If you’re curious about Introverted Thinking, also known as Ti, this is the guide for you. We’ll explore everything related to this cognitive function, including how it manifests, real-life examples, and famous people who primarily use Introverted Thinking.
So whether you’re new to cognitive functions or just want to delve deep into Introverted Thinking, keep reading!
What is Introverted Thinking?
Introverted Thinking is one of eight cognitive functions, which are modes of processing information and making decisions based on our personality types. They form the basis of how we think and draw conclusions.
Introverted Thinking is one of the processes that help us make decisions based on our inner world. It’s about taking into account your inner framework of logic and web of knowledge.
Introverted Thinking is all about having an understanding of how the world works. It’s associated with ensuring that data and information are accurate. Those who use it as a primary cognitive function tend to be talented at problem-solving, and they like to know the reasoning behind things.
If Introverted Thinking was a question, it would be: does this make sense to me?
Defining ‘Introverted Thinkers’
In this post, when we talk about ‘Introverted Thinkers,’ we are primarily talking about personality types who use Introverted Thinking as their dominant cognitive function. So, these would be INTPs and ISTPs.
Within the term ‘Introverted Thinkers’, we also include personality types who use Introverted Thinking as their auxiliary function, which are ENTPs and ESTPs. But they will relate to the content of this post to a lesser extent.
How Introverted Thinking manifests
Let’s take a look at how developed Introverted Thinking manifests.
Summary
Introverted thinkers are analytical and precise. They like to take their time to consider all possible options before making a decision. They are often highly logical and enjoy solving problems. In fact, they really like to dig down into how things work, and they don’t like to leave out important information. Introverted Thinkers aren’t happy with surface-level knowledge. They like to go deep and figure out the inner workings of things.
Introverted Thinkers like systems to work well, and if they find something that’s broken, they often have a strong desire to fix it. They often take time to process their thoughts before sharing them with other people because they want to ensure that what they say is accurate. As a result, they have a strong “inner world” where they do a lot of thinking and ruminating.
Problem-solving
Introverted thinkers are analytical in their problem-solving approach. They like to take their time understanding the problem before trying to come up with a solution. Once they feel they have mastered the problem, they will often brainstorm potential solutions and then evaluate them based on their feasibility and potential outcomes.
Introverted Thinkers use inductive logic to solve problems. This means they start at the theory, then go to the facts and then return to the theory. Essentially, they use facts to prove their theories. Over their lifetimes, they build up an internal web of knowledge about how the world works, and this is a huge advantage when it comes to solving problems. Sometimes it takes them time to work out where a new concept fits into their internal framework.
Communication
Introverted Thinkers communicate in a relatively direct manner in some ways, at least compared to a lot of people. They love to debate topics because it helps them clarify their opinions and thoughts. In fact, they may even argue with themselves in their heads. Debating helps Introverted Thinkers understand all sides of an issue before coming to a conclusion and it helps them to determine the accuracy of information.
Introverted Thinkers communicate in an open-ended manner and they often actively seek out other people’s opinions. This means that although they can be blunt in some situations, they are generally less direct and set on a specific answer. Introverted Thinkers will often play devil’s advocate just for the fun of it. In general, they can find it challenging to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
Memory
Introverted thinkers tend to have good memories for facts around topics they are interested in. In fact, they often have an encyclopedic knowledge of their chosen fields of interest, and they can easily recall this information when they need it. This is because they tend to store information in their minds in a very organized way.
As highly logical people, Introverted Thinkers might not remember the emotions they felt during certain situations as vividly as some other people, but they often remember how the information fitted in with their internal web of knowledge. They are more likely to be able to recall data than nuanced feelings from a specific situation.
Real-life examples of Introverted Thinking in action
Here are some real-life examples of Introverted Thinking so you can think about it in a practical and relatable way.
- Coming up with a new framework to understand all the different factors that can impact sales growth.
- Spending time understanding how a new watch works in a detailed way.
- Conducting an experiment to see if a theory you have plays out in real life.
Weak Introverted Thinking
Weak Introverted Thinking manifests as a lack of ability to determine what is true and accurate.
