“Pleasure disappoints, possibility never.” -Soren Kierkegaard
Sensing (S) personality types generally do a good job of living in the present moment. Sensing perceivers (“SP” types) readily respond to the pleasures and demands of the sensory world, while sensing judgers (“SJ” types) faithfully carry out their duties and responsibilities. Both find contentment in conventional lifestyles and playing their respective societal roles.
Intuition (N) takes a different approach. Instead of embracing the present moment or the current state of affairs, it’s forward-looking—always anticipating what’s yet to unfold.
Intuition is more abstract than sensing. The word abstract literally means “to draw away.” And this is precisely how intuitives engage with the present moment. Namely, they’re constantly looking beyond (or beneath) the immediate situation, contributing to their reputation as absent-minded dreamers. So even if you happen to be physically present with an intuitive type, his or her mind may be somewhere entirely different, following an abstract trail of ideas or images.
Not only is the intuitive’s departure into the abstract a personality preference, but it’s also part of their formula for happiness. Unless intuitives have something to look forward to or work toward, they’re apt to be dissatisfied. They’re animated by the idea that they are “going somewhere” or “moving toward something.” Stasis, for the N type, is a form of death. Movement, progression, novelty, and “becoming” (nod to Nietzsche)—such are the building blocks of a meaningful life for these types.
This connects with another intuitive attribute, that of being “idea-oriented.” Ideas are in many respects the opposite of sensations. For all intents and purposes, ideas are non-physical, non-sensory phenomena. So whenever intuitives are tracking ideas, they effectively bid farewell to the world of sensations. Whenever they’re looking forward, they rely on the magic carpet of ideas, which is their only means of accessing potential futures.
Ideas are not homogenous, however, and can assume different forms. One of these forms is desired outcomes, or simply—goals. A goal involves a specific picture of the future that intuitives would like to realize (e.g., “I want to become a doctor.”). Goals are useful for channeling energy toward a specific objective, as well as for facilitating the sense of movement and progress intuitives’ crave.
While all intuitives rely on goals to a certain extent, they also embrace a more nebulous orientation to the future—a sense of possibility. When this mindset predominates, intuitives resist any temptation to steer their ship toward a particular destination, trusting their fate to the winds of life. There may be a sense of mysticism underlying this mindset, although this can vary by the individual.
Although all intuitives appreciate goals and possibilities, we might expect judgers (“NJ” types) to lean more toward goals, and perceivers (“NP” types) toward possibilities. As discussed in my post, Planned or Spontaneous? Exploring J-P Differences, judgers attempt to optimize their experience through foresight and planning. Perceivers tend to resist detailed planning, in part to leave the door open to surprises and unforeseen possibilities.
The notion of potential is cherished among NJs and NPs alike, but for slightly different reasons. On the one hand, potential can be construed as a sort of goal. For instance, when we tell someone they have “great potential as a writer,” we’re in some respects encouraging them to embrace it as a goal. When NJs are attempting to help someone self-actualize, they often direct her in a specific direction, toward the goal that is her inherent potential.
For NPs, potential needn’t be seen as a preexisting thing, but more like an option or possibility (e.g., “There’s a lot that could potentially happen on this trip.”). They may have little foresight about what will unfold. The end result is unknown and open-ended. And in many cases, they like to keep it that way. We see this approach exemplified among “client-centered” therapists (many of whom are NFPs) who intentionally avoid steering or directing their clients’ therapeutic path. They don’t pretend to know the specifics of a client’s potential, let alone what’s in his best interest. They simply trust that empathic engagement will, at some point, engender meaningful change. While change is anticipated, the path to reach it and the form it will take are ultimately unknown.
Too much predictability can be scary for any intuitive, which is one reason INFP, INTP, ENFP & ENTP types struggle with commitment in relationships. Even NJs can feel unsettled if life starts feeling too static or predictable. NJs who don’t have a vision or goal for the future, or who otherwise feel stuck, may become depressed or apathetic toward life. NFJs, in particular, often rely on perceived progress or growing intimacy in their romantic relationships to feel whole. Or, they may attempt to achieve this by advising or counseling others. NTJs are more apt to turn to career goals as a path to life satisfaction.
In sum, the life of an intuitive type is always changing and evolving, even if largely inwardly. If it were left up to intuitives, life would never have a permanent endpoint or final destination. New ideas, goals, possibilities, and potentials—such are the lifeblood of intuitive types.
If you’re an intuitive wanting to better understand your personality, clarify your life path, and much more, check out our online course, Finding Your Path as an INFP, INTP, ENFP or ENTP.
