The INFP Subtypes | INFP Cognitive Functions
My name is Erik Thor. I have discovered four INFP Subtypes. The subtypes are based on the INFP Cognitive Functions. The INFP Subtypes also depend on your temperament, your level of neuroticism and confidence. So what are the INFP Subtypes?
First of all, as an INFP you might have changed a lot in your life.
You might be more or less confident.
You might be more or less positive and optimistic.
All those things have an influence on your personality and behaviour and most of all, your INFP Subtypes.
You are a different person depending on your mood and energy. When in flow, you show high Introverted Feeling and Extroverted iNtuition. INFP Introverted Feeling makes you more Assertive, like an INFP A. INFP Extroverted Thinking will instead make you more like an INFP T.
INFPs can be grouped into four different subtypes or flow styles depending on personal preference and development within their personality type. This subtype can be understood by looking at your strongest or most easily noticed qualities
The INFP Subtypes
There are four subtypes for the INFP Personality Type. The Leader, The Follower, The Pleaser, and The Fighter.
INFP-A+ The Leader
The Assertive, Playful Variation
Introverted Feeling, Extroverted iNtuition make out this INFPs strongest developed cognitive functions.
Leaders have a strong sense of will that they put into projects that they are personally passionate about. They do things for themselves, not for money, recognition, or fame, but because of their passion. They set high goals, but balance high expectations with a dose of humor and a tolerance for risk. They laugh and approach new goals and projects playfully, expecting to fail and to learn a lot in the process.
When the dominant and auxiliary work together, we are self-motivated, driven, and passionate. We work hard towards our goals and live in tune with our own values and morals. We trust our gut. We make mistakes, mess up, or encounter problems, and we are open and honest about our path. We have a learning mindset, and always look to what we can learn from every situation.
INFJ-T- The Follower
The Assertive, Serious Variation
Extroverted Thinking, Introverted Sensing make out this INFPs strongest developed cognitive functions.
People in the grip of the inferior or tertiary function behave more like followers. They are more worried about fame, status, and worth to the group. They adjust their actions and decisions to fit in. They are concerned with their persona or image. They are self-critical and perfectionistic. They are hard on themselves when they make mistakes and avoid challenge and disappointment.
When the tertiary and inferior function take over, we lose faith in our own mission or purpose. We feel uncertain about who we are and what we want. Instead, we focus on pleasing other people, or trying to meet external expectations. Work, chores, and duties take over our life. We are so focused on work and self-improvement, that we experience little joy or fun in life.
INFP-A- The Fighter
The Serious, Turbulent Variation
Introverted Feeling, Introverted Sensing make out this INFPs strongest developed cognitive functions.
Lone-wolfs and independent spirits who go against the norms and against societies expectations. Have their own goals and dreams that they work hard towards, but tend to be highly self-critical. Can be hard on themselves when they are not able to be their best version of themselves. Often have anger or frustration with society or the world, and feel they are not accepted or appreciated for who they are.
When the dominant and tertiary function are in a loop, you get a person with strong will and a sense of duty or a mission or responsibility, but also someone who is very serious, and self-critical. You want nothing but the best from yourself and can be hard on yourself for mistakes. You can be so serious about your passion that you become easily demoralised and set goals that are hard to achieve.
INFP-T+ The Pleaser
The Turbulent, Playful Variation
Extroverted Thinking, Extroverted iNtuition make out this INFPs strongest developed cognitive functions.
Want to present a positive, cheerful, and easy to like image to the world. Feel a need to always appear happy, perfect, and fulfilled. Easy to get along with, as they adjust to fit in with other people. Need approval and appreciation or they can become anxious or turbulent.
When the auxiliary and inferior work together, we feel a need to present a positive, strong image to the world. We have to always appear great, and so, we are afraid of criticism. We try to laugh and appear like everything is great, even if we have doubts and feel stress. We set goals that are hard or even impossible, and feel nervous that we will not be able to follow through. Our goals usually rely on money, success, fame, or social approval, and we forget to check in with ourselves.
