The INFP cognitive functions are: introverted feeling, extroverted intuition, introverted
sensing, and extroverted thinking.
The ENFP cognitive functions are extroverted intuition, introverted feeling, extraverted
thinking, and introverted sensing.
Basically, their functions are similar but just in a different order.
This difference does affect how they process, behave, and act.
Let’s break down the two a little more.
* ENFPs lead with extroverted intuition, which means that they tend to be excited by the
world more than INFPs, and see it as a place with unending possibilities.
Their feeling of love and optimism cannot be matched by other personality types.
- They focus their attention on the bigger picture rather than the details, and on future
possibilities rather than immediate realities.
- They love being around people and being able to inspire them with their passion and
energy.
- They are able to imagine countless possibilities that could happen in the future.
* The INFP’s auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition, which means, like their ENFP counterparts,
they tend to imagine a world full of possibilities, but they are much more cautious about them.
- Usually, they develop a strong gut-feeling about people or diverse situations, and very
often they will follow these feelings.
- Same as ENFPs, they can focus their attention on the big picture rather than details.
- They may not be very articulate on “why they do something”, but will not deviate
on “the right thing to do.”
* The ENFP’s second function is Introverted Feeling, and given how friendly and sociable
an ENFP appears to be in general, it’s a bit difficult to think that they have any
function that includes the word “introverted”.
However, it doesn’t refer to their interpersonal interactions.
For ENFPs, having Introverted Feeling as an auxiliary function means that rather than
using a strict and logical framework when making decisions, they are more likely to
consider emotions and extenuating circumstances.
- They have a great deal of compassion and empathy for others.
- They can be very impulsive and lead with their heart.
So if they feel something is right, they’ll do it.
* INFPs lead with Introverted Feeling.
They are emotional beings who deal with their feelings internally.
They have the same amount of love and hope as ENFPs have, but with a bit more isolation
and caution.
- They are thoughtful and empathetic towards others, but may have a hard time showing compassion
if they are unfamiliar with those involved.
- They sometimes feel misunderstood, because they tend to be reluctant to communicate their
true feelings.
* The ENFP’s tertiary function is Extraverted Thinking.
This is not as influential as the other two more dominant functions.
They process information by putting everything on the table and looking for connections that
make sense.
- When dealing with an issue, ENFPs tend to talk out loud or try to get ideas out of other
people’s heads in order to get a consensus of opinions.
- When emotions are put aside, they are able to puzzle out more solutions by using logical
connections.
*The INFP’s last function is Extraverted Thinking.
This is their voice in the back of their head that adds a bit of logical thinking to their
emotional state, and it tries to help them balance out their personality.
- When faced with adversity, an INFP may be able to quiet those emotional impulses and
think of a rational plan of action.
- They use logic when trying to assess the riskiness of any situation.
* The ENFP’s last function is Introverted Sensing.
After the sense of what is right or wrong, their emotions and enthusiasm, ENFPs will
use their past experiences to inform decisions about the present:
- They will use the lessons learned in the past for present situations.
- Same as INFPs, it’s likely that they will have strong emotions attached to their memories.
* INFP’s tertiary function is Introverted Sensing, which means they can use their vivid
memories of the past to understand what is happening around today.
- Memories are often very emotional.
For them, recollecting specific events can be a profound experience.
- They have an impressive ability to recall events from their past.
Remember that the four letters represent how you perfer to interact with the world.
With Extraversion and Introversion, this dimension refers to where you focus attention and get
your energy.
Extraverts are focused on the external world and other people, and are energized by external
stimulation and interaction with others.
Introverts are more focused on their internal world, thoughts, ideas, and feelings, and
get energy from spending time in solitary activity or quiet reflection.
Also, cognitive functions need to be considered.
The order of the functions can affect how the personality type processes things.
ENFP’s lead with extroverted intuition.
The dominant Extroverted Intuition monologue is: “I am swimming in an endless sea of
possibilities about what to do, experience, and think about next, and I want to try them
all!”
INFP’s lead with introverted feeling.
The dominant Introverted Feeling monologue is: “I must decide how I feel and where
I stand on these issues before coming to a conclusion about what to do!”