INTPs, known for their brilliant minds and innovative ideas, often struggle with translating their thoughts into tangible actions. This can lead to a sense of stagnation and unfulfilled potential. Let’s explore some of the most common weaknesses INTPs face when it comes to inaction and how they can overcome these challenges.

The Overthinking Trap

One of the primary reasons INTPs struggle with taking action is their tendency to overthink. Their dominant cognitive function, Introverted Thinking (Ti), drives them to analyze ideas from every angle, considering all possible outcomes and contingencies. While this thorough analysis is a strength in many areas, it can also lead to decision paralysis.

Imagine an INTP contemplating a career change. They might endlessly weigh the pros and cons, research countless options, and get stuck in a loop of “what ifs.” This overthinking can be a form of procrastination, preventing them from taking concrete steps forward.

To overcome this trap, INTPs need to learn to embrace imperfect action. They can start by setting a deadline for their decision-making process. Once they’ve gathered enough information to make an informed choice, they need to trust their judgment and take a leap of faith. Perfectionism can be the enemy of progress.

Struggling with Structure

INTPs thrive in the realm of abstract ideas and possibilities. However, bringing those ideas to life often requires structure, planning, and follow-through. INTPs may struggle with imposing order on their creative chaos, finding it difficult to break down their grand visions into manageable action steps.

Let’s say an INTP has a groundbreaking business idea. They can see the end goal clearly, but the path to get there seems daunting. Without a clear roadmap, they might procrastinate on taking the first steps or get discouraged when facing unexpected obstacles.

To combat this, INTPs can benefit from learning basic project management skills. Breaking down a big goal into smaller, achievable milestones can make the journey feel less overwhelming. Tools like to-do lists, calendars, and project management apps can help INTPs stay organized and on track.

Neglecting the External World

As introverts, INTPs tend to prioritize their rich inner world over external demands. They may become so absorbed in their thoughts and ideas that they neglect practical responsibilities or miss out on opportunities to collaborate with others.

For example, an INTP might have a brilliant solution to a complex problem at work. However, if they don’t communicate their ideas effectively or engage with their team, their insights may never see the light of day. They might miss deadlines or forget to respond to important emails because they’re lost in their own mental explorations.

To overcome this weakness, INTPs need to consciously allocate time and energy to the external world. Setting aside dedicated blocks for responding to messages, attending meetings, and collaborating with colleagues can help them stay connected and influential. They might also benefit from finding an accountability partner or mentor who can help them stay grounded and focused on their goals.

Fear of Failure and Criticism

INTPs are often perfectionists who hold themselves to high standards. The fear of falling short of these standards can paralyze them, preventing them from taking risks or putting their ideas out into the world. They may worry about being criticized or judged, especially in areas where they feel less confident.

Imagine an INTP who dreams of writing a novel. They might have a unique story and well-developed characters in their mind, but the thought of actually writing and sharing their work feels daunting. They might procrastinate on starting or get stuck editing the same passages over and over, never feeling quite ready to show their creation to others.

Overcoming this fear requires a shift in mindset. INTPs need to learn to view failure and criticism as opportunities for growth rather than reflections of their worth. They can start by sharing their ideas with a trusted friend or joining a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Gradually exposing themselves to feedback and learning to detach their ego from their work can help them build resilience.

Harnessing Auxiliary Extraverted Intuition

INTPs’ second strongest cognitive function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne). Ne is a powerful tool for generating new ideas, seeing connections, and exploring possibilities. However, when overused, it can lead to scattered thinking and a lack of follow-through.

An INTP might have a dozen brilliant ideas for a new invention, but struggle to choose one to focus on. They might start multiple projects simultaneously, only to lose interest when the next shiny idea comes along. This lack of consistency can leave them feeling unfulfilled and frustrated with their lack of tangible progress.

To harness the power of Ne without getting lost in its endless possibilities, INTPs need to learn to balance exploration with commitment. They can set aside dedicated time for brainstorming and idea generation, but then choose one or two ideas to prioritize and see through to completion. They might also benefit from collaborating with more action-oriented types who can help them stay accountable and on track.

