MBTI Cognitive Functions 101: A Friendly Beginner’s Guide to Finding Your True Type

Have you ever taken an MBTI personality test and gotten different results each time? You’re not alone. Many people feel confused or inconsistent with their MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) results – one day you’re an INFJ, the next time you test as an INFP, and you’re left wondering which one is really you. This beginner-friendly guide will help clear up that confusion by exploring the deeper idea behind the four-letter types: cognitive functions. By understanding these mental building blocks and how they stack up in each personality, you can figure out which type fits you best more reliably than by test results alone.

Why MBTI Test Results Can Be Confusing

MBTI tests (especially free online quizzes) often focus on surface-level traits – like whether you enjoy parties or if you plan ahead – which can be affected by mood, life situation, or how you interpret the questions. It’s no surprise that the same person might get different results on different days. Real MBTI theory, however, isn’t just about isolated behaviors. It’s about how your mind processes information and makes decisions at a core level. The four letters of a type (like INFJ or ESFP) are more than a random label; they point to underlying thought patterns called cognitive functions. If you’ve felt that the descriptions of a type “almost” fit you but not quite, or that you’re torn between two types, understanding cognitive functions can be the key to unlocking your best-fit type.

Think of it this way: a standard MBTI test might tell you what you prefer (e.g. “I” for Introvert or “E” for Extravert), but cognitive functions explain why you have those preferences and how they play out in your mind. By looking at these deeper mental habits, you’ll get a more consistent and richer picture of your personality – one that goes beyond yes/no questions on a test. So, let’s dive into what cognitive functions are and how they can help you make sense of your MBTI type confusion.

Beyond the Four Letters: What Are Cognitive Functions?

At its core, MBTI is based on the work of Carl Jung, who identified four fundamental ways people engage with the world: Sensing, Intuition, Thinking, and Feeling. Each of these can be directed outwardly (Extraverted, interacting with the external world) or inwardly (Introverted, focused on the internal world). When you mix and match the four functions with these two orientations, you get eight cognitive functions in total​

These are often denoted by a capital letter (for the function) plus a little “e” or “i” for the attitude. For example: Se means Extraverted Sensing, Ni means Introverted Intuition, and so on.

Every MBTI personality type is defined by a unique combination of four of these functions (out of the eight). Think of the four letters of your type as a code that tells you which functions you have and in what order. The MBTI system assigns each type a “function stack” – a rank-order of four cognitive functions that that type uses most naturally. These functions are often called:

• Dominant (your lead function – the one you use most instinctively),

• Auxiliary (your helpful second function),

• Tertiary (a third function that is less developed, more like a younger sidekick),

• Inferior (your fourth and weakest function, which can feel awkward or come out under stress).

In other words, each of the 16 types has a “mental recipe” of four functions that work together, with one as the hero and others supporting​

This is why two types that share three letters (like INFJ and INFP) can actually feel very different – they have different dominant and auxiliary functions driving them.

The Function Stack: Your Mind’s “Core Four”

To make this idea of a function stack easier to visualize, let’s use a fun metaphor.

 An illustration of the "car model" of cognitive functions. Imagine your mind as a car with four seats: a Driver (Dominant function) steering the way, a Co-Pilot (Auxiliary function) riding shotgun to assist, and two kids in the back – a 10-year-old (Tertiary function) and a 3-year-old (Inferior function). The Driver represents the mental process you rely on most, while the others play supporting roles with varying maturity levels​

• Dominant Function – The Driver: This is the mental process you identify with the most. It’s like the driver of your car who steers your decisions and perceptions daily. You use it so naturally that you might not even realize it’s a special talent – it just feels like “you.” For example, if your dominant function is Extraverted Intuition (as in an ENFP type), you’ll constantly scan the outside world for new ideas and possibilities without thinking about it; it’s your default mode.​

  
  

• Auxiliary Function – The Co-Pilot: This is your second-in-command process. You trust it a lot and use it to support your dominant function, especially in areas where the dominant might not be as strong. The auxiliary adds balance – if your Driver is focused inward, your Co-Pilot will be outward (and vice versa). For instance, an INFJ’s dominant is Introverted Intuition (an inward, visionary process) and their auxiliary is Extraverted Feeling (an outward, people-focused process). The auxiliary “co-pilot” helps the INFJ share their insights with and care for others, bringing their inner world out in a useful way.

