INFP: importance of structure for creativity and progress + 3 tips
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 лют 2025
- This is my first video for INFP stuff, very excited! Basically a summary of my experience with structure (in HS) vs. freedom (in college), and which I wanted vs. needed. I think structure can be the difference between low-/mid-level functioning and high functioning, at least for myself. Feel free to respond, and happy to join the YT INFP community!
PS-- I know I say 'um' a lot. And yes, it's annoying, even to me.
I've always tested as an INFJ, but now I know I am definitely an INFP. This video describes so many things I'm dealing with now. I'm so relieved to hear someone else's struggles with sleep, overthinking, exercising habits, SLEEP again... But I am coming to accept that I literally NEED structure in my life; I feel depressed when I don't have this (as much as I love the idea of freedom). Thanks for this video!
I'm an INFP and I so get what you are saying. I have to have a proper sleep cycle and I have to get up early. I need to exercise even if I dont like to, i need to just to have some structure. I think alot of INFPs are smart and ambitious. I studied law and hated it, just did it because it was just something I could have done. As an INFP you need to be passionate about what you want to do. Now I want to purse Psychology. Whatever you want to study be passionate about it!
Her candor, honesty, and sincerity in her self-reflection are refreshing.
Very good advice!! Sleep, diet, and exercise. Especially, because INFPs are so creative that we forget that the basic things in life need to be structured.
Thanks for making this. 28 year old INFP here who just returned home from teaching English in Paris for 2 years, trying to decide what to do with the rest of my life. Holla. lol
As an infp, how do you feel teaching English in Paris? Is it working for u?
Yooo as infp who also recently returned from teaching in France, I'd love to hear if you ever figured it out
Its freaky. I am looking at this girl in the video describing almost exactly my past.
lmfao soooooo INFP of you to spill something
This is a great video handling an important issue where a lot of people go wrong - not just INFP's. It reminds me of a TED-talk about "how to be like boring people", which explained why structure was important for so-called "succes", or rather that you get things done and can focus on your true passions, instead of always choosing (and thus wasting brain power) on small questions like what to eat, what to wear, when to sleep, etc., just automatize it.
INFP male here. Your experience sounds strikingly similar to mine; I'm finally figuring out how to be a functional person at age 21, and it all does come down to structure: diet, exercise and sleep. One thing I'd add is that making lists is helpful for pretty much everything I need to do. Oh, and also that food always tastes better if I cook it myself.
Thanks for posting this video; it's always reassuring to hear from someone more experienced who's gotten her/his shit together. Good luck.
I'm an INFP and a structure fanatic. I see structure as a protective framework, wherein, I am afforded the freedom to be creative. I think many people have a rather naive understanding of structure function relationship. And structure is certainly capable of facilitating both, creativity and progress.
Conventional institutionalized education is highly structured. But it's one of those structures that suck. Literally. It sucks the humanness out of people (dehumanizes). I enjoyed early public school, through 4th grade. Beyond that, I absolutely despised school (especially high school), even though it was highly structured.
Exercise. I think it's a matter of clicking with the right kind of exercise(s). There's a huge array of sport and physical activities that are fun, and organized for people to involve themselves in.
I relate to this so much! I didn't realize how much diet mattered till recently. I just recently cut all the bad stuff out of my diet and my mindset changed SO MUCH. It reduced my anxiety down to almost zero which i'd never felt before. Thanks for sharing your experience ^_^
i really feel that way am an INFP and i had a really structured 6th grade and loved it. i was like you in high school doing school work all the time.in 7th grade i started to spill a bit as the went on because hw wasn't as important. then in 8th grade we can the grading system to a more laid back one and it was not good for me everything you said happened but the weight. project weren't getting done and good old depression came back in full force. thank you now i can try to increase structure
Nice video. I relate to it as INFP. Everything you said just really hits home.. I found meditation quite nice as complimentary to sports for clearing the mind!
I just love the way you explained everything!
Great vid. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to your experiences in high school and college. Very relevant to my own life. Hoping your transition to the next step in your life goes well!