Developing Extraverted Feeling

INTPs’ least developed cognitive function is Extraverted Feeling (Fe). Fe involves considering others’ needs, navigating social dynamics, and maintaining harmony in relationships. When underdeveloped, Fe can lead to challenges in communication, collaboration, and empathy.

For example, an INTP might have a hard time understanding why their colleague is upset after they gave them blunt, critical feedback. They might struggle to read social cues or adapt their communication style to different audiences. This can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for connection and influence.

To strengthen Fe, INTPs can practice active listening and perspective-taking. They can make a conscious effort to consider how their words and actions impact others’ feelings and experiences. Seeking out opportunities to collaborate and learning to give and receive feedback graciously can also help them build stronger interpersonal skills.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Ultimately, overcoming inaction and embracing personal growth requires a shift in mindset. INTPs need to learn to view challenges as opportunities, failures as lessons, and their own abilities as malleable rather than fixed.

This means embracing discomfort and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. It means being willing to start before they feel ready, to iterate and improve along the way, and to celebrate progress over perfection.

INTPs can cultivate a growth mindset by surrounding themselves with inspiring role models, seeking out new experiences and challenges, and reframing setbacks as chances to learn and adapt. They might also benefit from practices like mindfulness and self-compassion, which can help them stay grounded and motivated in the face of obstacles.

Conclusion

INTPs’ unique combination of cognitive functions can lead to incredible insights and innovations. However, it can also contribute to patterns of overthinking, disorganization, and fear of failure that hinder their ability to take consistent action.

By understanding these common weaknesses and developing strategies to overcome them, INTPs can learn to bridge the gap between their brilliant ideas and tangible results. They can harness the power of their Ne to explore possibilities, while using their Ti to make smart, focused decisions. They can build systems and structures to stay organized and accountable, while also learning to communicate and collaborate more effectively with others.

Ultimately, the key to overcoming inaction is to start small, embrace imperfection, and keep learning and growing along the way. With self-awareness, patience, and a willingness to push themselves out of their comfort zones, INTPs can unlock their full potential and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Many of us grapple with the dichotomy between thinking and doing. We ruminate endlessly on our plans, goals, and identities, yet fail to take the concrete actions needed to actualize them. This internal struggle can leave us feeling stuck, frustrated, and disconnected from our true selves. As author and entrepreneur James Clear puts it, “Many people think they lack motivation when what they really lack is clarity.” The key to overcoming this hurdle lies in learning to own our identity through intentional thought and purposeful action.

Understanding the Thinking Trap

Overthinking is a common trap that can paralyze us. We get caught in endless loops of analysis, second-guessing our every move and worrying about potential outcomes. This type of unproductive thinking consumes mental energy without generating forward momentum.

At its core, overthinking often stems from a fear of failure or judgement. We’re afraid to commit to a path in case it’s the “wrong” choice. But as Dale Carnegie famously said, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” This hesitation prevents us from gaining the real-world knowledge and experience needed to make informed decisions. It keeps us stuck in a hypothetical realm, disconnected from reality.

The truth is, there’s no way to think our way to a perfect solution. Life is full of uncertainty and we will inevitably face obstacles. Often, the only way to get unstuck is to take imperfect action, learn from the results, and iterate. Action generates clarity that thinking alone cannot provide. As Marie Forleo says, “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.”

Embracing the Learning Process

To transition from overthinking to productive action, we must reframe “failure” as an essential part of the learning process. Every misstep provides valuable information we can use to correct course. The goal is not to avoid mistakes altogether, but to extract insight from them and keep moving forward. Thomas Edison, one of history’s most prolific inventors, embodied this mindset: “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” This perspective takes the pressure off any single decision and frees us to stay curious and adaptable.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should act recklessly without forethought. The aim is to find a healthy balance – to think critically but not get mired in analysis paralysis. We can use thinking as a tool to define a direction and create a loose framework, then allow experience to fill in the details. It’s an ongoing dance between reflection and engagement with the world. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell notes, “Reflection turns experience into insight.”

