My INFP Journey: Gradual Process to Success

I thought I was the only one who defies the norm, but everything changed when I learned about the INFP type. I thought that I was the only one who thinks and experiences things differently. I thought that maybe I hadn’t collected enough experiences in a certain field or aspect of life even though I’m quite aware that some things aren’t learned right away, even in months or years. It was today when I pieced things together and accepted the things I have and don’t have. My thoughts and feelings were valid after all.

I had this problem in school where I couldn’t recite properly in class because I kept overthinking that people wouldn’t appreciate, relate to, or understand my ideas. My ideas and thoughts are anchored to my beliefs to the point that they are quite heavy for some people. Thoughts and ideas such as living beyond the norm, actions and lifestyles beyond the norm, and mindsets that work for me but don’t work for others. Some see a quick fix, but I saw solutions and possibilities that would solve a bigger problem. It made me exhausted because I thought that this must be due to the different belief system I have from the people around me. It seems like religion also plays a role in socializing and life. I’m aware that the way I perceive or think about a situation or object is different from most people, but I did not think that my ideas were unworthy or useless because they helped me become the person who I am today. I began to realize that maybe religion isn’t the only reason for my different perspective on things but also how I process my thoughts and emotions, because some people focus on the present and some include the possibilities of the future.

A thought came through my mind: “Maybe because I’m an INFP! Maybe the reason why I think differently from others is because I’m an INFP!” It was 2023 when I discovered it, and I didn’t tap into it until the year 2026. This spring, I began a deep dive into the psychological types so I could learn what MBTI or INFP is about. I did research, asked people, and finally ended up with the resources I needed from Carl Jung, Myers-Briggs, and Linda Berens. I read the resources, and almost everything resonated with me for about 79%. What I learned is pretty personal, and I learned so many things about it and myself, and I was thinking if I should make a blog about it.

After I learned about the INFP type, everything clicked to me like it was the last piece of a puzzle game. After all these experiences, my worries and doubts perished. The best realization I can share right now is the mindset to keep on going forward and accept yourself for who you are while learning how to adjust, set boundaries and expectations, and refrain yourself from negative mindsets. I thought I was wasting my time gaining mini achievements along the way, but these mini achievements led me to bigger achievements. It’s difficult from the start because nobody told me what the journey would be like. In the end, I got the opportunity to experience what a healthy relationship and meaningful conversation are, living as myself without peer and societal expectations, with lessons and beliefs as my foundation in life. The more experience I gain, the more determined I become to seek what’s in store for me in the future. The more I read the descriptions about INFPs, the more I understand my potential and that my life is valid. Although MBTI is not everything, it’s a tool that helped me become confident in my own authentic self.

To conclude, I found my way in this world as I started my college life. I’ve been trying to fix myself since I was 16, and I have received the results of my endeavor. From seeking answers to experiencing the goodness in life, I realized that I have a lot of power in my own hands to change my actions and my behavior to create a meaningful change in society. I’m grateful for the experiences and realizations I had. The INFP type is one of many things I learned from about myself. I guess I’ll never really know unless I try. A journey alone is tough when no one is trying to guide you, and you have to do and realize things by yourself. I hope people discover their purpose in life regardless of their age, gender, race, and status in life. One thing that kept me going is the saying, “Growth is a gradual process.” We have different versions of success, but for me this journey is a great milestone and achievement.