9 Confessions of an INTP in a Creative Field
The INTP personality type is known to be one of the more rare types among the sixteen. As cool as that sounds, it also feels quite lonely because it’s harder to find people to directly relate to. Especially as a writer — who also loves creating tons of other types of content — being an INTP has great advantages and disadvantages. It definitely takes some finessing to get the most of myself and what I want to create — but it is possible. As an INTP, there are so many misconceptions about me and how I get things done, so here are nine facts that I’d love you to know about me!
Confessions of an INTP
- I observe everything
I like watching everything! I love to take notice of everything around me. Everything becomes fascinating and I find patterns and meanings just for the fun. This is great for my writing because, to me, there’s always something useable because there’s are many things outside my own life experiences that can make a beautiful story and luckily as INTP, I can take it all in.
2. I’m always daydreaming
Like any other introvert, I like being alone and the easiest way for me is to tune everything out and get lost in my thoughts. There’s always some fantasy playing out through my head and my mind buzzes with ideas from the moment I wake up. That’s usually where most of my ideas spark and develop, which is great since my mind is now my “office”. However, the problem with that is I sometimes forget to actually do anything instead of daydreaming. It’s really easy to get lost.
3. I have a crippling fear of failure
As I said, I always have ideas whirling through my mind and I want to create them all. My only problem is that I’m never satisfied with myself and my work. I have absolutely no faith in my own skills and have the worst habit of delaying projects for the sake of “perfection” or just not wanting it to massively fail. Sometimes I even quit while I’m ahead. I keep over analyzing and doubting myself which tends to get in the way even if I think the idea is awesome and doable.
4. I need different ideas to inspire me
One thing that I think comes naturally to me is being open-minded. I think every idea/concept can, and should, be challenged. I’m always up for listening to differing views. Sometimes observing comes with actually talking to people (daunting, I know) but I always choose quality over quantity. I try my best to interact with people who have meaningful things to say and that fascinate me. But, if I’m not feeling up to it, I just watch a ton of videos on a variety of topics. That way I get inspired without being tired.
5. I’m blunt to a fault
I really can’t help myself. It’s almost like an insatiable itch that I have to scratch. I believe being as honest as possible can never steer you wrong. I always have to be honest about what I want and how I want to get it. Luckily, I do have the common sense to know when to sugar coat things but it’s not as necessary as you think. Whether I’m writing/creating for myself or others, being transparent about what I expect to get out of the experience usually helps me to cancel out doubts and be as productive especially if I’m pressed for time.
6. I may hurt your feelings but I promise it’s not my intention
With the combination of N (Intuition) and T (Thinking), INTP personalities are known to get caught up in their logic and to be honest, I tend to be insensitive. Sometimes I feel puzzled in certain high-emotion situations. When working with others, I usually have to be careful to be cognizant of other people’s personalities. This is why I usually opt for a team player role and not a leading role. It’s just much easier to not offend people.
7. I second-guess almost everything
My aforementioned fear of failure is a vicious cycle because all I do is overthink and second-guess every minute aspect. This is one of the few reasons I like doing projects for other people. It’s the few times I don’t usually have the liberty — or time — for self-doubt. I usually have to get things done and be confident in what I’ve made. It’s unfortunate that I can’t do that for my personal work but it’s something we INTP’s have to find ways to work around.
8. I can’t stand rules
I’m not the biggest fan of rules, especially when they limit how I have to think and process information around me. This a plus because I usually find some way to do things with the strength of unconventional creativity. I’m always ready to reinvent how I write and tell stories and makes me want to explore different avenues to bring compelling words to all sorts of people from different walks of life. It’s not the best mindset when working within a team but I’ve been able to make it work so far.
9. Office life is not for me
According to Truity.com, INTP’s are the most likely to be self-employed — and that is so true. There is something about a 9–5 and office culture that is absolutely unappealing. We are solitary, eccentric, and independent beings and that doesn’t exactly fit in with the ideals of most businesses which are usually designed for very different personality types. It’s not impossible to find somewhere to fit into, but it might be better to explore alternatives first. INTP’s are most commonly associated — and expected to be — in more technology-based fields but my Bachelor’s in Software Engineering is actually the least of my concerns and interests. I definitely learned the hard way that I work best independently especially on creative projects. Luckily, writing is a solitary activity that I can enjoy and engross myself in freely.
If this sounds relatable, check if your an INTP. There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert in a creative field. If anything, we can all thrive in it if we wanted to. I love being creative because it lets me know there’s more to my introversion and there’s always a way to make it work for me.