People who have inferior Introverted Thinking can become confused about what they should or shouldn’t believe. They might try to come up with ‘logical’ explanations with no real rationale. Ultimately, this can result in a contradictory view of the world that doesn’t entirely make sense.
Another way in which inferior Introverted Thinking can manifest is by taking things at face value. People who have weak Introverted Thinking may not stop and question the logic behind statements or data points, which can mean they can base their opinions on incomplete or inaccurate information. For example, they might see a news story and immediately share it with their friends without realizing that it comes from an unreliable source.
These are just a few examples, but hopefully, they give you a flavor of what weak Introverted Thinking looks like.
Strengths of Introverted Thinkers
Here are some of the strengths associated with Introverted Thinkers:
1. Objective: They tend to make decisions based on logic and objective criteria rather than emotions.
2. Knowledgeable: They have a wealth of knowledge and information at their disposal.
3. Analytical: They are excellent at analyzing problems and finding creative solutions.
4. Perceptive: They are quick to spot inconsistencies that others may miss.
5. Open-minded: They tend to be open to hearing other people’s perspectives.
Weaknesses of Introverted Thinkers
Introverted Thinkers can have some weaknesses too:
1. Insensitive: They can sometimes be insensitive to the feelings of others.
2. Stubborn: They can be stubborn, refusing to budge even when they know they’re wrong.
3. Blunt: They can be blunt, and their words can sometimes come across as harsh.
4. Arrogant: They can be arrogant, thinking they know better than everyone else.
5. Overly critical: They may sometimes be overly critical of others or even of themselves.
Famous people who use Introverted Thinking
Now let’s look at how Introverted Thinking manifests in real celebrities.
1. Aubrey Plaza, INTP
Aubrey Plaza is an Introverted Thinker. She is certainly quirky and unique. Plus, she has a sarcastic and dry sense of humor. She is the kind of person who is always thinking, and she is constantly looking for new and interesting projects. Aubrey Plaza is also very independent and doesn’t like to be controlled by others. She is a very private person and tends not to share her personal life with the public. Introverted Thinkers are known for their love of learning, and they are sometimes seen as the “odd ones out”, but they are actually some of the most intelligent and insightful people around. Aubrey Plaza is a great example of an Introverted Thinker. Aubrey Plaza’s most famous character, April Ludgate, is also an Introverted Thinker.
2. Bill Gates, INTP
Bill Gates is an Introverted Thinker, which is no surprise as he started as a computer programmer and is highly intelligent. Introverted Thinkers are known for their logical thinking and ability to think outside the box. These are helpful personality traits for a business person like Gates. He became a billionaire at the age of 31, making him the youngest billionaire in history at the time. INTPs are typically introverted, preferring to spend time alone or with a small group of close friends rather than in large social settings. Gates has said that he prefers small gatherings and one-on-one conversations because they allow him to get to know people better. Gates is also known for his philanthropy and has given billions of dollars to charities through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
3. Kourtney Kardashian, ISTP
Kourtney Kardashian is the epitome of an Introverted Thinker. She’s rational, independent, and confident. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. She’s tough-minded and she doesn’t need anyone’s approval. Kourtney is very much her own person, and she’s happy with that. Introverted Thinkers are often described as ‘rebels’, and Kourtney definitely fits that bill. She’s always been one to march to the beat of her own drum, and she doesn’t apologize for it. That’s what makes her so unique and special. ISTPs are also known for their adventurous spirits, and Kourtney definitely has that. She’s always up for trying new things, and she loves to travel.
4. Albert Einstein, INTP
Albert Einstein, one of the most famous Introverted Thinkers to ever have lived, was logical and enjoyed solving problems. Introverted Thinkers are known for their brilliant minds and are often found in occupations that require them to take a rational perspective. They are typically independent thinkers who prefer to work alone. Introverted Thinkers have a strong preference for logic and reasoning. Albert Einstein embodies all of these personality traits, and it’s these skills that led to his discovery of the theory of relativity. His work has had a lasting impact on the world of science, and he is considered one of the most influential scientists of all time. INTPs are often drawn to careers in science, engineering, or other fields that require creative problem-solving.
