INTP self-improvement: developing theories and axioms

[theory_of_everything]

What's your theory that prevents you from falling into INTP habits?

I was kind of inspired by Nocturne's "INTP habits" thread.

We all show some similar patterns. Messy room, somewhat anti-social, bad dresser.

But as for me, I am actually complemented on how I dress. This is because I have a few theories, just for myself.

- Clothing is a form of visual communication and art and since I am a visual artist, NOT dressing well communicates that I'm an incompetent artist.

- I am a fictitious character (I have a loose definition of "fiction" which I think is a better translation of the Sanskrit "maya" than simply, "illusion") and I am somewhat aware of this. I should act and dress accordingly.

- Girls like to talk about nice shoes, so they might as well be talking about mine.


(i just kinda like this animated icon and am putting it here for no reason.)

Now somewhere out there, there's got to be an INTP with a very clean room or who breaks from typical INTP habits. And my theory is that you have a theory that helps you to be on time for things or keep clean shaven or whatever quirk our personality type has.

And maybe you'd like to share that theory.

If we adopt your theory, it might help us with some of our little habits that we've been trying to improve.

Or, if you're like me, typing on the keyboard helps you to create better ideas-- maybe you feel like creating a theory on this thread and lets see what happens when you try to live by it.

 

[Solitaire U.]

Well I'm a mechanical artist so I get off lucky there I suppose. I do have the clean room and the clean shaven though. My motivation is somewhat kid-related, but not in the sense of 'setting an example'. Apparently I'm pretty good at containing my disarray within my immediate vicinity, because I've received compliments in the past, but my kids disarray tends to get strewn throughout the house. Hence, telling them to clean up their messes is a regular part of damage control. I don't want to be in a position where I'm telling them to do things like clean their rooms and take their shower when I'm ignoring doing those same things.

 

[final-dimension]

When it comes to studying I usually try to make a story where I am the main character and where studying is fighting,but in the end *sigh* I keep thinking about the story and stop studying...
So this technique is a failure.I know that it isn't a theory,sorry.

 

[WittyUsername]

I have a theory that everybody around me is sacred of me. They're trying very hard to look good and impress me with their money, material possessions, intelligence etc. I mean if a person lived in total isolation what difference it would make to him/her if he/she has a Bugatti or a Beetle?

Another of my theory is that most humans around me are addicted to the game of "domination" where each one tries to belittle or "win" over others through their actions, verbally or just by being silent. Next time you are talking to someone notice how the other person tries to show how's he better,even your parents

This is something everybody does, all their life, not realising it's futility . So once I see myself coming out of this game it's fairly easy not to succumb to ego. You can either keep playing and win or come out and stand like a chinese wise man overlooking a bunch of quarreling children.


This theory really bolsters my confidence in social situations.

 

[final-dimension]

Another of my theory is that most humans around me are addicted to the game of "domination" where each one tries to belittle or "win" over others through their actions, verbally or just by being silent. Next time you are talking to someone notice how the other person tries to show how's he better,even your parents

This is something everybody does, all their life, not realising it's futility . So once I see myself coming out of this game it's fairly easy not to succumb to ego. You can either keep playing and win or come out and stand like a chinese wise man overlooking a bunch of quarreling children.


This theory really bolsters my confidence in social situations.

I like this theory,but it depends on the situation of course...

 

[JarNew]

I keep a clean room by using the theory or concept of efficiency. Efficiency is my main motivator for pretty much everything.

I've developed systems and visual reminders to complete tasks that need to be completed.

 

[final-dimension]

I keep a clean room by using the theory or concept of efficiency. Efficiency is my main motivator for pretty much everything.

I've developed systems and visual reminders to complete tasks that need to be completed.

I think I will try this theory ...

 

[Jade Adagis]

I like to approach everything as a problem to be solved.

My husband is ADHD. ADHDs have problems with memory and losing things. If you have an exceptionally organized space where everything is stored in plain sight, it helps their memory and prevents anxiety attacks from losing stuff.

My bosses (doesn't matter how many I've gone through) want answers when they ask, not have to wait for information. So my files and workspace are organized so I can answer questions, mostly before they ask.

