ISFP PERSONALITY

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

ISFP personality types are true artists, but not necessarily in the typical
sense where they're out painting happy little trees. Often enough though,
they are perfectly capable of this. Rather, it's that they use aesthetics,
design and even their choices and actions to push the limits of social
convention. ISFPs enjoy upsetting traditional expectations with experiments
in beauty and behavior - chances are, they've expressed more than once
the phrase "Don't box me in!"

HAPPY TO BE WHO THEY ARE

ISFPs live in a colorful, sensual

world, inspired by connections with people and ideas. ISFP personalities
take joy in reinterpreting these connections, reinventing and experimenting
with both themselves and new perspectives. No other type explores and
experiments in this way more. This creates a sense of spontaneity, making
ISFPs seem unpredictable, even to their close friends and loved ones.
Despite all this, ISFPs are definitely Introverts (I), surprising their friends
further when they step out of the spotlight to be by themselves to recharge.
Just because they are alone though, doesn't mean people with the ISFP
personality type sit idle - they take this time for introspection, assessing
their principles. Rather than dwelling on the past or the future, ISFPs think
about who they are. They return from their cloister, transformed.
ISFPs live to find ways to push their passions. Riskier behaviors like
gambling and extreme sports are more common with this personality type
than with others. Fortunately their attunement to the moment and their
environment allows them to do better than most. ISFPs also enjoy
connecting with others, and have a certain irresistible charm.

ISFPs always know just the compliment to soften a heart that's getting
ready to call their risks irresponsible or reckless.
However, if a criticism does get through, it can end poorly. Some ISFPs can
handle kindly phrased commentary, valuing it as another perspective to
help push their passions in new directions. But if the comments are more
biting and less mature, ISFP personalities can lose their tempers in
spectacular fashion.
ISFPs are sensitive to others' feelings and value harmony. When faced with
criticism, it can be a challenge for people with this type to step away from
the moment long enough to not get caught up in the heat of the moment.
But living in the moment goes both ways, and once the heightened
emotions of an argument cool, ISFPs can usually call the past the past and
move on as though it never occurred.

MEANING IS IN EVERY EXPRESSION OF LIFE

The biggest challenge facing ISFPs is planning for the future. Finding
constructive ideals to base their goals on and working out goals that create
positive principles is no small task. Unlike Sentinel types, ISFPs don't plan
their futures in terms of assets and retirement. Rather, they plan actions
and behaviors as contributions to a sense of identity, building a portfolio of
experiences, not stocks.
If these goals and principles are noble, ISFPs can act with amazing charity
and selflessness - but it can also happen that people with the ISFP
personality type establish a more self-centered identity, acting with
selfishness, manipulation and egoism. It's important for ISFPs to remember
to actively become the person they want to be. Developing and maintaining
a new habit may not come naturally, but taking the time each day to
understand their motivations allows ISFPs to use their strengths to pursue
whatever they've come to love.

ISFP STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

ISFP STRENGTHS
Charming - People with the ISFP personality type are relaxed and
warm, and their live and let live attitude naturally makes them
likable and popular.

 Sensitive to Others - ISFPs easily relate to others' emotions,

helping them to establish harmony and good will, and minimize
conflict.
Imaginative - Being so aware of others' emotions, ISFP personalities
use creativity and insight to craft bold ideas that speak to people's
hearts. While it's hard to explain this quality on a resume, this vivid
imagination and exploratory spirit help ISFPs in unexpected ways.
Passionate - Beneath ISFPs' quiet shyness beats an intensely
feeling heart. When people with this personality type are caught up in
something exciting and interesting, they can leave everything else in
the dust.
Curious - Ideas are well and good, but ISFPs need to see and
explore for themselves whether their ideas ring true. Work revolving
around the sciences may seem a poor match for their traits, but a
boldly artistic and humanistic vision is often exactly what research
needs to move forward - if ISFPs are given the freedom they need to
do so.
Artistic - ISFPs are able to show their creativity in tangible ways and
with stunning beauty. Whether writing a song, painting an emotion, or
presenting a statistic in a graph, ISFPs have a way of visualizing
things that resonates with their audience.

