INFJs and INFPs, Neurodivergence, and Lack of Focus

INFJ personality types and INFP personality types tend to judge themselves harshly for not sticking with projects and not finishing things. They blame themselves for a “lack of focus.” But what most INFJs and INFPs don’t know is that they are not the problem, and what they call a “lack of focus” is really a sign of a gifted neurodivergent mind.

“Lack of focus” is one of the most commonly reported problems from INFJ personality types and INFP personality types when it comes to finishing creative projects. Many INFJs and INFPs will say: “I have shiny object syndrome,” “I get so distracted,” “I get excited about one project and then something else excites me and I want to do that instead.” Most INFJs and INFPs think they need to force themselves to approach “focus” in a certain way, which includes sticking with one thing until they finish it and not working on anything else, setting concrete goals and pushing themselves to meet them, and pushing through even if they feel bored, resentful, or exhausted.

INFJs and INFPs tend to view focus with this kind of perspective because this is how popular culture views the concept of “focus.” Popular culture believes that “focus” equals working in a straight line and pushing yourself through things until you achieve pre-set concrete goals.

This approach does not work for INFJs and INFPs because we are neurodivergent. A high percentage of INFJ personality types and INFP personality types are working with ADHD or are on the autism spectrum. All INFJs and INFPs are highly creative and gifted, which means that we need to approach focus in a different way. Watch the video to find out more.

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[angelanicholson]

No wonder so many people find life so hard, esp when we are not understood or understand ourselves. Thanks for being someone who does and shares it with us.

[colonelgraff]

Me: Dang that’s a very pretty background
Also me: This video is about a lack of focus?

[pmdaguet]

Thank you for touching on the autism spectrum. I’ve had that intuition for a long time but you are the first I hear that makes the link with INFJ

[don-ebfj]

Thank you Lauren. The point about if our emotions aren't in it, we're out of it is such a huge element affecting every area of life and something I've struggled to understand and manage all my life. Looking forward to the in-depth coverage of this topic.

[debraglick]

I'm an INFP. I will pick what cup or utensil I'm going to use based on how I feel. Lol Thank you so much for this video!

[YAMISOOLD]

Its good to hear from someone who gets us. I have made it to late middle life living as conventionally as I could but its been difficult since I have a hard time focusing for very long on any one thing. I tried to determine if I was suffering from ADHD but if so its very mild and not impairing. But these last couple of videos from Lauren have been rich with this idea that we INFJs {and apparently INFPs as well} do not think or act in a strictly linear way. If its true that we think in a pattern more like a web then it makes sense that we would work and also create in that same web like way. I have spent hours upon hours doing tasks that are very linear and step by step. Its the most common kind of employment I would guess. You do a step by step task and your employer pays you. But I have often found it very hard to stay engaged with this type of work and to do it day after day without a shift in what I am doing. In my free time I tend to work on various tasks for as long or as little as I feel engaged. I get them all done but in my own manner and at my own pace. Much more satisfying but no pay.

[lucylou]

Youre amazing for linking ADHD to INFPs and summarising the neurodiversity elements. So useful for me after over a year of daily self discovery, as a 30 year old female INFP with undiagnosed ADHD! THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤

[MrsMeganMonsen]

Another awesome video! Feels like you're talking directly to me.

[carolinaluz_lumiar]

Thank you! I needed this validation so much today. You are a gift for us. I really want to join this class. 🙏🏻

[Chris.]

Thanks Lauren, I really needed to hear this today. Dots are connecting.

[wendypulaski]

Thank you the personality traits explain a lot, infj and my adhd dx fit me, once I stopped masking my feelings and work with it i like myself better

[madeOfStone]

how can this be applied to learning to code?

[lambswanky]

Grazie prof Sapala! Legendary, very appreciated!

[tracyspacey]

ENFP’s totally have lack of focus too 😂🥳 we not only get super distracted by feelings intuitions and creativity but also by people!

[MilkmanDan]

This is all great info... I can really relate. But how do we translate our "gifted" minds in to a fullfiling and stress free existance in a world where everything described here is against the norms

[Taoscape]

I am definetely an INFJ, but I really have to question about being on the spectrum. I have been looking into autism for 3 months now, because a friend is making content on it. I do have some overlap, however I never had to mask to fit in, and my INFJ cameleon skills arent used as self protection. In fact, I don't have much problem saying if I don't want to do something. Also I can read social cues, and implied meanings (as most INFJs can). I don't have an issue with being overstimulated, etc.

If I am on the spectrum, it feels like such a diagnosis would be academic.

[liamminerYT]

Ok this is so accurate for me, it's insane.

[louiseyoung]

You are so helpful and encouraging. Thank you ❤️

[EleoraMsia]

same goals but creative way to submit it

[mumuuuuo]

I’m an INFJ. I also have troubles working and writing but it’s not due to lack of focus, boredom, or Adhd. The reasons are stress and overwhelmingness. Is that a personal issue or is it an INF’s quality?