Jul 297 min read

What We Think, What I Think - The Thinking Functions In Your Life (Extroverted Thinking vs. Introverted Thinking)

Here I am again! Last week I wrote about I finished writing about the second of the two perceiving functions, Intuition. With that, I have discussed quite a bit about both the perceiving functions, Sensing and Intuition, and what they mean to you (you know...career, hobbies, jobs, friends, etc.). This week, we are exploring the first of two judging (decision-making) functions, Thinking.

Sensation establishes what is actually present, thinking enables us to recognize its meaning, feeling tells us its value, and intuition points to possibilities as to whence it came and wither it is going in a given situation. (From Jung's Psychological Types)

So, why are we digging into this discussion?

If you want to design your perfect life, you need to start by really understanding yourself—your preferences, personality, values, how your brain works, everything! One of these first steps is learning how you perceive and determine your actions within the world by understanding your cognitive functions.

So, let's dive in! As I said in the last post, I understand the world through memes, so here we go!

Left: Te - Extroverted Thinking - Fact is Fact - Yelling Mr. Incredible; Right: Ti - Introverted Thinking - Well, yes, but actually...no - Cartoon Pirate

Only one meme this week?!?! I know - I was upset as well. Let's dive in!

The Misconceptions

First things first—I have written about cognitive functions and cognitive stacks elsewhere, so if you need an introduction or a refresher, check those posts out first because we are getting into the weeds.

Let's start by getting rid of some misconceptions. The first one is that if it isn't listed in your profile, you don't use it. If you have a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) profile or a similar system that doesn't list Thinking as a function (like ISFJ or ESFP), you still use Thinking! This is the biggest issue with anything that looks like an MBTI result - we think because it isn't in our four letters, we can't or don't use it. Wrong! We all use an Intuition function; we just might not default to it as easily as others.

Here is another misconception - if Extroverted Thinking (Te) is listed in your cognitive stack, then you don't use Introverted Thinking (Ti). Wrong! You also use both function attitudes (such as Introverted Thinking and Extroverted Thinking). Just because a function isn't in your cognitive stack doesn't mean you don't use it - you simply don't use it as often or as easily.

Last misconception - MBTI, 16Personalities, and anything based on Carl Jung's cognitive functions explains everything about your personality. Nope! Jung developed these cognitive functions as an explanation for the different ways of perceiving and making decisions in the world; they are not behaviors or skill sets - they are preferences. This is why two ISTJs could meet and be two very different people. They will have a lot of overlap, but they won't be the same person.

So...What Is a Thinking Function? Extroverted Thinking vs. Introverted Thinking

All right, great, now let's talk about the Thinking function and its function attitudes (introversion vs. extroversion). First, Thinking functions are how we make decisions based on an interpretation of data from the world (through our Sensing and Intuition functions).

If there is one generalization I can make about people with a Thinking function in their top two cognitive functions, it is that they will use data everywhere. Really strong Thinking types will prefer data over feelings in just about every case. Sometimes they can be seen as bowling over the feelings of others. Why would we use feelings when the data is right there?!

Speaking of Data...

Data, from Star Trek: The Next Generation — Data (Star Trek: The Next Generation) is a great example of a Thinking user (likely Extroverted Thinking). When making decisions on how to act, he is most likely to default to facts, logic, and analysis rather than considering how he or others feel about something. Vulcans are also a great example of Thinking types.

This is the first point where we realize that we all use Thinking functions to some extent - everyone uses data to make decisions. Where we differ is in our preference for utilizing Thinking in our decision-making.

Every cognitive function can be Introverted or Extroverted. We call this the "function attitude." A brief crash course on the difference (you can read a more in-depth dive here) is that an introverted attitude focuses more on the self, while an extroverted attitude focuses more on how others are experiencing things. Introverted functions tend to focus energy on the individual's experience (the "subject" in Jung's writing), while Extroverted functions tend to focus outward toward others and the current moment (the "object" in Jung's writing). So what does this mean for the Thinking function and its function attitudes? Here it is in a nutshell:

Extraverted Thinking (Te) makes decisions about the world using observable facts. They also have a focus on efficiency, creating systems, applying logic (key word is applying), checking for consequences, and analyzing effectiveness. They know what the community is thinking. (Determining what is correct/incorrect based on environmental and cultural standards)
Introverted Thinking (Ti) is more focused on making decisions based on data, categories, and theories inside the mind. Outside facts and details are interpretations to be considered, but that does not mean these "facts" override what they think. They know what they are thinking. They may also come off as contrarian, but they have a reason for why they think the way they do. (Determining what is correct/incorrect based on individual and natural standards)

You look like you need a meme! Here are some for your consideration from the r/mbti subreddit.

Ti looks for logical consistency. Doesn't trust local observations to be the whole truth. Wants to understand how things fully work. Outside world is unpredictable - trust your brains. Knowledge is important for its own sake. "Do they fit in my theoretical 'blueprints'? Does it make sense to me? — The Introverted Thinker

Te values efficiency. Achieving and often quite goal-oriented. Information from the surroundings and experiences is seen as the most trustworthy and objective source of truth. Knowledge is often a tool for creating something new. "Most likely the truth, let's work with that!" — The Extroverted Thinker

Thinking: A Caution

One of the biggest generalizations is that Thinking types are really good at science and math and care less about subjects related to the humanities. This is not true. Do not fall into this trap. Just because you are a thinking type does not mean you have to become an accountant (ISTJ) or an engineer (INTP).

