Embracing My True Self A Journey Of Discovering And Understanding The INFP-T Personality Type

Hey guys! So, I recently stumbled upon something about myself that has sent me on a bit of a rollercoaster – I discovered I'm an INFP-T. Now, if you're not familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality types, that might sound like alphabet soup. But trust me, for me, it's been a revelation, albeit one mixed with a healthy dose of embarrassment. Why embarrassed, you ask? Well, let's dive into it, shall we?

Understanding the INFP-T Personality Type

First off, let's break down what INFP-T actually means. INFP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Prospecting. These are the core aspects of this personality type. The "T" tacked on at the end signifies Turbulent, which is one of the two subcategories within each personality type (the other being Assertive). So, essentially, I'm an INFP, but with a tendency to be a bit more self-conscious and perfectionistic than my INFP-A counterparts.

INFPs are often called the "Mediators" or the "Idealists." We're known for our strong values, our deep empathy, and our desire to make the world a better place. We're creative, imaginative, and often drawn to artistic pursuits. We have a rich inner world, filled with possibilities and dreams. We value authenticity and harmony, and we strive to live in accordance with our beliefs. We are also known to be passionate about the things we care about and often feel deeply about the world around us. This depth of feeling can be both a strength and a challenge, as it can sometimes lead to us feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained. For me, this resonated deeply. I've always been someone who feels things intensely, and who cares deeply about the well-being of others. I've always been drawn to creative pursuits, and I often find myself lost in thought, daydreaming about possibilities. Understanding this aspect of my personality has been incredibly validating, but it also highlights some of the challenges I face.

Now, the "Turbulent" aspect of the INFP-T is where the embarrassment comes in. Turbulent INFPs, like myself, tend to be more self-critical and driven by a desire to improve. We're more likely to dwell on our mistakes and worry about what others think of us. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. We are often perfectionists, holding ourselves to incredibly high standards, and can be easily discouraged when we fall short. This drive for self-improvement can be a positive trait, pushing us to grow and learn, but it can also be a source of stress and self-doubt. We often question our abilities and decisions, and can be prone to overthinking. This constant self-analysis can be exhausting, but it also fuels our desire to become better versions of ourselves. Understanding the Turbulent aspect of my personality has shed light on my tendency to overthink and to be overly critical of myself. It's a reminder that while striving for improvement is good, it's also important to practice self-compassion and to accept that imperfections are part of being human. Discovering this aspect of my personality has been a bit like looking in a mirror and seeing both the good and the not-so-good, which brings me to why I initially felt embarrassed.

Why the Embarrassment?

So, why the embarrassment? Well, as I read more about the INFP-T personality, I started to see myself in a light that felt… well, a little cringey. The descriptions of being idealistic, sensitive, and prone to overthinking hit a little too close to home. It felt like someone had taken a peek inside my soul and written a report on all my quirks and insecurities. It’s like when you accidentally send a text to the person you’re talking about – that feeling of being exposed and vulnerable. There's also a part of me that cringes at the stereotype of the overly sensitive, emotional artist type. I worry about being perceived as dramatic or fragile, and reading about the INFP-T's tendency towards these traits made me feel self-conscious. I don't want to be seen as someone who's easily overwhelmed or who can't handle criticism. This fear of judgment is something many INFPs struggle with, and it's definitely been a factor in my initial embarrassment.

I think a big part of it was also the realization that some of my perceived flaws weren't just random quirks – they were actually part of a larger personality pattern. My tendency to overanalyze situations, my difficulty making decisions, my fear of failure – these were all INFP-T traits. It was like finding out that my messy room wasn't just a result of laziness, but a symptom of my "Prospecting" nature (which, by the way, is just a fancy way of saying I prefer flexibility and spontaneity over rigid plans). I felt a strange mix of validation and shame. Validation because it was helpful to understand where these tendencies come from, and shame because I suddenly felt like I had a label for all the things I didn't like about myself. For instance, my tendency to get lost in my own thoughts, while creatively stimulating, can also make me seem aloof or detached. My desire for deep connection can sometimes lead to me oversharing or becoming overly invested in other people's problems. These traits, while well-intentioned, can be misinterpreted or can create challenges in my relationships. Recognizing these patterns has been eye-opening, but it's also forced me to confront aspects of myself that I've been trying to ignore or downplay. It's like the universe was saying, "Hey, you can't hide anymore. It's time to acknowledge these parts of yourself and figure out how to work with them."