ISFP WEAKNESSES
Fiercely Independent - Freedom of expression is often ISFPs' top
priority. Anything that interferes with that, like traditions and hard
rules, creates a sense of oppression for ISFP personalities. This can
make more rigidly structured academics and work a challenge.
Unpredictable - ISFPs' dislike long-term commitments and plans.
The tendency to actively avoid planning for the future can cause
strain in ISFPs' romantic relationships and financial hardship later in
life.
Easily Stressed - ISFPs live in the present, full of emotion. When
situations get out of control, people with this personality type
(especially Turbulent ones) can shut down, losing their characteristic
charm and creativity in favor of gnashing teeth.

 Overly Competitive - ISFPs can escalate small things into intense

competitions, turning down long-term success in their search for glory
in the moment, and are unhappy when they lose.
Fluctuating Self-Esteem - It's demanded that skills be quantified,
but that's hard to do with ISFPs' strengths of sensitivity and artistry.
ISFPs' efforts are often dismissed, a hurtful and damaging blow,
especially early in life. ISFPs can start to believe the naysayers
without strong support.

ISFP RELATIONSHIPS
ISFPs are quite mysterious and difficult to get to know. While very
emotional individuals, they guard this sensitive core carefully, preferring to
listen than to express. People with the ISFP personality type focus instead
on their partners, with little interest in dictating the mood of a situation with
their own feelings. While this can sometimes be frustrating, if they are
accepted for who they are, ISFPs prove to be warm, enthusiastic partners.
Things are unlikely to ever grow stale - even the longest-term partners can
be surprised by the secrets ISFPs keep.

As their relationships grow, ISFPs' partners come

to find vibrancy and spontaneity to be par for the course. ISFPs may not be
great long-term planners, preferring to let their partners take the lead when
it comes to logic and strategy, but they almost never run out of things to do
in the present. Also caring and loyal, ISFPs love finding ways to surprise
their partners in fun little ways.

There's also a sense of practicality to ISFPs' unpredictability - if anyone is

going to cancel a planned trip to stay home with a partner who suddenly
got the flu as a gesture of affection, it is ISFP personalities. Spending time
with their partners is something ISFPs really enjoy, and they want their
partners to know that they are cared for and special.

KNOWING YOU ARE LOVED, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING

It's important for their partners to make it clear that this love and attention is
valued. ISFPs would never ask for such thanks, but it can really hurt their
feelings if they don't hear it. Such expressions don't have to be verbal ISFPs believe in actions, not words - but it's crucial that they know their
feelings are shared. On the other side of the spectrum, there are few types
more vulnerable to criticism and conflict, and it's necessary to provide a
certain level of emotional support.
If they do feel appreciated, ISFPs are more than happy to reciprocate in
any way they know how. People with the ISFP personality type are very
sensual, and in no aspect of their lives is this clearer than in their sex lives.
Intimacy is an opportunity for ISFPs to satisfy their partners, and they
involve every sense available in enjoying these moments. ISFPs may be
shy in public, but alone with a partner they trust, the masks come off - few
people get to see this side, and it's always a pleasant surprise.

LOVE FROM THE SOUL

Feelings and emotions underpin every aspect of ISFPs' relationships,
alongside not just a tendency towards, but a need for, fresh possibilities.
ISFP personalities are not to be forced into anything, and rushing long-term
commitments is a sure way to scare them off. If ISFPs can't feel excited in
wondering "what's next?" every morning, they may find themselves
wondering "what's the point?"
Still, developing some skill with planning can be a healthy area of growth
for ISFPs. Learning to be a little more comfortable with voicing their
feelings and communicating more clearly is something their partners can
also help with. In any case, sharing the Observant (S) trait usually smooths
out the more challenging aspects of mutual understanding, and
relationships with people who have the Extraverted (E) and Judging (J)
traits helps ISFPs to learn and grow in real, attainable ways.

