When faced with tremendous stress, many personality types retreat into their shadow,
leading to some really unhealthy behavior. As an INTJ, do you know what your shadow
mode truly looks like? This happens, for the most part, for a short period of time,
but those who have undergone substantial trauma or have been under a lot of stress may continue
to be in their shadow mode for quite a while. Stress makes it difficult for any of us to
function at our best, and in order to adapt, we frequently build walls and protective systems. It
normally takes a lot of serious stress for the INTJ to go into shadow mode, but when they do,
they act very differently than usual, which can be unsettling for those around them.
There are no two INTJs who are exactly alike. But today, I'm going to focus on some of the
more in-depth and less-discussed characteristics of being an INTJ.
Today I’m taking An Inside Look Into Sn INTJ's Shadow Mode. Be sure to watch until the end of
this video and leave a comment - I want to know the experiences you've had with your shadows.
Let’s get into it.
Welcome to success for breakfast, where I’m serving up brain food, made simple.
Hit that Subscribe button to get the latest videos created
to give you the tools to level up your life.
INTJs are usually self-assured and confident people who trust their intuition and are
capable of completing objectives. They are hardworking with minds capable of processing
a wide range of ideas and information, but in their shadow mode, they struggle
to maintain the same level of balance. They appear less self-assured and confident,
continually seeking answers outside of themselves and from others around them.
Each of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types has a function stack that structures their cognitive
functions. Most type descriptions will focus on the four main functions found in a personality
type stack. An INTJ's functions comprise of Introverted Intuition (Ni), Extroverted
Thinking (Te), Introverted Feeling (Fi), and Extroverted Sensing (Se).
Does this mean that INTJs never engage in extraverted intuition (Ne), introverted
thinking (Ti), extraverted feeling (Fe), or introverted sensing (Si)? Absolutely
not! These are an INTJ's shadow functions.
Shadow functions can have both positive and negative effects,
although they are less obvious than your stack's primary functions. We often regard
them as "outsiders" who aren't a part of us. Our core functions, which we see as "us," are
what we accept into our ego. Because shadow functions are weaker than primary functions,
we tend to project our weaknesses onto others without realizing it.
INTJs thrive in the world of underlying meanings, relationships, and patterns.
They care more about what happens behind the scenes than what is visible on the surface.
(1) The INTJ's Dominant Function Is Introverted Intuition (Ni), which allows them to process
information from their surroundings in a more subconscious manner. Because INTJs
are naturally rational, it's easy to overlook the fact that their intuition is their primary
function. Introverted intuition grasps concepts and foresees future consequences
and possibilities. This helps the INTJ have a strong intuitive awareness of
future patterns and determine the most efficient strategic approach.
When an INTJ is in shadow mode, they focus on Extroverted Intuition (Ne). This usually
motivates the INTJ to explore new patterns and possibilities,
but they can be stressful. They begin to look for alternatives to the tried-and-true techniques and
data they are already familiar with in the hopes of discovering something more useful.
Instead of relying on their natural intuition, INTJs begin to broaden their horizons. Their
unwillingness to trust themselves and their underlying intuitive abilities
leads them to find alternative methods of determining the best course of action.
INTJs can feel annoyed and hostile when confronted with new possibilities, and hypotheticals. They
may switch off their own introverted intuitive perspectives, as well as the opinions of others
if they find them annoying or bothersome. This is frequently the result of someone challenging
their intuitive ability, pushing them to look for other ways to prove their worth.
(2) An INTJ's Second Function, Extroverted Thinking (Te), leads an INTJ to examine facts
and reasoning. They acquire data and information in order to reach logical conclusions and
effective future strategies. They prioritize factual accuracy and empirical knowledge.
Extraverted thinking helps them break down enormous tasks into smaller pieces. They value
time management and usually solve challenges by following a straight line of reasoning.
The INTJ is naturally forward-thinking, yet in their shadow state, they may find themselves
analyzing more than normal. They prefer to look at facts and apply logic to them,
yet this method may lead to doubts about the information. This is because their
introverted thinking (Ti) is beginning to take over.
Introverted thinking (Ti) is the inner voice that criticizes or shuts down the
INTJ's extraverted thinking-based goals. It could make them doubt a method they're putting
in place by challenging them to dig deeper into the logical concepts that support it.
