As we delve into the realms of self-reflection, self-talk, and mental projection into either the past or the future, it becomes clear that different personality types approach these practices in unique ways. Mediators (INFP), for example, possess a natural inclination toward introspection and tend to engage in self-reflection frequently. In fact, it is highly likely that they even enjoy themselves while doing it.
Self-reflection, projection, and self-talk are great catalysts for personal growth, and Mediator personality types are set up for success, given their Intuitive, Feeling, and Prospecting traits. But that success can be hindered when a harmonious balance isn’t found in that reflection mode between the past, the present, and the future. Regardless of their practice with it, Mediators are still susceptible to losing that balance every once in a while. They are only human, after all, and some tumbles are inevitable.
It’s all too common for Mediators to feel criticized rather than supported by their inner selves. We created the Mediator Guide to Inner Peace to help these personalities change this relationship for the better.
By mastering this balancing act, Mediators can avoid the traps of dwelling on the past or projecting into an unrealistic future. Once they are firmly grounded in the present, they can lead a more authentic and fulfilling life. What that looks like and how they can regain their balance when they lose it are the topics that we’ll dive into in this article.
What Does Self-Reflection Look Like for Mediators?
Self-reflection is a process of introspection and self-examination. It involves turning attention inward, observing, and evaluating beliefs, values, behaviors, and patterns. Given Mediators’ Introverted and Intuitive personality traits, this action resonates quite naturally with them. Self-reflection is not just observation – it is an open invitation to explore with curiosity. This process allows Mediators to develop greater self-awareness, enabling them to make more conscious decisions and gain insights, ideas, and hopes for the future.
Using the word “observation” might give the idea that self-reflection only involves events that happened already or that are currently unfolding. However, imagining future conversations allows for observation as well – an activity that Mediators are quite fond of, actually.
In fact, in our “Practical Mind” survey, 99% of Mediator personalities say they often drift away into daydreaming or fantasizing about different ideas or scenarios. They play out hypothetical situations like, “How do you hold yourself together in case of adversity?” or “What is your reaction going to be when your boss yells at you for making a mistake?” Reviewing scenarios in their head allows Mediators to observe, dissect, and learn from these imaginary situations.
The Benefits of Reflection for Mediators
Observing and dissecting past situations has some clear benefits for Mediators. By going through situations in their mind, these personality types can solve problems or explore solutions for the future. These solutions do not all have to be realistic or practical, as the process of imagining various angles to a situation brings value and satisfaction in and of itself. This is their happy place.
Mediators can use their power of reflection to grow their communication skills. They can look back at a past interaction and reflect on whether they handled that conversation in the best possible way. Utilizing their imagination, they can try out different versions of that same conversation, testing a different tone of voice or using a different argument to learn whether they could have been more effective. When Mediator personalities have to resolve a conflict or start a difficult conversation – something that they may not feel entirely comfortable doing – they can practice how to broach the topic in a confident manner that feels authentic to them. They can run through different scenarios before deciding to act upon one of them in the real world.
Additionally, Mediators also have the opportunity to engage with and refine their empathic abilities through reflection. This allows them to step into someone else’s shoes, gaining more insights into their perspectives, emotions, and motivations. This understanding helps Mediator personalities reassess situations and come to different conclusions about them. These learnings will give them more information to make decisions that best suit them and the people they care for.
However.
These benefits of reflection are just one side of the coin. The other side shows the possible negative impacts that reflection can have on Mediator personalities’ lives. Let’s take a look at that.
When Mediators Get Stuck in the Past or Future
While people with this personality type enjoy revisiting the past for a variety of reasons, they find themselves in treacherous territory when they get stuck there. It is quite possible for that to happen, especially if they are not paying close attention. When revisiting the past turns into ruminating, Mediators’ strength of imagination turns into a weakness – a weakness that consumes time and energy and might even harm their overall well-being.
Looking Back
When Mediators revisit the past and ruminate, their regrets are a landmark that they keep going back to. According to our “Regret: General Attitudes” survey, Mediators dwell on their regrets often. And while that dwelling has its own detrimental impact (in our article “Mediators (INFP) and Self-Talk: Transforming Negativity into Creative Opportunities,” we explore how rumination might result in negative self-talk), what it leads to is the real concern for these personalities.
“Need for Control” survey, most Mediators say they are often afraid to make decisions. They worry about making the wrong decision, about negatively impacting their own feelings or those of others, and about missing out on better opportunities.
“Emotional Baggage” survey, in which most Mediators agree that their emotional baggage is holding them back.
A Mediator’s mind is a powerful tool that can work for or against them. We’ve created a handy guide – the Mediator Guide to Inner Peace – to help Mediators understand the inner workings of their mind and build a supportive relationship with their inner voice.