This is awesome, so helpful. I think those three major things are spot-on and deep down I kind of knew, as an INFP, I need to be more disciplined in those respects but it's really helpful hearing that from another INFP! Thanks :D great video
I think I needed to hear this. I have been so unproductive lately. I gotta get my sleep cycle together. Thanks!
I found myself laughing at some points cus it's soooo true to me and it feels good to know that it's not just me who overanalyze things
Holy shit! I'm an INTP and I relate so much to just about everything you said, and in fact my story is eerily similar to yours. To be fair, I think I started out as INFP and then shifted more towards INTP during my first year in college, but some of my F is still intact. I too need structure to function well in my life, even if I have free spirited tendencies. I also find that structure boosts my creativity to a certain extent, and that's one of my favorite aspects of my personality.
great video! I identify with so much of what you said. Exhaustion from thinking...check! Which is why I love exercising and being physical..it gets me out of my head and helps to focus on the present. My job has helped me to become a bit more structured in my life. I think for me a good chunk of my self esteem comes from feeling like I've accomplished something tangible (rather than day dreaming lol) and lists and having some sort of routine helps.
Literally what I am going through. Striking resemblance right here. Gotta focus on my schedule and you helped me realize.
This is SPOT ON for me i just found out I'm also an INFP and I think SO MUCH better then I'm on a health plan! I've definitely had this constant back and forth in my mind because I'm very creative yet i need structure and im a little more business minded then artist minded its definitely been a struggle :-( now I'm 29 And I'm still lost so I've really been digging for a solution. This video gave me some great insight
Thank you :-)
Beyond all the INFP thing (i think i don't like to identify that much on something like this), this video made me feel so good. I'm an awfully unstructured person and i certainly lack structure at this point of my life. Now i don't need to ask myself why i like so much to know or see how other people organize their simple things in a day (eat, prepar themselve, sleep, ect), i guess i just need some dens. Thank you. (sorry for my english)
"They unveil it slighly when they feel someone is worthy of hearing it." Very true. Then we dig deep, if it is a topic of interest. Both Ti/Ne and Ni/Te are powerful analytical "tools" and therefore we have the same type of jobs. But INTPs want a correct answer and INTJs want a very good answer FAST (and ENTJs even faster). Ti vs Te explains this very well, I think.
I'm an INFP. I think that she is an INFP. I feel like the male version of her. I socialized very little while in high school and at university. I focused mostly on studying and creating a future that I wanted. I thought that I had to have an ultimate goal and I always pushed myself to achieve those goals. I have TONS of thoughts in my head all the time and I hate it. I need to unwind and distract myself to feel better. I also crave freedom, and I found that I don't know how to deal with it, since I'm used to lots of structure and regularity. I taught English in French TAPIF program too like you. I was in Saint-Etienne and taught in Le Chambon-Fougerolles and Firminy. I also taught in Martinique. I don't like exercise, but I believe in it and do it sporadically. I just like to walk or do purposeful physical activity.
those are things a lot of types can relate to though
None of those things are specific to the INFP type. I think INFPs are often underachievers who aren't moving purposefully along a trajectory towards a career goal when young. They are much more likely to be focused on identity issues/sorting out feelings of how they view the world during high school and even early college/university stages. INFPs are late bloomers, and indecisive as fuck.
thisbedisanaquarium You make a good point, but I would never categorize myself as an underachiever. I think that the appearance of underachievement may be due to our laid-back/no pressure approach to life. We also analyze our choices extensively before making the choice that we are most comfortable with. I am a late bloomer though, and I think constantly about doing things in the right order before moving from one step to the next in how I live my life. That's due to my high ideals. At times I do feel miserable about this, and I wish to experiment less with life and become more comfortable, rather than worrying about what I could experience. I am indecisive too. If I have too many options, then it takes me a long time to make a choice. I have to weigh everything out and then I'll be able to choose.
Aaron Brown I could be wrong. Just going with my gut. Personally, I don't analyze which steps I should take, or in what order, I more so move through life doing things according to how my gut feels at that time, which may very well change in no time at all. For me, having high ideals means I value things like honesty, truth, true love, mercy to a fault.
