Entrepreneurs, dynamos, persuaders – the ESTPs are famous for their loud, outgoing optimism. But nobody can keep up that energy all the time, or can they? Even though they’re so adventurous and dynamic, can ESTPs be Introverted?
ESTPs focus on the outer world, like other extroverted types, and tend to dislike deep thinking. However, that does not mean that they are always outgoing and gregarious, although they usually are. ESTPs can focus on themselves and be quiet when using their auxiliary function, introverted thinking.
Now that we know that ESTPs have some introvert traits, we can explore how those traits play out in their lives. This post will look at the reflective side of ESTPs, and how this usually boisterous type can have a quieter side.
ESTPs vs. Introversion
Entrepreneurs – or ESTPs – are among the most outgoing and confident types you’ll meet. They enjoy social situations, being comfortable around strangers, and being the center of attention. Not only that, but they’ll seek out the spotlight.
So, ESTPS are not introverts.
Nevertheless, even ESTPs must take a break sometimes. While they love adventure and crave excitement, they’re still human. They get tired, and they’re also individuals. Some ESTPs dislike certain social situations, and not all of them are party animals.
Because of that, don’t be surprised when you see your ESTP friend binge-watching Netflix or taking a rain check on that hike. Nobody can be energetic all the time.
Some introversion is healthy, even for Extroverts. Although those types usually find being alone draining, it can still be beneficial from time to time. It lets them refocus themselves and catch their breaths.
Not only that, but ESTPs are physical people. Not all are athletes or dancers, but they all like to move. They know better than most of us how vital rest can be – even if you’re resting so you can paint the town red tomorrow.
All of this is rare behavior, though. If you consider yourself an ESTP but find yourself inside your head more often than you do outside, maybe retake the MBTI test.
Are ESTPs Ambiverts?
Ambiverts are people who display a mix of Extroverted and Introverted traits, which some ESTPs do. Honestly, most people are ambiverts. Their focus shifts depending on their situation.
However, MBTI categorizes them based on where their focus tends to dwell and how they usually think. The same applies to Entrepreneurs. They generally focus on the outside world – they care most about other people, actions, and the environment.
Still, some ESTPs are more withdrawn than others. Carl Jung once said that pure Extroverts or Introverts would belong in an asylum, which holds true here. Even the most outgoing ESTP needs to think about themselves occasionally.
So, you can find some ESTPs who are Ambiverts. While they still display most ESTP traits, they might be more cerebral or patient than their peers. ESTP is the label that fits them best, but it is only a label; it can’t describe the full nuance of a human.
Are ESTPs Reserved?
ESTPs typically aren’t reserved. People renown ESTPs for their openness and directness – the opposite of being closed-off.
For some, an Entrepreneur’s open personality can be highly annoying. This type doesn’t hold back, regardless of the activity. They’re not known for being polite, which gets on the nerves of the more severe types.
ESTPs are also willing to challenge authority, especially when they feel that it stops them from having a good time. This type is eager to defy convention, stand out, and make a spectacle. That’s not reserved.
But we all hear stories about ‘strong, silent ESTPs,’ too. What’s up with that?
Many of these people identify as the wrong type. While ESTPs can have off-days or shy away from certain people or events, they’re not stoic. It’s best not to mistake their unwillingness to talk about feelings or abstract plans with a reluctance to speak.
ESTPs are only quiet when they’re out of their comfort zone. They prefer action in the real world to theoretical ideas or emotional discussion. So, they might seem reserved in those situations, but that’s because they’re uncomfortable.
Some ESTPs are like this often, however. Not all of us can be world travelers – some must become engineers or accountants, including a few ESTPs. Members of this type might seem closed-off while working, but they’ll cut loose once their shift ends.
If your quiet colleague turns into a karaoke master after a single drink or goes SCUBA diving on weekends, they’re probably an ESTP.
So, if you meet an Entrepreneur who never speaks up and stays out of the way, they’re stuck in a desk job or got their type wrong.
Can ESTPs Be Shy?
Although this might be tough to believe, ESTPs can be shy. Shyness affects all personality types, not just introverts.
Although ESTPs are confident and persuasive, they aren’t always social magnets. Similarly, some have had difficult pasts or might struggle with mental illness. These challenges don’t give them a personality type, but they mean that an ESTP won’t always live up to their potential.
But they’re still Entrepreneurs – even though they might struggle to talk to others or survive in crowds, they won’t back down. ESTPs are motivated and curious people, so they often see their shyness as challenging.
For these ESTPs, what gets their heart racing isn’t doing kickflips or tequila shots. It’s building the courage to talk to new people and go to new places. They still enjoy it, but getting themselves to that point takes extra effort.
ESTPs also hate to let shyness hold them back. Instead, they’ll be more selective with their friend group and activities to always look their best.
How Does ESTP Introverted Thinking Work?
Introverted Thinking (Ti) is an ESTP’s auxiliary function, meaning that it’s the way they think when perception fails them. If they must make a judgment, they use Ti to do so.
An ESTP using Ti isn’t uncommon, but it isn’t their default. So, while you’ll run into it every so often, please don’t assume that that Entrepreneur has something wrong with them. They’re just thinking differently because that’s what the circumstances demand.
Ti is contextual, fluid, and intuitive. It’s a right-brain style of thinking that draws quick connections from sensory observations.
Entrepreneurs use Ti to help them determine a path forward that is not immediately apparent. They use Ti for problem-solving, so it’s a practical and down-to-earth function.
When Entrepreneurs use Ti, they become more withdrawn and severe. That’s a time for focusing, not playing around, so they’ll often be quieter and risk-averse. So, they’re briefly adopting an Introverted trait to accomplish a goal.
Ti doesn’t last long, however. ESTPs are still impatient and spontaneous, even when using their auxiliary function. You might not even notice the change then.
Conclusion
To summarize, ESTPs cannot be true Introverts. In that case, they would be a different type. However, like everyone else, ESTPs can become more withdrawn to rest or when they’re in an uncomfortable situation. These Entrepreneurs also use the Ti auxiliary function, which has them briefly become more reserved to solve a practical problem.
