ISFJ and ISFP are actually completely different personalities. However, if you are someone who’s checking your personality for the first time, it can pretty be confusing to nail down if you are one or the other. So, to cure your confusion, we’ll have a little ISFJ vs ISFP challenge. That is truly the only way you can confidently tell them apart.
So, if you’re ready, let’s get down to it.
What is the Main Difference between the ISFJ and ISFP?
The main difference between the ISFJ and ISFP is their approach to life. While ISFJs prefer to plan ahead of time and never leave anything to chance, ISFPs are notorious for procrastinating and never planning ahead of time.
While this is pretty much the first thing that stands out with these types, there are a lot more things to learn.
Let’s start with their cognitive functions.
ISFJ vs ISFP- Cognitive Functions
Cognitive functions refer to the way the MBTI takes in and processes information. It also tells what each type is most likely to do when they have to make a decision.
Each MBTI type has four dominant letters. They are usually arranged in the order of preference. Here are the ISFJ and ISFP cognitive functions.
| ISFP | ISFJ |
| Introverted Feeling | Introverted Sensing |
| Extraverted sensing | Extroverted Feeling |
| Introverted intuition | Introverted Thinking |
| Extroverted thinking | Extroverted Intuition |
As you can clearly see, these two MBTI types do not share any cognitive functions. Let’s consider each of them more closely.
Fi vs Si
The ISFP leads with introverted feeling. This is their first function. This function is used to collect all the information in their environment. Once the ISFP has been able to do that, they then pass it through their internal mirror.
This allows them to decide if the information received is a good thing or a bad thing. This is the first reaction you will get from an ISFP.
For the ISFJ, they lead with introverted sensing. This means that the ISFJ often compares new information gotten to past experiences.
With this comparison, they often approach new experiences or recurring events by examining what worked before and what didn’t.
Se vs Fe
Se means that the ISFP is often delighted when their sensory senses are stimulated. Thus, they might love aesthetics and might also be more interested in activities that promote this sensory appeal.
Se allows the ISFP to live in the moment and to deal with their daily activities. It also allows them to be more laid back and interested in games that promote physical sensory activities.
ISFJ’s second function is the extroverted feeling. This allows them to be in tune with the feelings of others. Thus, ISFJ will be able to interact successfully with others when speaking.
They can also make people more interested in them. It’s not a surprise then that ISFJs are often described as one of the nicest people in the MBTI typology.
Ni vs Ti
The third function of the ISFP is introverted intuition. This function allows the ISFP to connect the dots and develop unique ideas. However, this function is as mature or developed as the first two functions.
If the ISFP develops this function, they begin to look a lot like the INFJ. This is especially true when it comes to predicting the future accurately.
The ISFJ uses introverted thinking as its third function. This allows them to think through their actions or situations that they are in. If the ISFJ can use the Ti to complement their Si, they can become almost unstoppable.
Just like the ISFP, Ti for the ISFJ is not fully mature or developed. If they develop this function, ISFJs might look a lot like INTJs.
Te vs Ne
This is the last and the least developed function of both MBTI types. The ISFP will use the Te to arrange their thoughts and their ideas in an organized manner. This allows them to reach conclusions on all the information that they have gathered.
However, because the ISFP uses Fi as their main function, any conclusion reached by their Te will be subjective. Te is also one of the reasons why they try to obey law and order.
If you want to learn more about the ISFP and how to reach your full potential, you should click that link.
ISFJs, on the other hand, use the Ne function as their least function. This function allows the ISFJ to express the ideas that they have thought about and processed. Because this is their last function, ISFJs do not like to use this function.
This is one of the reasons why ISFJs have issues expressing themselves in their relationship or in the workplace. For the ISFJ to learn to communicate more, they will need to develop their Ne.
If you want to learn more about the ISFJ and how you can reach your full potential, you can click that link.
ISFJ vs ISFP- Love and Relationship
ISFP and Love
ISFPs are called adventurers and they approach in the same manner. The ISFP wants to fall in love. Thus, if they are attracted to someone, they are ready to go all in too soon. However, they fall out of love too often.
This often makes them look bad and many people describe the ISFPs as flighty or just not ready for commitment. However, ISFPs are often just searching for something truly meaningful. They want to communicate with their partner on a much deeper level.
ISFP’s love quality often borders around words of affirmation and acts of service. However, they also enjoy a lot of quality time.
