INFP vs. ENFP: What’s the distinction? Are you struggling to search out out which one matches you greatest? These two personalities have quite a bit in widespread, so it’s fairly regular for anybody to really feel caught when attempting to resolve which sort is actually their true kind. As an MBTI® practitioner I work recurrently with purchasers who really feel torn between the 2. With that in thoughts, I wished to interrupt down probably the most vital variations between the ENFP Visionary and the INFP Dreamer.
Let’s get began!
Estimated studying time: 7 minutes
INFP vs ENFP: The right way to Spot the Variations
How INFPs and ENFPs See the World Otherwise
The principle distinction between INFPs and ENFPs is their orientation in the direction of the world. INFPs are introverted and have a tendency to focus extra on their internal world of ideas, emotions, and creativeness. They like quiet environments and really feel recharged by time alone. Earlier than they work together with the world, they first must examine in with their very own ideas and emotions.
ENFPs, alternatively, are extroverts who focus extra on the outer world. They are usually energized by interacting with others and getting out into the true world. They have an inclination to talk as ideas seem of their thoughts; and thus are way more fast in dialog, simply thinking-out-loud and producing concepts. ENFPs additionally want alone time, however they will get bored and stressed if alone time stretches on for too lengthy and so they aren’t getting sufficient real-world stimulation.
What INFPs and ENFPs have in widespread:
Regardless of their completely different orientations, INFPs and ENFPs have quite a bit in widespread. Each varieties share the identical cognitive features and they also course of data and make choices in very related methods.
What are the Cognitive Capabilities?
The cognitive features are the constructing blocks of character kind. It’s essential to know that each particular person, no matter their character kind, has a choice for 2 extraverted features (outward-oriented) and two introverted features (inward-oriented). The order by which these 4 features function is restricted to every particular person’s four-letter Myers-Briggs character kind.
For instance: The 4 cognitive features most well-liked and shared by ENFPs and INFPs are Extraverted Instinct, Extraverted Pondering, Introverted Feeling, and Introverted Sensing. Nonetheless, they seem in a barely completely different order between the 2 character varieties:
ENFP Cognitive Capabilities: (1) Extraverted Instinct > (2) Introverted Feeling > (3) Extraverted Pondering > (4) Introverted Sensing
INFP Cognitive Capabilities: (1) Introverted Feeling > (2) Extraverted Instinct > (3) Introverted Sensing > (4) Extraverted Pondering
An ENFP is taken into account an Extrovert as a result of they like their principal outward oriented operate (Extraverted Instinct) earlier than their principal introspective operate (Introverted Feeling). Likewise, an INFP is assessed as an introvert as a result of they like their principal inward-oriented operate (Introverted Feeling) earlier than their principal outward-oriented operate (Extraverted Instinct).
How Do the Cognitive Capabilities Present Up in INFPs and ENFPs?
Each INFPs and ENFPs are extremely intuitive, imaginative, and emotionally pushed. They care deeply about their beliefs and passions, and are centered on discovering methods to make the world a greater place.
Each varieties will also be idealistic dreamers, who see a future that others don’t. They could discover it troublesome to slot in with society’s expectations and norms; however on the similar time, they’ve an infectious enthusiasm that evokes others.
As Extraverted Intuitives, each INFPs and ENFPs get pleasure from considering outside-the-box and producing concepts and potentialities. They will normally see the larger image in any scenario; and so they have a knack for developing with inventive options to advanced issues. The world of what “could possibly be” is extra thrilling than the world of what “is.”
Each INFPs and ENFPs make choices utilizing a cognitive operate referred to as Introverted Feeling, or “Fi” for brief. Which means each varieties are pushed by their values and beliefs, slightly than exterior logic or societal expectations. Additionally they crave a way of authenticity in each facet of life, and try to make choices that align with their internal fact. Though they care about concord and rapport, they may upset or disregard concord if they’re attempting to stay to a worth that they consider in.
