The INFJ Ni-Ti loop is when INFJs get stuck using their Introverted Intuition (Ni) function with their Introverted Thinking (Ti) function while skipping over their Extroverted Feeling (Fe) function.
Getting stuck in this loop causes us to act out our character. Instead of the warm friendly person that we usually are, we become cold and critical.
INFJ Functional Stack
Let’s back up for a minute and dive into functions. INFJs have the following 4 functions:
Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
Generally, INFJs use the first two, Introverted Intuition (Ni) and Extraverted Feeling (Fe) most of the time. These come naturally to us. Introverted Intuition (Ni) is our ability to just know things about people and the future without really thinking about it. Extraverted Feeling (Fe) leads us to know how others feel and be concerned about what they think and the general harmony of those around us.
The bottom two functions, Introverted Thinking (Ti) and Extraverted Sensing (Se), take some time for us to develop and some work as well. Introverted Thinking (Ti) makes our own personal decisions logical and standardized. Using this function makes us more focused on the individual (ourselves) rather than the whole experience (others). Extraverted Sensing (Se) is exciting experiences outside of ourselves, things that appeal to the senses (taste, sounds, sights, experiences).
INFJ Ni-Ti Loop
When we are stuck in the Ni-Ti loop, we are skipping over our Extroverted Feeling (Fe), which is how we interact with the outside world and how we help and show concern for others.
Instead, we are staying in our head exploring ideas and possibilities (Ni) and then endlessly rationalizing them from our own selfish point of view (Ti).
Signs that you’re in the Ni-Ti loop
No concern for others
Isolating yourself
Loneliness
Procrastination
Not wanting to complete projects
Feeling empty
No motivation
Why do we get stuck in this loop?
There are a few reasons that we can get stuck in the Ni-Ti loop. Self-preservation is one of the big ones. It’s easy for us to get hurt by other people, people who don’t understand or notice how sensitive we are. We simply don’t want to get hurt again. So we just skip over the extroverted function and retreat into ourselves. We don’t go out where the people are and begin to think that we don’t need people at all.
This loop can also be caused by being around too many people for too long. When you are constantly taking in information from many people you get to the point where it’s too much. You just can’t handle anymore and so you shut off the feeling.
A third reason is that you don’t have any friends or anyone who you can talk to or relate to. When you have no one to connect with then you retreat into yourself as well.
How do we get out of the loop?
The best way to break free from the loop is to use the function that you skipped over to get into it: Extroverted Feeling (Fe). How do you engage this function? It’s pretty easy. It could be something as simple as calling your friend or family on the phone, going to the grocery store and talking to the cashier or doing some volunteer work somewhere. Anything that engages the extroverted feeling function.
This might be really difficult. Chances are, if you’ve spent a lot of time alone you may not want to go outside and meet people. You may have even forgotten how to talk to people (this happens to me from time to time), but I promise that when you make an effort, it will all come back to you, like riding a bike. And you’ll feel better almost instantly. It’s that easy.
It’s time to stop overthinking and start doing.
You’re needed in this world. You were made for a reason, but when you overthink it, you let fear rule your life. Imagine how good it’ll feel when you release the fear and start living life on your terms. This workshop is for you. Let’s discover what it takes to stop guessing and start doing.