The natural partners of the ISFPs are the ENFJs and ESFJs. However, any two mature people can make a relationship work.
For the ISFPs, it’s often the thought that counts and they will show their partner a lot of warmth in their relationship.
ISFJ and Love
Unlike the ISFPs, ISFJs will often approach love with caution and a lot of doubt. While ISFJs want to fall in love, they want something that will last forever. ISFJs are very traditional people and want to have a family and home.
Thus, when they do fall in love, they give it everything that they have. This often means that ISFJs stay in relationships way longer than they should. They might also be in a toxic relationship just because they do not want to give up on their partner.
ISFJ values quality time and words of affirmation. It is not surprising that these two are often their top love languages. They want to spend time with their partners and feel valued. Do this to your ISFJ and watch them love you even more.
The natural partners of the ISFJ are the ESFP or ESTP. In some corners of the MBTI world, it is also believed that ISFJs and ENTPs attract and can also be a good match.
With a little compromise, any two mature people can make a relationship work.
ISFP vs ISFJ- Population Count
These are two very common types in the world. According to Career Planner, ISFPs make up about 8.8% of the world’s population. This makes it the 4th most common MBTI type in the world.
ISFJs, on the other hand, make up about 13.8% of the world’s population. They are the most common MBTI type in the world.
ISFJ vs ISFP- Enneagram Types
According to Thought Catalog, ISFJs are more likely to be type 6s than any other enneagram type. This is closely followed by type 2 and type 9.
However, the ISFPs are completely different. ISFPs are more likely to be type 9s than any other enneagram type. This is followed by type 4 and type 6.
Summary of the Differences between an ISFJ and ISFP
| ISFP | ISFJ |
| They lead with Introverted Feeling | They lead with introverted Sensing |
| ISFP is more spontaneous | ISFJs are more of planners |
| ISFP are adventurers and will always be up for traveling or adventure | ISFJs are more interested in being secure. Thus, they often have doubts about travel or adventure. |
| ISFPs wants a workplace that gives them hands-on experience | ISFJ wants a workplace that allows them to work behind the scenes |
| ISFP is more compatible with ESFJ and ENFJ | ISFJs are compatible with ESTPs and ESFPs. They might also be compatible with ENTPs |
ISFP vs ISFJ- Workplace and Career
ISFJ Career Options
ISFJs want to be in a workplace that is structured. They are driven to be the best versions of themselves. ISFJs often have strong values and like to project this in their workplace. They can also be very reliable workers.
To get the best out of your ISFJ, make sure that they are not in the spotlight and they understand their roles in the organization.
Here are some of the best careers for ISFJs
- Dentist
- Physician
- Missionary
- Pharmacist
- Registered Nurse
- Librarian
- Teacher Assistant
- Financial Clerk
- Human resource specialist
- Paralegal
Here are some careers that ISFJs should avoid
- Lawyer
- Entrepreneur
- Executive
- Sales manager
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
ISFP Career Options
ISFP does well in a workplace that encourages hands-on experience. They want to know that they are contributing to a worthy cause. ISFPs will like a workplace that gives them support. If there is one thing that ISFPs don’t do well with, it’s criticism.
To get the best out of the ISFP, make sure that you give them enough support. Also, make sure that they have a role where they can clearly see the impact that they are making.
Here are some of the best career options for ISFPs
- Chef
- Florist
- Graphic Designer
- Youtuber
- Fashion designer
- Nurse
- Geologist
- Pharmacist
- Paralegal
- Artist
- Travel Blogger
Here are some career options ISFP should avoid
- Judge
- Lawyer
- Auditor
- Entrepreneur
- Professor
- Sales representative
- Financial Manager
- Accountant
ISFJ vs ISFP- Approach to Life
ISFPs are adventurers. This means that they like to try new things and see new places. As earlier stated, ISFP wants to have the best sensory experiences. This makes them in touch with their physical environment.
Their need for adventures makes them one of the most spontaneous sensor types around.
This is different with the ISFJ. ISFJs are planners. They prefer to schedule and plan their time accordingly. This also applies in their home. ISFJs often have timetables they follow and keep in a neatly arranged house.
They also prefer things that they know and have experience in. This can make it hard for an ISFJ to spread their wings and move to new places. Because most ISFJs are often enneagram 6, they often seek security. This perfectly complements their need to rely on their experiences.
So are you an ISFP or an ISFJ?
