Many INFJ and INFP people have a tendency to “play small” in life. This means that we hide our true selves, downplay our talents and abilities, and hold ourselves back from going after what we truly want. We usually play small because we’re afraid that if we show up as our true talented and powerful selves, we will alienate others, or cause others to feel jealousy or have some other negative reaction.

Playing small can manifest in many different ways:

We might have strong opinions about certain topics, but keep those opinions hidden from our family and friends.

We may know deep inside that we are capable of writing a brilliant book, but feel afraid of the backlash we might receive if we actually do it.

We may want to build a successful business, earn more money, take more time for ourselves, or pursue more freedom in our lives, but feel anxiety when we think about the reactions that other people might have to us doing any of these things.

We might also self-sabotage in certain areas of our life, such as in our career or relationships.

Playing small manifests as:

Saying yes when we really mean no.

Hiding our accomplishments from other people.

Not speaking up about our goals and dreams.

Holding ourselves back from earning more money.

Holding ourselves back from improving in other areas of our lives.

Fearing the reactions from other people if we dare to “break away from the herd.”

Feeling scared of what might be expected of us if we do choose to level up our lives.