Management is a state of mind; that happens to come out through grooming, good clothing and communication skills. So I straightened my hair, wear enough makeup to make me look polished, keep my nails trimmed, and have a basic black-and-white wardrobe so it's easy to get dressed, look nice and not put a lot of effort into it.

The problem to be addressed with school is this - INTPs accomplish the most when they have all the details right. I view my brain as an area where globules of information float around. Sometimes they bump into eachother; sometimes they stick together. The more globules, the more stick together and the better ideas I can generate.

I also use anger as a positive energy source. When I get mad about something, I direct the anger in the best way possible. You would not believe the amount of energy that comes out of one bout of anger. I get mad and suddenly my house is clean, my car is clean, my homework is done, the dogs are walked and I have the greatest idea of how to fix what caused me to be mad in the first place.

Being on time for stuff is a different story. I have a date book in my purse, dry erase calendar in the kitchen, calendar posted at my desk at work, email calendar, a blackberry with calendar reminders, and my husband to bug me about it. I only miss an appointment once every few years - when I'm really distracted.

 

[VroumVroum]

When you start thinking about it, you’ve already lost the battle. How many time have I made plans to solve my problems . Plans that I haven’t followed.

Since my wardrobe is the least of my problems, I will talk about procrastination and its roots.

My theory is that I’m afraid. I see how things could go wrong and what I’m not ready to do. So I will collect information to be prepared for what could eventually happen. And I will make plans.
The trick is that I cannot cover every possibility. So I will never be ready. And ultimately, I won’t do anything.

What could be helpful?

Recognize when emotions drives you.
Remember that you’re a human being first and an INTP second. Another way to say it is that you feel emotions and you are subjective but you observe yourself with pure logic and no clue about how you feel. Emotions are like ghost in the shell. They corrupt your logic and you don’t even realize it.

Are you seeing possibilities or obsessing about irrelevant details because you fear you could make a mistake?
Are you acting normally or immaturely because you have feeling for the man/woman in front of you?
Could it be that you are mean because you’re drain and tired?
Are these guys stupid and futile or do you feel the need to rationalize why they have rejected you?

What do you feel?
Because you do feel (or maybe am I an INFJ)

Good night. I’m working early tomorrow. I got to leave work soon to get my new car .

 

[MrAdder]

Thanks for establishing this thread

I can relate to the description of cognitive processes and strengths/weaknesses associated with being an INTP. However, I am good looking, dress excellently when I want, express myself orally in an outstanding manner infusing energy in my listeners and am good at convincing people I am right. This gives me a strong advantage - I can communicate and get the truth "out there" when I have found it.

I am glad to hear there are similar INTPs.

In tests, my Ne is very strong, but my Ti quite weak.

 

[aaaw]

I am good looking, dress excellently when I want, express myself orally in an outstanding manner infusing energy in my listeners and am good at convincing people I am right.

However, modesty is not such a strong point.

 

[Nocturne]

Hmm... 1. I would dress better if I went shopping for clothes more often.
2. Alarmingly, I find a messy room slightly more efficient than a "clean" one.
3. A tip for studying: Fidget/play with a little gadget while you study. (I personally prefer spinning a top around the table.) This "theory" works 89 percent of the time.

 

[a detached retina]

Thanks for establishing this thread

I can relate to the description of cognitive processes and strengths/weaknesses associated with being an INTP. However, I am good looking, dress excellently when I want, express myself orally in an outstanding manner infusing energy in my listeners and am good at convincing people I am right. This gives me a strong advantage - I can communicate and get the truth "out there" when I have found it.

I am glad to hear there are similar INTPs.

In tests, my Ne is very strong, but my Ti quite weak.

Have you considered you may be an ENTP?

I heard a theory that procrastination is a form of ego protection. If I don't study for my calc test and still get an A on it I feel like a badass but it I fail it I just protect my ego by saying that I would have passed with flying colors if I had studied as much as everyone else.

This can be true with the way we present ourselves to the world too. If you dress sloppy, are shy and "uninterested" in people and their games, live in your head etc. Then you do not risk rejection or judgement from others. If you never really try you never really fail, and if you never really open up you are never really rejected.

