ISFP (A Book About ISFPs, Written By An ISFP)

Signs That Could Mean You're An ISFP

The ISFP is probably the most artistic of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. Although they aren't necessarily out painting masterpieces (though many of them could), they enjoy challenging the status quo with their experiments in design and behavior. Making up about 8-9 percent of the U.S. population, ISFPs are known for their easy-going nature and adventurous spirit — so much so that the ISFP has been nicknamed "the adventurer personality." Famous ISFPs include Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Britney Spears (among many others). Without ISFPs, the world would be a much duller place.

Do you possess the ISFP personality, the most artistic type? If you relate to most of these signs, you might be one.

Signs That You're an ISFP

1. You live in a sensual world, rich with color

Some introverted types get described as "daydreamers" or "get stuck in their heads." But the ISFP personality can defy this stereotype. While ISFPs have a powerful imagination, they're also firmly rooted in the here and now. You're not content with just theoretically exploring new concepts. Rather, relying on your five senses and working with your hands, you bring to life your unique creations — the mark of a true artisan.

2. You're a light-hearted, gentle soul

Others would describe you as cheerful, low-key, nonjudgemental, and warm, although a bit on the quiet and private side (that's what it means to be an introvert, after all). You're a natural caretaker who enjoys nurturing others in a practical way.

3. Alone time is your cocoon

You love connecting with others, and many ISFPs possess an irresistible charm. However, you often surprise the people in your life by frequently retreating into your private introvert world. Alone, you recharge your energy and take time to reflect. Rather than dwelling on the past or trying to forecast the future, you mostly find yourself analyzing who you are and what you value. Emerging from your alone time, you feel transformed.

4. You have a daredevil side

The epitome of YOLO, you chase your passions. Sometimes this means you're drawn to risky behavior, like gambling, extreme sports, or other situations that give you an adrenaline rush. Because you think quickly and are tuned into your environment, you may have a better chance than some other personality types of beating the odds. Nevertheless, you're only human, so you've had to learn to temper your impulses.

5. You're sensitive to other people's emotions...

You value harmony in your relationships, and you're sensitive to other people's emotions. You quickly build rapport with others, often knowing just the right compliment to soften someone's heart.

6. ...and you're sensitive to criticism

If someone speaks harshly to you, you have a hard time pulling back and not getting caught up in the heat of the moment. Sometimes this results in you saying and doing impulsive things that you regret. But once the argument cools, you're eager to bury the hatchet and move on. You rarely hold grudges. (I never hold grudges I've forgiven everyone XD)

7. Your biggest challenge in life is planning for the future

Living in the here and now, you care more about the meaningful experiences found in everyday life than you do, say, about growing your stock portfolio or saving for retirement. To you, it feels like you can't predict the future, so why try? But this can be a source of growth for you. In part, ISFPs can grow by actively reflecting on who they want to become and taking bite-sized, practical steps toward making their vision a reality.

8. You experiment

Perhaps no other personality type enjoys experimenting with new perspectives as much as you do. It's one of the core ISFP traits. Inspired by people and ideas, you're constantly inventing — and reinventing — you and your world.

9. You'll never grow stale

A vibrant and spontaneous friend and romantic partner, you'll never "grow stale" — you're always surprising the people in your life with new twists and turns.

10. You're the friend we all need

You're a likable person. Your "live and let live" attitude makes you easy to be around. That sense of acceptance and positivity is something people don't get enough of — and they value it about you, even if they never say it.

11. For you, still waters really do run deep

Deep down, you're an emotional person, but you rarely show just how strongly you feel, because to your Feeling function is introverted. Rather, you prefer to deal with your emotions internally and express them later in a more measured, rational way. Only rarely do others glimpse the spark of your intense emotional state. (MY EMOTIONS AREN'T INTENSE STOP. Only very rarely are they intense. Like that one time I just broke down at home lol)

12. You can be a bit unpredictable

If anyone is going to cancel plans last-minute, it's the ISFP.

13. Your top priority? Freedom of expression

Anything that stands in the way of your fierce independence — such as traditions, social conventions, or rules — feels stifling to you. As a result, you may struggle to fit into academic institutions or a corporate workplace.

14. Stress is your #1 enemy

Because you live in the moment, full of emotion, you can easily become stressed when a situation goes awry. When agitated, you may lose your usual charm and creativity. (I'm afraid you're wrong. Conflict is my #1 enemy. Stress comes second.)

15. Your perfect career is...

Career-wise, ISFPs do best when they have a tangible outlet for their thriving imagination. Many ISFPs are artists, musicians, photographers, and designers, as well as consultants or freelancers. They excel at working with their hands and connecting with others.

16. ...but you need more than just a paycheck

Wealth, power, advancement, and security take a backseat to your desire for creative expression. Generally, you loathe sitting in colorless cubicles, doing routine work. For example, you'd rather open an independent boutique or your own Etsy shop than work within the confines of a 9-to-5 job. If you do work a "normal" job (who exactly decides what's normal, anyway?), it's always secondary to your creative side projects. You're a free soul who needs flexibility, the chance to improvise, and work that fully engages your five senses. Not getting this is many ISFPs' biggest wound in life.

17. At times, you're overly competitive

Sometimes you unnecessarily escalate situations, hoping to "win" them and revel in the moment.

18. You're an all-star

Like ISTPs, people of the ISFP personality tend to display strong kinesthetic intelligence. Many of them have impressive dexterity, hand-eye coordination, or athletic abilities.

19. You bring the style

Let's just say it: ISFPs look good. Unlike INFPs, who have a more "earthy" look, ISFPs love embellishing and enhancing their appearance. Like ESFPs, their extroverted twin, they're often well-manicured and have good taste in fashion. (Cringe but thanks, I already get that from my artist mother who always says I've got a good taste in aesthetics) But ISFPs experiment more with unconventional styles and are likely to have a "quirky" look all their own. With their skill in aesthetics and their desire to challenge norms, many ISFPs inadvertently become trendsetters.

Are You an ISFP?

Some of these signs are things a lot of people will identify with, and every ISFP is going to be a little different. If you can relate to most of them, however, chances are good that you're an ISFP.