This ISFP: 10 Good Traits and 10 Bad Ones

As an ISFP, I am reluctant to write on behalf of all ISFPs as I fear it might lead to over-generalizing and attaching judgment.  With that said, it is my hope that someone reading this can get a general sense of what an ISFP is like, at least as much as can be described in 20 snippets.

GOOD (in no particular order)

1. A listener

I’ve been told that I am a good listener.  I have a genuine interest in hearing what others have to say.  I want to understand others.  On the downside, if what I hear is objectionable to my value system, I will make every attempt to avoid you in the future.

2. Appreciation of the arts

I love to share my wide-ranging appreciation of art, design, music and culture.  Appreciation is the operative word.  I have no desire to perform but rather consume art in all its forms through my senses.  More so, I see this as a way to bring people together and a way to get to know oneself.

3. Kind

I care about the well-being of others.  That is seen in the way I treat people in both ordinary and extraordinary situations.  I am warm to strangers.  I am supportive to friends and family.

4. “Down to Earth”

I prefer to talk about concrete events.  I also enjoy the “what if” or “what could be” conversations, although I, more often than not, enjoy discussing “what is”.  That is sometimes seen as relatable.

5. Spontaneous

ISFPs make decisions based on how they feel at a present moment.  One moment I may be sitting on the couch drinking a cup of tea.  If the moment strikes me, the next moment I may be on a road trip.

6. Adventurous

I constantly search for new things to try.  Many would describe my interests as endless.  This is very true.  I love to travel, learn new crafts and accomplish personal challenges, whatever that may be.

7. Decisive

I spend more time making decisions rather than sitting around thinking about possible outcomes.

8. Action Oriented

“Just do it”.  This is truly how we live.  If you are looking to get things started- think big projects- ISFPs are a good recruiting source.  Keep in mind we have a habit of losing interest.

9. Living in the moment

I spend most of my time in the present moment.  I speak, I listen, I touch, I taste and I see the NOW.  This allows me to be aware of my surroundings and be engaging in my encounters with others.

10. Free-spirited

I want to find myself and support others on their way to know themselves.  I desire space for self-exploration.  I find it imposing if others seek to persuade me on how I should be.  Imposing and controlling people frustrate me.

Bad (in no particular order)

1. Poor long-term planner

I am constantly preoccupied in the now.  I may find it difficult to see past present frustrations or I might become fixated on a momentary problem and fail to focus on long term goals.

2. Not a saver

Do not rely on me to save for a rainy day.   My natural inclination is to enjoy what I have and forget the importance of a rainy day fund.

3. Act first, think later

This is great when starting a project.  Unfortunately, I may start a project and find myself in over my head since I failed to consider what the task entails.

4. Not a fan of the details

More likely than not, you can expect that I will not read the fine print.  Heck, I don’t even read the menu descriptions.  It takes too long.

5. Commitment phobia

I do not like committing to plans.  Things come up that I might prefer to do.  Later, I may not feel like going.  For E-vites, I always respond “maybe”.  Others see this as flaky.  I like keeping my options open.

6. Not deliberate

I feel my way through problems rather than think rationally about options by weighing pros and cons.  Unfortunately, some problems ought to be solved more deliberately.

7. Moody

I don’t think I am moody.  People around me do.  One moment I am extremely happy, then the next I may be extremely agitated.  My mood depends heavily on my environment, and that can be quite unsteady.

8. Easily bored

Routine and habit can undermine my creativity and free-spirited nature.  Partners of ISFPs may feel pressure to “keep up” with this thirst to explore.  Although it is worth noting that we only require the space to explore for ourselves; you need not come.

9. Highly self-critical

If you ask me what I am good at… I will have to get back to you.  What others see as talent, I see as habit.  More so, I often blame myself for when things are not going well in my life and do not give myself credit when things are good.

10. Sensitive

I absorb emotional energy from those around me.  That is good if the people around me are positive and are of like mind.  Unfortunately, in a negative environment, I am affected negatively.