Of course other types fear rejection and failure as well, but I think the INTP is more deluded into thinking they can live without other people or even above other people.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

However, modesty is not such a strong point.

Lol.

I heard a theory that procrastination is a form of ego protection. If I don't study for my calc test and still get an A on it I feel like a badass but it I fail it I just protect my ego by saying that I would have passed with flying colors if I had studied as much as everyone else.

This can be true with the way we present ourselves to the world too. If you dress sloppy, are shy and "uninterested" in people and their games, live in your head etc. Then you do not risk rejection or judgement from others. If you never really try you never really fail, and if you never really open up you are never really rejected.

Defeatism and Passive-aggressiveness(controlling through procrastination).

Of course other types fear rejection and failure as well, but I think the INTP is more deluded into thinking they can live without other people or even above other people.

Whether or not INTPs employ a defense mechanism, it's not impossible to live as a hermit.

 

[MrAdder]

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrAdder
Thanks for establishing this thread

I can relate to the description of cognitive processes and strengths/weaknesses associated with being an INTP. However, I am good looking, dress excellently when I want, express myself orally in an outstanding manner infusing energy in my listeners and am good at convincing people I am right. This gives me a strong advantage - I can communicate and get the truth "out there" when I have found it.

I am glad to hear there are similar INTPs.

In tests, my Ne is very strong, but my Ti quite weak.

Have you considered you may be an ENTP?





Have you considered you may be an ENTP?
.

Dear INTP friends,

Indeed... it turns out I am INFP.

Still indeed a cursed type - but at least it explains the above.

 

[Lot]

I have found that the easiest way to keep myself organized is to either just do something as soon as I think of it, or write it on a white board (which an ESTJ taught me) so I can see it and it reminds me to do something until it becomes a habit. To keep things clean I learned to clean as I go, this works but when I forget to do this it might take me weeks to pick up my mess. Which is why I try to clean as I go. In high school I had a problem of dressing inappropriate. I would wear a tan trench coat and long combat boots, with a blue mohawk. This was mostly because 1. I thought it looked kool, and 2. it made me look scary so that the mean kids at my school would think I was going to shoot them with the gun that I obviously kept under my trench coat. Oh I can't forget the spiked dog collar. I still think mohawks look good because they are easy to take care of and keep you looking trimmed and militant, but that's prolly just me. As shaving goes I don't. I trim me beard up with scissors every other day when I notice stragglers, but I hate the idea that society finds it unsightly for a man to express his body in it's natural state. REBELLION. Now I wear a collard shirt and a tie to formal things, and on ordinary days I wear what my gramma buys me because she's a girl and seems to know what looks good on me better then I do, and my female friends agree.

I still haven't found a way to get out of procrastination yet, just can't find the time, and besides I can do it later. I saw that some of you put something about over analyzing and letting your emotions guide you, while pertaining to this topic. I find that to be the case with me, along with self preservation. I know when I have out side pressure on me that it helps me to have the drive to do any task.

I know that there seems to be a trend on other forums were INTP's seem to be seen as unemotional or in-affectionate. So although I'm very monotone and inexpressive with my face, I try to smile and look people in the eye alot which helps with the unemotional part, because I've been told that people need reassurance that you are listening or else your being cold (I watch INFP's do their nicey nice thing and copy it). If you are a stranger I'll prolly not talk much, but when I'm with my friends I'll playfully poke them in the side, rub their shoulders, give them hugs to greet them, and when I'm expressing eros I'm usually likely to keep close physical contact. These things I've learned because 1. my parents were rather touchy feely me, so I've gotten used to this being the way most people know you like them, and 2. I've found that physical touch is usually based on trust, and if you show some one that you trust them then they are more confident in their standing with you and therefore more likely to speak with you more. I like speaking with people because I learn more about the world, and learning about the world and people's lives helps to to see the bigger picture and structure of the universe. I see the universe as a complex web of everything. All things seem to have a bearing on other things, either directly or indirectly down the line or in a roundabout way. Hopefully this wasn't TLDR

 

[Sophrosyne]

I've been self-aware of flaws that stop me from progressing in the way I should, mostly because I have a sibling who recently pointed each and every one of them out to me, and have indeed been working on "theories" as you call them to address the issue.