ISFP FRIENDS
In friendship, ISFPs are some of the most comfortable people around. Laid
back and spontaneous, people with the ISFP personality type won't bog
things down with arguments or structured long-term plans. Intellectually
exhausting pastimes like debates over European economic policy won't
hold their attention long. The here-and-now is what's important to ISFPs,
and they love spending time with their friends doing casual, fun activities.

I DON'T WANT TO TALK, I WANT TO PLAY!

ISFP personalities believe in actions, not

words. They talk about what is, not what could, should or will be, and then
they actually do it. This passion for action is a blessing for ISFPs, since it
helps them get past their shyness in meeting new people. ISFPs are
sensitive, much more so than most, and it takes time to build enough trust
with new friends to open up and feel natural.
If new acquaintances start things out by explaining "You'd do way better
if...", it's unlikely they will ever be close - ISFPs just take these remarks too
personally for comfort. People with this personality type are happy to get
along with just about anyone, but potential friends need to ease up on
being too judgmental or demanding.
If their friends keep things supportive and easy-going, ISFPs are happy to
return the favor with added warmth and laughter. When they're with friends

they trust, ISFPs know how to relax, shedding rules, traditions and
expectations in favor of just enjoying themselves.
Those who prefer safe, structured environments might end up struggling in
these friendships though, especially if they lecture ISFPs on how they're
living their lives. As with any criticism, those friends are free to do their own
thing, and to leave ISFPs to do theirs.
ISFPs' relaxed, non-judgmental attitudes make it easy for them to get along
with others, but it's not always the same way around.
Lots of personal space and freedom are essential to ISFP personalities,
and it's often other Explorer types, who share their "live and let live"
worldview and joy in actuallydoing things, that gravitate towards ISFPs.
There's really no better friend than ISFPs for dropping the pretenses and
enjoying low-stress fun.

ISFP PARENTS
When it comes to parenting, ISFPs often feel right at home. While no one
could be said to be truly prepared for such a task, ISFP personalities'
natural warmth, practicality and relaxed nature help them to settle in and
appreciate every moment of joy and hardship that comes with raising a
child.

CHILDREN SHOW THE DIVINE IN EVERYONE

ISFPs' greatest strength is arguably the joy they take in being with and
helping their loved ones. Practical needs are taken care of from day one,
and ISFPs' children can always count on something exciting to do or to
learn every day. People with the ISFP personality type love fun, hands-on
activities, and as their children grow, they're often encouraged to pick up
extra hobbies that revolve around those kinds of activities.
Even as those extra activities grow, ISFPs often defy their Introversion (I),
spending time with their children and enjoying engaging activities that
center on quality time. Impromptu trips, home improvement projects like
repainting bedrooms, or simply baking some treats together are all likely to
being fond memories for ISFPs' children.

None of this is to say that ISFP parents are overbearing - in fact, they are
one of the most relaxed personality types there is when it comes to
parenting. ISFPs believe that the only way to really have their children grow
up to be open-minded and well-balanced people is to let them explore and
experience new things, make mistakes and learn from them, and to always
know that they'll be able to come home at the end of it.
Interventions and hardline rules just aren't ISFPs' style.
The freedom ISFPs grant their children comes with risks too, since it
demands a certain level of maturity from the children themselves. Some
lessons are harder than others. These can be hard lessons for people with
the ISFP personality type too, since they are more sensitive than most
when it comes to their lifestyles or parenting being criticized. Nothing's
quite as unpleasant as "I told you so".
Long-term planning is another challenging area for ISFP parents. When it
comes to things like saving for their children's college education, ISFPs
necessarily rely on partners who take care of that sort of thing more readily.