The INFP Cognitive Functions
The INFP at their best are artists that can imagine the world in a new way. You see what things could become and enjoy the creative process of coming up with new ideas. At their worst though, they can struggle with speaking out for and expressing themselves. You can be a hermit that hides what makes you special from the world out of fear of being bullied or critiqued.
INFP-A+ | The Artist | Introverted Feeling | Extroverted iNtuition
INFP-A- | The Non-Conformist | Introverted Feeling | Introverted Sensing
INFP-T+ | The Designer | Extroverted Thinking | Extroverted iNtuition
INFP-T- | The Hermit | Extroverted Thinking | Introverted Sensing
When an INFP is strong in Introverted Feeling, you become more aware of your values. It is important to trust in yourself and to be able to speak your truth to the world. You should not feel that you have to cover yourself up in order to fit in or adjust to society. Introverted Feeling makes you aware of what is unique about you. INFP Introverted Feeling types have strong values and convictions that they can speak about and express with the world.
INFP Extroverted iNtuition is a creative function. When you embody this function fully, you boldly take risks and try new things. You are not afraid to make changes in your life and to let go of a routine, even if it is comfortable. INFPs in Extroverted iNtuition become more playful and find more amusement in life.
INFP Introverted Sensing can be a comfortable function to use. When strong in this function, you tend to have a harmonious balance and a comfortable lifestyle that you are unlikely to change. Being in the grip of this function, you can avoid starting up new relationships or projects, as you fear losing the stability that you have built up for yourself.
INFP Extroverted Thinking can make you more focused on protecting yourself. You can be concerned with not being misunderstood and being able to stand up for yourself. Under the grip of Extroverted Thinking, you might hide your true self from the world unless you feel safe to express yourself.
The INFP Cognitive Functions
INFP Introverted Feeling
The INFP Hero is focused on being their best version of themselves, seeking to live and be true to their ethics and their beliefs. You believe that you can set a good example for the world and that you can improve your situation through trusting your inner moral compass. You may feel stress over external obligations, but still choose to try to do your best with what you have. Introverted Feeling INFPs have hope and belief in yourself and that you are right.
INFP Introverted Feeling is developed by introspection and personal dialogue. To improve this function, practice:
- Being honest with yourself and other people
- Staying true to your values and beliefs
- Speaking out for what you believe is right even when you have some doubt
It can be scary to be honest – but it is worth it.
INFP Extroverted iNtuition
When Extroverted iNtuition is strong, you put your faith in new ideas and new perspectives, hoping to learn something that will improve your situation or change your life. You are always reading or learning something new and exploring new ideas. You can get lost in the intuitive process. INFPs in Extroverted iNtuition are full of questions and so it is hard for you to set your mind to anything. INFP Saviors feel full of energy but slightly scattered and lost at the same time.
INFP Extroverted iNtuition is developed through change and opportunity.
- Make changes in your life and try new things
- Question norms and traditions
- Start up new projects and seize new opportunities
Change can be scary and challenging – don’t get discouraged!
INFP Introverted Sensing
You feel stuck in the same old routine. INFPs in Introverted Sensing can feel that they are not making any progress in their life and that it is always the same old, every day. You feel that you do lack the energy to start up new projects or try new things. INFPs can feel disillusioned or bitter, assuming that it will be pointless to try anything new. So you may go through a stage of purging or getting rid of things that you feel are hold you back.
INFP Introverted Sensing is developed by:
- Working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Maintain some consistency in your life
- Use lists and tools to stay organised
Make. surethat you don’t use predictability to keep you from growth. Challenge yourself to seize new opportunities whenever possible.
INFP Extroverted Thinking
You feel overwhelmed by external demands and responsibilities. Perhaps there is a conflict that is causing you to want to withdraw or run away from a difficult situation. You feel that people expect too much from you or that people are pushing around or bullying you. This can cause you to blow up at other people as you seek to protect yourself.
INFP Extroverted Thinking can be developed through:
- Setting goals and targets to reach
- Holding yourself accountable on work and deadlines
- Staying aware of your next steps
Dedicate half an hour a day to this cognitive function and let yourself do what you love best as much as possible. Don’t let this function control your life or drain you of energy.
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