ESFP Personality

Are you interested in the ESFP Personality? Then this guide is for you.

Truly a people person, the one with the ESFP personality type loves to be around and connect with others.

Always the life of the party, somebody of this type may be referred to as the “Entertainer” or the “Performer.” If life is a stage, the ESFP surely puts on a good show to the delight of everyone around him or her.

Although someone with this personality enjoys a little drama from time to time, he or she doesn’t want the focus to be about him or her and will avoid conflict when at all possible.

However, this person will jump in to defend those close to him or her should the need arise.

With a focus on aesthetic appeal, the ESFP personality knows what’s attractive and is not afraid to switch things up from time to time.

Perhaps you can find this person redecorating his or her entire bedroom with a new look even though they just updated a few months ago.

Making up about 11 percent of the population, there are just enough of those with the Performer personality to keep everyone entertained.

• E – Extroverted: Talkative, encouraging, playful, social
• S – Sensing: Fashionable, observant, opportunistic, practical
• F – Feeling: Empathetic, helpful, supportive, optimistic
• P – Perceiving: Curious, adaptable, spontaneous, impulsive

While those with the Entertainer personality enjoy the time they get to spend in the spotlight, they are by no means self-absorbed. They genuinely care about the needs and concerns of others whether those people are close to them or complete strangers.

Being sensual people themselves, ESFPs like to stimulate others in the same manner, bringing joy and happiness as a break from the mundane aspects of life. They do all that they can to lighten the mood when they’re around.

Since they are typically very optimistic, when things happen that cause them to become overwhelmed, those with the Entertainer personality will often push these negative thoughts under the rug because it is too difficult to focus on them.

Always open to possibilities, it can be hard to tie down ESFPs though they’re great at keeping plans when it involves spending time with family and friends. As they genuinely like just about everyone, most people also like Entertainers for the most part.

Those with this personality prefer to go with the flow rather than having their lives structured. Basic routines are highly boring though they’ll be likely to keep up with tasks that improve the aesthetic value of their living and working spaces.

ESFP in Depth

Often considered the class clown in school, those with this personality type prefer actual hands-on experience to traditional methods of learning such as through reading books or listening to lectures. They prefer facts to theories.

Highly perceptive, ESFPs always know what’s going on around them. They’re especially keen at picking up on hints and sizing up people.

This focus on the here and now can get them into trouble when they fail to see how their actions can affect the future.

As you might imagine, Entertainers don’t like spending much time alone and would rather be in the company of others enjoying fun times and physical activities.

Because they bore easily, it’s not uncommon for them to be overwhelmed with all of the options available.

You might have heard people refer to ESFPs with some of the following words:

• Fun-loving
• Cooperative
• Excitable
• Likable
• Creative
• Clever
• Materialistic
• Adventurous
• Witty
• Efficient
• Accepting
• Down-to-earth

ESFP Strengths

ESFPs have great people skills. Being so in tune with the reality of any present situation, those with this personality type can sense when something is amiss or things have changed. They do what they can to keep the peace and help others to have a good time.

Those of this type are highly practical. Entertainers have little time to think about the way things should be as they’re focused on the reality of what is right now. They can stay focused on present needs, but they want to see results right away.

They are unique. Artistic and creative, those with this personality are always curiously seeking out new looks and experiences. Anything that shows their individuality or makes them stand out in a crowd is pleasing to these types.

Entertainers can easily adapt to new situations. Because they actively seek out adventure and excitement, it should come as no surprise that ESFPs are highly adaptable to change. They’ll eagerly step out of their comfort zones to embrace new experiences.

ESFP Weaknesses

Entertainers can be overly sensitive. They experience emotions very strongly. Unable to deal with criticism, those with this personality type may lash out if they feel singled out or like they’re backed into a corner.

Those with this personality can be impulsive. Perhaps in part because ESFPs know that everything can change even if it’s all planned out, these people live in the moment and make decisions without thinking about the future. In fact, planning ahead can be extremely difficult because they’re always worried that it might fall through.

They lack focus. Especially when it comes to long-term objectives, it’s hard for Entertainers to take a look at the big picture. They may find it hard to concentrate on subjects that they don’t find relatable or interesting.

ESFPs get bored really easily. Once they’ve had their fill of an activity or interest, it’s time to move on to something else. Because they must always be stimulated in some way, those with this personality may engage in risk-taking behaviors for the pure pleasure or excitement.

Cognitive Functions of the ESFP

How we take in and process information to make decisions is based on four functions that differ for each personality type. They are as follows for the ESFP:

• Dominant Function: Extraverted Sensing
• Auxiliary Function: Introverted Feeling
• Tertiary Function: Extraverted Thinking
• Inferior Function: Introverted Intuition

Extraverted Sensing

As the dominant function, extraverted sensing is the strongest. This means that the ESFP personality prefers what is factual and concrete rather than on theories or what could be. Enjoying sensual experiences in the here and now drives the motivations of this person.

