The Indecisive INTJ: How Is It Possible?

If you know of an INTJ, you’re aware that they are very intuitive and confident individuals. They know their goals and how to achieve them. But have you ever come across an INTJ that simply wouldn’t move forward with an idea or action because they couldn’t decide how or when? Well, yip, there is such a thing as the indecisive INTJ. But how is it possible?

INTJs indecisiveness stems from their IN function, which works on idealism and perfectionism. They are not directly indecisive but can go through phases of it. The struggle comes from feeling like they can’t live up to certain expectations – both theirs and others, of how something should be.

It is hard to understand how an individual like an INTJ with such profound beliefs, precise intuition, and confidence in their knowledge and understanding can be so reluctant to take action at given times. It is quite a complex topic that requires structured details to figure out the indecisive INTJ. Let us find out more.

Can INTJs Be Indecisive?

The simplest answer to this question would be yes, INTJs can be indecisive. Most people are indecisive in one way or another. It depends on the reason for the decision, who it affects, whether it’s long or short term, and the level of importance it holds.

Yes, that is the short, simple explanation. But since we’re talking about INTJs, let’s discuss why, how, and what makes it possible for them to reach a point of indecisiveness. Keep in mind that this happens more often than not to the INTJ.

Here are the primary points why INTJs can be indecisive:

INTJs Are Perfectionists

It seems ironic that a perfectionist would have decision-making problems. Perfectionism typically leads to confidence and assertiveness. See, INTJs have high standards with what they want to achieve or how they want the outcome of something to happen. Not only is this a significant benefit to their success, but it can also be an aching downfall in their journey to success.

The idealistic, perfectionist INTJ needs things to work out as they perceive it. That requires them to do everything as they know or feel it should be done to achieve their desired results. When they cannot figure out how to do a task, or maybe they don’t have all the suitable materials or equipment, it leads to ‘freeze’ mode.

The freeze mode for an INTJ means they have decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is a condition where they don’t know where to start or how to move forward. Then they feel stuck between not doing the required action or doing it imperfectly. 

When an INTJ knows how something is supposed to turn out, and they don’t have the mental or physical capacity to carry it out to that standard, it will result in them being extremely confused and unable to make practical and logical decisions. That can often lead to them avoiding the situation entirely.

INTJs Are Intuitive

INTJs have deep intuition. They are also predominantly introverts. INTJs use their introverted intuition to absorb and understand new and old information. They use that knowledge to figure out patterns, possibilities, meanings, and outcomes of every situation, whether small or big.

The intuitive function in an INTJ is another massive reason that causes their decisiveness to be possible. INTJs can predict a result of a situation, and if that outcome is not what they perceive or want, it can confuse them.

INTJs are idealists but are also highly logical. They find practical solutions to problems, so when they are stuck with a situation they know will not turn out their way, the INTJ will look for a rational solution to fix it. If that doesn’t work out, they become incredibly restless and get to the point of decision fatigue – not knowing how to move forward.

INTJs Need To Be In Control

The INTJ personality is one of the most independent of all the MBTIs. They absolutely dislike unpredictability and being controlled by others or external situations. INTJs become anxious in environments where they lack control. It results in them not knowing what to do or how to even handle their own thoughts and emotions.

An INTJ without control is a confused individual who lacks clarity and direction and cannot figure out how to be assertive. They lose their confidence and rational thinking, pushing them further from making informed decisions.

A lack of control requires people to go with the flow and follow the direction that feels most appropriate. INTJs have a lot of difficulties doing that because they don’t want to make decisions based on feelings alone; instead, they prefer to use their intuition and emotion simultaneously to make logical decisions. Not having control can be very challenging for INTJs.

INTJs Need Excess Information For Decision Making

An INTJ loves to learn and absorb a wealth of information. They need to be highly knowledgeable about every aspect they face, whether it is about people and relationships or things and circumstances. They need to know everything. They use all the information they gain to make decisions.

An INTJ can reach a point where they become so obsessed with acquiring every detail that they sometimes feel like there is never enough information. Their introverted intuitive function feeds on gaining knowledge to understand patterns and make predictions leading them to make the best decisions. 

INTJs need tried and tested methods. They cannot function on free-flow exploration. If they cannot attain every detail with all the required knowledge, the INTJ will feel like they cannot make accurate decisions. 

Alternatively, the overload of information also leads to INTJs being indecisive. Sometimes too many details result in mental overload and multiple outcome predictions. That can become extremely confusing for an INTJ, and all the information they absorb does not get translated into action because they struggle to figure out which road to take.

Conclusion

INTJs can be indecisive due to their introverted nature and intuitive function that works together to try and be perfect. INTJs hold themselves to high standards and struggle to make decisions to keep up with expectations.

INTJs are also logical beings who need control and cannot use only one function to move forward. They need their rationality and emotions to help them. The lack of one can result in indecisiveness.