And then there's the "Idealist" part of the INFP. We have this unwavering belief in the good in people and the potential for a better world. Which is lovely, of course, but it can also make us seem naive or out of touch with reality. I worry that my idealism will be seen as foolishness, or that my passion for causes I believe in will be dismissed as overly sentimental. This fear of being perceived as unrealistic or impractical has often held me back from expressing my views or pursuing my dreams. It's a constant battle between my desire to make a difference and my fear of being judged or ridiculed. Recognizing this tension has been a crucial step in overcoming my embarrassment and embracing my INFP-T identity.

Embracing My INFP-T Self

But here's the thing: despite the initial embarrassment, I'm starting to see the beauty in being an INFP-T. I'm realizing that my sensitivity is also my strength, that my idealism can inspire change, and that my tendency to overthink can actually lead to deeper understanding. The key, I think, is to embrace these traits while also learning to manage them. Learning about my personality type has been like receiving a user manual for myself. It's helping me understand why I react to situations the way I do, and it's giving me tools to work with my strengths and weaknesses. It's like having a map to navigate my inner world, complete with landmarks, potential pitfalls, and hidden treasures. This newfound self-awareness is empowering, even if it's a little daunting at times.

I'm learning to appreciate my empathy, which allows me to connect with others on a deep level. I'm embracing my creativity, which is a source of joy and fulfillment. And I'm working on managing my self-doubt, reminding myself that my worth isn't tied to my achievements or the opinions of others. I am trying to practice self-compassion, which is something that doesn't always come naturally to me. I'm learning to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding that I would offer a friend. This means acknowledging my struggles without judgment, celebrating my strengths without arrogance, and forgiving myself for my mistakes. It's a process, and I know I won't always get it right, but I'm committed to becoming a more compassionate and accepting version of myself. I'm also learning to set boundaries and to prioritize my own well-being. INFPs are often so focused on helping others that we neglect our own needs. I'm realizing that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for maintaining our energy and emotional balance. This means taking time for activities that recharge me, such as reading, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative pursuits. It also means learning to say no to requests that drain me or compromise my values. Protecting my energy is crucial for me to be able to continue using my strengths to contribute to the world around me.

I'm also learning that being an INFP-T isn't a limitation – it's just one facet of who I am. It doesn't define me, but it does inform me. It's like having a particular set of skills in a video game. Some skills are stronger than others, but they all contribute to the overall gameplay. My INFP-T traits are part of my unique personality profile, and they interact with all the other aspects of my identity – my experiences, my values, my relationships, and my dreams. Understanding these interactions is key to living a fulfilling and authentic life. I'm also connecting with other INFPs online and in real life. It's incredibly validating to share experiences with people who understand what it's like to be highly sensitive, idealistic, and prone to overthinking. This sense of community is a powerful antidote to the feeling of isolation that can sometimes accompany being an INFP. Sharing our stories, offering support, and celebrating our strengths together is helping me feel more confident and connected. It's a reminder that I'm not alone in this journey, and that there's a whole community of like-minded individuals who understand and appreciate my unique perspective.

The Journey Continues

So, yeah, I was embarrassed to find out I'm an INFP-T. But I'm also grateful. This newfound self-awareness is a gift. It's helping me understand myself better, accept myself more fully, and live a more authentic life. It's a journey, not a destination, and I'm excited to see where it takes me. And to all my fellow INFP-Ts out there, let's embrace our quirks, celebrate our strengths, and keep striving to make the world a little brighter, one thoughtful act at a time.

What I have learned through this journey is that the world needs all types of personalities. There is no one personality that is better than another. We should learn and grow from our personality types. I am happy to have learned I am an INFP-T and will use that to my advantage.