1. Messy room, workplace: I live as spartanly as possible. I will admit, I am the sort to find some interesting pebbles and want to just set them in a window, have piles of random crap all over, etc...and so I realized that to have any sort of order, I would need to be VERY disciplined, and then perhaps ease back into being able to handle a more carefree life after that self-discipline. And so I packed things up into boxes, gave them away or stored them neatly, and now live with as little as possible.

Organization seems to be an all or nothing affair for those who are not naturally good at it.

Another thing, sort of embarrassing, but I pretend my surroundings are like my computer (which I keep very organized), and so then they are organized to efficiency. As in, keeping it crazy clean isn't as important as getting something else done, but to not let it get out of hand. So usually things are benignly messy, but I don't have many possessions cluttering things so it's just fine.

2. Not dressing well - I used a combination of the "artist" idea the OP had, and by again making it an all or nothing effort. I do not let myself dress like a hobo, even when alone, because I KNOW I will be tempted (and fall to the temptation) to wear the same oversized sweater and basketball shorts all week.

3. Being obsessive over a variety of interests, distracting from my tasks at hand - I write myself a checklist and/or schedule for each day. Each. Goddamn. Day. This is also a highly unnatural thing for me to do. I hate it. I hate the list, and I hate the schedule, and I even hate checking things off as I complete them. But I do it anyway and it works, although I do relapse. However, in the past few weeks I have been getting to the point where I finish everything I need to early, and then I can read, fiddle, and go insane to my mind's content. It's even nicer knowing I'm not shirking something important to do it, though I still hate the lists and schedules.

4. Being an arrogant prick - as an INTP, as someone who knows they think they are smart, as someone who looks back at various iterations of myself and knows I was insufferable as hell, I know at any given moment I am at risk of falling into the "arrogant prick" category. Just look at my username. Look at it. It's a Greek word with an intellectual meaning. Fuck.
I haven't fully solved this one yet, so thus far I just review myself after interactions with others, especially important others such as my boss, few friends, etc. This is not a natural thing for me to do.

Normally, I just have a "fuck it" attitude with such things, if I'm not (as is even more common for me) living obliviously. But I force this because despite popular belief, I have ambitions, and realize I am the largest obstacle to my success.
Another thing I do is spend time with people who I respect, which allows me to lose a bit of this cynicism I've built up over the years of dealing with "stupid people." Something which I didn't plan which also helped was doing volunteer stuff concerned with teaching children with absent parents how to read, which gained me an appreciation for how much my situation led to what I had always self-congratulated myself on -- intelligence, and how easily I could have grown up in a house without books, without concerned parents, without someone willing to help me with school early on...etc.
It almost seems as though simply knowing about and owning up to this sort of problem can solve it. Taking a lesson in humility, without getting too down on yourself, can never hurt.

Generally though, I would characterize my progress from whiny, arrogant, messy INTP to depressed and confused INTP to brand-new functioning INTP in the following way:

--> --> --> --> -->

If that makes more sense to people who like pictures more than words.

 

[Jelly Rev]

Another of my theory is that most humans around me are addicted to the game of "domination" where each one tries to belittle or "win" over others through their actions, verbally or just by being silent. Next time you are talking to someone notice how the other person tries to show how's he better,even your parents

true that. Once u can consciously pick up and interact in this game you the INTP can control this game. usually tho an intp isnt external enough to win this game, usually only trying to win the game by sheer logic

I actually theorized my way to becoming cool...created a personna, I picked an outfit style, flannels with a goofy flatbill idk if anyone knows Domo but the hat looks like a hat trying to eat someone.
and for attracting the opposite sex I learned how Pick up artist theories work and applied them well. ranging from changing values(domination) theories , confidence theories, same nite lay closing theories, etc
I have grown rather bored of all that stuff now and dont have a current theory of how to run my life

 

[EyeSeeCold]

'Just doing it' is a good one. Pre-action mental exhaustion/indecision has been conquered by just making my mind up and going for it.

Also, general procrastination is easier to quell when you are constantly being made self-aware. Keep frequent company and it happens less.

