How Introverted Intuition Actually Works.

In today's video, Zee and I unpack the basics of how Introverted Intuition (Ni) actually works as a mental process and explain exactly how and why it's super connected to Extroverted Sensing (Se).

When starting out, Ni can be really tough to understand and learn about on your own, especially with how it's described online. It's often referenced in a very abstract "magical" way - something to do with "visions" "symbols" or "patterns in the mind"...but more simply, how does it actually work? I hope today's discussion, visuals and examples given can help demystify Ni for you!

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(At time of this upload, my channel has 3972 subscribers.)

[meyervisser]

Ni is so natural to me that I didn't even realize I'm using Ni

[if]

Yes! Thanks for making an explanation that doesn't make Ni seem like a magic prophet thing... So many problematic descriptions out there, which are confusing at best, and causing NJs to double down on problematic patterns that hurt them, at worst.

[ferventbrawn]

Visualization is arguably the most used tool by an Ni dom, at least INFJ for me. For example when doing a project, let's say, renovating my home office, I would go into Pinterest and Instagram and spend hours finding inspiration. Then in my head, I would come up of an idea of how I would want it to look, a "plan". Until I could gather all my supplies, I wouldn't budge an inch, won't touch anything, won't do anything. A staggering and tedious curation of supplies ensues. I hate doing manual stuff, BUT obsessed with aesthetics. It has to be as perfect as it is in my head. From the desk width, to an off-white desk mat, and to white hydrangeas; everything has to fit. For my peace of mind. LOL. Then, I'll get stuck in a decision paralysis between choices. And I'll weigh EVERY possible pro and con until just deciding just buying both items. For my sanity again. And then, do this for every single item and every single step.

Interestingly, this is where I am actually patient. As long as the END is certain. As long as it is as perfect as it is on my head, I'm willing to wait.

[henrique.campos]

The best way I describe the NiSe and SeNi relationship is: Se collect data Ni draw conclusions.

Ni fill the gap in the data collected, because it's intuitive function, so we use when we don't have the full picture yet.

Heavy Ni users need fewer data to draw very specific conclusions. This doesn't mean they are accurate.

While heavy Se users, such as ESFPs, can't see beyong what they are sensing. They can't make a big picture well and are usually caught up trying to find all the necessary details to draw a simple conclusion.

Imagine a game where you have to guess the image of a puzzle.

Heavy Ni users will make guesses as soons as the pieces are starting to be put together.

Heavy Se users will wait untill there are few or none piece missing so they can tell what it is.

[joshflugel]

The INTJ roommate example about snoring made me realize, It's unreal that many predictions that I made as a teen about the evolution of relationships with the family played out exactly as I thought: the irresistible urge to micromanage and persuade would turn arguing into only style of communication, diplomacy would break down and communication would break down.

[lexfortisnetwork]

This is very well explained! As an Ni dom, I approve! You explained what's going on in my head extremely accurate.
I also really like that you didn't put the function on a pedestal and kept it very realistic, much respect for that! Amazing video, Eric and Zee!

[lisaoutinen]

I am exploring myself and this makes so much sense to me. It’s not magical, at least not for me but I get it now. My mind was so active as a child and youth, I fleshed out entire worlds in my mind, people with individual personalities and lives and they lived their lives inside my head. Sometimes the story just played out by itself. I thought everyone did this but I guess not. INFJ

[wynstansmom]

“As a child I felt myself to be alone, and I am still, because I know things and must hint at things which others apparently know nothing of, and for the most part do not want to know. Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.”
― Carl Jung
@Think More Deeply, my compliments. This is te*rrific conte*nt.
🖖

[lilmrscutsie]

your explanation of Ni is exactly the way I've learnt to understand it (A while ago I came to my own conclusions after hearing Ni users telling their stories & research). Ni is very grounded in reality contrary to the psychic/spiritual stereotype Lol.

I've experimented and actually tried to narrow down my Ne possibilities (when i'm in real life situations) in order to ''simulate'' Ni and the hardest part is thinking about things in a purely realistic way. My mind always goes to extremes or to lalaland 🤭

[usernamemth]

This is probably the best explanation of Ni I have heard so far, clear and precise.💛

[Deesnitch]

This was insightful! I'm very keen to see how Ne-Si show up in comparison to this

[doriaware]

You have done an excellent job of explaining these functions in a somewhat mechanical way. Orgainically, I feel it works a little differently in each person.

[fujioofficial]

This makes so much sense as an INFJ, especially when I'm in my free time tinkering about things. I can imagine how pieces are going to fit and what would happen if I did this and that. I visualize the physical data and play with it inside my head.

Although it is not accurate 100% of the time, I mostly attribute it to having inferior Se, not being able to take in all the necessary physical data or just having weak senses in general. Even so, it is right most of the time.

[bellarose]

NI is a trouble shooter trying to prepare for every possibility of a situation. Funny thing is all those imagined scenarios rarely happen. Something out of left field is usually what actually happens. ☺️

[supersaiyan]

I had to move out my uncles house because I knew that with how things were going I was not going to reach my goals or I’d reach them really really slowly which would cause me to resent him so I just moved out and now our relationship is still good - intj

[thatinfjgirl]

Love this! Especially the example with the roommate. That's pretty much what I do all the time- I play out the most likely scenario and where it leads. All the examples gave such a more realistic way Ni works without making it seem so woo woo 👍

[emilyz]

this explains so much why i don’t like last minute changes in plans as an INFJ 😂

[jillwheeler]

I’m an INFJ & you absolutely nailed Ni. Great video!

[morningglory.]

wow! this helped so much!
i’ve only recently realised that im an infj yet didnt understand or related more so to the “psychic visions” etc. and now it makes perfect sense!
thankss

[Seltsamme]

As an ENTJ, I found your first example very interesting. I was telling a friend the same thing a few days ago as we were sitting on a porch of another friend's beautiful home with a few over the backyard. I am also very good at creating scenarios in my life haha.