  
  

• Tertiary Function – The 10-Year-Old: The third function in your stack is like a child passenger – sometimes playful and helpful, other times a bit immature. You’re aware of it and can use it, but not with the consistency or confidence of your top two. For example, an ENFP’s tertiary is Extraverted Thinking. At times, ENFPs can be quite logical and organized (using that Te), but other times their logical side might trip them up or come out in a childish way – like suddenly getting overly rigid about an idea – especially if they over-rely on it.

  
  

• Inferior Function – The 3-Year-Old: This is the fourth and weakest function – the toddler in the backseat. It’s a part of you that feels the most uneasy or undeveloped. Most of the time, you don’t use it confidently. When you’re stressed, though, this inferior function often demands attention (much like a cranky 3-year-old) and can cause you to act out of character. For example, a person whose inferior function is Introverted Feeling might normally seem very analytical and tough-minded, but under stress they find themselves suddenly overwhelmed with personal feelings they don’t know how to handle. Everyone has an inferior function, and discovering yours can be eye-opening – it often points to your biggest growth challenges and the things that make you uncomfortable.

  
  

This “car model” metaphor is just one way to remember the roles: your dominant and auxiliary functions (driver and co-pilot) do most of the work in navigating life, while the tertiary and inferior (the kids in the back) have less influence but are still along for the ride​

Understanding which functions sit in those seats for you will help explain a lot about why you think and act the way you do – and why simply labeling yourself with four letters doesn’t capture the whole story.

Meet the Eight Cognitive Functions (in Plain English)

Now that we know each type has four out of eight possible functions, let’s introduce all 8 cognitive functions one by one. Don’t worry – we’ll keep it simple and relatable, with everyday language and examples. As you read through these, think about which ones sound the most like you. (Hint: your dominant and auxiliary functions will likely resonate a lot, while the others might sound less familiar.)

There are two groups of functions: four are ways of perceiving or taking in information (Sensing and Intuition variants), and four are ways of judging or making decisions (Thinking and Feeling variants). We’ll group them by those categories for clarity, and note whether they’re introverted (directed inward) or extraverted (directed outward)

Perceiving Functions (How You Take in Information)

• Extraverted Sensing (Se) – “Live in the moment”. People with strong Se love to engage directly with the world through their five senses. They are very present and hands-on – noticing details, sights, sounds, textures that others might overlook. Se-dominant types (like ESTP or ESFP) act on concrete data here and now, trusting what is tangible and real​

  In real life, someone using Se might be the person who, at a party, is fully aware of the music playing, the flavor of the food, and the vibe of the crowd – and is actively doing something, whether it’s dancing or rearranging the decorations for maximum fun. They often have a spontaneous, outgoing energy because they’re literally “in touch” with the immediate world.

  
  

• Introverted Sensing (Si) – “Recall and compare”. Si is all about internal database of personal experiences. Those who favor Si (like ISTJ or ISFJ) take in information by comparing what’s happening now to what they’ve seen before. They have excellent memories for facts and past details, and they trust the tried-and-true. An Si user will notice patterns over time – “This reminds me of that time when…” – and they store sensory details that are important for future use​

  For example, an Si type visiting a new city might recall it smells just like a bakery they loved back home, or they’ll stick to a hotel that has the same amenities as one that treated them well before. Si gives a comfort in familiarity and a respect for tradition or routines that have proven reliable.

  
  

• Extraverted Intuition (Ne) – “What if...?”. Ne is the king of possibilities and brainstorms. People dominant in Ne (like ENFP or ENTP) see the external world as full of potential ideas and connections. They’ll notice one thing and instantly imagine what it could become or how it links to something else. Ne is enthusiastic, imaginative, and great at networking ideas together or generating novel solutions​

  In conversation, a person using Ne might jump from topic to topic, inspired by a random word that sparks a new thought – “That reminds me of… which makes me think of… hey, we could totally try…!” They’re often called creative or visionary because they can brainstorm options that others never considered. (Think of the friend who, when planning a weekend, comes up with a dozen wild and fun activities instead of the usual routine – that’s Ne at work, “brainstorming” externally.)