Related Resources:
Intuitive Types: Identity, Biases & Blindspots
Vijay says
Can’t believe how spot on this was. Both as an NJ and someone who understands NPs well (thanks in part again to your posts), I subconsciously already knew a lot of the points raised but only ‘after’ i read them (if that makes sense) and could never have articulated it in such fine detail in any case. Many thanks!
A.J. Drenth says
Thanks Vijay for your kind feedback. It’s nice to hear you enjoyed the post.
James says
Excellent article! That analysis of ‘potential’ absolutely nails it for me. I wish that I’d been able to grasp this 20 years ago.
A.J. Drenth says
Thanks so much James. Glad the post rang true for you.
Trevor says
“While all intuitives rely on goals to a certain extent, they also embrace a more nebulous orientation to the future—a sense of possibility. When this mindset predominates, intuitives resist any temptation to steer their ship toward a particular destination, trusting their fate to the winds of life.”
Dr. Drenth,
You are a very good writer. Clear, consise, and a deep understanding of your subject matter. I really enjoy all your posts. Keep up the good work!
With respect to ‘N’ types and the above quote from your article, I couldn’t help but thinking, “someone finally said it”. I have mostly tested as an INTJ but I did once test as INTP. I think what your articles illustrate most is that all of these tendencies are themselves on a spectrum. That has helped me to have a more well rounded understanding of types and not pigeon-hole myself into a type box.
Thank you for all your hard work.
A.J. Drenth says
You’re quite welcome Trevor. Thanks so much for your comments.
Lori says
When I become depressed, the only way I have been able to express my feelings is to say I am without hopes or dreams. Your explanation is much better than mine, lack of vision or goal for the future. Your explanation does not seem as weird or scary.
Thank you so much for your enlightening posts, which have been the only thing I have ever found that helps me understand myself.
A.J. Drenth says
Thanks so much Lori.
S. says
Excellent article!
Rebecca says
This was a great post and very clarifying for me. It helps me understand two things.
One is a minor conflict/ divergence of approaches I was not understanding with work situations/ psychology stuff with two good INF friends. I knew we both have the same basic intentions at heart ( to help people develop and be the best they can be), but I was feeling minorly uncomfortable with their approaches. I now realize it’s that as INFJ’s they are more directive and looking for clearer goals with the people they work with, as well as wanting to stick to a plan to help steer the person there. As an INFP myself, I feel like not everyone knows what their end point is supposed to look like, and would rather just give a person a bunch of building blocks and let delightful serendipity lead and determine a future that I trust will form out of support and a solid base, but don’t actually know the outcome for.
The second thing I realized was that, yes, it is when I don’t have dreams for the future that I start to become depressed and apathetic. As a INFP it’s not that I need goals specifically ( I rarely can narrow things down long range and decide on what these should be), but rather for me it’s that I need to be able to perceive possibilities and potentials out there. Convergent vs divergent mindset maybe? There needs to be enough novelty in life (and work) that a number of different paths could open up. Different encounters and relationships could form. I don’t want absolute change to be happening at every moment, but I do need there to be potential there for something to happen that I didn’t plan. That keeps me intrigued.
A.J. Drenth says
Awesome observations Rebecca. Thanks so much for taking the time to share them!
Jennifer says
This is spot on EXCEPT for NPs lacking commitment in relationships. I see this with SP types more. NPs can be extremely committed, almost masochistically so.
Danielle says
Very familiar from life…
This is analogous to empathy, my INFP client-centred counselor/therapist is very much your path, whereas the ultimate compliment/concern expression from my INTJ brother was ‘she is capable of so much more’. As an INTP I was pleased he cared and respected my competence and potential, but I tend to believe mastery of anything is good, but it is not an ultimate goal or mandatory. I tend to not have the same adherence to ‘the most effective way” as the ISTJ and INTJ in my life. My Ti demands some but efficiency does not always triumph over the wider picture. (I try and imitate how my brother does things like optimize video game play, I failed). It can be refined and achieving some competence is a journey full of the fun of incompetence! (This is meant to be oversimplified-humorous. Sorry INxJs)
When I told my ISTJ dad not everything was linear, he said ‘you mean not everything makes sense?’ But I tend to agree with him in everyday observations, probably an Si thing (no other users in the house).
I once told an ISTJ ‘the best plan is one that can be changed’ The horror on her face! (Expressions not always a strength but even I couldn’t miss it).
I’ll be quiet now 😊