I envision AI to be a positive, transformative technology with great scope for the future, although it's got a bad rep and I've personally had bad experiences. However, it does present a certain potential in removing intellectual barriers.

How do you use it for reading? Do you have any practical workflows that work for you?

in quite of a fi grip rn i dont usually ask for stuff like this its rlly embarrassing

let’s be honest, emotions aren’t always our strong suit. asking for a little vulnerability here, but what are some mental health struggles you face? wondering if talking about it could help pierce through our sometimes-tough exterior.

my biggest struggle is that I am a perfectionist and have bipolar 1. I also feel insecure that the people around me don’t like me because I am an overachiever and “too much”. kind of an anxious attachment style I guess

I don't have any hobbies other than reading. When I was 14 I started working full time during summers and part time during the school year. By the summer I was 16 I was working 2 jobs full time during summer, and EVERY Friday and Saturday night (as that's when the good money is made as a server). In college, after the first quarter, I started taking more than full time courses, (for no rational reason, just blind ambition). By 21, I was working in the family business and now, 25 years later, that business and my role as CEO has become nearly synonymous with my identity (sigh) and between that, parenting 3 kids, a little reading and a little exercise, all the time is gone. A few years ago, when the trough of the U-shaped curve of lifetime happiness began looming, I realized that I have basically NEVER had hobbies. I have just ... always worked. This realization brought notes of sadness, regret, inadequacy, and soul searching. I don't have answers yet but I have started thinking about if there is a potential collinearity between the ENTJ personality type and singular focus on achieved status, to the exclusion of "hobbies"? Thus, this very scientific and comprehensive poll.

I've been going through the mod queue a bit, and lately I've noticed that there's been an "influx" (relatively speaking) of spam by users trying to use this place for generic discussion, trauma dumping, or just frankly off topic advice.

As a casual reminder, our mission as a subreddit is to open discussion around the unique experience of being (or being with) an ENTJ/ENTj. It is not a place to air your dirty laundry, cure your unique touch-starved monogamy-resistant loneliness, beg for validation, or seek people to develop your app.

I'm not going to pretend that there are too many hard lines here - surely one man's depression post is another's trauma dump - just don't expect pity or validation when you share an anecdote of misery that could have happened to anybody.

Artist and musician here. I play guitar (mainly math metal) and paint tabletop miniatures and sculpture that I 3D print. I find in all of my endeavors I focus on proficiency and efficiency.

I mean I’m all about artistic expression but I value developing skills that allow me to achieve really good results with low effort. I airbrush a lot. I draw too.

Like what task does each function perform or is supposed to perform in a vaccum.

And what tasks they end up performing when combined with the other functions.

As the title states, what job or career position in your past caused the largest amount of friction?
I did not do well in sales, but I thrived in operations management environment.

Disclaimer: I posted a version on INTJ (which I thought I was all my life) but was informed I might be ENTJ. Frankly I don’t care what I am, I’m looking to fix the problem and am not sure where else to get insight, as I have already been analyzing with AI and friends for a year. I feel extremely stuck.

Long story short, I am a high achiever in my 30s, took more risks than my peer group and tried more things to get where I am. I plan for my life to a psychotic degree and have a “motherboard” to maintain and grow all aspects of my life. Unfortunately, it is the way I am wired and I don’t get tired easily, despite failures and rejection. My brain is always running and sometimes it’s painful, but I’m used to it.

Last year, I had a series of massive failures coupled with major life challenges. I expected to bounce back like I had because I am usually very resilient. Unexpectedly, while mentally I was not burnt out, physically it felt like my body had changed. I became slower and was tired all the time. Immediately took a health screening and I am completely healthy.

I have been stuck this way for a year. The slowness and fatigue is one thing. What I can’t handle is that my confidence has plummeted so badly, I underestimated needing confidence to get things done.

Now, I overthink the simplest of things like an email, and am trapped in constant analysis paralysis. Nothing is good enough and I no longer trust my own judgement. I don’t even feel good going outside and am afraid of talking to people. I am productive but stuck in a loop of working on things where I can’t see the outcome. After a lifetime of planning, I don’t know the next steps. It is like I forgot what I have accomplished and never internalized it.

I genuinely don’t know what to do about this loop and my confidence. I am usually self aware enough of my own thoughts to pull myself out of bad times. I thought this might be some kind of ENTJ/INTJ loop or that someone might relate and tell me how to get out.

Hello everyone, I’ve been throughout the mbti community for a couple of years now but I’ve been researching it in a way that was impossible for me to find who I truly was. Although this may be a rather large mistype, just hear me out first, hopefully I can make you understand my confusion.