  
  

• Introverted Intuition (Ni) – “Insights and impressions”. Ni is a bit mysterious and hard to observe from the outside because it works internally. Types strong in Ni (like INFJ or INTJ) seek deep patterns and meaning in the information they absorb. They often get “aha!” moments or gut insights that seem to come out of nowhere, because their mind has been unconsciously connecting dots in the background. Ni users focus on the big picture, future possibilities, and hidden implications; they trust these inner insights even if they’re hard to explain to others​

  In real life, someone with Ni might, for example, meet a new person and have a strong intuition about where that person’s life is headed, or they might predict trends and outcomes with uncanny accuracy (“I have a feeling this project will face a hidden obstacle”). They can appear visionary because they’re always synthesizing information into an abstract understanding of how things will unfold.

  
  

Judging Functions (How You Make Decisions)

• Extraverted Thinking (Te) – “Objective logic and order”. Te is the go-to process for structure, efficiency, and getting results in the external world. People who favor Te (like ESTJ or ENTJ, and also as a tertiary for some types like ENFP) are logical organizers – they like to set goals, create plans, and enforce clear rules or criteria to make things work​

  Te users make decisions by looking at facts and evidence openly: what makes the most sense? what will achieve the objective? You’ll often see Te at play when someone is delegating tasks in a group project, managing a schedule, or making a pro/con list to decide – all with a somewhat no-nonsense attitude. Emotions and subjective opinions take a backseat for Te; it’s more about “Does this work effectively?”. For example, an extraverted thinker at work might say, “I don’t care who does Task X, just that it’s done by Friday and meets the standards.” They’re often natural leaders or efficient project managers (sometimes perceived as blunt or bossy, but very effective at organizing resources).

  
  

• Introverted Thinking (Ti) – “Internal logic and analysis”. Ti is a more inward, reflective kind of reasoning. Those strong in Ti (like ISTP or INTP) are analytical puzzle-solvers in their own heads. They seek internal consistency and deeply consider how and why things work​

  Ti users build mental frameworks or systems to explain the world, and they’re always refining these models by picking apart ideas to see if they hold true. If you have a friend who loves analyzing theories or troubleshooting problems quietly, often losing track of time in deep thought, they might be a Ti type. They make decisions by asking “Does this make sense to me**?” – checking against their inner principles and understanding. Unlike Te’s quick executive decisions, Ti may take longer to decide because it’s mulling things over meticulously. In everyday life, a Ti person might be the one who corrects a flawed argument in a discussion or who tinkers with a gadget for hours to improve its design, purely for the satisfaction of logical perfection.

  
  

• Extraverted Feeling (Fe) – “Harmony with others”. Fe is all about people-centric values, empathy, and creating harmony in the external environment. Those who use Fe a lot (like ENFJ or ESFJ, and also many introverts like ISFJ as an auxiliary) are highly tuned in to others’ emotions and social dynamics. They make decisions by considering others’ feelings, needs, and the collective values at play. An Fe user will ask, “How will this impact everyone involved?” before they act. They often take on the role of peacemaker or host – ensuring everyone is comfortable, mediating conflicts, and adhering to social norms for the sake of group cohesion​

  For instance, an Fe-driven person in a team meeting might be the one who notices that a quieter member is being talked over and will actively invite that person to share, aiming to include and affirm everyone. They might also readily adjust their own behavior to match the mood of the group or to avoid offending anyone. Warm, encouraging, and conscientious of morale, strong Fe users strive for external “harmonizing” – sometimes at the expense of their own needs or opinions.

