Among the 16 personality types of MBTI, ISFP personality is often referred to as the 'adventurer' type. This personality type seems to be free and free on the surface and loves life, but in fact, the heart is often filled with contradictions and struggles. Today, let’s explore in-depth what “courage” of the ISFP personality type is and how this courage is reflected in daily life.
If you are not sure about your MBTI personality type, please go to PsycTest Quiz's free MBTI personality test portal to get your exclusive personality analysis.
Courage is not fearless, but moving forward with fear
Before exploring 'courage', we need to understand a basic psychological view: without fear, there is no courage . In other words, it is precisely because we feel scared, worried, and hesitated that we need to use the courage to face the challenges in front of us. Although the ISFP personality is soft, emotional, and pursues the beauty of the present, because of this, their fears are often more real and deeper.
ISFP's 'contradictory' courage
Many people’s impression of ISFP is: artists, free souls, and unusual paths. We think of graffiti painters, performers singing and dancing, and even rebellious pop culture idols. But the real ISFP does not shine on the stage every day. In reality, ISFPs may just be the one who occasionally dresses the most special in the office, or people who like to share handmade and photography in their circle of friends.
Their 'adventure' is actually a daily mini-rebellion, a gentle but firm rejection of mediocrity. Behind these behaviors is their deep sensitivity and hesitation. They may be more likely to be influenced by others' evaluations than anyone else, and they also desire inner peace and interpersonal harmony more than anyone else.
Source of fear of ISFP personality
According to multiple personality and behavioral surveys, people with ISFP types show obvious tendencies to avoid when facing failure . Data shows that up to 80% of ISFPs say “fear of failure is the main reason that hinders their actions” , much higher than the average for other personality types.
This fear often comes from the specific consequences of failure in reality, but comes from emotional concerns about 'negation', 'criticism' and 'isolated'. In other words, they are not afraid of failure itself, but of the social impact of failure.
This also explains why many ISFPs don't look so 'brave'. They know very well that every time they express themselves and make different choices, they may bring doubts and misunderstandings from the outside world. It’s not that they don’t want to take risks, they just care too much about other people’s eyes.
Is ISFP really not brave?
Actually, it is not the case. During our research, we found that ISFP is actually one of the first personality types that have made major risk decisions in recent times . Many ISFPs have made their own 'major adventure' in the last 30 days. This shows that their adventures are more out of inner impulses than external desires to express themselves.
Their courage, perhaps not to speak in the spotlight, but to muster up the courage to express their true feelings in a broken relationship; not to invest in stocks alone, but to start a new way of life in a strange city.
Why is the courage of ISFP often misunderstood?
This has something to do with our definition of “courage.” We are used to linking courage with 'bold', 'decisive' and 'aggressive'. But for ISFP, courage is a restrained but firm action .
They may:
- Regardless of family opposition, choose a craft job that is not well-paid but loves;
- Even though he was so nervous that he was trembling, he insisted on completing his first public performance;
- Faced with a relationship that is no longer healthy, he proposed to break up with tears;
- When questioned, still choose to be true to your aesthetics and values.
These seemingly 'quiet' bravery are actually more rare and more moving.
How to improve the courage of ISFP?
1. Start with 'confidence'
Most ISFPs do not consider themselves to be highly confident, which makes them more likely to hesitate when making decisions. You can try to make a 'personal strength list' and list your strengths one by one and post them where you can see them every day:
- Good at listening
- Have artistic beauty
- Do things carefully and seriously
- Know how to care for others
- Know how to appreciate the beauty of life
Whenever you apply these advantages, silently give yourself a thumbs up in your heart. Cultivating this 'understanding of one's own abilities' is the first step in building inner courage.
You can also further understand your potential and traits, and deeply analyze ISFP's behavioral motivations, interpersonal needs, coping strategies, etc. through MBTI's advanced personality profile , and tailor personalized growth suggestions for you.
2. Faced with fear, ask about its authenticity
Many ISFPs actually know that their fear is not completely reasonable, but they still can't help but self-intimidation in their minds 'What to do if they fail'.
You can try writing down these ideas that make you hesitate and verify one by one whether they are supported by objective evidence. For example:
- “If I speak out, others will definitely hate me” → Really? Is there any evidence? Anyone else will?
- 'If I fail, I will have nothing' → Failure is really so serious? Is there any other way out?
This cognitive behavior training method is very suitable for ISFP types, especially those who are more sensitive to mood swings.
3. Let curiosity guide you to take a brave step
ISFP is one of the types of MBTI that have 'exploratory qualities'. They are often curious about new things, art forms, and unique lifestyles.
Instead of putting pressure on yourself with a high-pressure goal like 'I want to become brave', try to ask yourself:
'Am I a little curious about this now? Would I regret it if I don't try?'
For example, you are always curious about a niche exhibition, but you don’t go because it’s a bit embarrassing to go alone. Try to tell yourself: 'I'm not 'forcing myself to be brave', I'm just letting curiosity take me to see.'
Curiosity is the natural courage starter of ISFP.
Learn from the 'braves' you admire
ISFPs tend to easily empathize with other people's emotions and stories. You can get inspiration from the “brave characters” you appreciate most. Try to understand how they face fear, failure, and social pressure. Even if their lives are completely different from you, they will resonate with you in a certain corner.
You can even write in your diary: 'Which thing I did today is like a certain 'hero' I admire?' - This kind of benchmarking thinking will strengthen your 'muscle of courage'.
Conclusion: The courage of an adventurer is to live quietly as yourself
The courage of ISFP may not be seen at a glance. But in every person who dares to pursue real life, we can see this light belonging to 'adventurers'.
There is no need to be a grand and earth-shaking - you just need to make a little more decision for yourself every day and take one step for what you love, that is courage.
If you are an ISFP, you are also welcome to explore more related content in depth. We recommend reading:
Haven't done MBTI tests yet? Welcome to click on the MBTI test portal of PsycTest Quiz to quickly get your free MBTI personality type results.
PsycTest Quiz official website (psychtest.cn) continues to provide you with high-quality and professional psychological testing services to help you better understand yourself and live out yourself.
Link to this article: https://m.psyctest.cn/article/yQGLZOxj/
If the original article is reprinted, please indicate the author and the source in the form of this link.
