How To Motivate An INTP: Do’s and Don’ts

Finding motivation might be difficult for INTPs at times for a variety of reasons. They tend to put off certain activities and jobs that must be completed. So how to motivate an INTP?

For them, constantly feeling pressed to do tasks is likely to make them even more exhausted by the circumstance.

INTPs are capable individuals but battle with procrastination and lack enthusiasm regarding specific jobs.

Whether you’re an INTP looking to feel more motivated, or you have a friend or family member, that’s an INTP, and you want to help them…

You might be thinking… What does an unmotivated INTP look like? Are INTPs really lazy? What drives them?

How do you encourage an INTP? Can INTPs be productive? How do INTPs deal with burnout?

So if you’re interested in any of these questions, we’ll dive deeper and answer them in this article. Are you ready?

The Unmotivated INTP

Outsiders may perceive INTPs as uninspired, although they are just disinterested in their environment most of the time.

INTPs are outcasts. They don’t go along with the crowd and will follow their gut instinct. However, INTPs will not bother explaining their decision to others since it is difficult to express, or people may misunderstand them.

This is why INTPs look uninspired to others since INTPs rarely follow the route of others. For example, while most people are thrilled about something and doing it, INTPs are likely to pick a different type of enthusiasm only they can enjoy.

INTPs’ minds are always preoccupied with a plethora of data, hypotheses, questions, and so on. Even though their bodies are on Earth, their minds are generally in another galaxy or space.

INTPs live in their own world and are often distracted by their thoughts. They are frequently clueless about what is happening around them.

Please excuse them if they do not pay enough attention.Many unintellectual things pique the curiosity of INTPs.

Most people discuss value, features, brands, wealthy individuals, current trends, and so on. None of those pique INTPs’ curiosity.

When it comes to studying, certain subjects are either too easy or too uninteresting. When it comes to assignments, if they have to complete them alone, INTPs can easily get the highest grade in the class.

However, if INTPs are given group assignments, they will become the most worthless member of the group.

INTPs typically sit in the corner, stay quiet, and listen to everyone’s opinion during group discussions and decision-making.

INTPs may look uninspired because they frequently believe their opinions are unimportant. INTPs do not express their thoughts until they are asked.

Suppose INTPs believe that others can solve the problem. In that case, they will not devote their minds to the subject and become distracted during the process.

When a leader makes a choice that INTPs believe is good, they just accept it.However, suppose no decisions are made, and everyone appears to be at a loss.

In that case, INTPs will take over the debate and propose solutions.

However, that is very unusual for INTPs because they dislike being the focus of attention. Humans see the world to be a place of competition.

Competition among siblings, families, schools, colleges, and workplaces. While INTPs are not interested in competition, they must remain relevant in society.

INTPs find it challenging to interact with others; they typically do not wish to compete.

Most individuals place a high value on achievement, success, wealth, social standing, assets, etc. INTPs, on the other hand, cherish just their own space and unrestricted access to knowledge.

Why Are INTPs Lazy? Is This Really True?

INTPs are not lazy; they are simply indifferent to specific tasks that may appear hardworking to you but useless to them. They’d prefer to focus on their efforts elsewhere rather than squander time.

INTPs are unmotivated by activities in which they are uninterested. So their ‘laziness’ isn’t the real issue here. It is a matter of priorities, not of effort.

There are numerous stereotypes about INTP lethargy. Many people, including teachers, parents, and bosses, would like to rush the INTP, but I would advise you not to.

And while there are things you can do to increase the INTP’s productivity and ensure they do their best, INTPs should not be trained to imitate proactive or extroverted personalities.

The INTP personality type requires explicit work-related expectations. You must inform the INTP precisely what you expect them to produce and accomplish. You must establish a structure that rewards and assists the INTP in achieving their goals.

It would help if you also examined the INTP’s numerous distinct talents.

DOs and DONTs when it comes to INTP laziness:

• Give INTPs long-term tasks rather than short-term ones.

• Allow the INTP creative freedom at work.

• Don’t keep an eye on the INTP to ensure they’re constantly functioning well – it’ll make them worse.

• Refrain from pressing INTPs to accomplish things quickly; their quality and standard will suffer.