  
  

• Introverted Feeling (Fi) – “Inner values and authenticity”. Fi is the deeply personal compass of right and wrong, feeling and authenticity. Those dominant in Fi (like INFP or ISFP) or using it as a strong auxiliary are guided by an inner moral/emotional code. They ask, “Does this feel true to me? Am I being authentic to myself?” when making decisions. Fi users seek harmony within themselves – their actions have to align with their personal values and feelings​

  In daily life, Fi often shows up as a strong sense of empathy and individuality. Fi types can be very empathetic – they feel others’ joys and pains as if it were their own – but unlike Fe, which expresses empathy outwardly, Fi might not always articulate those feelings. Instead, it quietly guides them to stand up for what they believe in. For example, a Fi person may be the one in a corporate setting who says, “I’m not comfortable with this plan; it just doesn’t feel right,” even if it’s unpopular – because it violates their personal ethics. They value authenticity highly (both in themselves and others) and often are imaginative and idealistic. If you have a friend who seems to “march to the beat of their own drum” and makes decisions based on gut values rather than logic or social expectations, they likely have strong Fi. It’s all about “valuing” what truly matters to one’s heart.

  
  

As you read these descriptions, you might notice that some pairs sound like two sides of a coin. For instance, Te vs. Ti (both are thinking but one external, one internal) or Fe vs. Fi (both are feeling but with different focus). Often, if you strongly identify with one in a pair, you’ll find its opposite is less comfortable for you. Each MBTI type has a specific combination: one type of sensing or intuition + one type of thinking or feeling, each in either introverted or extraverted form. When the MBTI code says you’re, say, an ENFP, it means your core functions are Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Feeling (Fi) working together. The better you understand these pieces, the better you can understand yourself.

Using Functions to Find Your Type (Common Mix-Ups Explained)

Now, how does all this help you figure out whether you’re one type or another? Let’s consider some common type confusions and see how looking at cognitive functions makes the difference clearer. If you’re unsure between two types that seem similar, pay attention to the dominant and auxiliary functions of each – these typically drive the biggest differences in how you think and behave.

We’ll walk through a few classic “mistyped” pairs and compare their function stacks with real-life examples:

INFP vs. INFJ (Am I guided by Values or Vision?)

It’s easy to see why many people get torn between INFP and INFJ – on the surface, both types are introverted idealists who care about people and possibilities. But beneath those shared letters (I, N, F), the order of their functions is completely different. An INFJ leads with Introverted Intuition (Ni), whereas an INFP leads with Introverted Feeling (Fi)​

This means the INFJ’s primary mode is visionary insight and the INFP’s is personal values.

• INFJ’s core (Ni–Fe): INFJs are dominantly Ni, supported by Extraverted Feeling (Fe) as their auxiliary. In practice, INFJs often have a rich inner world of insights, symbols, and future-oriented ideas (Ni) and they bring these out by caring for others or understanding human dynamics (Fe). They might come across as analytical yet gentle organizers. For example, an INFJ will listen to a friend’s problem and intuitively sense the deeper issue (Ni), then respond in a warm, compassionate way, perhaps giving advice that speaks to that friend’s unspoken feelings (Fe). Outwardly, INFJs can actually seem quite structured, organized, and even logical at times​ their Fe (a “Judging” function) shows to the world as a desire for order and harmony. Inside, however, they feel more open-ended and exploratory because of their dominant Ni’s endless stream of ideas and impressions. They often appear organized and put-together to others, even if internally they might feel they’re still figuring things out.

  
  

• INFP’s core (Fi–Ne): INFPs, on the other hand, are dominantly Fi, with Extraverted Intuition (Ne) as their auxiliary. This makes them fundamentally driven by their inner values and feelings (Fi), while outwardly they display enthusiasm for ideas and possibilities (Ne). An INFP in action may spend a lot of time reflecting on what truly matters to them – what feels right or wrong in their soul – and that guides their decisions big and small. When interacting with others, their Ne kicks in: they often appear more spontaneous, imaginative, and open-ended to the outside world​.

  For instance, the same friend’s problem given to an INFP will be met with deep empathy (Fi) – the INFP might personally feel the friend’s sorrow or joy – and then they might brainstorm various possibilities to help, thinking out loud in a creative, sometimes nonlinear way (Ne). Outwardly, INFPs tend to seem flexible, exploratory, and a bit whimsical, because we see their Ne behavior. Internally, however, they’re quite decisive about their values (since Fi is a “Judging” function, albeit an internal one) – they have an inner backbone of what’s important to them, even if it’s not obvious to others.

