Introverted Thinking (Ti) is one of the eight cognitive functions. This function works alongside Extroverted Thinking (Te) and it’s often mistaken for the other.
If you want to know what this function is all about, keep reading.
What is Introverted Thinking?
Introverted Thinking is a cognitive function that helps people make logical decisions. People with introverted thinking decide on things with their heads, rather than their hearts. They filter every emotion and look at facts and data objectively.
This doesn’t mean they can’t be emotional. They are just more logical and objective when it comes to addressing issues or solving problems.
Introverted Thinkers solve problems inwardly. They turn inward to come up with solutions, logic, and theories to address external challenges. They live in their heads a lot because they enjoy going through every aspect of a thought or idea.
Introverted thinkers are not afraid to come up with theories and ideas that challenge the status quo. However, they’re not rigid. They are willing to change their mindsets on issues as they get more information.
| Introverted Thinking | Personality type |
| Dominant function | INTP and ISTP |
| Auxiliary function | ENTP and ESTP |
| Tertiary function | INFJ and ISFJ |
| Inferior function | ENFJ and ESFJ |
If you want to spot an introverted thinker, here are some signs to look out for
8 Signs of Introverted Thinking
How would you know if you have introverted thinking?
You Think Unconventionally
Introverted thinkers are not afraid to think outside the box and question socially accepted norms. They are not likely to do things or accept ideas just because they’re popular.
An introverted thinker will assess things, evaluate the results, and make independent judgments. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo, especially when it doesn’t align with their personal values and beliefs.
Most introverted thinkers don’t agree with the conventional academic path, even though they may outwardly conform. They prefer to forge their learning paths.
Read ISTP 8w7- Here’s What You Should Know
You Take Time to Decide on Things
Introverted thinkers hate being rushed to make a decision. They are analytical and love to consider all options before deciding on one. They consider the pros and cons of every possible outcome before taking a stance.
Note that they may not always be right, but they don’t make as many mistakes as other people do.
Introverted thinkers don’t bow to status quo bias. They are not afraid to use an alternative or try something different and see how it works.
Sometimes You Overthink Things
It comes as no surprise that introverted thinkers struggle with overthinking. This trait is closely related to the fact they take time to ruminate over ideas before acting. Introverted thinkers try to closely understand things, so they spend an ungodly amount of time in their heads. This makes it hard for them to relate with other people.
Overthinking, when done excessively, can cause a lot of problems. They may tend to overthink every little action in their personal and romantic relationships. At work, they may take a longer time to make decisions on critical issues. They may even loathe and criticize their colleagues who are overtly emotional and sensitive.
Read Challenges of Being An Intuitive Introvert
You’re Independent
Introverted thinkers are highly independent and sovereign. They are not easily swayed by external forces. They have an inner structure and a set of principles that guide them.
For instance, INTPs and ISTPs are ferociously independent. They hate when people make demands of their time, energy, and freedom against their will. Also, INTPs don’t necessarily like working in teams. They may start off well in a team, but will eventually yearn for independence.
People with the dominant Ti function always need space and time to figure things out on their own. They independently gather information to critically analyze. If something doesn’t align with their goals, values, and beliefs, they will waste no time rejecting it. They hate to be interrupted when they’re critically thinking about something.
You Make Decisions Internally
As mentioned earlier, introverted thinkers turn inward to make decisions. They don’t necessarily consider people’s opinions before they act or tell people their plans. You will hardly hear an introverted thinker thinking out loud or explaining their thought process to people.
They simply ruminate on ideas internally and act on them.
Masters of Abstract Thinking
People with the dominant Ti function have mastered the art of abstract thinking. Unlike extroverted thinkers who, in most cases, believe that there is only one way to do things, Introverted thinkers don’t believe there is just one path. They love exploring existing rules to find loopholes to move around them.
Introverted thinkers always believe that there is another option. They refuse to be streamlined to one option.
They Appreciate Ideas Rather Than Rules
Most introverted thinkers are spontaneous. They love flexibility and detest anything that threatens their independence. They don’t enjoy working on monotonous tasks or at places where they are bound by a fixed set of rules.
Introverted thinkers focus more on ideas than rules. They are more willing to listen to ideas and concepts, even if they don’t necessarily agree, because they can deliberate on things and learn something new.
Plus, Introverted thinkers appreciate ideas because their path is never linear. They love exploring different sides of an idea or exploring new ways of doing things. They have endless curiosity.
Introverted Thinkers Are Objective
Introverted thinkers are very logical and objective. They are not easily manipulated by emotions and feelings, especially when it comes to decision-making. This doesn’t mean that they can’t be empathetic or consider the peculiarities of different situations. They just know how to keep feelings aside when it concerns important matters.
Introverted thinkers also speak precisely. They don’t talk much, but when they do, every word is accurately tailored to fit the situation or event.
How to Improve Your Introverted Thinking
The best way to improve your introverted thinking is to engage in tasks and projects. Do things that challenge what you already know. If something sparks your interest, don’t leave your curiosity to the wind. Do ample research on that topic until you can explain it to a five-year-old.
