9 Signs You’re Not An ISFP

People like to search Google for the signs someone is a particular Myers-Briggs personality type, like the ISFP. However, I decided to dedicate a series to the opposite approach, the signs someone is NOT. So, today, I’ll discussing the signs that someone is NOT the ISFP personality type. Keep in mind that Ryan and I made each point as succinct as possible for the sake of clarity. However, there are exceptions to everything. It’s more important to focus on an individual’s reasoning, rather than focusing solely on the behavioral tendency. After all, cognitive functions define thoughts processes, not behaviors. Certainly, specific thoughts processes commonly lead to specific behaviors, but as mentioned, there are always exceptions given the wide variety of life experiences people can be influenced by. Therefore, be sure to read the explanations, and let me know if there are any anti-ISFP signs that you look out for!

9 Signs You’re Not An ISFP (Fi-Se-Ni-Te)

1. You devalue or disconnect from your own feelings

Selfishness gets often associated with Introverted Feeling (Fi), which isn’t fair. But the kernel of truth hidden with that misconception is that FPs are closely connected to their own feelings. They’re well aware of what they feel, and they don’t need a rational basis for their feelings. They’re also well aware that their individual feelings are different from those around It can make them feel distinct and set apart. Someone who easily loses sight of their actual feelings when around others is unlikely to be an FP. In addition, someone who dismisses their feelings as irrelevant is also unlikely to be an FP. (They typically start with the premise that their emotions are valid.) I’m not saying an FP can’t be mature, and look past inappropriate or irrational feelings in order to do what’s necessary. However, FPs do identify with their emotions, viewing those as a part of who they are, which can make ignoring their feelings difficult.

2. You navel-gaze on your identity and values

Ironically, when it comes to their identity, ISFPs are often more “intuitive” than the INFPs. They don’t usually overthink themselves or their values. They just feel and know, like instincts. What resonates resonates, and what doesn’t, doesn’t. They’re certainly expressive of their identity, and enjoy being their authentic selves, but they don’t spend a ton of time consciously fleshing out exactly what exactly that means. This is partially why it can take them a lot of time to actually verbalize what’s going on in their heads. They’re not automatically just thinking about this stuff. Identity as a concept is abstract, and these are sensors. As a result, getting asked questions about who they are and what they value can sometimes give them pause, because they’re not used to putting any of that into words.

3. You talk too much

This is somewhat tied to the previous point, generally speaking, SPs tend to not be very verbose types. Granted, extraverts will extravert, so there are plenty of talkative ESFPs out there, but overall, SPs are more inclined towards speaking through action. So, while ISFPs may have bouts of talkativeness, these types tend to not be ones who are really flowery in their speech, nor do they find long-winded ways to say things. They’re usually fairly succinct, direct, or straightforward in the way they choose to express themselves. This, for me, is actually one of the main signs that a supposed INFP is actually an ISFP; they just don’t verbalize enough. (Of course, keep in mind that context is important here – any social introvert will quiet down around people they’re not comfortable with, and speak more around their close friends. What I’m specifically referring to is a tendency towards “word vomit”, thinking while speaking, or speculating out loud about something you’ve given no prior though to, which are all common NP tendencies. ISFPs will pause more.)

4. You aren’t bored by a consistent schedule

Consistency can be a legitimate struggle for perceivers, ISFPs included. These may have some comfort rituals and even sentimental traditions, but too much consistency or sameness will typically bore them. They need to follow their whims, their spontaneous bursts of energy, their waves of inspiration. ISFPs may need to periodically mix things up, including their daily patterns, to avoid stagnating or feeling stifled. There’s essentially a need for some level of spontaneity or impulsiveness to keep their auxiliary Se feeling happy and exercised.

5. You overly fixate on or never think about the future

Overall, ISFPs are present-oriented types due to Se. However, as tertiary Ni users, ISFPs usually have one eye on the future, in a vague, abstract kind of way. They often have a general sense of future implications (potentially leading to some hesitant gut-based predictions), and they usually have a general sense of what they want out of life. But, these personality types don’t usually overthink the future, unless they’re stuck in a loop. They recognize what’s happening in real time and what it could mean, but let things play out without fixating too much on predicting and interpreting. ISFPs can certainly have dreams and ideals that they like to imagine or fantasize about, but on a daily basis, they go with the flow and keep their options open.

6. You don’t have a love-hate relationship with external structure

As inferior Extraverted Thinkers, ISFPs often have a love-hate relationship with structure, at least early on. The perceiver in them can feel stifled by structure. After all, Se wants freedom and the option to be spontaneous, but Te can be limiting and overbearing. However, one’s relationship with their inferior function can be contradictory in a sense. ISFPs may both hate Te, while having a need for the structure it brings. Some personality types may actually find consistent structure to be counter-productive, but that will not typically be the case for an ISFP. Many ISFPs will find that structure, while potentially challenging to adjust to, will actually help them excel in the long term. ISFPs that tap into their inferior Te may occasionally take on an ISTJ-like persona, going on spurts of organizing and structuring or becoming suddenly rigid and authoritative.

Related Article: 5 ISFP Struggles and Development Tips

7. You automatically adjust to others without it bothering you

It’s fairly common for Fi users to feel a strong sense of duty. Many are even aware of external expectations, and feel obligated to fulfill them. However, as Fi dominants, focused on identity, ISFPs shouldn’t find themselves automatically adjusting to everyone around them (their emotions, expectations, and etc.) without feeling a sense of dissonance. If it’s not their feelings, or their internal sense of obligation, ISFPs will struggle to adapt to those around them, wanting to remain true to who they are. FJs often consider that external aspect a part of who they are, but ISFPs have a much stronger need to filter it through their separated sense of self.

8. You need constant activity or stimulation

It’s fairly common for ESFPs to mistake themselves for ISFPs. Maybe the ESFP is socially insecure, or prefers to fly solo for most of their activity. Either way, one sign that someone is not an ISFPs is that they’re constantly fighting off boredom, and seeking out experiences. It’s common for ISFPs to struggle somewhat with inertia. Too much activity will actually be overwhelming for them. (A common ISFP trope is loving sleep.) As introverted leads, ISFPs will need to return to low stimulation or comfort-based activities while they introspect and process. Therefore, ISFPs do not typically want a full calendar, with most of their days booked out; they will want to prioritize their alone time to do “nothing” and recharge. There will essentially be a delicate balance that they’ll need to strike between outside engagement and isolation in order to feel happy and fulfilled.

9. You don’t embed personal meaning into your creations

There’s a general stereotype that ISFPs will all be artists and crafters. This is definitely common, but not an absolute rule. And ISFPs certainly aren’t limited to physical crafts, even though people often want to assume SPs will fixate on those. ISFPs could be writers, poets, sports players, musicians, etc. Anything is possible. However, no matter what hobby or interest they choose to invest themselves in, ISFPs will add personal touches that make whatever it is specific to them. They will embed themselves into the work. They may communicate messages, values or emotional truths through their work, which will make them feel connected to it on a personal level. Someone who can easily remain detached from their creations is unlikely to be an ISFP.