7 Unique Strengths INFP Personality Must Nurture

“Why am I like this?” “Why do I quit so easily?” “Will I ever amount to something?”

Being an overthinker, too sensitive, and misunderstood were the stinging challenges that marked my teenage years. My anxieties and lack of purpose got worse and worse, and it went on until my early twenties. The thought “I hate myself” always crossed my mind. 

In this period of my life, my thoughts didn’t linger around the ideas of freedom or discovery. It wasn’t about reaching my dreams but growing a list of doubts and self-critical thoughts that multiplied relentlessly.

Yep, it was exhausting.

But thankfully, now I’m glad to say I got out of that rut. It may sound superficial, but the gradual change started when I discovered I was an INFP.

Realizations came like an avalanche as I acquired this bit of knowledge about myself. Learning I’m an INFP helped me rationalize who I truly am, make peace with my weaknesses, and nurture my true strengths.

So, if you’re an INFP reading this post, we should celebrate! You’re one step closer to understanding who you truly are and why it’s essential to embrace our personality rather than reject it.

Today, let’s talk about the 7 strengths of INFPs and what power they can truly get ahold of.

Ready? Let’s start!

7 Unique Strengths of INFP Personality (We Must Nurture)

1. Your authenticity takes a huge part of you; listen to it.

You’ve probably heard it countless times. INFPs yearn for authenticity and are committed to living true to themselves.

While they may outwardly appear quiet and reserved, deep within, INFPs have a mind of their own, separate from what society tells them to do.

Sadly, at first, INFPs don’t realize how strong their pursuit for authenticity is, so they mold themselves into a puzzle piece similar to everybody else. Not until one day, they become anxious and realize that hey, they’re not fitting in.

At some point, there’s a nudging feeling that there’s somewhere else they need to be. 

Dissatisfaction follows. The lack of authenticity starts to weigh them down, and INFPs are left in the shadows without anyone explaining what’s wrong and what they must do.

They cry at night, break down in the morning, and are left to figure out why others can suck up ridiculous toxicity, and they can’t.

Unfulfilled authenticity — it’s one of the major causes of purposelessness among INFPs.

But you see, authenticity is such a beneficial attribute, and a strong one among INFPs. It’s only that managing a life of authenticity isn’t written in the school books. We, Dreamers, are left to discover it on our own.

But if INFPs truly embrace and understand how to work through, within, and around their pursuit to truly be themselves, it will turn their lives around 180 degrees.

For me, being authentic doesn’t mean you have to be extroverted or an open book.

Rather, it means emphasizing and maximizing what’s innate in you, doing tasks in alignment with the talents and gifts you have all along, or using the skills you have loved and cultivated over the years.

It’s following a path that effectively expresses your strengths and values, although it may seem out of the norm.

So, if you’re an amazing musician, ask yourself, “Why are you working in corporate jobs that trigger your anxiety nonstop?” If you’re an artist, why are you in the field of finance?

Oh, I know exactly why. Isn’t it because we’re told there’s no money in our passions? This is what I’ve been told for almost all my life. Whenever I try to introduce my goals to my parents, friends, and mentors… I see their confused looks as if they’re looking at someone crazy.

Perhaps, they’re right. Perhaps some INFPs can’t find jobs related to their passions. Maybe right now, there’s really nothing in it for us.

But what people don’t consider and believe in is INFP’s inclination to create their own opportunities.

Fortunately, many mature Dreamers who are unhappy with their situation eventually get the courage to drop people’s criticisms and establish spaces where their beliefs can flourish.

Once INFPs decide to act on their inner convictions, they can actually push through a different path, even if they are the sole supporters of their cause.

They pursue their passions, build their businesses, or go on journeys to inspire others. They can be lone wolves who say, “If no one will support me, I’ll do it on my own.”

And when they’re in that place, I’m confident they wholeheartedly champion it through time.

Listen to that call. Your pursuit of authenticity will eventually lead you to a purpose.

2. Your strong moral values lead the way; nurture it. 

INFPs aren’t the moral police who impose their values on others. But in the same way, you can’t walk up to them and deliberately mess up their peace. I tell you, they uphold their morals so high you’ll become acrophobic! Haha!

With Fi (introverted Feeling) and Ne (Extraverted Intuition) as their leading cognitive functions, INFPs reign on top regarding morality among the 16 personalities. They see people’s “good” and “bad” behaviors a mile away. 

If you challenge them with a few thousand of cash to do something that tarnishes their dignity and value system, they’d rather turn it down than be haunted for probably a lifetime.

With this, INFPs aren’t easily swayed by peer pressure. They don’t bully people for power and approval, or to get ahead of everyone else.

They may be perceived as aloof, or as party poopers for not conforming to the crowd, but rather than striving to fit in, they consciously choose to distance themselves from individuals who fail to uphold certain values.