• Do not evaluate INTPs based on how busy they appear.

With the INTP, it may appear that nothing is happening when, in fact, a thousand things are going on within their thoughts. With INTPs, you will have an extremely creative partner.

They have great logical reasoning, excellent problem-solving abilities, and strong attention to detail and perfection. They demand perfection from themselves, learn quickly, and do not boast or make empty promises.

INTPs are the geniuses your workplace has been looking for. However, intuitive introverts frequently require a significant time to let their thoughts take their course. 

Allow them to thoroughly consider their options, give them time to research, and don’t force them to focus on something that doesn’t interest them.

Challenge the INTP by setting clear expectations and goals. Allow INTPs to address challenges in their own unique ways. Encourage innovative solutions.

If the INTP discovers a faster approach to tackle a problem that will benefit your company, don’t expect them to work as hard as the rest of the team. 

Reward them for how much they accomplish rather than how long they sit in their chairs. INTP idleness is a myth and a stereotype.

If you think INTPs are lazy, you should look closely at what’s happening inside those fiery, intense brains.

What Drives An INTP?

INTP personalities are typically driven and stimulated by the following:

• Solving complicated issues with careful study and intuition.Investigating the underlying reasons of an issue.
• Before making a final judgment on a problem, consider all possibilities.
• Working on projects separately and reporting back to a group.

INTPs are driven by the challenge of tackling complex, difficult situations using analysis and intuition. They like thinking about hypothetical circumstances and prospective consequences to find the best answer.

They flourish when allowed to get to the bottom of a problem. They want to discover permanent solutions to problems rather than short fixes. Therefore they frequently delve a little further to uncover the root and provide the best answer.

They like the process of thinking and pondering and are likely to come up with a perfect answer in their heads before making a decision. They don’t experiment on the go; instead, they frequently wait until they come up with the ideal solution for each case.

They prefer working on their alone rather than in a vast group. This allows kids to think and process independently without communicating their views before they’re ready.

Although they may still appreciate working alongside close coworkers, they prefer completing the work and making a difference on their own.

INTPs will feel happier and more productive if they can engage in stimulating pursuits. They’ll be able to put their skills to good use and love their work, which will likely increase their general involvement.

How Do You Encourage An INTP?

INTPs who are disillusioned frequently require space and time alone. They don’t want to be bombarded with inquiries or desperate encouragement.

When worried, they often feel they cannot examine things as clearly as usual.They are overwhelmed by feelings that confound and maybe humiliate them.

Being around people, particularly invasive individuals, during this time can be exasperating. It might be beneficial to affirm their dissatisfaction once they have time alone.

Simply letting them know that you understand their point of view is beneficial. It is critical to verbally praise their decisions (if you agree with them).

They also feel relieved if they may be exempted from specific non-essential duties.Suppose an INTP needs encouragement or inspiration to achieve a goal.

In that case, it’s crucial not to overburden them with advice or feedback. This might cause them to lose attention.

Simply express interest in their ideas and attentively listen while they discuss them.Tell them you believe in them and their skills.

Pay close attention. When they have an idea, INTPs understand the method and logic of their actions, but they may struggle to express it to others.

If they require assistance “selling” their idea or expressing their vision with others and you have a talent in that area, perhaps you can collaborate with them.

The Productive INTP: Overcoming Procrastination

Overcoming procrastination can be difficult for the INTP, and they often struggle with it throughout their lives.

Setting more scheduled projects and chores in their lives is one way to assist them in completing specific activities.

INTPs cannot live in an environment where everything is scheduled and planned. Still, it doesn’t imply they can’t handle timers or make timetables occasionally.

They may need to start forming these habits to assist them in finishing the more critical jobs.

As long as the INTP has many other liberties and situations where they are not required to follow the rules and timetables, this will not negatively impact them but will assist them in improving things they may be struggling with.

To focus, the INTP must identify specific tasks for which timers should be set and maintain a schedule with those chores.

Incentives are also effective in motivating the INTP to complete tasks. They frequently feel guilty for not doing some vital things, so they don’t enjoy their downtime as much.

