You might have heard about different terminologies used to describe personalities such as introverted thinking and extroverted thinking. I know it can get very confusing, as it did for me when I started my reading journey. But don’t worry, I am here to explain it all in simple and comprehensible language.
So let’s get started and find out what introverted thinking means.
What is introverted thinking?
Introverted thinking is a cognitive function, which is one of the 8 major functions used to describe how people make decisions. Your experience with introverted thinking and its usefulness depends on how well it is developed in your cognitive functioning. Which in turn depends on your personality type as well as age.
To understand the world and the working of things logically, introverted thinkers form complex models/ systems in their heads. They have a lifelong commitment to improving their understanding of the world around them. Introverted thinkers tend to improve their concepts and understanding through curiosity and experimentation throughout their lives.
When they come across any new information, they try to check it against their internal models and systems. If this information makes sense according to their mental models, then they store it in the right category. If the information does not make sense, but it is correct information, then they reevaluate their mental model accordingly.
Another interesting feature of introverted thinkers is that they prefer to use precise words and terminology when speaking. They do not like the wrong use of words and terminology. Due to this quality, introverted thinkers have a good and vibrant vocabulary. They are also good at memorizing the meanings of words and remembering them.
Here are some key features of introverted thinking
- The brains of people with introverted thinking are different as they are wired to be more logical, objective, and analytical
- Information is stored in an introverted thinker’s head by categorizing and sub-categorizing in great detail.
- They tend to focus on the objective and rational part of things while keeping the subjective and emotional part of events out of their decision-making.
- Ti’s perform well in reactive and challenging environments where their skills can help create solutions. They can help fix problems, optimize the existing systems and create new ones.
- They are great at finding similarities and relationships among apparently unrelated things.
- Introverted thinkers make the best scientists, inventors, engineers, and developers. Having the ability to understand things in great detail allows them to be experts in their fields. They can deconstruct problems and devise intelligent solutions by making connections between ideas.
- Introverted thinkers are most likely to develop new ideas, models, systems, and products.
- Some of the world’s greatest minds such as Albert Einstein have used introverted thinking.
What kind of jobs are best for introverted thinkers?
As introverted thinkers aim to know things deeply, they tend to have a better understanding of things compared to a surface-level understanding. Due to this reason, they are inventive and innovative people. They can help devise the name of a company, design a product, or find the solution to a complex problem. The unique brains of introverted thinkers allow them to be more intelligent and creative.
Introverted thinkers can help devise the solution for a problem through their exceptional critical thinking. They can help find answers that are logical, reasonable, precise and free from emotional bias.
Some examples of jobs best suited for introverted thinkers include:
- Writer
- Editor
- Computer programmer
- Graphic designer
- Accountant
- Engineer
- Data Scientist
People with introverted thinking are also best at deciding new names and creating new words and new theories. This is why they form good scientists, researchers, and creative leads.
Introverted thinkers can work in jobs related to troubleshooting as they naturally have the ability to understand problems, find ways to fix them and create solutions quickly.
Another important job that is filled with introverted thinkers is that of engineers. People with introverted thinking can be found in the electrical engineering discipline. They like to learn about the principles of electronic circuits and then apply the learned principles to different areas in the world. In other words, introverted thinkers can apply theory to reality and further develop and explore it.
Introverted thinkers are best suited for jobs that allow them to work alone or with a very small team. Jobs that require a lot of interaction with people are not ideal, as introverted thinkers tend to get drained by too much socializing.
How do introverted thinkers communicate?
Are you wondering that having this amazing vocabulary and logical thinking must mean that Ti’s are really good communicators? You’re right! Introverted thinkers can memorize the facts they want to iterate in a meeting, they can keep small pointers in their heads under the right category without needing any notepad with pointers.
They know the right words to use to describe ideas and objects, while also organizing all the information logically. They can deliver great speeches from memory without needing any supporting papers.
Some challenges faced by introverted thinkers
As introverted thinkers can be obsessed with perfectionism and efficiency, it can hinder their work. They may get frustrated if things do not work out. In addition, it can be hard for them to work under the authority of someone who does not do a good job with their work.
They may be misjudged by many people for their smart work techniques. For example, if introverted thinkers find efficient and easier ways to do some task, it can be perceived as laziness rather than clever.
Similarly, introverted thinkers tend to understand the systems holistically which makes them better equipped to find shortcuts in some work. This strategy can be perceived negatively and it can frustrate bosses. However, Ti’s are only able to find shortcuts because they understand the systems in great detail allowing them to eliminate unnecessary steps.
In some cases, introverted thinkers may become stubborn and always consider themselves right. But like all humans they also make mistakes and reverting back to their method of thinking and ignoring reality can become detrimental for Ti’s. This stubborn way of thinking is very harmful to introverted thinkers.
What personalities display introverted thinking
Introverted thinking is dominant among INTP, ISTP personality types. Whereas, introverted thinking is a secondary or auxiliary feature among ENTP, ESTP personalities.
The personality theory by Myers and Briggs suggests that there are two thinking types namely, introverted thinking and extroverted thinking. Let’s look at the key differences between introverted thinking and extroverted thinking.
- Firstly, introverted thinking is focused on the internal environment, while extroverted thinking is more concerned with the external environment.
- Introverted thinkers tend to find rationality and consistency within their minds for problem-solving. While extroverted thinkers utilize logic in the external world to find solutions to problems.
- Introverted thinkers tend to make categorizations of concepts, while extroverted thinkers are determined to efficiently lead people by categorizing the external world.
- Introverted thinkers allow the smooth flow and functioning of systems and extroverted thinkers enable people management.
Despite these categorizations, all people have the ability to use both methods of thinking at different times. However, all personalities have preferences for using extroverted or introverted thinking as the first, second, third or fourth priority.
Another personality type which you can learn about is Introverted Extrovert. A person that has the qualities of both an introvert and an extrovert.
Famous people with introverted thinking
Did you know some very famous people used introverted thinking? Here’s a list of people with introverted thinking.
- Charles Darwin (INTP) scientist
- Albert Einstein (INTP) scientist
- Tina Fey (INTP) writer and actress
- Larry Page (INTP) co-founder of Google
- Tom Cruze (ISTP) American actor
- Bruce Lee (ISTP) Martial arts expert and actor
Here’s a Fun Fact!
Are you a fan of ‘the big bang theory’ show? If so, you would have noticed the quirky yet highly intellectual personality of Sheldon cooper. He is an introverted thinker and uses his logical and analytical mind to make sense of the world. Sheldon is a scientific genius as he tries to understand things in great detail and connects unrelated things to create new ideas.
An environmentalist by education and content creator by choice. I have diverse industry experience in teaching, writing, content creation, and marketing. Currently working as a Bussiness Development Manager at YellowCreatives; providing digital marketing services.
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