I noticed that confident INFPs who express their morals within a group setting can, over time, become the standard values in their family, friendships, or communities. Not because they’re forceful, but because INFP’s morals associate a strong sense of “goodness,” which other personalities start to adapt.

Fortunately, INFPs back these morals with compassion and honesty to demonstrate and live up to their own standards.

The more mature and expressive ones are even more effective (showing their more straightforward side). When you really hit a nerve, INFP’s moral standards go outwardly, voicing and pointing out the exact flaw in a person, how that deed affects others, and why it should be stopped — ultimately keeping the concerned person in check.

INFPs are usually peaceful beings, so if you upset them and they voice it out, it’s probably because you’ve reached the extremes.

But Here’s A Gentle Reminder to INFPs 

I know I mentioned how INFPs carry out the highest morals in MBTI. But still, let’s look out for our value system from time to time. Some INFPs can be overly sensitive, others easily annoyed. But in these cases, we have to draw a line.

Ask yourself, “is the person’s behavior truly wrong, or… just different?”

Say, my ISFJ mom’s motivation differs from mine. My parents often clashed when I was younger. Before, our family often argued about finances because my mom tended to use it all up for her kids — us — and to help people in need, to the point where we were struggling to cover other bills.

Goodness, my mom has little to no budgeting skills. And we always lash out at how she’s too giving and was being taken advantage of.

It was aggravating, for sure. But now that I have grown older, I just realized, you know what, my mom’s not entirely “bad” or “stupid,” and she didn’t deserve all the harsh criticisms we threw at her.

Her ways could be better, I know. But at her core, she just wants to help. It was pure and genuine; I’m getting teary-eyed as I write it.

She still remains the same, but now I’ve accepted her values, and instead of questioning her, I’ve tried to give more and expect less, too.

As a result, she may not keep material riches, but her wealth is in the form of her family, friends, and community, who all love, respect, and are generous to her.

Funnily, we always have free food, shoes, and clothes from neighbors. They always share with us because my mom also shared with them. It’s a beautiful value I didn’t see before, but I’d love to embody it.

So yes. Some INFPs, including me, have experiences where we feel like someone’s doing it wrong, but in truth, another person’s way of doing things is just different.

3. You are creative and have an eye for beauty.

INFPs are, in no doubt, creatives. Not only do they create, but they deep dive into their emotions, transferring their true feelings into paper, canvas, a performance, or a document.

So, if people perceive INFPs as poetic, well, they are! It’s all about delivering emotions, man. Their emotions are what we readily perceive as expressions of beauty.

Unfortunately, the “genuineness” found in the pages of their projects is also why INFPs shy away from showing it to people. Many INFPs would rather wrestle against anyone than have people read or watch their works. 

(I know because I once physically wrestled with my friend, only to save my manuscripts from being read aloud. Lol.)

Since INFPs communicate their true emotions through creativity, they may be anxious about people peeking through their lives. They are conscious of revealing too much and being too exposed.

But if INFPs limit their true emotions in their creativity, how can they be authentic? It’s self-defeating, right? 

It’s one challenge INFPs struggle with.

However, when INFPs become courageous enough to embrace their creativity fully, cast aside their fears and doubts, and learn to share their work with the world, they become truly inspiring individuals who radiate warmth, passion, and authenticity in all they do. 

INFPs rarely settle for anything less than giving their full, wholehearted effort. They exert 100%, and it’s a great contribution if their creativity reaches others. 

So, instead of hiding everything, why not gradually step out of our comfort zones?

I agree. It’s easier said than done. The first time we allow someone — even a stranger — to see our work, the experience is absolutely shattering.

I’m no different. I trembled. I’ve felt it not once, twice, thrice… I feel the fear too often!

Yet it’s also true that the second time you let someone in your creative venture, it is way less scary than the first. Show it ten more times, and it’s not as numbing as you usually feel. 

Creativity is innate in you. Share it with people, and who knows, you’ll end up in the place where your strength starts to flourish rather than caged away in the shadows. 

Recently, I’ve subscribed to a channel of a small business owner on YouTube. I believe she’s an INFP. You know what’s made her different?

It’s simply so heartwarming and inspiring how she shares her vulnerabilities. Instead of teaching solely the hows and whats, she dug one step deeper and shared her genuine experiences, what she felt, and even her “not-so-good” days in the business.

Without trying hard, she’s such an inspiration. Most INFPs are like that, too. When they open their creativity to the world, more often than not, it’s impactful, unique, and heartwarming.

4. Your compassion and empathy heal people.

Another remarkable INFP strength is their compassion, kindness, and empathy. Not only are they kind on the surface, but they genuinely possess such softness and deep empathy for those in need. 

They immerse themselves in the experiences of others, which is precisely why they have such compassionate hearts for those struggling or grieving, and would be the type to willingly help strangers in dire need and not even take credit for helping out.

They don’t want attention but just the fulfillment that they’ve lightened another’s burden somehow, even if only for a moment.

