ISTJ Cognitive Functions

Introverted Sensing bestows us with the gift of details. It consults the detailed past to gain wisdom while living in the present. We recall and revisit memories and acquired information through this function. It constantly stores sensory data to balance our current views and opinions. Introverted Sensing teaches us to credit proven facts and life experiences instead of mere instincts. It counsels us to avoid committing the same mistakes twice.

The dominant cognitive function is the core of our ego and consciousness. Also called the ‘Hero or Heroine', the dominant function is our most natural and favorite mental process and primary mode of interacting with the world.

Introverted Sensing (Si) in the dominant position grants ISTJs the gift of detail. It guides them to learn from past experiences and memories. They value integrity, persistence, and hardwork to become experts in any field they wish to delve into. ISTJs pay huge attention to details and inconsistencies. Routines, rules, and organization complement their Si dominant function as it gives them the comfort of familiarity. They may also possess high sensitivity to their bodily sensations such as fatigue, thirst, or hunger that most people miss out on.

Extroverted Thinking bestows us with the gift of efficiency. It employs our analytical reasoning and objectivity. Te is forged in the supremacy of external systems, knowledge, and order. Extroverted thinking adheres to facts rather than fleeting emotions. It gives no time for silly chit-chats and focuses on purely significant matters. It boosts our passion and enthusiasm for informative discourse to expand our horizons of wisdom and knowledge.

The auxiliary cognitive function, known as the 'Mother' or 'Father', helps guide the dominant function in perceiving the world and is what we use when comforting others.

Extroverted Thinking (Te) in the auxiliary position balances the dominant Si with the gift of efficiency. Through this function, ISTJs keep themselves proactive and decisive amidst their retrospective nature. They yearn to look for ways to improve and become more efficient than their previous performances. Te organizes their thoughts, actions, and decisions based on logic, knowledge, and rationality to materialize their goals. ISTJs also use this auxiliary function to comfort others by helping them figure out their problems and providing rational solutions.

Introverted Feeling bestows us with the gift of feeling. It navigates through the deepest corners of our thoughts and emotions. Fi flows through our values and seeks an in-depth meaning of life. It allows us to stay in the lane of our boundaries and identity amidst external pressure. This intensive cognitive function feels the pain of others and likes to be the knight for those in need.

The tertiary cognitive function is what we enjoy using to relax, calm, and take the pressure off our overused dominant and auxiliary functions. Known as the ‘The Child or Relief,' it feels like taking a break from ourselves and is playful and child-like. It is what we use when feeling silly, natural, and accepted.

Introverted Feeling (Fi) in the tertiary position comforts the dominant Si and auxiliary Te with the gift of feeling. ISTJs use Fi to indulge themselves in activities that align with their values and refresh their soul. They appreciate taking a break from their Si and Te to read novels, write the next page in their journals, or even participate in social outreach programs. ISTJs admire people who wield Fi in a healthy way for they come with wisdom, integrity and compassion. They feel at home being in the company of those who truly listen and care.

Extroverted Intuition bestows us with the gift of imagination. It empowers our life visions and sets us free from our limiting beliefs and built-up boundaries. It utilizes patterns and trends to connect with the tangible reality. Extroverted intuition is sensitive to impression and ambiance rather than specific details. This function thrives on venturing into the world's awestruck mysteries. It leads us to intuitively flow through the stream of anticipation on what is yet to be unleashed.

The inferior cognitive function is our weakest and most suppressed cognitive function in the depths of our ego and consciousness. We hide this part of ourselves, embarrassed of our inability to wield it effectively. As we age and mature, we embrace and develop our inferior function, providing deep fulfillment from coming to the pinnacle of our personal growth and the end of our own hero's journey.

Extroverted Intuition (Ne) in the inferior position occupies the least space in the minds of ISTJs. Imagining possibilities and formulating theories that are yet to be proven or take place makes them anxious and uncomfortable. Ne provokes them to feel insecure of their routine and by-the-book nature. It destabilizes them from connecting and trusting their experiences. ISTJs may prematurely judge those who use Ne as typically unrealistic and erratic.