The INTP frequently has specific incentives attached to these duties, rewards they give themselves but only after they have accomplished their required chores or responsibilities.

This isn’t always enjoyable for the INTP, but it can help them achieve essential things.INTPs can gain motivation from others, especially those that inspire them.

It can be beneficial for the INTP to collaborate with someone adept at doing these more routine duties or maintaining a sense of organization.

It offers them more space to not be bothered about these things, and collaborating with someone can take the load off.

A collaboration may be complex for the INTP at first. Still, the proper person can help them avoid procrastinating and work toward getting things done much more effectively.

INTPs may not always be great at sticking to deadlines or finishing assignments. Still, they are inventive thinkers who can think beyond the box.

This ability to see things from various perspectives contributes to the INTP’s propensity to achieve great things.

They can frequently solve difficulties that others cannot, and they can approach and discover things in novel ways.

While their thoughts and sense of imagination can provide obstacles from time to time, they should also cherish the beautiful sides of this.

Why Are INTPs Unmotivated?

INTPs suffer with motivation for various reasons, including a lack of interest in particular jobs. They grow bored quickly, especially if their thoughts are not kept stimulated.

As a result, specific tasks tire the INTP and leave them longing to discover something more inspirational.

As a result, individuals may procrastinate or lose interest in attempting to accomplish these specific assignments, which do not hold their attention.

When completely unmotivated, the INTP may find themselves hopping about to other projects to find something more fascinating and cognitively stimulating.

INTPs struggle with activities that feel like a duty. Finding the motivation to complete these assignments may be extremely difficult.

When the INTP feels obligated to complete a task, it becomes tiring and far less fascinating for them. They dislike such commitments or the pressure to perform in a specific way.

They would instead concentrate on things that invigorate and excite them about the project at hand.

INTPs may lose interest in these initiatives after a while, particularly if they believe they have gotten enough from them or have addressed the primary challenges.

INTPs might be afraid of failure, which makes them hesitant to take risks.

When people are terrified of failing or failing to perform something correctly, they may postpone until the last minute or even later.

The INTP’s fear of failure stems from a desire to assess all the facts and take the best possible moves forward.

They know they can solve these difficulties, but their ability to see all the angles might often drive them to overthink what they are dealing with.

They can see where things may go wrong, so they struggle to make meaningful progress or find inspiration to keep going.

INTPs have lively inner brains, which might cause them to become preoccupied with analyzing and thinking about the subject rather than performing it.

They may lack the incentive to act, but they do not lack the motivation to analyze and problem-solve internally.

They may spend so much time thinking about the project that they burn themselves out and lose interest in following through after this.

INTPs have such rich inner brains that they may be distracting at times, drawing them away from the world around them and away from taking action.

This can impact their drive, and they may find it difficult to combat their procrastination.

What Does INTP Burnout Look Like?

Burnout is characterized by weariness, cynicism, and impaired professional abilities. You will likely be burnt out if you despise your job, feel exhausted, and find it difficult to care about your work.

However, additional symptoms must be recognized and accounted for in your rehabilitation. Physical symptoms include headaches, stomach pains, and digestive difficulties.

You may find it difficult to focus, not mingle as much, and no longer enjoy the things you previously did.

INTPs generally look cool, calm, and collected. In a crisis, they are unflappable. However, in burnout, when there is little left in the tank, INTPs become unusually emotional.

Their emotional outbursts, whether furious, sobbing or freaking out, will astound them and everyone around them.

INTPs must actively connect with other individuals to restore some inner balance to their system.

Find a method to express those emotions more openly, or just spend time with individuals in a way that fosters a stronger bond.

These examples are spending time with friends, talking things out, and giving extended hugs. It won’t be attractive, but it will be beneficial.

Final Thoughts

INTPs may struggle to find motivation at times for a variety of reasons. They have a tendency to put off essential activities and tasks.

So, how can you inspire an INTP? Constantly feeling rushed to complete things is likely to make them feel even more exhausted by the situation.

INTPs are capable people who struggle with procrastination and lack excitement for specific tasks.

Whether you’re an INTP trying to feel more driven, or you have an INTP friend or family member who you want to help…

What’s Next?

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