfully work on multiple tasks at the same time. They’re fantastic multitaskers.

INFPs prefer to follow a set of steps to complete a task, starting at the beginning and working their way to the end. ISFPs, on the other hand, can accomplish things in the wrong sequence if it suits them. They aren’t the kind to “read the instructions,” preferring to figure things out on their own.

INFPs are more laid-back and easygoing when everyone around them is having a good time. ISFPs, on the other hand, are impatient for something to happen.

Conclusion – 

This blog post attempted to answer the question, “What is the difference between INFP and ISFP?” and reviewed the features and functions of these two introverted Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFP and ISFP to help determine the differences between INFP and ISFP. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

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February 10). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2018/02/10/infp-isfp-clarifying-common-mistype/

ISFP VS INFP (A Complete Guide). OptimistMinds. (2021, December 21). Retrieved from https://optimistminds.com/isfp-vs-infp/

ISFP vs INFP. Personality at Work. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://personalityatwork.co/personality-type/isfp/vs/infp

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