ESFPThe enthusiastic improvisor

ESFPs at their best

People love ESFPs—and ESFPs love people. They’re likely incredibly social and outgoing, and they tend to know exactly what others need in the moment. In fact, they often live in the moment. They love trying new things, taking trips, and experimenting with different majors or careers.

People with ESFP preferences tend to thrive when they’re in a group. They love to share experiences with other people—whether in their personal lives or their work environment.

Potential development areas for ESFPs

ESFPs have a lust for life. They often get distracted by new things, causing them to abandon existing obligations. It can be difficult for ESFPs to stay focused or commit to any one path, which may give them a reputation for being flighty or unreliable.

They also tend to experience anxiety about these behaviors because they don’t want to let other people down—so it can become a bit of a cycle.

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ESFPs and stress

People with ESFP preferences get stressed when they have too many plans or too much structure. They much prefer the freedom to adapt and be spontaneous.

They don’t like being forced to make decisions, and they may feel stressed when others analyze their thoughts or behaviors. Things like data and financial information tend to overwhelm ESFPs, and abstract information or concepts can cause them to feel stress at work.

If you have ESFP preferences, try these simple strategies to balance your feelings during times of stress:

• Take the time to consider what you want out of life and the steps it will take to get there. While you’re typically noncommittal, you’ll probably feel stressed if you don’t have an overarching purpose in life. It helps to keep striving toward a larger goal.
• Set a schedule. To avoid disappointing others or overexerting yourself, create a rough schedule that allows for plenty of free time.
• Don’t commit to plans you can’t keep. It’s OK to say no to plans you’re not fully invested in. It’s better to avoid activities you don’t enjoy rather than cancelling at the last minute.