 

[AlisaD]

My boyfriend has a theory that we are all haunted by a Purple Platypus of Procrastination. Not kidding, here's a description:


"The oddly coloured platypus was, in fact, not usually visible and therefore had no actual colour at all. A mysterious creature he is that has existed since the first cave-man first sat down and tried to concentrate on making something to keep himself warm and heat some food on. It could be argued that things such as fire and the wheel would have been discovered much earlier, had it not been for the platypus' intervention.

He was born in that moment, the natural antithesis to the creative energy given off by those first would-be-productive cave-men, blinked into existence to provide necessary universal balance. Ever since he's been sat just out of sight of every person who's ever tried concentrating on something for more than a few seconds, doing his level best to try directing your attention elsewhere. Oh he can be overcome, sometimes by sheer force of will, other times simply by the overwhelming desire of the person to achieve what it is they are trying to accomplish, but he is always there. Waiting. Distracting."

Hasn't really made me any more efficient, but it does make me smile just when I'm about to start beating myself up about not doing the stuff I'm supposed to do

 

[A22]

I have a theory that everybody around me is sacred of me. They're trying very hard to look good and impress me with their money, material possessions, intelligence etc. I mean if a person lived in total isolation what difference it would make to him/her if he/she has a Bugatti or a Beetle?

Another of my theory is that most humans around me are addicted to the game of "domination" where each one tries to belittle or "win" over others through their actions, verbally or just by being silent. Next time you are talking to someone notice how the other person tries to show how's he better,even your parents

This is something everybody does, all their life, not realising it's futility . So once I see myself coming out of this game it's fairly easy not to succumb to ego. You can either keep playing and win or come out and stand like a chinese wise man overlooking a bunch of quarreling children.


This theory really bolsters my confidence in social situations.

isn't trying not to be part of all this a way of trying to be somehow better than others?

 

[A22]

'Just doing it' is a good one. Pre-action mental exhaustion/indecision has been conquered by just making my mind up and going for it.

Also, general procrastination is easier to quell when you are constantly being made self-aware. Keep frequent company and it happens less.

thats a good one

 

[Tyr]

For socialization I'll imagine the myself as the person/people I'm talking to. I then go over the conversation I would have with them in my mind, but from their perspective. Or I'll just consider the other person to be just as socially awkward/not caring as myself. I also assess their weaknesses, (reminding me that social awkwardness is just a weakness and thus making me normal,) and remember that they're people with different mindsets, goals, purpose, etc. and that they interact based on those things. Therefore, they will not have my interests in mind, and I shouldn't expect it.

For keeping my environments tidy I pull out Sherlock Holmes phrase "I find a concentrated atmosphere is conducive to concentrated thought. I haven't carried it so far as to climb into a box to think, but that is the logical outcome of my belief." This of course makes me desire to maintain as spartan/clean of an environment as possible.

For the purple platypus of procrastination, I remember that I determine who I become. A relatively new revelation, but true nonetheless. I find if I throw my mind into several things at once, it becomes enjoyable to be doing things, even if some tasks are mundane, because I can think about all the stuff I'm trying to accomplish whilst doing repetitive stuff. Facing up to stuff you're scared of (for me it'd be new social situations,) can be especially and surprisingly invigorating.

 

[sunkmanitutanka]

Be earlier than on time.

Dress like everyone else, ask what they buy and where.

Take ownership of your room and desk, cleanliness reflects clarity of mind.

Emotions are beautiful. Love is beautiful. Trust is beautiful. People are beautiful.

Get so emotionally involved in a movie you can cry, it's a weakness not to.

Pay attention to why people believe things and how it affects them emotionally, not whether it is unfoundational in logic.

Go out whenever invited, learn something new for once.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Take ownership of your room and desk, cleanliness reflects clarity of mind.

This is very much the truth. If you don't realize it, then messy environments will happen to you subconsciously. I've noticed I always create a mess by trying to fix something(e.g. computer, chair, etc; "mechanical maintenance") whenever I'm in a rut. I think it's supposed to be representative of what I'd like to do with my life.

Go out whenever invited

Don't think twice.