7 Major ESFP Weaknesses & How to Manage Them (2024)

Knowing your weaknesses helps you make the right choices in life. You don’t have to waste your time on activities and pursuits that don’t align with your unique personality. 

Instead of risking ending up in situations that make you unhappy, you can embrace your personality weaknesses and deal with them accordingly.

The two biggest ESFP weaknesses are their vulnerability to criticism and aversion to conflict.

ESFP Weaknesses

1. Vulnerable to criticism

The biggest ESFP flaw is their overly sensitive character. These individuals feel insecure and threatened when others criticize them, even when it’s constructive. 

This ESFP weakness stems from the feeling (F) side of their personality. ESFPs are highly emotional and struggle to listen to other people’s perspectives objectively.

This ESFP negative trait sometimes makes them doubt their abilities and talents. As a result, ESFPs often avoid seeking feedback or criticism on their work, as they are afraid of being hurt or discouraged by it.

How to Deal With it

• ESFPs can manage this trait by building self-confidence and focusing on their strengths and accomplishments.
• These personalities can minimize this weakness by reframing negative criticism. Instead of seeing it as a personal attack, they can see it as an opportunity for learning.
• ESFP individuals can overcome this personality flaw by developing a growth mindset.

2. Non-confrontational

Another weakness for ESFP is their unwillingness to address conflicts. They prefer to act like nothing is happening, saying and doing what is expected, and move on with their lives.

This ESFP problem comes from the perceptive (P) side of their personalities. These individuals like to keep things simple and spontaneous, dreading anything threatening this state.

An ESFP under stress is more prone to display this problematic trait. They try even harder to keep the peace and avoid conflicts in an effort to reduce their own anxiety levels. Then, they start acting according to that they think will avoid conflict, even if it’s not in their own best interests.

How to Deal With it

• ESFPs can manage this trait by practicing assertiveness and expressing their needs and boundaries clearly.
• These personalities can minimize this weakness by learning to manage stress.
• ESFP individuals can overcome this personality flaw by practicing active listening to better understand the other person’s perspective.

3. Restless

Another ESFP personality weakness is their tendency to engage in risky behavior. These individuals are restless and become bored easily. Therefore, they find creative and troublesome ways to remain entertained.

This personality trait also stems from the perceptive (P) side of their character. They act spontaneously and postpone their obligations to see what other exciting options are available.

This ESFP weakness at work is particularly problematic. Their lack of consideration for the long-term consequences of their actions hinders their professional progress at times. They frequently find themselves getting distracted in their tasks and have a hard time sticking with one project for long periods of time.

How to Deal With it

• ESFPs can manage this trait by setting clear goals to keep them motivated.
• These personalities can minimize this weakness by taking breaks during the day to recharge their energies.
• ESFP individuals can overcome this personality flaw by finding a hobby or side project that brings novelty to their lives.

4. Short-sighted

A prominent negative ESFP characteristic that causes stress to these individuals is their inability to think beyond the present moment. As a result, they don’t make detailed plans for tomorrow and fail to consider their actions’ long-term consequences.

Again, this weakness comes from the perceptive (P) side of their personality. ESFPs don’t like having fixed plans because they want to keep their options open.

This ESFP weakness in relationships brings them many headaches. They struggle with commitment in romantic affairs, as they may not think ahead about its long-term potential. ESFPs also struggle to keep track of important dates or events, which can be frustrating or hurtful to their partners.

How to Deal With it

• ESFPs can manage this trait by creating a schedule to keep tracking of their commitments.
• These personalities can minimize this weakness by breaking tasks into smaller steps to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• ESFP individuals can overcome this personality flaw by using planning tools to stay on track with their plans.

5. Scattered

Another ESFP deficiency that causes conflict is their inability to stay focused on a single task for long periods of time. These individuals like to ground themselves in the present time instead of sacrificing their joy for lofty goals.

This negative quality also stems from the perceptive (P) side of their personality. ESFPs decide things on the go instead of establishing a time ahead of time.

They frequently find themselves getting distracted in class or meetings, whether by their phone, thoughts, or surroundings. ESFPs struggle to stay on top of their assignments and often procrastinates until the last minute.

How to Deal With it

• ESFPs can manage this trait by identifying the root causes of their lack of focus to find ways to address them.
• These personalities can minimize this weakness by setting specific, achievable goals.
• ESFP individuals can overcome this personality flaw by creating a distraction-free environment when working on their goals.

6. Struggle With Solitude

Another ESFP personality weakness that needs room for improvement is their difficulty to engage in activities that require solitude. ESFP personalities get their energy from being in contact with large groups of people. Therefore, they get bored when spending time alone and struggle to relax and reflect.

This negative personality trait comes from the extravert (E) side of their character. As we mentioned, ESFPs are natural entertainers and feel most happy when being around a spirited audience.

ESFPs may find it difficult to engage in activities such as reading or meditation. At the same time, they prefer to live in the city or go to crowded places even when they are trying to unwind.

How to Deal With it

• ESFPs can manage this trait by practicing mindfulness techniques to become.more comfortable with their own thoughts.
• These personalities can minimize this weakness by spending short periods of time alone and gradually increasing it as they become more comfortable.
• ESFP individuals can overcome this personality flaw by engaging in activities that they enjoy when they are alone.

7. Impulsive

Another potential problem area for ESFPs is their impulsive character. They act on their urges without considering the consequences of their actions or risks involved. This sometimes leads to reckless or irresponsible decisions that hinders their professional or personal growth.

This problematic characteristic stems from the perceptive (P) side of their personalities. They live in the present moment and act spontaneously instead of scheduling things in advance.

ESFPs struggle to stick to a fixed budget. They feel an intense urge to buy things they’ve recently spotted, even though they have no plan for how to pay for it.

How to Deal With it

• ESFPs can manage this trait by developing a plan or setting of criteria to guide their decision-making.
• These personalities can minimize this weakness by finding healthy outlets for their impulses, such as exercise or creative hobbies.
• A good way to overcome this personality flaw is by identifying the underlying causes of their impulsive behavior. As a result, they can develop coping strategies to help them make more mindful, calculated decisions.

FAQ

What is ESFPs weakest function?

The ESFPs weakest function is their overly sensitive character, as they are very vulnerable to constructive criticism.

What do ESFPs struggle with?

ESFPs struggle with dealing with interpersonal conflict.

What do ESFPs fear the most?

What ESFPs fear the most is committing to long-term, hundrum projects.

What annoys the ESFPs the most?

What annoys ESFPs the most is focusing on demanding tasks for long periods of time.

What is the dark side of ESFPs?

The dark side of ESFPs is that they are restless and get bored of routine very fast.

What annoys people about ESFPs?

What annoys people about ESFPs is that they are too scattered and forget important dates and plans.

What are ESFPs misunderstood as?

ESFPs are misunderstood as being too defensive, but in reality, they are very sensitive and don’t like being criticized.

What stresses out ESFPs the most?

What stresses out ESFPs the most is planning for the future.

How to improve ESFP weaknesses?

ESFPs can improve their weaknesses by being more organized and planning some of their activities ahead.