Thinking in the Real World - How We Observe the Thinking Functions and Our Cognitive Stack

Now that we have established that everyone uses a Thinking function (either Te or Ti). You can't escape this fact - it is your reality. But who uses Te vs. Ti, and where does it land in their cognitive stack? I got you. Here is a breakdown of every type and where their Thinking function lands in their cognitive stack.

Extroverted Thinkers (Te)
- ESTJ: Te-Si-Ne-Fi
- ENTJ: Te-Ni-Se-Fi
- ISTJ: Si-Te-Fi-Ne
- INTJ: Ni-Te-Fi-Se
- ESFP: Se-Fi-Te-Ni
- ENFP: Ne-Fi-Te-Si
- ISFP: Fi-Se-Ni-Te
- INFP: Fi-Ne-Si-Te
Introverted Thinkers (Ti)
- ISTP: Ti-Se-Ni-Fe
- INTP: Ti-Ne-Si-Fe
- ESTP: Se-Ti-Fe-Ni
- ENTP: Ne-Ti-Fe-Si
- ISFJ: Si-Fe-Ti-Ne
- INFJ: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se
- ESFJ: Fe-Si-Ne-Ti
- ENFJ: Fe-Ni-Se-Ti

Based on this list, we can assume that we will see similarities among personalities that share Thinking attitudes. The amount that you will see these behaviors in individuals depends on where the function lands in their cognitive stack. So, while an ISTP and ENFJ will both use Ti, an ISTP will exhibit Ti stronger than an ENFJ. These are just generalities, but here we go...

Extroverted Thinking
- Learns in order to understand how others think and use the thinking of others to inform their decision-making (seeks objective truth).
- Picks up practical knowledge and will forget what is not used.
- Puts a high value in experts and certification of knowledge (degrees, certificates, titles, etc.).
- Puts a high value on attaining titles, whether job-related or academic.
- VERY goal-oriented and often aligns goals with the typical expectations of society (titles, salary, achievements, etc.).
- Wants to appear competent and intelligent in the minds of others.
- Whether you see it or not, they are highly organized (even a mess has logic to it).
Introverted Thinking
- Learns to learn, whether or not that learning will ever come in handy.
- Picks up all knowledge and seems to remember it forever (You never know when you'll need it!).
- Does not care if someone is an expert.
- Titles and certifications don't really matter. It's just a piece of paper anyway.
- Has goals but doesn't really care what others think of them.
- Are confident in their own intelligence and don't really care what others think of their competence.

Te - "With regard to excellence, it is not enough to know, but we must try to have and use it." -Aristotle — More from Reddit!

Ti - "If I were wrong, then one would have been enough." -Albert Einstein's response to '100 Authors Against Einstein' — Reddit again!

Neat!... What Do I Do With This?!

Okay, cool. I see this—now what? How do I use it? Great question! What follows are some simple suggestions and are neither universal nor complete. If you want to get really in-depth, reach out, and let's start working together.

Let's go one function attitude at a time, starting with Te. Te users should seek careers that allow them to apply their strong organizational, planning, and decision-making skills. These individuals excel in roles that require efficient problem-solving, logical analysis, and strategic implementation. They thrive in environments where they can take charge, create structure, and optimize processes. Consider careers where you can manage projects, lead teams, and execute plans effectively (such as management, operations, engineering, finance, and consulting). Te users are driven by results and are adept at creating and following through on actionable plans. Look for roles that present opportunities to streamline systems, set and achieve goals, and make data-driven decisions. Also, look for jobs where you can become a master of knowledge and can put it to practical use. While Te-users often get pegged into jobs like the corporate world, accounting, lawyers, and military leadership (which is true), this does not mean you need to take a traditional job to flex your Te! Te users also thrive in being entrepreneurs, academics, leaders of nonprofits, and in political advocacy.

All right, Ti users - your turn! You excel in analyzing complex systems and finding logical solutions, a skill that is highly valuable. Your ability to dissect problems and understand the underlying principles helps organizations operate more efficiently. Ti users thrive in roles that require in-depth analysis and critical thinking (such as research, programming, engineering, and academia). You bring clarity and precision to problem-solving, often creating innovative solutions by deeply understanding the intricacies involved. Consider careers that allow you to dive deep into analysis, develop models, and refine processes. Also, look for jobs where you get to try out your unique ideas and where those ideas are respected. You will likely think against the grain, so embrace that! Come up with new technology. Develop new processes. Explore what is different about the world. Find a position that needs your ability to poke holes in arguments. Bring new ideas to fruition. Ti users change the world (Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Einstein, Marie Curie, Charles Darwin. The list goes on!)!

Thinking is such a cool function! When I first started learning about function attitudes, one of my biggest "Ah-ha!" moments was discovering the difference between Ti and Te. So many of my interactions with others started to make more sense! I hope this was a fun dive for you.

We'll see you in the next post, where we dive into the final cognitive function - Feeling!

With love,

Tom Chapman, TruePath Discovery Coaching

Ready to learn more? Check out these other popular blog posts!