  
  

Key questions to ask yourself for INFJ vs INFP: Do you find that your mind naturally drifts into interpreting patterns, symbols, and visions of what might happen (suggesting Ni)? Or do you more often make decisions by tuning into how you personally feel and what aligns with your inner moral compass (suggesting Fi)? When solving problems, an INFJ might say, “Let’s figure out the underlying meaning here and how it affects everyone involved,” whereas an INFP might say, “What solution feels most authentic and true to who I am and to the people I care about?” Also, consider what energizes you more: INFJs often light up when they can grasp a complex concept or future scenario (that Ni satisfaction) and help others understand it, while INFPs glow when they know they’ve stayed true to themselves or helped someone in a way that felt morally right (that Fi fulfillment). Both types are caring and idealistic, but INFJ’s empathy comes via understanding others’ emotions and responding to them (Fe), whereas INFP’s empathy is more about mirroring feelings internally and sympathizing deeply yet privately (Fi). If you resonate with being the “quiet visionary” who instinctively reads between the lines (likely INFJ) versus the “sensitive soul” who stays true to personal ideals (likely INFP), that can signal which side you lean toward.

ENFP vs. ENTP (Do I lead with Heart or with Head?)

Both ENFPs and ENTPs are quick-thinking, innovative extroverts full of ideas (they share dominant Extraverted Intuition (Ne)). Both will seem creative, talkative, and love exploring new concepts. The big difference lies in their secondary function: ENFPs have Introverted Feeling (Fi) as their auxiliary, whereas ENTPs have Introverted Thinking (Ti) as theirs. In short, ENFPs are led by the heart (values and feelings) supporting their ideas, and ENTPs are led by the head (logic and analysis) supporting their ideas.

• ENFP’s core (Ne–Fi): An ENFP’s constant generation of possibilities (Ne) is guided by a strong sense of personal meaning and empathy (Fi). This means ENFPs often come across as people-centered creatives. They can be just as zany and inventive as ENTPs, but there’s a thread of sentimentality or personal passion in what they do. For example, if brainstorming a new product, an ENFP will have a million imaginative features (Ne) but also deeply consider “Does this align with what I care about or how it will help people?” (Fi). In interactions, ENFPs tend to be warm and emotionally expressive; they prioritize understanding others’ feelings and staying true to themselves in decisions. They might avoid debates that get too confrontational or impersonal, because harmony and values matter to them.

• ENTP’s core (Ne–Ti): ENTPs, meanwhile, use the same wildfire Ne imagination but pair it with a logical, analytical framework (Ti). They often appear as rational inventors or debaters. An ENTP brainstorming that same product will churn out wild ideas (Ne) but then internally test each idea against a logical model: “Does this concept hold water logically? How can I make it work in theory?” (Ti). ENTPs love to debate and explore concepts from all angles, and they’re usually less worried about stepping on toes in the process. In fact, many ENTPs enjoy a friendly argument as a way to refine ideas – they find it fun and intellectually stimulating. They might come off as less openly sensitive than ENFPs. It’s not that ENTPs don’t have feelings; it’s that their decision-making isn’t driven by personal sentiments or values as much as by what makes sense logically. They will more readily challenge a statement (“Are we sure that’s true? What’s the evidence?”) whereas an ENFP might be more inclined to consider how that statement resonates with people or ideals.

One easy way to spot the difference is how each handles decisions and conflicts. An ENFP often asks: “What feels right? What option can I live with and feel good about, in line with my values?”​

They might say things like, “In my heart, I just feel this is the right way to go,” when choosing a path. An ENTP, by contrast, asks: “What makes sense? Is this internally coherent and logically sound?”​

They might say, “Let’s think this through logically” or enjoy dissecting an issue unemotionally to get to the truth. In emotional situations, ENFPs are typically more at ease expressing feelings and empathizing, while ENTPs might get a bit uncomfortable with intense feelings (their own or others’) and try to intellectualize them. If you see yourself as the friend who gives a hug and encouraging words based on personal understanding (ENFP) versus the friend who gives a clever solution or witty insight to cheer someone up (ENTP), that could hint at your type. Neither approach is better – they’re just different flavors of the Ne creativity: one flavored with heart, the other with head.