Forging Your Path

This fluid interplay between thinking and doing is what allows us to craft an identity that feels authentic and purposeful. Instead of getting locked into a rigid self-concept, we can use self-reflection to identify our values and aspirations, while using real-world experience to test and refine them. Each action, whether a success or “failure” by conventional standards, becomes an opportunity to discover and express who we are.

Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and author of “The Power of Now,” explains it this way: “Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.”

For example, perhaps you have an idea for a creative project, but you keep getting bogged down in the planning stages. You worry your skills aren’t good enough, that your vision isn’t fully fleshed out. Instead of letting these thoughts stop you, view them as an invitation to start before you feel ready. Take one small action, like sketching an outline or brainstorming with a friend. See what you learn about yourself and your project in the process. Then let that knowledge inform your next steps.

When we own our choices and experiences, both good and bad, we create an inner sense of empowerment. We learn to trust ourselves to handle whatever arises. This self-trust is the foundation for an unshakeable identity that can withstand external pressures and expectations. As philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Embracing the Journey

Ultimately, owning our identity is an ongoing, lifelong journey. It’s not about reaching a fixed destination, but learning to navigate the terrain of our inner and outer worlds with increasing skill. The goal is to become more fully ourselves, to express our unique blend of qualities and gifts, rather than conform to some external standard.

This process requires patience, self-compassion and a commitment to growth. It means embracing our imperfections as opportunities for learning, and celebrating our victories as hard-won triumphs. Most of all, it means recognizing that our identity is not something we find or achieve, but something we create in each moment through our thoughts and actions. As existential philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre famously said, “Existence precedes essence.” In other words, we first exist and then we define who we are through our choices and actions.

As we learn to harmonize thinking and doing, reflection and action, we tap into a deep well of personal power. We become the authors of our own story, crafting a life that is rich in meaning and authenticity. In this way, owning our identity becomes not just a solution to overthinking, but an ongoing act of self-discovery and self-expression – the ultimate adventure. As mythologist and author Joseph Campbell put it, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”

The gap between thinking and doing often feels like a vast chasm. We spend countless hours planning, analyzing, and dreaming about our goals, yet somehow struggle to take that first meaningful step toward action. This pattern isn’t just about procrastination – it’s deeply intertwined with our sense of identity and self-worth. Let’s explore why this happens and, more importantly, how to break free from this cycle.

The Thinking Trap: Why We Get Stuck

Inside our minds, everything is perfect. We can envision flawless execution, brilliant ideas, and seamless progress. This perfection becomes a comfort zone, a safe space where failure doesn’t exist. The problem? Reality rarely matches these pristine mental simulations. Each moment spent in endless planning becomes a shield protecting us from the messiness of actual experience.

Think about the aspiring writer who spends years crafting the perfect outline but never writes the first chapter. Or the potential entrepreneur who continuously refines their business plan but never registers their company. These aren’t just examples of procrastination – they’re manifestations of identity protection.

The Identity Crisis: Why We Resist Action

Our thoughts feel like a part of who we are, but our actions define us in the real world. This creates a peculiar paradox: as long as we stay in the thinking phase, we can maintain the identity of someone who “could” achieve great things. The moment we act, we risk becoming someone who tried and failed.

This fear of identity disruption explains why many people prefer to remain in perpetual preparation mode. It’s safer to be “potentially successful” than to risk becoming “definitively unsuccessful.” But this safety comes at a tremendous cost: the inability to grow, learn, and actually become who we want to be.

Breaking the Cycle: Practical Steps to Action

1. Embrace Imperfect Action

Start viewing imperfection as a necessary part of growth rather than a character flaw. Every successful person you admire started with imperfect actions. The first draft is always rough, the first attempt always clumsy. This isn’t a bug in the system – it’s a feature of human learning.

2. Identity Anchoring

Instead of anchoring your identity to outcomes, anchor it to the process of growth itself. Don’t be “someone who will write a book” – be “someone who writes daily, no matter how imperfectly.” This shift makes action part of who you are rather than something you do.

3. The Five-Minute Rule

Commit to just five minutes of action toward your goal. Often, the hardest part is starting. Once you begin, momentum tends to carry you forward. This technique works because it makes action feel less threatening to your identity – it’s just five minutes, after all.

