You are led by your Inferior function

From my observations, it's been quite the opposite that types trip themselves over due to their "inferior" function. We tie it to fear, insecurities, fight-or-flight. But there's only a little bit of truth here though. For many, it's actually their strength and motivator.

• Many ENTJs/ESTJs have an understanding of what they value internally (Fi)
• Many ENFJs/ESFJs know how to convey hard truths (Ti)
• Many INTPs/ISTPs strive to be society's role models (Fe)
• Many INFPs/ISFPs are well researched in their fields (Te)
• Many ENFPs/ENTPs serve as standing pillars for others (Si)
• Many ESFPs/ESTPs recognize the biggest things in life (Ni)
• Many INFJs/INTJs are great at breaking down concepts (Se)
• Many ISFJs/ISTJs are goal-orientated masterminds (Ne)

These are all thanks to that little "weak" function! This function is the anchor of our reality shaped by our Dominant function. If our whole reality is seen in a bad light, it’s because we haven’t found a way to accept it. Our whole conscious lives are made based on that attitude. It really is the true ego nemesis, growing stronger the more the ego loves itself until we realize it’s who we are as well. In CPT, it’s called the Oppositional function because it directly opposes the Dominant function. We don’t want to give the idea that it’s "inferior", since that’s plain wrong. Just because it feels inferior doesn’t mean it is.

We could argue it's a function many types tend to overthink about. But a better way would be to think of it like an ideal we set ourselves. How hard are we living up to our own ideals? How do we respond to the ideals we set ourselves? Is it too low or too high? Do we strive to meet or run away from them? Does it make us arrogant or modest about meeting them? Are they plainly pointless?

At first, they seem to just be set within us. But we do have a lot of control if we find a way to step aside and see what's going on.

• ENTJ/ESTJ: do my actions (Te) reflect my personal values (Fi)?
• ENFJ/ESFJ:  do I have the understanding (Ti) to effectively reach others (Fe)?
• INTP/ISTP: does my understanding (Ti) consider all accounts (Fe) to be universal?
• INFP/ISFP: do I fit in the environment (Te) which enables me to be myself (Fi)?
• ENFP/ENTP: did I explore (Ne) as thoroughly (Si) as I could have?
• ESFP/ESTP: did I experience (Se) as comprehensively (Ni) as I could have?
• INFJ/INTJ: did I analyze (Ni) as thoroughly (Se) as I could have?
• ISFJ/ISTJ: did I prepare (Si) as comprehensively (Ne) as I could have?

If we lead with our Dominant function, then we are led by our Oppositional function. Through our Dominant function, we manifest. How we go about it is a question beyond types (something I plan to go over a bit in the future). Just know that fear stunts our growth. And there's nothing to fear but fear itself. Once we get over that, there’s nothing left but ourselves.

Many of us actually do great! We just don't hear much about that.

If you have more questions about this subject or would like to dive deeper, feel free to book an appointment with me—I’d be happy to help!