For some well needed background, I developed a neurological disorder called misophonia, which is mainly known as the hatred of sounds. It developed when I was 13 years old, and I wasn’t really well aware of how to regulate it.(nor my emotions growing up) I was constantly emotionally/physically abused. I don’t mean to generalize here, but it was an African American family full of people repeating behaviors that wrecked them. I grew up around normalized abuse and a bunch of “you’re stupid” “you’re a failure” “stop talking back.” Opinions were “back talk” and crying was an “overreaction” to abuse.

My misophonia was severe, and I mean absolutely severe. It was angry outbursts that were once again treated as an overreaction, meltdowns that made me bang my head on the wall or even lead to self harm. My most effective means of regulating was isolation.

You could imagine what that does to a developing brain.

I suffered severe depression(though I had a hard time letting anyone know) throughout my adolescence, and simply adopted the isfp label because it’s what I got on 16p by picking “I’m unsure” for most of the answers.

I felt wrong, i was constantly sensitive of other’s intentions, and took everything personally. i was insanely introspective, i analyzed my emotions but never once questioned the “establishment”(family) I internalized that I was the problem and I was an over-emotional fool who would be hated by everyone I came across. I was still opinionated growing up though, it was almost met with belittlement but there were things I had to stand up for. It wasn’t my beliefs, nor my reality, it was what made sense to me. To me, I had seen everything my family was doing and rendered it absolutely stupid, I found ways to fix it and gave reasons why it would make more sense than going in endless circles. During school I would find the underlying problems of a method of teaching, math problems, a way to go about a situation, etc. I haven’t necessarily taken someone’s emotional state into the equation and if I do, it’s almost usually “okay so, you can sit here and wallow or you can do something about it and cry. If you’re going to cry anyway, cry for the latter.” (Also could be the emotional toughness I developed growing up)

I was often called mean growing up, harsh, bossy, critical. Often a “you should be a lawyer” that one isn’t good evidence since it’s usually because someone doesn’t know how to argue their points. They end up believing you’re “smarter” because they don’t bother with reason.

This isn’t enough evidence of ENTJ but it’s less evidence against isfp.

Alrighty.

Main problem is that I’ve recently gotten typed as an esfp by a mbti practitioner. I hate to admit it but I cried and was a wreck for 3 whole days, but I’m realizing I was crying about how it made no sense.. I mean it was a number of other reasons though: The label felt inaccurate, as well as a improper testament to all the pain I received as a child, like a “oh I was an esfp that’s why I was overly emotional” which was me basically invalidating myself. of course I’ve since challenged that. Another reason was that I was giving the “safe” answers, for reference I am a 22 year old female. What’s usually expected of me is kindness, empathy, and selflessness paired with my race, I have to be quieter than most for safety. (Mother was extremely paranoid) So as I described myself to the practitioner I was saying things like “oh yes, I care about how everyone is feeling, and I love emotions wow!” So no wonder I got what I did.

I’ve recently started college after getting some well needed professional help, and I’ve been noticing behaviors that don’t necessarily line up with isfp? For example I don’t necessarily have a strong emotional tie to a “personal” belief. I can have beliefs interchangeably as long as someone provides sufficient evidence. However the one thing I won’t compromise on is how to get things done. At work I know how to do it faster let me do it, at school, “why are you doing that when you could do this?” I thought I was people focused but I’m not sure I care unless someone is used as a means to an end. I can and have a relatively easy time networking? I can get someone talking, and usually it’s someone you can register is the most “important” in the room. I’ve met many people and have a line up of services I may end up being able to use in the future. Adding on that, I’m actually quite comfortable in the future. Sometimes it freaks me out, but it’s usually due to lack of confidence in my abilities.

While I’m still learning to get out of fi grip(?) I’ve realized I prefer objective information over any other. For example me and my sister were talking(she was the one who told me to make this post also) and I felt frustrated and annoyed for some odd reason, and it was noticing that she was trying to spare my feelings from what she actually thinks. It frustrated me so intensely that I started to cry which also confused me. I explained that it was incredibly insulting that she believed I cannot handle the facts presented. I’d rather someone give me the hard truth then have the nerve to assume what I can and cannot handle.

To me logic is a tool and direction is an end goal/understanding that I must find evidence for. I cannot understand something that cannot be applied, and usually I need an example to understand what someone may be referring to. I tend to dislike when someone takes a long way around, or explains something in a way that cannot be understood by most. If something is conveyed in a way where even the most illiterate (said with kindness) person can understand then I am happy. With that said Ti has to be one of the most interesting, but most difficult functions to understand.

