Are You ISTJ or ISFP? Here’s How To Tell

The Myers-Briggs Indicator has 16 personality types over four categories, and ISTJ and ISFP types share some similarities. Both fall under the Introverted and Sensing dichotomy, meaning these personalities need time alone and are thought-oriented and focused on perceiving the world around them through their five senses.

ISTJ types are logical, reserved, organized, and perfectionistic. They plan in advance and are dependable. ISTJ personalities value rules. ISFP types are creative and carefree, preferring spontaneity. They are open to new things and different opinions. Both types are loyal and value relationships.  

There is more to determining whether you are ISTJ or ISFP, and since both have some commonalities, you may be wondering how to tell which personality type you are. By understanding each personality type a little better and highlighting some traits inherent to each, you should be able to know whether you are ISTJ or ISFP.

Are You ISTJ or ISFP?

The ISTJ and ISFP personality types are two of the 16 types identified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which is an evaluation that picks up on your personality type and psychological preferences. These are based on your perception of the world and decision-making process.

Exploring and understanding your personality type can help you assess your skills, learning style, relationship, and social interaction styles, gain insight into your behavior, and learn about how you communicate. With this in mind, you can also improve on these things by understanding your own – and your partners’, family members, or friends’ – personality type.  

Both ISTJ and ISFP personality types belong to the Introvert and Sensing dichotomies but differ in the last two categories. Let’s look at each type to gain a clearer picture of what each type is.

ISTJ Personalities And Defining Traits

‘ISTJ’ stands for Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging and is often referred to as The Logistician. People with this personality type are usually quite severe with a preference for order and being responsible. These personality types tend to be more reserved and prefer their environment to be organized. They are often seen as perfectionists who like to plan in advance.

Because of the nature of this personality type, ISTJs are usually tradition-oriented and prefer to adhere to rules and abide by the law. However, they are also realistic and dependable, and trustworthy due to these traits.

Some areas that ISTJ find challenging and some they excel in include:

Strengths:

• Honest and matter-of-fact – Speaking truthfully and openly means communication with an ISTJ is clear-cut with no hidden agenda.
• Logical, practical, and analytical – ISTJs tend to make rational decisions that are not affected by their emotions.
• Well-organized and good at planning – ISTJ’s prefer order and careful planning in advance. They pay attention to detail and structure.
• Productive, taking pride in their work – Because ISTJ’s are responsible, they are always committed to seeing things true, keeping their promises, and focusing on tasks at hand.

Weaknesses:

• Rigid – because ISTJs like structure and order, they struggle when there aren’t clear guidelines, when things are chaotic, or when spontaneous changes occur.
• Judgmental and stubborn – ISTJs tend to be stuck on tradition and rules and don’t find many gray areas. Since everything is black-and-white to an ISTJ, they can be very judgmental of anyone outside their frame of reference. It is difficult to change their minds or show them a different truth.
• Insensitive – The trade-off for their honesty and transparency, ISTJs can come across as insensitive or disrespectful, as they often say what is on their mind without forethought to how it can be perceived. As they can put their emotions aside, it’s not the first thing they think of when communicating with others.

ISFP Personalities And Defining Traits

While also being Introverted and Sensing, ISFP personalities are also Feeling and Perceiving types and are also known as The Artist, The Composer, or even The Adventurer. ISFP types are known to be peaceful, down-to-earth, and easy to get along with.

While ISFP types enjoy meaningful connections and a small, trusted circle of friends and family, they also need personal space and value their alone time. They tend to put others first and accept the uniqueness of those around them.  

Breaking down their strengths and weaknesses will help us understand ISFP types better:

Strengths:

• Passionate and adventurous – As free-spirited individuals, ISFPs can make spontaneous decisions and choices fueled by emotion but are also pragmatic about what is rational and suitable for them. They care about how others are affected too.
• Open-minded and optimistic – ISFPs can find pleasure in most situations and generally have a carefree existence where they value the moment they are in. These types tend to see the good in people first.
• Charming and conscientious – ISFPs are loving and constantly seek ways to make others feel comfortable. They can identify the needs of those around them and value their beliefs and relationships highly.
• Creative – Always exploring new ideas, the ISFP type has a brilliant imagination, is curious about the world, and seeks out beauty wherever they find themselves. They can express themselves easily through their environment.

Weaknesses

• Reserved, quiet, withdrawn – Although ISFPs value relationships, they need to be alone to recharge, which means they can withdraw if they feel overwhelmed. They come across as reserved in situations when they feel uncomfortable. ISFPs seek out solitude to recharge.
• Unpredictable – ISFPs can make spur-of-the-moment decisions without too much planning because they enjoy living in the moment.
• Can be oversensitive – As they are optimistic and so welcoming to those around them, they can be oversensitive when others don’t respond the same way. Similarly, they tend to feel things acutely.

How To Tell If You’re ISTJ Or ISFP

These two personality types can seem completely opposite, but they share many similarities too. IF you’re wondering how to tell whether you’re ISTJ or ISFP, here is a handy checklist for each personality type.

Here are some signs that you are an ISTJ:

• You take pride in your work and do it right – you’re a perfectionist.
• You get irritated with those who can’t make decisions or understand logical problems, wasting time.
• You prefer to work alone than in a team, and if you are in a group, you want a clear understanding of who is in what role.
• You are direct and say things as they are – some may call you blunt because you don’t mince words.
• You are independent and don’t feel like you need anyone else. You prefer relying on yourself than others, and know that if you do something, it’ll be done right.
• You don’t express your emotions often, so you show love for others by doing things for them, helping them, and ensuring things work in their everyday lives.
• You tend to get saddled with all the responsibility – whether at home, at work, or in school, you are so reliable and dependable that it generally comes down to you.
• You get upset when plans change suddenly and don’t like change. You’re pretty set in your ways too, and you don’t want your mind changed.
• Rule, the law, regulations, traditions… these are things that you hold pretty dear. You’re a law-abiding citizen and don’t tolerate the chaos of broken rules.

If those don’t seem to apply to you, you may want to consider these signs that you are an ISFP:

• You are a daydreamer with a powerful imagination – you may even be creative in art, dance, music, or other forms of expression.
• You’re non-judgmental, accepting, and very open-minded about things. You want others to feel comfortable for who they are.
• You need time out by yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotional, or down.
• You are a bit of a risk-taker and enjoy an adrenalin rush.
• You’re highly sensitive to other people’s emotions, and at the same time, you are very sensitive to criticism.
• You’re spontaneous and don’t mind chopping and changing plans last minute.
• You don’t mind change – whether it’s new experiences, new ideas, new philosophies, or new versions of yourself.
• Planning ahead seems like a waste of time– worrying about retirement or what will happen a few years from now is not on your priority list.
• Those around you describe you as warm and likable, easy to be around, and always positive. You tend to see the positive in every situation first.

Conclusion

The ISTJ and ISFP personality types are both rooted in Introversion and Sensing, but that is where the similarities end. While ISTJ types are more rigid, logical, and planning-focused, ISFP types are carefree, spontaneous, and emotional. Both types are loyal and dependable as friends or romantic partners.

By ticking off which boxes most apply to you on our list of signs, you should be able to tell what personality type you are. Whether you are ISTJ or ISFP, you will generally need your own space to recharge, even though you value relationships with others highly.