ISFJ vs. ISTJ (Do I focus on People or on Plans?)

At first glance, ISFJ and ISTJ personalities have a lot in common. Both are typically introverted, responsible, detail-oriented folks who value stability and tradition – they even share the same dominant function, Introverted Sensing (Si), which gives them that down-to-earth, past-experience-driven approach. The crucial difference is in their auxiliary function: ISFJ uses Extraverted Feeling (Fe) as the second function, while ISTJ uses Extraverted Thinking (Te). This makes the ISFJ more people-focused and the ISTJ more task-focused in their style.

• ISFJ’s core (Si–Fe): ISFJs are often nicknamed “nurturers” or “protectors” for good reason. Their Si makes them remember all the little details that matter (birthdays, how you take your coffee, that story you told them last week), and their Fe drives them to use that info to care for others. An ISFJ is the person who will recall that you were nervous about a meeting and later check in with you to ask how it went (because they genuinely care about your feelings). In group settings, ISFJs naturally scan for anyone who might be uncomfortable or needs help, and they’ll quietly step in to offer support or create harmony. They often prefer established ways of doing things (Si) but with the aim of making sure everyone is okay (Fe). For example, hosting a family dinner, an ISFJ will rely on traditional recipes and the usual schedule (Si) and spend the evening making sure each guest is well-fed, happy, and included (Fe). They get a deep satisfaction from knowing everyone’s needs are met.

• ISTJ’s core (Si–Te): ISTJs, by contrast, are often called “logisticians” or “inspectors.” They use their Si memory and detail-focus to uphold procedures and standards, and their Te to organize tasks and enforce efficiency. An ISTJ is the person who will also remember facts and past events, but they’re more likely to use that info to ensure things run like clockwork. In the family dinner example, the ISTJ host will have a clear timeline (dinner at 6 sharp, dessert by 7, clean-up done by 8) and practical arrangements in place – they’ll make sure the food is prepared properly and the seating is arranged logically. It’s not that ISTJs don’t care about their guests’ comfort; it’s that they show care by fixing problems and managing logistics first. If someone is upset, an ISTJ might demonstrate concern by solving the issue (refilling an empty drink, adjusting the thermostat if it’s too hot, etc.) rather than offering a hug or emotional comfort immediately. They are efficient, reliable, and can sometimes come off as blunt or uncaring only because they prioritize getting things done right (Te) before tending to feelings.

A vivid way to picture the difference: Imagine an ISFJ and ISTJ stranded on a deserted island. The ISTJ would likely be constructing a shelter and a step-by-step plan for survival, focusing on the logistics of how to get water, food, and an escape route. The ISFJ would be making sure everyone (if there are others) is safe, fed, and emotionally coping, focusing on the morale and welfare of the group. In one witty description, “One is focused on survival logistics, the other on survival morale”​

Both are crucial in a crisis, but they illustrate the natural leanings of each type.

If you’re stuck between ISFJ vs ISTJ, ask yourself: When faced with a problem, is your first instinct to check on people involved (how are they feeling, is everyone okay?) or to check on the procedure (what’s the fix, is everything in order)? Do you find you’re more motivated by making others comfortable (even if it means bending a rule or delaying a task), which suggests Fe, or by accomplishing a task efficiently (even if it means stepping on some toes), which suggests Te? In reality, ISFJs can certainly be organized and ISTJs can certainly care about people – the difference is which comes most naturally and first. An ISFJ will usually soften their language to avoid upsetting someone, whereas an ISTJ will usually be more direct and assume that getting the job done will ultimately benefit everyone. Figure out which approach feels like “you at your core,” and you’ll have a strong clue about your true type.

Reflect and Discover: What Do You Relate To?

