Logicians (INTP) pride themselves on their intellectual, unique, and creative approach to life. One puzzle that these personalities have yet to crack, though, is the challenge that their own thinking can present to them. How can they learn to harness their critical, analytical mind in a supportive, kind, and encouraging manner? Because if they do not learn to use it in this way, their skeptical approach to life can often translate into negative self-talk. And it’s this negative self-talk that can lead to doubt, second-guessing, and dissatisfaction.
When Logician personalities cannot switch off their critical thinking, they can find their mind in turmoil. They might catch themselves overthinking the most trivial matters, their thoughts racing at full speed. This is a kind of chaos that people with this personality type do not particularly like, as they prefer order and understanding. One of Logicians’ strengths is their ability to make sense of what is happening. But in these situations of overthinking, they might find themselves stuck in a whirlwind of criticism and negativity, seeking but not finding shelter from it. Logician personalities with a Turbulent Identity are even more prone to falling into this pattern.
This spiral of negative thoughts translating into harsh, negative self-talk keeps Logicians from living up to their full potential. This article will dive deeper into how different types of self-talk tend to show up for Logician personalities. Understanding self-talk can provide Logicians with insights into how they can tap into their innate strengths to overcome these occasional bouts of negativity and ensure that they are able to not only live up to their potential but also enjoy the process.
For an introductory look at self-talk, please see our article “Exploring the Conversations We Have with Ourselves: How Self-Talk Impacts Us.”
The Impact of Self-Talk on Logicians
Logicians rely on their mind to make sense of daily life. Their ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and draw conclusions is at the core of their thinking process. It’s not always a linear path that gets them to their conclusions, though – these personalities arrive there through hoops, loops, and turnarounds.
Logicians’ self-talk mirrors this approach. They break down what is happening right in front of them, like a reverse puzzle – the longer they spend on it, the more complicated it gets, as they find memories, thought experiments, and related ideas within each puzzle piece. It can feel like they understand things less and less as they delve ever deeper into the problem that they’re analyzing. As Logicians go through this process, their self-talk can become just as complex – and sometimes a little harsh – as their frustrations mount.
Using self-talk constructively, however, can help Logicians find their footing in unfamiliar situations, guide them through complex problems, and empower them to build meaningful connections with others. There are three forms of self-talk that they can use: positive, instructional, and motivational.
Positive self-talk can be a powerful confidence booster for Logician personalities, especially in moments of uncertainty. By encouraging themselves and focusing on their strengths and past successes, these personalities can transform self-doubt into courage. Positive self-talk reminds Logicians that their efforts are not in vain, that their work is meaningful, and that, by extension, they themselves are valued. When they experience success, receive recognition, or earn accolades for their accomplishments, Logicians are wise to store these positive experiences in their mental bank, to be used in times when encouragement is needed.
In the face of uncertainty or emotional situations, Logicians may find themselves overwhelmed. In these cases, instructional self-talk can help these personality types take the problem at hand and rationalize their fears about it, dissecting them and breaking them down into manageable pieces. While they might not yet be in the habit of regularly utilizing this more organized form of self-talk, doing so would help them tackle one issue at a time when they feel overwhelmed. This analytical approach can help alleviate anxiety, and it provides a sense of control.
In rapidly changing or emotionally charged situations, Logicians might require more than positive or instructional self-talk. In such instances, they can turn to motivational self-talk to emphasize their ability to learn and problem-solve. Motivational self-talk can assist Logicians in maintaining focus and commitment, enabling them to feel confident enough to step out of their comfort zone.
Instructional, positive, and motivational self-talk can help Logicians sustain their focus, confidence, and determination. These inner dialogues empower them to follow through on their thoughts, harness their strengths, and overcome the challenges that daily life throws at them.
Despite the positive impact that these three forms of self-talk can have on Logicians, these personalities possess an inclination to focus on the negative in any given situation. Our survey on “Thought Patterns” reveals that Logician personalities are the most likely out of all 16 personality types to say they pay more attention to negative details than positive ones. This focus on the negative can undermine the effectiveness of their inner dialogue and turn it sour.
“Disappointment” survey that they’re more often disappointed in themselves than in others.
“Researching” survey. Their relentless quest for certainty and validation can be inhibited by their thirst to reexamine and scrutinize every detail.
“Optimist or Pessimist” survey, to see difficulties everywhere.
Exploring the Conversations We Have with Ourselves: How Self-Talk Impacts Us