NEVER STOP LOVING

As their children grow into adolescence, ISFPs sometimes struggle as well.
ISFP personalities need to know that their work and effort are appreciated,
something teenagers aren't well-known for expressing. It can take a lot of
practice on ISFPs' parts to learn the emotional control necessary to not
overreact when things don't go the way they want. Children make an effort
to distance themselves at that age, and private individuals or no, ISFPs
need to know that their loved ones are by their sides.
In the end though, ISFPs are so much less likely to create the kinds of
divides that other more rigid personality types sometimes drive between
themselves and their children. There's always going to be some push from
developing adults, but with such warm, caring parents, ISFPs' children can
always rest assured that they know where home and hearth are.

ISFP CAREERS
When it comes to the career world, ISFPs need more than just a job.
Wealth, power, structure, advancement and security are all lesser goals to

ISFP personalities' greatest need: creative freedom. ISFPs crave a tangible

outlet for their imagination, a chance to express themselves artistically.
Those placing their emphasis on predictability and long-term planning find
that attempts to push those views on ISFPs are about as effective as
forcing open flames to point downwards.
People with the ISFP personality type are passionate experimenters, and
whether they're aware of it or not, they are renowned trendsetters. With
their unique perspective and simple desire to be themselves, ISFPs are
natural artists, musicians and photographers, as well as designers of all
stripes. Setting up shop on websites like Etsy is far more alluring to ISFPs
than the confines of 9-5 administrative work in some fluorescent cubicle.

DON'T WORK AT BEING ORDINARY

ISFPs loathe sitting idle in colorless, unchanging environments. They are
free souls and need flexibility, opportunities for improvisation, and
immersive work that engages every sense. If they combine these needs
with their competitive nature, ISFP personalities make great solo athletes.
ISFPs prefer to live in the moment, believing the here and now is what
matters most.
This quality does have the drawback of sometimes making ISFPs reckless
and shortsighted, though those pitfalls aren't set in stone. An emphasis on
practical, tangible things, objects that can be seen and touched, comes at
the cost of ignoring less tangible ideas. ISFPs often feel that they have little
control over processes like retirement planning - they can't predict the
future, so it does no good to worry about it now.

LIFE'S TOO SHORT FOR US TO BORE OURSELVES

This mindset can hold them back from many of their ideal careers, such as
psychology, counseling and teaching, which require long-term planning and
often extensive certifications to get started. It takes a great deal of energy
for ISFPs to maintain focus on a single goal like that for so long, but it can
make the day-to-day so much more rewarding for the rest of their lives.
An easier route revolves around freelance and consulting work in just about
any industry that ISFPs enjoy. Whether organizing charity events, working

with hospitals to make patients' stays more pleasant, or laying stone to help
make a house a home, ISFPs always seem to find a way to make the world
a little more beautiful and exciting, and to make a living in the process.

ISFP IN THE WORKPLACE

In the workplace, ISFPs seek out positions that give them as much wiggle
room as possible to do things their own way. Button-down environments
that revolve around tightly held traditions and strictly enforced procedures
are unlikely to appeal to ISFP personalities. Spontaneous, charming, and
genuinely fun people to be around, ISFPs just want a chance to express
those natural qualities, and to know that their efforts are appreciated.

ISFP SUBORDINATES
People with the ISFP personality type don't like to be controlled, and this
can be quite clear in subordinate positions - they loathe being
micromanaged. At the same time, ISFPs aren't well-known for their longterm focus, but rather their adaptability and spontaneity. They'll use
unconventional methods, sometimes risky ones, and existing rules are just
someone else's way of doing things. Still, ISFPs find a way to make things
happen. To manage ISFP personalities successfully, there need to be
clearly set goals, and otherwise an open sandbox.
If this balance can be made to work, ISFPs show themselves to be eager
learners and passionate problem-solvers, especially if they get to deal oneon-one with other people or to tackle a problem solo. People with this
personality type are humble, even shy, and unlikely to put themselves on
the spot by volunteering their help. But ISFPs do love to feel appreciated,
and if assigned a task, they work hard to earn that appreciation.