I agree with your values and I can change my opinions based on how I feel too. Maybe my analysis comes from being a Sagittarius? Are you an Aquarius?
I related to the idea of "needing structure", and I had very similar experiences. Thx for sharing !=) I also "overthink" and anaylze things to death...but i have inattentive ADD and I don't know if you relate to that. But, exercise has helped me a lot in terms of feeling more grounded with what goes on around me
Wish I had seen this when it came out, it would have prepared me so much for college. My freshman year was full of me being detached from those material obligations like sleep and diet. I'm an INFP and there is definitely a strong current of over analysis running through my mind almost all the time.
I am also an INFP. I dropped out of college due mainly to a lack of everything you talked about here. I will be returning next year once my drop period is over, and I intend to plan the f**k out of everything! I will literally writing everything on my daily schedule, and stick to it like it is my religion to do so. The shame of my first failure sent me down a dark path, never again. I want my sanity back! Huzzah! Ride on!
Thanks for the video. Freedom is everything.
Pretty much everything you said is me in every way!!! Structure is key!
also how she described an infp and her experiences was very accurate, another reason to trust her.
Good video, gal. Right on track with the three tips. Ftom an older INFP male. Remember that we are the 'healers' according to David Kearsey - you might want to consider health care. I'm biased, though, because I'm a physician :-).
What's weird is that even though I am exercising, I still think. I have my music on, but my mind is still thinking. But it's not "exhaustive" thinking; it's more like "pondering", and it makes me feel so much better.
I also totally relate to your structure comment. Having someone to talk to, to tell you, "hey, you need to finish that resume by next week" is motivation enough for me to get anything done. INFPs like us just need someone to knock them off the clouds once in a while I guess. :)
Lol you and I sound so much alike. Its neat and funny at the same time. I feel ya !
Hey this is a great video, please do more INFP stuff! :D
Omgosh I went through EVERYTHING you just said. That is crazy. I'm also an INFP. I would recommend praying it helps clear your mind a lot, reading Psalms is great and has helped me 1-3 in the morning before starting the day. I also started writing my feelings down which helps with the over analyzing and gets the ideas from flying around your head onto paper in a more structured way that helps you make an action plan instead of being stressed. It will get better, I'm in the same boat as you just sharing what I've learned along the way. Thanks for the video God Bless!!!!
Curious about what you've ended up choosing for your life now, 4 years after this video was put out?
OMG! I totally analyze everything to death too! (including this comment lol) Great tips! I'm going to apply them right away! :D
You're preaching to the choir with that structure thing. I had the exact same college experience. I'm a senior this year.
to everyone that keeps assuming she's not infp: she's an adult, and as she's talking about how she grew and progressed as an infp she clearly demonstrates an introvert that can communicate and articulate her feelings effectively. it's possible she may show less of this outgoing exterior with strangers and social situations so I completely trust she's an infp.
Sheesh! You're really smart. My boyfriend is an INFP
I can’t believe this was 8 years ago, Thank you 😊 -infp dude
And I am a male iNFP and I can definitely vouge for overanalyzing exhaustion! It's incredible sometimes. It's like I can't turn it off no matter what. And definitely agree that I am most creative and productive when I have structure in my life, sleeping, eating, and exercising.
Yeah, same experience! I definitely had problems sleeping on time in college. And problems with nachos! And the exercise did help (I was forced to exercise for ROTC) by making me too exhausted to over-analyze things.
Everything u told in this video is soooo much like me myself. I'm INFP all the way ;) thx
I,m definitely like that with...most of the things.I don't sleep at same times too much,i don't exercise a whole lot.My first few years of adulthood were messy and awkward.Going out for walks exposes me to the real world a bit more and i get to process some thoughts a little better.Also, yes i'm an INFP as well.
Thank you for being so brave. It is good to know I am not the only one lol
I feel like I can relate so much. Thank you
this makes me wonder if there is a sliding scale for each personality type? because I can be so clumsy and absentminded. also overly sensitive. u seem so put together. ur like a super productive infp!
Well, I got a cup of water. Also I decided to spill a little, so I can join the party :)
...and yes semantics are important, otherwise the debate will derail. I agree.