Extroverted Sensing bestows us with the gift of senses. Tangible reality is its default battleground. Se conquers life through sensory experiences, enhancing their sight, sound, smell, and bodily movements. It lets us adhere to the stimuli of the physical world. Extroverted sensing ignites courage to seize moments while they last. It urges us to act right instantly instead of staying idle in the what-ifs.

The opposing shadow function, also known as the Nemesis, calls out our doubts and paranoia and acts in opposition to our dominant function, questioning the way it sees the world.

Extroverted Sensing (Se) in the opposing shadow position troubles the minds of ISTJs as it contradicts their dominant Si. Se's gift of senses invites them to embrace present moments and opportunities. However, they become stubborn and paranoid in using their opposing function as it destabilizes their routinary nature leaving them clueless on what to do next. These personalities irk at the lack of control in the spontaneity of their circumstances. As they tap into this function, they may start to wonder, "Why are others disregarding my inputs?", "Why are stability and security being put aside for short-term pleasures?", or "Why is no one content with what they have and risk their lives for something uncertain?". ISTJs may see people who use Se as needlessly patronizing and oppositional.

Introverted Thinking bestows us with the gift of logic. Interrelated knowledge and patterns gear it up. Ti conquers life through an internal framework built by experiences and educated trial and error. It drives us to logically interlink everything we come across. Introverted thinking thrives in the act of rational troubleshooting. Ambiguity holds no place in it as it constantly pursues learning and growth. It empowers us to grasp how things work from the nitty-gritty to the most profound complexities.

The critical shadow function criticizes and belittles ourselves or others and thinks nothing of humiliating and ridiculing in its search for control.

Introverted Thinking (Ti) in the critical shadow position attacks the ego by casting insults and disappointments. It criticizes ISTJs for not keeping up with logical frameworks making them feel weak and lacking. Ti tends to shame their inner selves for falling short of their own competitive expectations. It belittles ISTJ for missing out on mental maps that negatively affect their desired outcome. When they experience the Introverted Thinking function, they may say things to themselves such as "How did you miss out such an important principle?", "You could have dealt with this in a more logical manner!", or "How could you be so blind with the obvious framework laid before your eyes?". They may also project and belittle those who use Ti, thinking they run out of willpower to materialize their wide-eyed vision.

Extroverted Feeling bestows us with the gift of empathy. It advocates for the greater good than focusing on individual desires. It entrusts a strong sense of integrity and ethics. We instinctively tune in to moral and cultural values to maintain peace and harmony through this function. Fe enables us to feel for others even without fully experiencing their situations. It motivates us to keep and nurture our social connections and relationships.

The trickster shadow function is sly, malicious, and deceptive, manipulating and snaring people into our traps.

Extroverted Feeling (Fe) in the trickster shadow position irks ISTJs with the gift of empathy. Fe may be overwhelming for these personalities, who conventionally tune in to integrity, logic or call of duty, that they find it strenuous to focus on other's emotions. ISTJs often express their trickster with sarcasm as they feel awkward and disconnected with this function. People who use Fe may come off as inauthentic and suspicious regarding their true intentions.

Introverted Intuition bestows us with the gift of intuition. The world of the unconscious is its working site. It is a forward-thinking function that intuitively knows without trying hard. It allows us to experience the unpredictable excitement of “eureka” moments through our unconscious processing. Ni also enables us to see beyond what meets the eye. It follows through an abstract pattern of how the world works and lingers on the whys of life.

The demon shadow function is our least developed function, deeply unconscious and far removed from our ego. Our relationship with this function is so strained that we struggle with relating to, and often demonize, people who use this as their dominant function.

Introverted Intuition (Ni) in the demon position is the least developed function of ISTJs. It drains their minds with conspiracy theories and negative intuition that sabotage their comfort and stability. Ni destabilizes their dominant Si making them feel hopeless and out of control. ISTJs tend to project their frustrations to those who use Ni and perceive them as unreliable, shaky and irresponsible. They may also end up retaliating to their aggressor using their demon Ni, pointing out how they missed the bigger picture of it all.