Introverted Intuition

Intuition Problems

• Jumping to Conclusions: Ni can jump to conclusions, especially in emotionally charged situations, but it is not always correct and can lead to grand misjudgements about people and situations.
• Pessimism: Looking at previous negative patterns, Ni can conclude that everything that has been a problem will continue to be a problem, and that nothing will ever change. It has found the "truth" of how things must turn out. "I can only see what is lacking/wrong in life and it renders me impotent/cynical."
• Unrealistic Idealism: Ni wants people, including yourself, events, relationships, engagements, plans, assignments, everything, to be the best that they can be. It can look for potential to an extreme degree, and thus discard reality in
• Meaninglessness: Ni craves depth and meaning and is usually not content with doing things for the sake of it. Often, its search for meaning, significance and purpose makes things feel completely pointless and meaningless unless they are connected to a grand purpose or the grand scheme.

Development

For optimal functioning, Ni needs to be balanced with Se to be grounded in concrete reality, instead of living in abstract hunches, fantasies and made up stories. Though Se seems like the opposition, having intuition backed by the reality and the facts will strengthen it.

• Evaluate Evidence: Always evaluate the factual evidence of an assumption. What is the evidence for what you're thinking, and what is the evidence against it?
• Stick to the Facts:
• Find Meaning: When asking "what's the point?", figure out what's the point. Make meaning smaller - focus on fulfillment and joy instead of "ultimate" and "grand" meaning. Reflect on what positive contribution an action could give to your day, your self, others and to your life. How do actions align with the kind of life you want and the kind of person you want to be?
• Brainstorm Options: When jumping to conclusions, learn to ask "what other options are there"? When looking at patterns and thinking that "this is how it will turn out", learn to ask "what could I do differently to change the course of events"?
• Pattern Refinement: Step by step, review intuitive leaps to figure out how you arrived at a conclusion.
• Mindfulness: Ni is not a tool for every single experience, and constantly analyzing and evaluating every single situation leads to intense stress. Some moments are just meant to be enjoyed, and enjoyment is a goal in and of itself. Not everything needs to be analyzed and understood on a deeper level and probed to death. Sometimes a good experience is enough just by itself.
• Grounding in Reality: Stay grounded in reality by being mindful of the current situation and the facts, to avoid living in abstractions or making up "stories".
• Listen to Perspectives: Explain your intuitions to others to get other perspectives; actively listen to them and take them to heart.

Schema Connections

• Mistrust/Abuse: Being on the outlook for, and hypervigilant of, evidence or indications that someone might be untrustworthy. Might focus only on negative aspects and paint a picture of a devious, evil person. BUT ALSO: might doubt own intuitions and overlook important details for the sake of keeping the peace and keeping relationships. Might paint someone in an idealistic light and ignore negative aspects. Might have too much faith in the potential of someone. Needs to be grounded in reality (Se)!
• Negativity/Pessimism Looks at patterns of how things have been and concludes that they will continue to be negative. Looks for deeper meaning and significance in everything, making everyday things and possibilities meaningless. Needs to connect actions and things to positive future implications (Ni), look at possibilities (Ne), get other perspectives (Fe), and be grounded and find joy in the ordinary (Se).

Skills to Practice

• Mindfulness: Observe, describe and participate
• Check the Facts: Stick to the facts – just the facts
• Dialectics: Look at all sides of the situation.