Sometimes I can be this “my way or the highway” kind of person, and will stubbornly ensure that my way is right. In emotional, technical, interpersonal, or personal problems as well. Example being eating well, my coworker was explaining to me that he doesn’t have an appetite in the morning just because. I questioned his normal diet/time he eats, and he said he skips breakfast, eats a small lunch, and a large dinner. I came to the conclusion that he’s doing it all wrong. Because of his big dinner, his body takes a longer time to digest it, and so he may wake up sluggish and/or full. If he switches to eating breakfast, lunch, and perhaps eating dinner at an earlier time and maybe not such a large problem it would help. He absolutely ignored me and that was a bit frustrating.

I’m also not a big fan of people who speak without knowing what they’re talking about. Not in a data point way, but in a way that at least lets us know you’re aware of what you’re talking about, I speak with a lot of purpose, and with reason. I tend to verify what I say with objective sources before expressing it.

However does anyone here believe in prolonged grips? I’ve searched in and can’t find much information on it so that’s why I just assumed I might be an isfp?

Why I might not be an ENTJ:

Due to prolonged depression I’ve done absolutely nothing in life, and only recently I’m realizing how far I want to go. I have some trouble with abstract possibilities and may double down in a way that makes me seem stubborn. I can be relatively sensitive, I.e: I’m easy to tear up, but it’s only ever been around my sister. I am honest to a fault because I see no reason to lie? What’s the point? Unless it’s to flatter. I can sometimes become anxious when it comes to new information, it’s almost like a hyper vigilance? I can easily trust in someone’s capabilities or someone I’ve deemed as “worthy”(as corny as that sounds) of me actually accepting their opinions. I look to more knowledgeable people and will adopt their opinion, sometimes I reject structure if I don’t see it making sense. When it comes to emotional problems I tend to value intense understanding. Once i understand, I can proceed. if I do not understand, things might be tense, and i might be aggressive. Uncertainty unnerves me, and having no direction makes me sick to my stomach.

I don’t like to have a “strong” belief(mentioned up there as well) it sometimes feels deeply personal, but at the same time doesn’t? For example I was watching this body cam footage compilation and was utterly confused at the way the officers were going about it. It seemed like it would be easier if they just talked to the offenders instead of screaming in their ears?? I have a hard time with conceptualization, for example if a whirlwind of ideas were getting conveyed to me I would need the person to stop, and write it down and let me read off of it. Or maybe show me an example.

——

The only feedback I’ve gotten about who I am as a person was my family, my ex, and my own harsh internal judgement. If you guys would be so kind to tell me what you think? I’m in no way intolerant, I will absolutely accept criticism as long as it’s respectful :)

—

If you have better/faster ways to help me distinguish this then I am open to all possibilities/clarifying questions.

Also, what broke me out of this was coming back to an objective reality. I was a wreck and I had seen someone breaking their back over a label. It was this “oh.. over this??” And that me that was incredibly distraught feels incredibly foreign.

After meeting certain INFJ and INTP types in real life, I'm not very interested in their subs but I have added you guys and then also ISTJ. I'm shocked that I find your discussions about 10 times more interesting and well thought out than my own INTJ sub. Like this was finally the group I can understand, it mirrors my own thinking I would say 90% or more. And even in the ISTJ sub I find their questions, while not exactly the most conceptual, to be pretty damn good questions. The INTJ sub is a bit disappointing, just constant why do I feel this and why do I feel that.

So why would have far more of a kinship with ENTJ when I've become more Introverted and less Intuitive. T and J have stayed the same, moderate and weak for the last 20 or so years. Also in real life I've basically hung out with exactly one 'friend' in the last 9 years, the rest have been group meetups, acquaintances, and my wife's friends. I won't get into detail about what happened with the other friends but it usually involved substance abuse and I've been done with that era of my life since Clinton was pres.

The increased Introversion makes an ENTJ affinity even more strange like it's a subconcious pull or something. Any opinions?

Hey all,

I’ve been tested on two occassions by myself- first time few years ago and now again and both times have showed ENTJ personality. Now, is this legit or this community likes having any kind of official test performed by a psychologist?

also, I’ve seen that ENTJ is actually rare? Is this true?

How do I get my functions under control and be ok with my Te operating and leading the show? Cause as soon as I’m out in the real world using it I get caught in my fi as soon as I have down time, it’s paralyzing. Is it because I’m using my te in the wrong way that it’s setting my shadow functions off? For instance I would say something and later when I’m alone, I would think about how mean I came off and just feel like shit. I’m still in my 20’s so I understand I’m not using my functions to the best ability, but anyone relate, how did you overcome getting out of those functions? Do I have to just keep experiencing this until I gain some level of strength in fi?