By now, you’ve read a lot about cognitive functions and how they manifest. But how do you actually apply this knowledge to yourself? The key is self-reflection – looking at your own motivations and habits, beyond just what you do on the surface. Here are a few guided questions and mini-scenarios to help you identify which functions and attitudes ring true for you. Grab a moment to ponder each and see which description feels most comfortable – that’s usually a sign of a dominant or auxiliary function for you (whereas ones that feel awkward might be tertiary or inferior).

1. How do you tend to approach new situations or information?Imagine you start a new hobby or job. Do you…

• Look for familiar references or instructions that worked well in the past to guide you? (This leans toward Introverted Sensing (Si) – using memory and proven experience.)

• Jump in to experience it hands-on immediately, learning as you go by trial and error? (This suggests Extraverted Sensing (Se) – immersing in the present moment.)

• Research and brainstorm different possibilities or angles about it, getting excited by all the things you could do with this new activity? (This points to Extraverted Intuition (Ne) – exploring ideas externally.)

• Quietly observe and form an inner impression of how it fits into a bigger picture or what it means for you, maybe trusting a hunch about it? (This hints at Introverted Intuition (Ni) – seeking insight internally.)

Think about which of those approaches feels most natural and which sounds draining. If you thrive by “winging it” and soaking in the real-time experience, you’re likely a sensing type (Se) at heart. If you can’t help but recall similar past scenarios to orient yourself, Si might be at work. If you get giddy generating ideas and possibilities, Ne is probably in play. If you quietly foresee where this new path might lead you in the future, Ni could be your forte.

2. How do you make decisions (especially tough personal decisions)?Consider you have to choose between two significant options (like two job offers or deciding whether to move to a new city). Do you…

• List out the pros, cons, and logical consequences of each option, maybe consult external data or advice, and go with the plan that objectively seems most reasonable or effective? (Sounds like Extraverted Thinking (Te) – prioritizing logic and results.)

• Retreat into thought, weigh the principles or frameworks at play (like does it fit your long-term plan or your analytical understanding of success), and decide based on which option makes the most logical sense to you personally? (That’s Introverted Thinking (Ti) – an internal logic yardstick.)

• Tune into your feelings and values, asking yourself which choice “feels right” or aligns with who you really are and what you believe in, regardless of outside opinions? (This indicates Introverted Feeling (Fi) – personal values and authenticity.)

• Consider how each choice will affect the people around you or the harmony of your environment, maybe even discuss it with loved ones, and choose the path that maintains or improves overall well-being and harmony for everyone? (This suggests Extraverted Feeling (Fe) – interpersonal values and harmony.)

Notice your decision-making style. If you catch yourself instinctively doing a cost-benefit analysis and seeking a “rational” answer, you’re using a Thinking function (Te or Ti). If your gut pulls you to what feels emotionally resonant or morally right, you’re favoring a Feeling function (Fi or Fe). To differentiate further, ask: Do I validate the decision by logic others can generally agree on (Te: “Option A will likely yield a higher salary and that’s objectively better”)? Do I validate by an inner logical consistency (Ti: “Option A fits my carefully considered life plan and puzzle”)? Do I validate by personal conviction (Fi: “Option B just aligns with my passions, even if it’s less lucrative”)? Or by group values (Fe: “Option B will allow me to help others more and my family supports it”)?

3. What drains you more: being too isolated or too socially busy?This one relates to Extraversion vs. Introversion, but with a cognitive function twist. Everyone needs both alone time and social time, but think about when you feel most energized and “in your element.”

• If a whole day of solitary work or introspection leaves you feeling antsy and you crave interacting with the world again, it suggests your dominant function might be extraverted (Se, Ne, Te, or Fe) – you gain energy by engaging outwardly. For example, a person with dominant Ne (ENFP/ENTP) will get a surge of inspiration bouncing ideas off others or exploring outside; a dominant Fe (ESFJ/ENFJ) will feel happiest after connecting warmly with people.