I'm a 25 y/o INFP and I can relate to this so much! :')
Thank you for sharing!
Pretty much everything you say is my life. lol I'm a 25 year old INFP girl too. Sound advice, I am not so good with willpower. But even just now I ate like one solid meal today and the rest was like licorice and juice. Also my sleep schedule is so messed up. Your right though when I'm up early, eat well, and exercise I do feel much better. I was the same in high school too. Its much easier when structure is already there to be productive.
omg i can totally relate. i love mornings too..best time of day
Nice video, I can relate much to it!
I'm a 16 yr old who just took the MB test and i'm going through right now what you went through in college, and i think we all head south once we lack structure. My parents have always been very relaxed and passive (we were watching family guy by age 6 ((albeit a terrible show)) and they wanted us to be independant asap. This was a recipe for disaster for me once I realized that i faced really no consequences for drinking, missing class, smoking weed, etc by about grade 9. In early grade ten I was removed from my home because I opened up about my childhood sexual abuse from a family member and my very frequent suicidal thoughts and spent several months in foster care and a suicidal teen hospital (not like girl interrupted at ALL. i was very disappointed). It's currently the summer after grade ten, and the only gr 10 classes I passed were english and social studies because the teachers were very supportive and cut the minimum workload down drastically. I have no friends and the few people I like I hardly hang out with, maybe bi-monthly. I'm a good 60 pounds overweight and I haven't left the house without my parents forcing me to for months. Needless to say, things couldn't get much worse. However, i think I'm on the right path with figuring out my personality type and you have helped me wake up a bit from my cocoon of idealism and over-indulgence.
Amy, your life will get better--don't worry. If you can, maybe start the day with a letter to God or the Universe--whatever intelligent force you can imagine that got you here. Ask to be shown what to do and for some help.
It'd be great if you could slip out of the house early and get a walk, if you live in a safe area--wear a big hat or shades if you don't want to be recognized--or get your license and drive to some place in nature to walk. Also just doing one small thing a day to help the planet will bust open the door to major change & joy--it's like unplugging a stuck drain. Just picking up some trash, smiling at an older couple, writing some appreciative snail mail to a former teacher or someone you read about in the news, holding doors, cleaning out or washing the family cars w/out getting caught, scrubbing the floor after everyone's gone to bed, etc.
And exchanging a chunk of screen time for a chunk of journaling and doing, learning, working. If you're willing, try eating protein, healthy fats & veggies to help clear & support the hard-working brain. You have a great way with words and relating to humanity--would not be surprised if you become a much-valued therapist or healer of some kind. Bless you! The world needs you at this time.
Liza Field Thank you so much for that, I really appreciate the kind words, and you've truly made my day :) If you'd like to know, I've lost 40 pounds, been going to class, joined a rugby team and got straight A's on my last report card since writing my previous comment. I'm definitely reading your comment on my low days, and you're completely right. The first time things started to look up was around late August when I started focusing on sending good thoughts to others and forgiving all those who've wronged me. Have an INCREDIBLE December!!
As an infp i really enjoy Ballet & yoga, it almost doesnt require any willpower for me to engage in those activities because they suit my temperament so well. I encourage everyone to approach doing a physical activity in a similar way :)
You don't sound like an INFP to me. I'm an INFP by the way :)
Don't worry about the um's ... It's because we are intuitive. We think much faster than we speak so we unconsciously try to compensate by adding little fillers, like 'um', to our speech.
All these are so true. Only problem is I wake up early but I don’t do anything with the extra time but laze around
I definitely have to have my time scheduled or I don't end up getting things done..I type and print up a schedule and goals as well as reading list. In the past people would kind of make fun of me because I put pretty basic things on my too-do list as a young teen but i had to because I was pretty absent minded and would lose track of time easy.;)
I can't escape thinking when I excercise, unless it's with someone else
"skewed collaborative effect" I think Danielle can explain this. As far as I know, 1st/2nd functions work together and 3rd/4th, which means an INFJ's Ni will not present itself in the same way as an INTJ's Ni.
Another website explaining the functions, if you're interested, is Celebrity Types, click "More About Jungian Functions" at the bottom.