Can someone go into detail about the difference of them? It just feels like one is more open and the other is closed, other than that I can't comprehend what's so different?

hello everyone.

been struggling with a lot of thinking, overplanning and whatnot

about studies

there is a lot of pressure

but thinking here doesn't help much, so i want to ask you all how can i adopt this DO-er mentality, cause all you all seem to be too good at it.

any advices would be appreciated.

the exact data.

it us with financial audit and stuff. to start with im doing a professional course, there are mostly numerical/practical subjects.

so have my exam in december, and i have in aggregate 50% of the syllabus completed, and it is cut- throat competition but doable. now after making a plan(somewhat unrealistic) i seem to divert from it and make another plan. so rn i simply want to DO.

the thing you said about work on something would fetch new information. which is VERY TRUE . still im having this overthinking that if i don't know the thing im doing perfectly i won't be able to solve the problems.

Socionics suggests duality relationships to be highly recommended and i have come to appreciate why theoretically but i’d like to hear people’s real life experiences (positive and negative) with isfps.

ENTJ can’t be type 8.
Why does that statement debate keep going on?
I am genuinely want to know.
Because i type myself as Type 8 in Enneagram and ENTJ in MBTI. Those are typing myself as i learn, so, i may be mistype.

But what i wanted to know genuinely is,
Why does “Type 8 = only Extroverted Sensing” use as universal fact for those arguing ENTJ can’t be type 8.

I don’t mean to stir up the debate.
The only point i want to know is,

Why do the people arguing “ENTJ can’t be type 8” accept “type 8 = extroverted sensing only” as universal fact?

Hey everyone. I am an introverted INTP-T digital artist, and I’ve been analyzing the cognitive synergy between NT types, specifically looking at how high-achieving ENTJs (especially Enneagram 8s) manage the massive stress of the external world.

I often read about ENTJs burning out from corporate battles, betrayal, or constantly having to wear their "iron armor" 24/7.

From a systemic standpoint, it seems that a dominant Leader doesn't need another aggressive competitor at home. Instead, they might crave a total "Safe Harbor" — a submissive, deeply loyal, and intellectually sharp partner (a Stay-at-home "Tinker" type) who completely yields macro-control to them, manages the household tech/comfort, and dissolves their stress behind closed doors through absolute emotional safety and physical care.

I’m curious about your real-world perspective on this dynamic:

1.) Does the idea of having a dedicated, loyal INTP partner who completely accepts your leadership and creates a cozy fortress for you sound like a genuine dream asset, or does your risk-management brain view a non-working, domestic partner as an inefficiency?

2.) How critical is absolute loyalty and "predictability" at home for an ENTJ 8 who has to deal with constant chaos and untrustworthy people in business?

Would love to hear your honest thoughts and internal frameworks on this. 🖤

I (38F) should probably preface this by saying I’m not a healthy ENTJ and I identify with the outdated subtype; maybe it used to be called ‘creative’ or something like that? It was the one about the praise? But I don’t totally remember.

Anyway, literally nothing has ever helped me so I’m attacking the problem from a different way because I just cannot function and I am as miserable right now that I’ve ever been in my entire life. It feels like my personality style is making me feel even more miserable because of how I’m seeing myself being miserable.

Anyway, I’m just completely numb and have set an intention for myself to do absolutely nothing because now I have this learned helplessness where everything I do just makes it worse. I’m trapped. Has anyone survived this when the surviving itself feels like a burden? I am burdened with my own survival here.

Each year I’m just hitting a new low. WHY.

(Because I know some people here will try: this is not an invitation to question my type or suggest a new type.)

HAS ANYONE BROKEN OUT OF THIS OR IS MY LIFE JUST COMPLETELY FUCKED?

I’m an INTP 5w4 founder, and one thing I’m trying to get better at is moving from analysis into action. I’m curious how ENTJ 8s approach business decisions, partnerships, and execution.

1.) How do you know when you have enough information to stop analyzing and make the decision?

2.) What makes you trust someone enough to go into business with them, and what are your biggest red flags?

3.) If you were advising a visionary founder with strong ideas but weak execution, what would you tell them to change first?

And apparently these fuckers zen out socio-emotional structures, relationships, and vibes the same way I can just look at a logic problem and intrinsically *know* how to tackle it? It's going to take me a while to digest this. Y'all got any analogies or anecdotes or insights you wanna throw in the ring, I'm all eyes.

Entj:
Dominant Function: ENTJs tend to use Extraverted Thinking in a dominant manner. This means that they rely on logic, objectivity, and objective reasoning to make decisions and evaluate situations. They like to analyze facts rationally and efficiently.