Introverted Feeling

Although fact and reality are key for this individual, he or she gets balance with introverted feeling. This allows the Entertainer to make decisions based on his or her feelings and allows him or her to be able to empathize with others.

Extraverted Thinking

While the ESFP can put the shoe on the other foot, so to speak, extraverted thinking keeps this individual on his or her toes, preventing others from overly taking advantage of this individual’s kind nature. As the tertiary function, it could make this person less likely to share his or her judgment on an issue.

Introverted Intuition

Since the auxiliary function is typically the least developed in the ESFP, this person may find it difficult to bring some type of balance to his or her life. To see connections or patterns, this person must take some time to properly analyze facts though it can be through a runabout train of thought.

The ESFP in Relationships

When it comes to romantic relationships, the ESFP doesn’t make plans for the long haul. This person prefers to get every bit of enjoyment possible out of each relationship as long as it lasts. However, the partner of someone with this personality type is sure to have a lot of fun along the way.

Because someone of this type is always re-evaluating the relationship, things can end suddenly as this individual’s feelings change. The breakup can come as a surprise to the unsuspecting partner who may feel that everything’s going along great.

Since the Entertainer enjoys highly sensual experiences, a partner can expect intense intimacy as long as this person has a mind that’s open to all of the willingness of the ESFP. Highly affectionate, he or she has no trouble showing how he or she feels.

However, it’s important to note that an ESFP can’t handle criticism or even relationship advice, especially if it comes from a partner. This person takes everything personally. Consequently, this individual does like input about the relationship from his or her social circle.

Highly open and social, someone with this personality type most likely has a huge circle of friends and acquaintances to enjoy time with. Sharing time with others is one of the greatest pleasures of the Entertainer.

The ESFP is likable, witty, and charming, leading to the development of new friends very easily. Unfortunately, this person is always looking for the next big thing, so he or she is likely to get bored with old friends and move on to making more new ones.

Preferring a more relaxed child-rearing style, the Entertainer doesn’t adhere to strict schedules or lots of unnecessary rules. Rather, this individual prefers to spend time actively engaged with the children, playing, exploring, and doing with a nurturing and encouraging style.

What few rules the ESFP parent finds important must be respected by the children. Although this parent might not be strong at disciplinary measures, he or she will do what’s necessary to keep the children on the right path.

ESFPs at Work

While ESFPs like to have a fun and relaxing workspace, they also want to make sure that all practical matters are dealt with appropriately and on time. They’re able to encourage their colleagues to come up with solutions that work well for everyone involved.

You may see Entertainers organizing events that keep up company moral both in and out of the work setting. When working in teams, these individuals are great at diffusing potentially negative situations and ensuring the job stays on track.

Those with this personality type don’t like highly structured or rigid work environments. They prefer a job that allows for change and progress on a regular basis. The great thing is that these people have all sorts of ideas to reach this end.

It might seem hypocritical, but while ESFPs find it difficult to handle criticism, they can certainly be brutally honest when it comes to providing feedback to others. However, when criticism is aimed at them, it’s typically accepted if it’s genuinely meant to help things along.

If engaged in a managerial position, these individuals don’t sit on a high horse and give orders to subordinates. They’d rather get right in there and do the work alongside their employees. In fact, ESFPs will encourage and motivate everyone.

Since Entertainers like attention, it’s important that they receive the accolades they deserve for a job well done.

ESFPs are keen at picking up subtle changes in mood, so it’s no wonder that they are also exceptional at preventing conflict among other workers. With an ESFP around, work can be a fun and enjoyable place. Here are some careers that Entertainers may find rewarding:

• Actor
• Musician
• Fashion designer
• Social worker
• Fitness trainer
• Elementary teacher
• Physical therapist
• Athletic coach
• Retail manager

Hobbies and Interests of ESFPs

When it comes to activities that Entertainers enjoy, it really comes to anything that sounds like it could be fun. Hosting and attending parties, going out to clubs, engaging in social and team sports activities, playing games, and completing DIY home projects are some hobbies and interests commonly seen in ESFPs.

ESFP Celebrities

Because ESFPs enjoy the limelight, it’s no wonder that there are a lot of famous Entertainer personality types that you’ve probably heard of. Some of these names are Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson. Ronald Reagan, Kelly Clarkson, Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton, and Pablo Picasso.

Summary

Fun-loving and encouraging, the ESFP personality type is genuinely likable and loves spending time with others in engaging activities.

With a focus on pleasures of the here and now, this person may neglect some responsibilities and avoid planning for the future.

Down to earth, the Entertainer enjoys excitement, adventure, and helping others.