• If a long day of socializing or external hustle makes you exhausted and you rejuvenate by retreating into your inner world (reading, gaming, reflecting, creating solo), it suggests your dominant might be introverted (Si, Ni, Ti, or Fi). For instance, a dominant Fi (INFP/ISFP) needs to process their feelings alone to recharge, and a dominant Ni (INTJ/INFJ) might crave quiet time to sift through the day’s impressions and insights.

Neither is good or bad – it’s about where your mind naturally lives. Often, recognizing this can help resolve type confusion: maybe you thought you were an extrovert because you’re sociable, but if deep down you really need lots of alone time to use your favorite mental process (like an INTP who can be chatty but absolutely needs solitary analysis time), that points to introversion in your function stack. Or vice versa.

4. Which description of “success” resonates more: “I stayed true to myself” or “I achieved my goal” or “We all got along” or “I understood the problem”?This is a more abstract question, but try to imagine a scenario where you solved a problem or accomplished something. What part of that outcome gives you the most satisfaction?

• Feeling that you were authentic to your values and emotions (Fi) – you didn’t betray what’s important to you.

• Knowing that you made the logical, correct decision and it works (Te/Ti) – it’s effective or it makes sense and is accurate.

• Seeing that people are happy and harmonious as a result (Fe) – everyone’s on good terms and appreciates what was done.

• Realizing that you learned or saw something new in the process (Ne/Ni) – you gained an insight or opened up possibilities, advancing your understanding.

It’s a bit of a philosophical reflection, but it might highlight what your dominant function truly cares about. For example, an INTJ (Ni–Te) might feel most fulfilled by “understanding a complex issue and implementing a solution that works” (insight + effectiveness), whereas an ISFP (Fi–Se) might feel it as “expressing my true self through actions/experiences I love.” Neither would probably be as fulfilled swapping those criteria.

By reflecting on these questions and scenarios, you can start to see patterns in yourself. You might notice, for instance, “Wow, I really do always think about how others feel before I act” (pointing to Fe), or “I realize I get stuck re-reading manuals and past notes before trying something new” (pointing to Si), or “I definitely argue with myself about what ‘makes sense’ more than what anyone else thinks” (pointing to Ti). Those are gold nuggets of self-awareness that can guide you toward your best-fit type.

Embrace the Journey

Figuring out your MBTI type through cognitive functions is a bit like putting together a puzzle of you. It might take some time and experimentation, and that’s okay. Personality is complex – no 10-minute quiz can capture all the nuances of your mind. By learning about cognitive functions, you’re equipping yourself with a deeper framework to understand why you gravitate toward certain behaviors and perspectives. You might even find that aspects of two types resonate because of shared functions (for example, an ENFP and ENTP both love brainstorming Ne ideas, as we saw). That’s normal; it just means you’re seeing the specific pieces you have in common, and you can focus on the differences that matter.

Remember that MBTI is a tool for self-discovery, not a box to cram yourself into. The goal is not to rigidly label yourself, but to give you language for your natural strengths and blind spots. If after reflection you conclude, say, “I am an INFJ,” that doesn’t mean you can’t ever act like an ESTJ – it just means your comfort zone and growth path will be different from someone else’s. Use this knowledge to grow: Develop your auxiliary function to balance yourself out, understand when your tertiary or inferior might be tripping you up, and appreciate opposite types for the skills that don’t come as easily to you.

Finally, stay curious and gentle with yourself. Personality typing is a journey, and it should be enlightening and fun – not dogmatic. If you’re unsure about your type, feel free to keep exploring, maybe even intentionally try on a type for a week (“How would an ISFJ approach this situation? Does that feel better or worse than my usual way?”). The true value in MBTI and cognitive functions comes from the self-awareness and empathy it can foster. As you understand your own mind’s wiring, you’ll likely also gain appreciation for others’ differing styles (like why your ISTJ friend insists on the itinerary, or why your ENFP sibling can’t stick to one).

In the end, whether you discover you’re an INFJ, INFP, or something else entirely, what matters is that you’ve learned more about what makes you you. And that’s a pretty rewarding journey to undertake. Happy exploring, and trust that with each insight into these cognitive functions, you’re one step closer to confidently finding your true type!