How INFPs and ENFPs strategy motion:
One technique to differentiate between INFPs and ENFPs is how they strategy motion. ENFPs are inclined to take motion first, then course of later. They thrive on spontaneity and love attempting new issues. However, INFPs are inclined to course of first and want a number of data earlier than taking motion. They like to plan forward and weigh all their choices earlier than making a call. This may typically result in indecisiveness, but it surely additionally ensures that they make well-informed selections.
ENFPs can threat being too impulsive and scattered and INFPs can threat being too indecisive and inactive. On the similar time, ENFPs can convey modern concepts to life shortly whereas INFPs can actually get right into a deep understanding of a humanistic drawback.
Level being, neither character kind is inherently higher than the opposite! However if you happen to’re attempting to determine which sort matches you higher, you may need to contemplate whether or not you’re extra of an action-first kind, or an introspection-first kind. Do you wrestle extra with impulsivity or inaction?
The Insecurities of INFPs and ENFPs:
Each character kind tends to have insecurity round their inferior cognitive operate. For ENFPs this cognitive operate is Introverted Sensing, or “Si” for brief. For INFPs, this cognitive operate is Extraverted Pondering, or “Te” for brief. This tends to manifest in numerous insecurities for every of those two character varieties.
ENFPs wrestle extra with Introverted Sensing insecurities and vulnerabilities. Typically they wrestle to settle right into a routine, to replicate on the previous, or to deal with particulars. They have an inclination to leap from one mission to a different and might get caught re-inventing the wheel as a result of they’re not listening to the main points and classes from the previous. Day-after-day may be completely different for the ENFP and so they might wrestle to simplify their lives by creating some easy, wholesome routines. They could additionally neglect their well being or the sensible realities of life in favor of journey and novel concepts.
INFPs, alternatively, wrestle extra with Extraverted Pondering insecurities and vulnerabilities. Typically they wrestle to weigh choices objectively, keep organized, or take decisive motion. It may be exceedingly troublesome for INFPs to critique or delegate, whereas ENFPs are extra fast to leap into any such train even when they don’t prefer to be bossy or vital.
Which insecurity aligns extra with what you’ve skilled? This might help you to make clear your kind!
How ENFPs and INFPs “Loop”:
When one-sided, these two character varieties can seem very otherwise. A loop is the place somebody cycles forwards and backwards between both the extraverted or introverted sides of their character kind.
For an ENFP, this could appear to be biking forwards and backwards between Extraverted Instinct, their dominant operate, and Extraverted Pondering, their tertiary operate. When this occurs, they bypass Introverted Feeling and Introverted Sensing. When ENFPs are in a loop they give the impression of being flighty, scattered, impulsive, and slightly bossy. They will get caught on busywork, frantically throwing themselves into duties and getting others concerned in them, solely to modify gears partway via.
For an INFP, the loop seems like biking forwards and backwards between Introverted Feeling, their dominant operate, and Introverted Sensing, their tertiary operate. When this occurs, they bypass Extraverted Instinct and Extraverted Pondering. When INFPs are in a loop, they give the impression of being misplaced in their very own world, disconnected from actuality as if daydreaming or residing in an imaginary fantasyland. They will wrestle to take motion on concepts that come up, stay caught for lengthy intervals of time with none actual progress being made. They could additionally revisit nostalgic recollections or routines to a level the place they get caught in a rut and change into anxious about something unfamiliar or new.
Everybody encounters a “loop” in some unspecified time in the future of their lives, however which of those experiences looks like one you’ve encountered extra?
Nonetheless Not Positive Which Sort is Yours?
In case you nonetheless aren’t positive which sort is yours, don’t fear. There are lots of nice assets that can assist you discover the variations between INFPs and ENFPs additional. You’ll be able to take our character questionnaire. Or you possibly can take the official MBTI® right here.
You too can learn our article on the cognitive features to get a greater understanding of those that you just relate to most.
Different Articles You May Take pleasure in:
How INFPs, ENFPs, INFJs, and ENFJs Really feel When They’re Unhealthy
Inspiring Morning Routines for INFPs, ENFPs, INFJs, and ENFJs
An In-Depth Information to How INFPs and ENFPs Suppose
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