Introverted Thinking or a Smart Introvert?
Today’s topic is style for people using introverted thinking. I’m continuing a series on Myers-Briggs, cognitive functions, and how to use this system to create authentic style. (If you prefer to watch, find this content here on YouTube. It is also available on most podcasting platforms.)
I will explain the difference between introversion over all and using an introverted cognitive function, how introverted thinking can inform your signature style based on what position it occupies in your personality, and be sure to stay to the end for a ramble on a NEW connection I am making between Myers-Briggs, personal growth, and identity.
What does it mean if your thinking is introverted? You must be a smart introvert, right? Not exactly! Some large percentage of Introverted Thinking users are actually extraverts. And, of course, thinkers and feelers can both be smart.
I’m Rebecca Mielke, your Visual Identity Coach on a journey of self-discovery, so you can align your inner and outer self, show up confidently, and contribute your gifts to the world. We need you!
If you would like to have my help nailing down your Myers-Briggs type and figuring out why it even matters, check out my Personality Profile & Palette.
Introversion & Extraversion in Your Cognitive Function Stack
The difference between introversion over all and using an introverted cognitive function, relates to the position of the function in your cognitive function stack.
Your cognitive function stack is the four functions you prefer using, in ranked order, and in an A/B pattern of introversion and extraversion.
If you are an introvert, you lead with an introverted function. Your second is extraverted, third introverted, fourth extraverted. An A/B pattern.
It’s the other way around if you are an extravert. Your first, or dominant function is extraverted, but the second is introverted to balance you out.
Which Types Use Introverted Thinking?
Introverts who use introverted thinking are INTP, ISTP, ISFJ, and INFJ. If you have INTP or ISTP preferences, your dominant function is introverted thinking. If you have ISFJ or INFJ preferences, introverted thinking is your third function.
Extraverts who use introverted thinking are ENTP, ESTP, ESFJ, and ENFJ. So, if you have ENTP or ESTP preferences, Introverted Thinking is your second function, still a significant strength and part of your personal genius. And if you have ESFJ or ENFJ preferences it is your fourth or inferior function.
Introverted Thinking as a Function
Introverted Thinking as a function uses impersonal criteria internally to evaluate truth; it’s making decisions about what makes sense. It values logic and conceptual categorization and competency. Personality Hacker nicknamed it Accuracy. The technical shorthand is Ti.
Introverted Thinking has decided what it believes and isn’t afraid to reevaluate if new information comes in.
Introverted Thinking & Signature Style
Since people using Introverted Thinking are making decisions based on what makes sense to them, their style is going to be highly self-referential, often minimalistic, and sometimes rebellious. Some people with this function high in their stack may only feel comfortable wearing black.
Style thoughts, by type and function position:
- INTP or ISTP: Ti is your dominant function. You want to show up looking like this. It could be good to have a simple uniform that works within your industry, like a black t-shirt and black pants. I normally think black is pretty boring on most people, but TP types could be the exception.
- ENTP or ESTP: Ti is your second function. If you like color, please carry on!! But find a way to show you are making decisions based on what makes sense to you. This could be adopting a capsule wardrobe or always wearing a dress. Or here’s one that you should definitely try, and I actually would recommend to anyone: only wear shoes in the color of your hair. If you do this, all your shoes will work with every outfit.
- ISFJ or INFJ: Ti is your third function. The third function is a place of playfulness. I love the idea of having a slightly rebellious “off-duty” look for these types.
- ESFJ or ENFJ: Ti is your fourth or inferior function. It is a position of aspiration. I suggest you come up with a way of pre-deciding outfits that makes sense to you, whether it is hanging them together, choosing them the night before, or using a lookbook.
NEW Thoughts Connecting Type, Personal Growth, and Identity
I have been reading the book Living Fearless by Jamie Winship (Amazon affiliate link), in which he tells amazing stories about his adventures in living out of his specific, God-given identity. (Often, within the church, we focus on our general identity as being redeemed and belonging to God’s family; rarely do we focus on how our identity is informed by how specifically He made us.)
So, I have been praying and asking God to reveal how He wants me to live out of my identity. He has revealed two specific aspects of my identity to me:
- Friend. As in, both His friend and a friend to others.
- Truth-bearer. As in, sometimes I have an uncomfortable truth I have to share with someone and sometimes I know an uncomfortable truth about someone and I need to just carry it with them.
Carl Jung believed that when we integrate our dominant and inferior function, they create a transcendent function, capable of much greater things than either of the original two. And I am seeing this idea reflected in the identity I’m talking about here.
My personality type is ENFJ. My dominant function, Extraverted Feeling, is all about relationships. My inferior function is Introverted Thinking, the one we’ve been talking about in this episode. My task this calendar year has been to practice telling people how their actions impact me. And my identity combines friendship and truth.
Would you like to know your dominant and inferior functions? I would love to help you to step into your God-given identity. Simply decide whether you need the Personality Profile & Palette (which comes with a palette) just for yourself or whether you need the Partner Profiling, which does not come with a palette but where you each have a separate profiling interview with me and then I explain your types to you together 💕.