While Thinkers and Sensors often assume roles of structure and organization in society (which are equally relevant), INFPs provide a compassionate presence that stands alongside morality. 

Among the 16 Myers-Briggs Personalities, INFPs are one of those who cultivate the heart of humanity.

Yes, your sensitivity may sometimes bring you headaches and heartaches. But when you flip the coin, your ability to feel deeply actually saves and builds bridges for people who are stuck and doom-laden. It’s powerful.

5. Your unrelenting curiosity brings forth discoveries.

INFP’s curiosity about their chosen subjects almost seems unquenchable, which is why their investigative skills are sooo thorough.

Whether it’s as subjective as being a fan of a pop band or binge-reading and listening to political debates, ideologies, or speeches, they’re very attentive and curious. They have a genuine passion for acquiring new knowledge and don’t easily tire out of seeking and discovering something new. 

And what comes after knowledge? Wisdom.

They start to discern which path leads to good results and which route ends with pain and agony. They may not experience everything, but you’d wonder why INFPs are old souls who seem to have traveled and lived more than their true age.

They seem wiser and more grounded than their normal age group. And one of the reasons is their innate drive to seek answers.

They don’t easily give up on finding answers, making them voracious readers and tireless explorers of ideas, facts, and information. Ultimately, it leads them toward wisdom and maturity over time.

And not only wisdom, but fun discoveries and breathtaking breakthroughs, too.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin

6. Idealistic visions… It fulfills you.

INFPs don’t only see imageries and daydreams. They see visions, idealistic outcomes, and opportunities. Share your story with them, and bam, an INFP is already reeling with new, freshly-baked ideas inspired by your experience.

You see, emotions (Fi) and intuition (Ne) are two different aspects. 

Although people perceive INFPs as emotional and often dealing with the rollercoaster of feelings, the truth is that INFPs also win as idea generators, making them naturally optimistic. They tend to branch their ideas out rather than be caged in restricting concepts.

They easily see solutions to problems that others may miss seeing. And when you leave an INFP to solve problems without trying to bury them in rules, they’re actually resourceful and outside-the-box thinkers.

I’m not trying to brag, but I’ve had my fair share of suggestions with the people around me. I’ve seen them light up after I mentioned a plan that could solve their concerns, but they didn’t initially think of.

Since INFPs love to synthesize concepts, they have a knack for creating original theories. 

Being jacks of all trades also adds value to their wealth of knowledge. Their openness to diverse experiences and ideas accumulates, allowing them to venture into paths society finds uncommon.

INFP’s minds are vivid, colorful, and idealistic. Even when your downpour of ideas sometimes feels overwhelming, we can’t discount how it’s what made our life vibrant and often led you to a path of excitement and exploration.

7. Reading subtleties is a unique skill, you know.

INFP’s high level of empathy allows them to pick up on others’ emotions and moods, even when not explicitly expressed. They are keen observers who notice details others might overlook.

This is why INFPs are invaluable friends! They’re the first to notice your changes. They look out for their loved ones and feel something’s off even when they don’t say it, and check up on them when nobody else does.

Moreover, this helps them detect lies and manipulation. While they are typically trusting and value authenticity, they can also become acutely aware when something doesn’t align with their understanding of a person’s emotions or intentions.

It’s not only the emotions, but they also read people’s motivations and capacities.

They foresee a person’s flair. 

INFP leaders could use such skills to nurture one’s untapped potential. They see your strengths as well as your weaknesses. They’re not only focused on the outcomes but more focused on how they can nurture the strengths of the people around them. And it starts with INFP’s ability to read beyond the surface.

They’re not tone-deaf of people’s needs. They can pinpoint it clearly, and give people what they truly need. Not everyone has such empathy and keen observation to cultivate one’s well-being at a personal level.

Amazingly, INFPs are natural at it.

Also read: Can INFPs Read Minds?

Are INFPs Strong?

It’s hard to thrive as an INFP, especially when you’re still in the process of understanding who you are. But although INFPs are often misunderstood, they have unique abilities that give them a unique role in this world.

Their ability to confront and process these emotions is a strength. They don’t shy away from complicated feelings but instead use them as a source of insight and personal growth. They are unafraid to be true to themselves, even if it means going against social norms or expectations.

Their creativity and empathy light up humanity. Their art and creations touch the hearts and souls of people from all walks of life.

I want to say that INFPs have more power than they realize. Being an INFP means we have different talents and gifts that we can improve on, so please, we don’t have to cut portions of ourselves to fit other people’s standards.

INFPs’ strengths are formidable assets. Once they break free from the chains of doubt and fear and embrace their true strengths, they start to find true fulfillment and purpose that grows both themselves and the whole community around them.

Embrace our strengths, my fellow INFPs!

Thanks for reading. God bless!

Oh, also, my e-book about procrastination is still available. You might want to check it out! 🙂

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