They will scrutinize the specifics and look for ways to ensure that their solutions and
information are accurate. They also become a little more skeptical of other individuals and
their information, doubting their own ability to produce something genuine.
If you have gotten some value from this video so far, please,
show your appreciation by hitting that like button. That signals to
YouTube that you think other people could benefit from this video too.
(3) The Third Function Of An INTJ Is Introverted Feeling (Fi), which is largely concerned with
weighing the worth and importance of things. It analyzes values and ethics in an attempt
to understand what is genuine for an INTJ. They express introverted feelings in a lighthearted,
almost childlike manner. INTJs aren't as in tune with their emotions as other types,
but they do use them to understand what matters most to them. Due to their introverted feeling
function, INTJs have strong moral convictions and ideals. They are extremely loyal to their
own personal values and frequently distrust widely held social systems or standards.
When an INTJ uses extroverted feeling instead of their natural introverted feeling,
they become substantially more defensive of themselves and their actions. They
may struggle to accept true responsibility, relying on external justification to support
their point. They become more concerned with mutual understanding, which can cause the INTJ
to doubt themselves. The typically confident INTJ has difficulties understanding their
own knowledge and ideals, so they rely on group cohesion to decide what to do next.
Extraverted feelings try to understand and connect with the demands of the
group. It is the concern with the group's morale, values, and harmony.
INTJs frequently dismiss extraverted feeling-related beliefs as "silly" or
deceitful. They may regard it as people-pleasing, manipulative, or insincere. INTJs typically
struggle with being aware of the interpersonal needs and emotional reactions of those around
them. Concentrating on these difficulties is usually exhausting and a waste of time.
INTJs become more aware of the extroverted feeling influence
in their lives as they mature and are less likely to suppress it. They will
begin to pay more attention to the ideas and expectations of the group.
Have you ever had any of these shadow experiences in your life? If so, which
ones have you recognized in yourself? Leave a comment and tell me your stories and experiences.
Every personality type has a problem with the fourth cognitive function, which is often known
as the inferior function. We have accepted the inferior function as a part of ourselves,
incorporating it into our "ego," but it repeatedly fails us. It is the cause of
much of our anxiety and the function from which we are most prone to hiding behind a "persona."
(4) Extraverted Sensing (Se) Is The Fourth Function Of INTJs. Extraverted sensing is
preoccupied with feeling and acting in the present moment. It is aware of
the current scenario's tangible facts and swiftly assesses the situation to
determine what resources can be used and what possibilities are available.
Because they aren't naturally in sync with the physical world around them,
it can occasionally emerge in strange ways. It can prompt the INTJ to try to
notice details around them, which can assist them in recognizing changes.
INTJs aspire to shine at this function. However, they may experience nervousness, lose track of
what's actually going on around them, or overlook important information that they’ll need later.
An INTJ prefers introverted sensing (Si) when in shadow mode. Introverted sensing wants comfort,
stability, and consistency in the outside world. Introverted sensing users excel at replicating
tried-and-true procedures and techniques, and they frequently compare what's happening now
to what's happened in the past. They are also intensely aware of inner-body sensations and
live in a way that promotes physical comfort and consistency. As a result, the INTJ views previous
methods and memories as negative, only noticing and trying to improve the negative elements.
They can be tough on themselves and others when they are unable to appropriately digest
information. They find it difficult to focus on the past lessons that have helped them grow,
preferring instead to focus on the things that
have badly influenced them and make it difficult to move on from these events.
Remember that introverted sensing isn't always a bad thing. INTJs can occasionally have a
universal awareness of the history of things and how it relates to their entire existence.
They can also begin to include self-care and physical awareness into their daily routines,
as well as become more conscious of their own needs.
Because shadow functions can be both negative and positive, it's important to realize that
they aren't necessarily evil. It's equally crucial to be aware of them when you're inclined to make
assumptions about other people. In fact - being aware of your own shadow functions and using them
to your benefit is actually an amazing strength, unique to INTJ personalities specifically.
This video will show you exactly how you can leverage your INTJ shadow into an
unstoppable advantage in life compared to others.