Can relate sooo much.
I would say more or less developed. Check out the Lewis Temperament Order website, which is based on Keirsey temperaments and gives us 48 types. Myers-Briggs is perfect for 16 types, no more. The best personality tests would be NEO PI-R, Hexaco PI-R and 16pf (psychologist)
Forget Law. It is suited to thinking (T) types, is very structured and hard work and also loads of money is not usually an end goal for someone who is INFP. Becoming a Doctor would be better but creative occupations would probably be the best route to go down.
That was one hell of an Si dom ramble. I'd say ISTJ.
Tea Time!
What did you ever decide to study? Law, Medicine, psychology?
I think it's hard to type Abraham Lincoln, John Adams etc. I must see HOW they speak and behave, and movies are interpretations... I agree that Alan Greenspan probably is an INTJ. BTW, I trust the typing of InterPersonality and DaveSuperPowers, but few others.
Im just like that too =D -INFP
I am INTP, but I want to grow my F-side stronger. Any tips?
No, I don't think she is an iNFJ. You're probably just impressed by her clear, composed, organized articulation, which she probably got from her parents strict upbringing.
I agree that she's clearly ENxx. Do you see Fe warmth? I don't... and she's too analytical to be an ENFJ (Fe Ni Se Ti). "She moves from one topic to another far too quickly..." is Ne, which leaves us with ENTP (tiny chance) and ENFP.
INTJs (usually) don't get offended. Why? Because we only listen to arguments like INTPs, plus no Fe. This makes us very objective and aloof. But since we trust our Ni and you guys trust Ti, we usually have different interests. We aren't fascinated by pure logic like INTPs for instance. But if we are really interested in something, we usually get very good at it.
I agree that her viewpoints are subjective which implies F. But ENFJ and ENFP personalities aren't even close. All (conscious) functions are flipped. A great UA-cam video that explains the functions is "Extraverted and Introverted Functions: What's the difference?" by InterPersonality. John Adams, hmm...
I need to see the entire movie, at least :-) What's your type? I'm an INTJ.
Celebrity Types is a very poor site... there are too much mistyped celebs; Bill Gates is an obvious INTP, David Beckham is ISTP, Prince Harry is ESFJ, Meryl Streep is INFJ etc etc. But their "More About Jungian Functions" page I do like.
ENTJs use few words to convey a message (Te), Bill Gates is very detailed. Fe users have a strong need for appreciation (in conversations, jokes etc) and this very much applies to Bill Gates. ENTJs usually have pretty strong Se, which by no means could be applied to Mr Gates. He's not sporty, not well dressed (in he's twenties)...
At one point in this video, to exaggerate you use the expression "every 5 seconds." OMG I say that ALL the time! -an INFP :)
...and Milton Friedman seems to be an ENTJ.
Your an infj... that j makes u like routine and order. I'm a infp amd I feel caged when ppl telling what to do.. structure is prison.
I'm a definite INFP and I HATE other people imposing schedules on me but I notice I get the most done when I make my own schedule and devote certain times to working on and finishing projects (usually sensitive to the times I feel most creative or productive. If I just live life without any self-imposed structure I tend to skip from project to project and never finish anything or just slack off in general. Just bc structure isn't the natural assumed role of the INFP doesn't mean they can't benefit and ultimately be happier with it.
I'm working on it. I was in my feelings the day I wrote that lol. I will make routines but never follow through for the life of me I can not understand why.
No doubt, dominant feelers don't analyze like that; too fast and too much... J or P? Well, I see strong Te/Fi, which excludes ENTP. ENTJ? My brother comes across as an ENTJ, but I know he's an ENFP with very strong Te. This girl, not so much...
ok
This is odd. I had a frappuccino with me while watching this video.
Hmm.. what you describe very much sounds like ADD
A lot get diagnosed with that
+j5hp Isn't that caused by sugary cereal ?
How do I contact you? Email?
You're not an INFP, that's for sure. I guess ENFP
I'll email. Address?
You would?
Kay.
Then what you need to do is go to the virtual village and go see if we're right about stuff.