5. Vladimir Putin, ISTP
Vladimir Putin is an unhealthy Introverted Thinker. He isolates himself from society, avoiding social contact as much as possible, partly by choice and partly out of fear of being poisoned. A healthy Introverted Thinker takes a logical approach to life but still considers people’s feelings. But unhealthy Introverted Thinkers completely disregard emotions and lack any kind of empathy, which can definitely be said for Putin. Vladimir Putin dismisses social norms entirely and makes up his own rules that he lives by. Putin has an obsession with power, and his anger is triggered quickly.
How to develop your Introverted Thinking skills
The key to developing your Introverted Thinking skills is to focus on understanding the world and the accuracy of information. Here are some things you can do to work on your Introverted Thinking.
1. Understand your thinking process. To develop your Introverted Thinking, it’s important to first understand how you think. What kind of information do you attend to? What are your thought patterns? How do you draw conclusions? Write down the answers to these questions. Once you have a good understanding of your own thinking process, you can begin to work on improving it.
2. Be aware of your biases. Everyone has biases, but it is important to be aware of them so that you can account for them in your thinking. If you’re not sure where to start, make a list of common biases and work out which ones you’re prone to. Make a note of them and revisit it periodically to remind yourself. When you are aware of your biases, you can make sure that they don’t distort your thinking.
3. Collect accurate information. The quality of your thinking depends on the quality of the information you use. Make sure that you’re using reliable sources and double-check the facts before you use them. Whether it’s anything from a news story to advice from a third party, instead of accepting things for what they are, take extra time to verify the accuracy.
4. Practice critical thinking. One of the best ways to improve your thinking skills is to practice thinking critically. This means taking the time to examine the evidence and arguments for and against a particular conclusion. It also involves looking at different perspectives and trying to understand why people might hold them. When you practice thinking critically, you’ll find that it becomes easier to do it spontaneously.
5. Be open to new ideas. To improve your thinking, you need to be willing to consider new ideas and challenge yourself. This doesn’t mean that you should believe everything you hear, but it does mean being open to the possibility that you could be wrong about something. It also means being willing to change your mind if you come across new information that contradicts your previous beliefs. This is Introverted Thinking at its finest. Next time you catch yourself thinking that someone is wrong, ask yourself if there’s even the smallest possibility that they are right.
Introverted Thinking is a valuable skill that can be further developed with the right approach and some effort. By maintaining accuracy in how you think and process information, you can continue to grow as an individual and make the most of your Introverted Thinking.
Personal growth tips for Introverted Thinkers
If you’re an Introverted Thinker who is looking to develop different aspects of yourself, here are some tips for you.
1. Embrace your emotions. As an Introverted Thinker, you may tend to intellectualize your emotions or try to ignore them altogether. However, it’s important to acknowledge and embrace your emotions. They are a part of who you are and they can provide valuable information about your needs and wants. If you’re struggling to get in touch with your emotions, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you to understand and express them in a healthy way.
2. Set tangible goals. Another great way for Introverted Thinkers to become well-rounded people is to set tangible goals. This could be anything from reading one new book per month to completing a project that you started. Tangible goals and milestones don’t always come naturally to Introverted Thinkers, so it’s a great way of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
3. Find people on your wavelength. One of the best things to do as an Introverted Thinker is to find others who think like you. There are plenty of forums, online communities, and in-person meetups out there where you will be able to find people on your wavelength. This can provide a great outlet for you to share your thoughts and build friendships. Connecting with people you can relate to on a deep level is key to our happiness as human beings.
4. Actively consider other people’s feelings. A great way to develop a different aspect of yourself as an Introverted Thinker is to consciously consider other people’s feelings. This means considering how your actions or words might affect others. It also means being willing to compromise and accommodate others. If you can learn to put yourself in other people’s shoes, you will be a better-rounded person.
5. Help those in need. Helping those in need can be a great way of growing as a person if you’re an Introverted Thinker. This could involve volunteering for a cause you care about or simply helping out a friend who is having a tough time. When you help others, you are not only developing a different aspect of your personality, but you are also making a positive difference in the world.
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We hope that this post has helped you understand what Introverted Thinking is, how it manifests, and how you can develop as a person. If you found it helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from our deep dive into Introverted Thinking.
If you’re interested in other cognitive functions, you can read about Extraverted Thinking, too.
