Can an INFP Change Their Core Personality Type?

As an INFP, human behavior is a fascinating study, and over the years, I've come to understand the dynamics of personality and self-growth. The concept of changing one's core personality type is often discussed, especially within the context of the popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) where types such as INFP are said to have inherent traits that remain constant. Let's explore the nuances of personality, comfort zones, and personal development, with a focus on the INFP type.

The Role of Traumatic Brain Injury and Environment

Truly, one exception to the rule would come from instances of traumatic brain injury, particularly damage to the frontal lobe. Our baseline personality traits are substantially influenced by our values and behaviors, which often stem from these core traits. However, these traits can be strongly shaped by our environment and the experiences we encounter throughout our lives. Continuous stepping out of one's comfort zone can facilitate resilience and personal growth, but it cannot alter the core traits that define us.

Strengthening Cognitive Functions

As someone who predominantly relied on personal feelings for decision-making, I've learned that strengthening my cognitive functions—whether they are my weakest or strongest—can significantly impact my behavior. For instance, learning to rely more on logic in big decisions has helped me align more with the Thinker part of the INFP type, as perceived by others. Gathering evidence and making logically informed decisions often leads to better outcomes.

The Two Sides of INFP

After a lifetime of self-observation, I now tell people, ‘There’s me and there’s me.’ This approach bewilders many, but it highlights the core distinction between my inherent INFP personality traits and the self-awareness I've developed over time.

The Foundation of INFP Traits

The first 'me' is the INFP personality type, which describes my feelings, thinking, and natural behavioral tendencies in various situations. The INFP traits form the solid foundation upon which my character is built. Over the years, I've recognized that while these traits are the cornerstone, they are not the only influence on my behavior. When I am not consciously using my self-awareness to influence these traits, they tend to dominate my reactions.

The Self-Aware Me

The second 'me' is the self-aware INFP who observes, understands, and moderates the natural tendencies of my INFP personality. This process is not automatic but requires time, thought, and continuous effort. Stepping out of one's comfort zone is integral to personal growth, making familiar things more comfortable and natural over time. However, if I stop practicing new behaviors, I revert back to my innate INFP traits.

The Influence of Unexpected Situations

INFP traits often resurface in situations where I am caught by surprise and react instinctively. In such cases, my core INFP traits tend to pop up, demonstrating that these traits are deeply ingrained and often surface naturally.

Growing Beyond Core Traits

We do not change our personality, but we can grow and gain insight into our personality traits. By understanding and developing self-awareness, we can step outside our instincts, observe our thoughts and feelings in various situations, and then consciously decide on a desirable thought or behavior. While this process can make us better at managing our reactions, it does not fundamentally change our core personality.

Embracing Strengths of INFP

Ultimately, I remain fundamentally an INFP, and I celebrate the strengths that the INFP type bestows upon me. Our personalities are complex, and understanding the nuances of our traits can help us grow and evolve. For those interested in delving deeper into the complexity of the psyche, I recommend reading The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. It offers a valuable perspective on the ‘third me’—the self-aware me who can observe and evaluate the self-aware me, determining if it is truly thinking independently or simply rationalizing.