What Should an INTP Avoid? Essential Tips for a Balanced Life
Understanding the INTP Personality Type
If you’re an INTP, you’ve probably found yourself getting lost in deep thoughts or feeling frustrated with the world around you. INTPs, known as "The Thinkers" in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), are analytical, introspective, and often drawn to abstract concepts. While their intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills are their strengths, there are certain habits and behaviors that can undermine their well-being. So, what should an INTP avoid to live a more fulfilling and balanced life? Let’s dive in.
I remember chatting with my friend Anna, who's an INTP, about how her mind constantly races with ideas. “Sometimes, I get so caught up in my head that I forget to do simple things like, I don’t know, eat lunch,” she said. That’s when I realized that INTPs, despite their brilliance, have to be cautious about getting trapped in their own mental worlds. So, let’s break it down.
1. Overthinking Everything
The Danger of Mental Overload
INTPs are notorious for overthinking. This trait is part of their nature—they seek understanding, truth, and logic in every situation. However, this constant analysis can lead to paralysis by analysis, where you end up thinking so much about a problem that you never actually take action. I’ve seen it happen with Anna multiple times—she would overthink a decision, go back and forth, and end up doing nothing.
Avoiding overthinking is crucial. Sometimes, you need to trust your gut or make decisions based on the information you have, rather than waiting for all the details to fall into place. Overthinking leads to unnecessary stress and can drain your energy, leaving you feeling stuck.
How to Counteract It
Try setting time limits for decision-making, or challenge yourself to make decisions without getting too bogged down in the details. It’s tough for an INTP to do, but it's incredibly freeing once you start practicing.
2. Neglecting Emotions and Relationships
The Intellectual Trap
As an INTP, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in logic and theory that you neglect your emotions and the emotions of others. You may focus more on ideas than on the people around you. I’ve noticed this with another INTP friend, Ben—he’s brilliant but often struggles with social situations because he doesn’t always pick up on emotional cues. It’s not that he doesn’t care; it’s just that his mind tends to prioritize abstract ideas over personal connections.
The Importance of Emotional Awareness
It’s important for INTPs to acknowledge emotions, both their own and others’. Emotions aren’t something to be dismissed—they’re part of being human, and they influence decision-making, creativity, and relationships. Ignoring emotions can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, both for the INTP and the people around them.
How to Improve Emotional Awareness
To avoid this, you might want to actively engage in self-reflection and practice empathy. Making an effort to understand others’ feelings and expressing your own can help build deeper, more meaningful connections. Sometimes, even small gestures of emotional support can make a huge difference.
3. Avoiding Routine and Structure
The Freedom Struggle
INTPs value independence and freedom, often resisting anything that feels too structured or routine. The problem? Without some level of structure, you might find it hard to accomplish the things you want to do. I know Anna struggled with this early on. She would avoid planning her day and instead let things unfold spontaneously. But that often led to wasted time and frustration.
The Power of a Balanced Schedule
Having some degree of routine helps create a sense of accomplishment and prevents procrastination. For an INTP, it’s not about creating a rigid, unchangeable schedule but about finding a balance between flexibility and commitment.
How to Incorporate Structure
Start by creating flexible routines. Maybe you can dedicate a set time each day to focus on deep thinking or creative work, but also leave space for spontaneity and fun. Creating a to-do list or using a simple planner might sound basic, but it can help you stay on track and get things done without feeling trapped.
4. Avoiding Physical Activity
The Intellectual Focus vs. Physical Well-being
INTPs can often become so immersed in their intellectual pursuits that they neglect physical activity. Sitting for hours, lost in thought, may not seem harmful, but it can have a long-term impact on your health. I’ve seen this in my own life, especially during moments when I got too caught up in a project or a book. The physical toll adds up—lack of exercise, bad posture, and low energy levels.
The Importance of Movement
Regular physical activity boosts mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. It’s a game-changer, trust me. Even a short walk or a bit of yoga can make a huge difference for an INTP who spends a lot of time sitting and thinking.
How to Stay Active
Start small. Maybe take a walk after your intense thinking sessions or do a short workout routine. The key is to integrate movement into your routine without feeling like it’s a burden. You don’t need to become a fitness guru, but staying physically active helps support your mental health and creativity.
5. Isolating Yourself for Too Long
The Risk of Social Withdrawal
INTPs are known to value their alone time, but there’s a danger in isolating yourself for too long. Extended periods of isolation can lead to loneliness, and, ironically, reduce the intellectual clarity that INTPs value so much. I’ve noticed this with my friend, Ben—he’d dive so deep into projects that he would disappear for days, and while his work would be brilliant, he’d often feel disconnected and drained afterward.
The Need for Balance
Social interaction, even for introverts like INTPs, is important for mental health. It provides perspective, emotional support, and a break from the intellectual intensity.
How to Stay Connected
You don’t have to go to social gatherings every day, but make sure you check in with friends, family, or colleagues regularly. You might find that even a simple conversation or shared activity can recharge you mentally and emotionally.
Conclusion: What Should an INTP Avoid for a Healthier Life?
So, what should an INTP avoid? Overthinking, neglecting emotions, avoiding routine, ignoring physical health, and isolating yourself for too long can all take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. The key is finding a balance between your intellectual pursuits and taking care of yourself. It’s a journey, and trust me, you’ll feel a lot better once you start incorporating these changes into your life.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in one of these habits? How did you break free? Let’s chat about it!
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.