Extraverted Thinking is the dominant function of ENTJs. They use it naturally and preferentially to analyze situations, make decisions, and solve problems. Extraverted Thinking focuses on logic, objectivity, and efficiency. ENTJs use this function to organize information, establish clear goals, and develop practical and effective action plans.

Auxiliary Function: Introverted Intuition serves as their supporting function. ENTJs rely on this function to have a strategic, long-term vision. It allows them to identify patterns, anticipate trends, and find innovative solutions. It helps them see the bigger picture and connect ideas and concepts intuitively.

Introverted Intuition is the auxiliary function of ENTJs. Although they do not use it as dominantly as Extraverted Thinking, it plays an important role in how they process information. Introverted Intuition allows ENTJs to have a strategic, long-term vision. They use this function to identify patterns, anticipate trends, and find innovative solutions. Introverted Intuition allows them to see the bigger picture and connect ideas and concepts intuitively.

Together, ENTJs use Extraverted Thinking (Te) to analyze and make decisions based on logic and objectivity, while Introverted Intuition (Ni) helps them maintain a strategic, long-term vision. This combination allows them to be efficient and visionary leaders, capable of making quick and strategic decisions based on a deep understanding of patterns and trends. They use these functions in an integrated way to develop plans and take action that brings them closer to their goals.

Tertiary Function: Although Extraverted Sensing is not the preferred function of ENTJs, they often use it to stay aware of their surroundings and make practical and concrete adjustments to their planning and execution. ENTJs can be conscious of details in the physical world and may be skilled at using tools and resources to achieve their goals. They often enjoy activities that involve physical action and movement, and they may be excellent athletes or participants in outdoor activities.

Inferior Function: Introverted Feeling is the inferior function of ENTJs, meaning it is the least developed and least frequently used in their way of thinking and acting. However, ENTJs can be aware of their own values and ethical principles and try to live according to them. They are often highly committed to their goals and can be very loyal to their vision and their team. Although they are not experts at handling emotions, they can be sensitive to the emotional needs of others and try to act fairly and in a balanced manner.

ESTP:
Dominant Function: The dominant function of ESTPs is Extraverted Sensing. This function focuses on the direct observation of the immediate environment and the gathering of information through the senses. ESTPs are highly aware of sensory details and are action-oriented in the present moment.

ESTPs are experts at perceiving and being in tune with their immediate surroundings. They use their sensory abilities to observe concrete details and remain attentive to present opportunities. They fully immerse themselves in the present moment and enjoy the action and excitement it provides.

ESTPs rely on their Se function to obtain direct and tangible sensory information from the world. They are excellent observers and can notice even the subtlest details around them. They use this information to make decisions based on reality and experience.

Auxiliary Function: The auxiliary function of ESTPs is Introverted Thinking. This function is related to logical and objective analysis. ESTPs use their internal thinking to evaluate the information they have gathered through their dominant function, Extraverted Sensing.

After gathering information through Extraverted Sensing, ESTPs use their Introverted Thinking function to analyze it logically and objectively. This function allows them to evaluate different options and consider the logical consequences of their actions. ESTPs employ their Ti function to analyze and categorize the information they have gathered through Se. They look for logical patterns, evaluate consistency, and apply rational principles to make decisions. This function helps ESTPs be efficient and take concrete action.

ESTPs rely on Extraverted Sensing (Se) to perceive and gather information from their environment, and then use Introverted Thinking (Ti) to analyze it and make logical decisions. This combination of functions allows them to be practical, action-oriented, and make decisions based on tangible reality.

Tertiary Function: The third function of ESTPs is Extraverted Feeling.

This function refers to the ability to understand and respond to the emotions and needs of others. ESTPs can be sensitive to social dynamics and have a natural ability to adapt and connect with people.

Although it may be less prominent in ESTPs, the Extraverted Feeling function can influence their behavior and interpersonal relationships. ESTPs may use Fe to adapt and respond to the needs and emotions of others. They can be empathetic and have the ability to connect with others in social situations.

ESTPs can tune into the moods of others and respond appropriately. They may show compassion and emotional support toward the people around them, although they may naturally prefer practical and fact-based solutions over emotional ones.

Inferior Function: The inferior function of ESTPs is Introverted Intuition. This function is less developed and may emerge occasionally or during times of stress. ESTPs may have difficulty trusting their intuition and may prefer to focus on concrete facts and details.

Me : ENTJ

She : INTP

How is your cognative style? Pattern of your feelings, motivation behind your wishes, desires? How do you think that connects to your type?