ISFP COLLEAGUES
Among their peers ISFPs feel most comfortable. Working with equals and
giving some advice in order to solve practical problems is right where ISFP
personalities like to be. While they may exhaust themselves if their role
requires an excessive amount of social interaction, they are otherwise quite
charming and have excellent networking skills.

ISFPs are tolerant and friendly, and usually just do what needs to be done
regardless of whether their colleagues pull their own weight. At the end of
the day though, ISFPs are sensitive and need to know that these efforts are
appreciated - a well-placed compliment goes a long way. ISFPs do let their
personal goals affect their approach to their work, which can make them a
little unpredictable, but this is balanced by their desire for harmony and
willingness to find win-win solutions whenever possible.

ISFP MANAGERS
The position that feels most unnatural to ISFPs is management. They are
not a domineering personality type, and take no joy in exerting control over
others, planning long-term goals, or disciplining unsatisfactory behavior.
But just because it feels a little strange, doesn't mean ISFP personalities
aren't good at it.
ISFPs' sensitivity allows them to be great listeners, helping them to align
their subordinates' personal motivations with the task at hand. They also
give their subordinates the freedom to do what needs to be done to solve
what needs to be solved on any given day, and ISFPs are likely to dig into
that work right alongside them. This gives ISFP managers a marked style
of inspiration and cooperation, and they're usually well-liked.

CONCLUSION
Few personality types are as colorful and charming as ISFPs. Known for
their kindness and artistic skills, ISFPs are great at finding exciting new
things to explore and experience. ISFPs' creativity and down-to-earth
attitude are invaluable in many areas, including their own personal growth.
Yet ISFPs can be easily tripped up in areas where their focus on practical
matters is more of a liability than an asset. Whether it is finding (or keeping)
a partner, reaching dazzling heights on the career ladder, or learning to
plan ahead, ISFPs need to put in a conscious effort to develop their weaker
traits and additional skills.
What you have read so far is just an introduction into the complex concept
that is the ISFP personality type. You may have muttered to yourself, "wow,

this is so accurate it's a little creepy" or "finally, someone understands me!"

You may have even asked "how do they know more about me than the
people I'm closest to?"
This is not a trick. You felt understood because you were. We've studied
how ISFPs think and what they need to reach their full potential. And no,
we did not spy on you many of the challenges you've faced and will face
in the future have been overcome by other ISFPs. You simply need to learn
how they succeeded.
But in order to do that, you need to have a plan, a personal roadmap. The
best car in the world will not take you to the right place if you do not know
where you want to go. We have told you how ISFPs tend to behave in
certain circumstances and what their key strengths and weaknesses are.
Now we need to go much deeper into your personality type and answer
"why?", "how?" and "what if?"
This knowledge is only the beginning of a lifelong journey. Are you ready to
learn why ISFPs act in the way they do? What motivates and inspires you?
What you are afraid of and what you secretly dream about? How you can
unlock your true, exceptional potential?
Our premium profiles provide a roadmap towards a happier, more
successful, and more versatile YOU! They are not for everyone though you need to be willing and able to challenge yourself, to go beyond the
obvious, to imagine and follow your own path instead of just going with the
flow. If you want to take the reins into your own hands, we are here to help
you.

PREMIUM PROFILES
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY...
...you do not mind being alone, but social situations exhaust you?
...your kindness often leads to many people being too dependent on
you?
...you tend to overload yourself and then stress out because you are
not sure you are good enough?

 ...you have a keen eye for detail, but complicated concepts and
theories frustrate you?
...you often get hurt and then blame yourself for being too kind?
...your efforts are not always noticed or appreciated?
...you are not quite sure how to reach your full potential in a world
that does not always value your hard work and dedication?
...you tend to do things in a slow and steady way?
...you rarely get stressed and often wonder why most of your friends
seem to be more obsessed with success?
...you are relatively happy and satisfied with your life, but you often
find it difficult to get excited?
...you seem to have an unsettling dark side that only comes out in
rare circumstances?
Do any of these sound familiar? You know your personality type. Now
achieve what you have always wanted to achieve without compromising
who you really are.