Everyone is intuitive to an extent. But when it comes to Introverted Intuition, things go a bit deeper. Today, we’ll look at what it means, how you can know if you have it, and its impact on your personality. And then, we’ll compare it to Extroverted Intuition.
Ready? Let’s go!
What is Introverted Intuition?
Have you ever had a moment where you just knew something was right or wrong? Maybe you saw a connection between two things that seemed unrelated. That’s your Introverted Intuition at work.
Introverted intuition, often denoted as ‘Ni,’ is a cognitive function in the Myers-Briggs personality formula. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality assessment test. It categorised people into one of 16 personality types.
Based on the MBTI formula, introverted intuition (Ni) is the dominant function of two personality types: INFJ and INTJ. People who have this function quickly recognize patterns and notice problems faster than others.
Also read: 12 Interesting INTJ Facts You Want To Know
8 Signs You Use Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Strong Introspective Nature
Introverted intuitives are naturally introspective. They think deeply about themselves and the world around them. And this isn’t just an occasional reflection; but a regular part of their day. They’re the type of people who ask questions like, “Why am I feeling this way?” or “Why do I react this way in certain situations?”
This is how they make sense of their experiences and grow. Being introspective doesn’t mean they’re stuck in their heads, though. It actually helps them feel more grounded. While others might avoid self-reflection, introverted intuitives see it as essential.
Confident in Your Decisions
Are you comfortable with your gut feelings? People with introverted intuition often come up with conclusions. And though they can’t exactly explain how they got there, from past experiences, they’re certain that what they feel is right.
This adds a layer of confidence whenever they make a choice. They’re also comfortable making decisions that others may not fully understand. Introverted intuitives don’t feel the need for external validation.
Future-Oriented Thinking, i.e., You Think Ahead
People with introverted intuition always look ahead. Their mind works round the clock, considering different possibilities. Predicting outcomes, both short-term and long-term, comes naturally to Introverted Intuitives.
They stay adaptable and always make smart decisions. At work, introverted intuitives don’t just repeat past successes. They seek new and better approaches.
You’re Easily Overwhelmed
Introverted intuition often comes with sensitivity. This may make you easily overwhelmed. Crowded spaces, loud noises, and intense conversations drain your energy.
This is often a sign that you need to take care of yourself. Take time to step back, calm down, and refuel. When you respect your limits, you can stay balanced. And your sensitivity can be more useful.
Easily Detecting Problems
Introverted Intuitives are great at spotting problems before they happen. Since they naturally look ahead, they’re more likely to envision problems that others may not see. Their problem-spotting skills stem from their understanding of how things work beneath the surface.
As an introverted intuitive, you absorb more information than others. By catching problems early, Introverted Intuitives can avoid risks or come up with better solutions. This makes them skilled advisors and innovative problem-solvers in both personal and professional life. People with introverted intuition can work as career coaches or mental health counsellors.
You Daydream a lot
Daydreaming is a natural part of our daily lives. And research suggests we spend about 25% of our waking hours daydreaming. That’s a significant amount of time but for introverted intuitives, it isn’t enough time. Here’s the fascinating part: daydreaming can actually be a source of inspiration. Studies have also found that people who engage in more meaningful daydreams tend to be more creative.
Sometimes, you don’t even notice when you start to daydream. You might be in the middle of a task or a conversation, and suddenly you’re lost in thought. The most interesting part is that the content of your daydream is always original. Your imagination runs wild and free.
You Prefer Abstract Topics
Instead of focusing on small, everyday details, they think a lot about what could be. Have you ever imagined how life would be in different places, or what the world might look like years from now? That might just be introverted intuition at work.
Introverted intuitives are fascinated by subjects like Philosophy and Psychology. They like to see the world from other angles other than the status quo.
You Enjoy Research
If you enjoy digging deep into subjects that are of interest to you, you might have introverted intuition as a dominant or auxiliary function. Research gives introverted intuitives a chance to be alone with their thoughts, and learn more about things they find interesting.
They can spend hours reading, thinking, and analysing. They take their time following questions wherever they lead; even if it means going down a few rabbit holes.
What Having Introverted Intuition Feels Like
Introverted intuitives are big-picture thinkers. They take small details and complete the puzzle to see the bigger picture. Their mind is always looking for meaning in everything. So there’s a lot of bright “aha!” moments in their life. These moments are always exciting for them.
For instance, you’re sitting in a team meeting, discussing a new project. As everyone shares their ideas, you listen carefully. Then suddenly, it hits you:
“Aha! If we combine Sarah’s marketing idea with John’s tech solution, we can achieve this goal faster!”
You link the two and everyone is happy with the potential outcome. As someone who has introverted intuition, you’re naturally good at picking up on subtle cues and effectively using them.
But here’s the thing: being an Introverted Intuitive isn’t all rosy. You always help others, but struggle to fix your own problems. It’s like you’re great at giving directions, but can’t find your own way.
So, how can your Introverted Intuition benefit you and others? Start by maximizing your strengths: listen to your gut and trust your insights. When faced with challenges, break them down into manageable pieces—just like you do for others. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Difference Between Introverted Intuition and Extroverted Intuition
People who use introverted intuition may come up with an idea but find it hard to explain how they arrived at that conclusion. Those who use extroverted intuition can usually explain how they arrived at a conclusion, but struggle to settle on a single idea amidst the many they have.
Introverted Intuitives (Ni) and Extroverted Intuitives (Ne) see things a bit differently. Think of Extroverted Intuition (Ne) like a wide-angle lens, scanning the horizon for possibilities. Introverted Intuition (Ni) is more like a sharp focus lens, zeroing in on the heart of the matter.
Introverted Intuitives (Ni) are constantly processing information, even when they’re not aware of it. Their minds are stuck on permanent “on” – they can’t switch it off. On the flip side, Extraverted Intuitives (Ne) tend to live in the moment. They like to try new experiences. And they don’t always look for deeper meanings in things.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned about Introverted Intuition, always remember that it’s a special gift. It’s what helps you recognise patterns. And seeing what others miss gives you a head start. You can plan ahead. To make the most of it, balance your intuition with logic—there, you’ll have your best intuitive self.