Redefining Success: The Action-Identity Loop

Success isn’t about achieving perfect outcomes; it’s about developing an identity that naturally produces the actions you want to take. This creates a positive feedback loop:

1. Small actions shape your identity
2. Your new identity makes similar actions easier
3. Easier actions lead to more consistent behavior
4. Consistent behavior reinforces your identity

Practical Implementation Strategies

Start with Micro-Commitments

Make promises to yourself so small that they feel almost laughable. Want to write a book? Commit to writing one sentence per day. Want to start exercising? Commit to one push-up per day. The goal isn’t the physical outcome – it’s rewiring your brain to associate action with identity.

Document Your Journey

Keep a log of your actions, no matter how small. This creates evidence that counters your brain’s tendency to dismiss small progress. Over time, this log becomes proof of your new identity as someone who takes action.

Create Environmental Triggers

Set up your environment to make action easier than thinking. If you want to write, leave your notebook open on your desk. If you want to exercise, sleep in your workout clothes. These environmental cues bypass the thinking phase and prompt immediate action.

The New Identity: Action as Self-Expression

As you implement these strategies, something remarkable happens: action becomes a form of self-expression rather than a source of anxiety. You no longer need to think about whether you’re the kind of person who can achieve your goals – your actions already prove that you are.

Conclusion: The Power of Now

The gap between thinking and doing closes not when we perfect our plans, but when we accept that action is the only path to growth. Your identity isn’t fixed – it’s created and reinforced by your choices moment by moment. The question isn’t whether you’re ready to act; it’s whether you’re ready to become the person who acts.

Remember: The person who took imperfect action today is ahead of the person who planned perfectly but never started. Which person will you choose to be?

Let’s face it – League of Legends is hard. Really hard. After over a decade of watching players try to climb the ranked ladder, I’ve noticed some fundamental reasons why most summoners get stuck in their journey to improvement. Today, we’re going to break down these common pitfalls and why they might be holding you back.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Full Force

One of the biggest issues in League is that many players don’t realize how much they don’t know. You might think you understand wave management because you can slow push, but do you know exactly when to crash the wave for optimal recall timing? Do you track enemy jungler pathing while managing your wave? This complexity is why so many players hit a skill plateau – they don’t know what they don’t know.

Autopilot: The Silent Killer

Here’s a scenario we’ve all experienced: You’re playing your main champion for the thousandth time, and you’re basically on autopilot. You follow the same build path, take the same trades, and make the same rotations without actively thinking about why. This comfort zone is actually a trap that prevents improvement. Every game of League is different, requiring dynamic decision-making and adaptability.

The Blame Game: Your Worst Enemy

“My jungler never ganks!” “Mid diff!” “Report bot!” Sound familiar? The harsh truth is that focusing on teammates’ mistakes is the fastest way to stagnate. While it’s true that some games are unwinnable due to team differences, the only constant in all your games is you. Every second spent mentally tracking your teammates’ mistakes is time not spent improving your own gameplay.

Mechanics Over Macro: The Gold Elo Special

Many players fall into the trap of thinking that mechanical skill is the key to climbing. Sure, being able to execute that perfect Riven animation cancel is impressive, but macro decision-making wins games. I’ve seen plenty of mechanically gifted players stuck in lower ranks because they don’t understand when to trade objectives, how to play around vision, or basic concepts like win conditions.

The Learning Curve Nobody Talks About

League’s learning curve isn’t just steep – it’s constantly evolving. With regular patches changing the meta, new champions being released, and items being reworked, staying competitive requires consistent study and adaptation. Many players underestimate how much dedication it takes to truly improve at League. It’s not just about playing games; it’s about studying replays, learning matchups, and understanding complex game systems.

The Path to Improvement

So what’s the solution? Start by accepting that improvement is a gradual process. Focus on one aspect of your gameplay at a time. Want to get better at trading? Spend 10 games focusing solely on trading patterns in lane. Need to improve map awareness? Set a timer to check the minimap every 30 seconds.

Most importantly, approach each game as a learning opportunity rather than just a win/loss binary. The players who climb consistently are the ones who can look at a defeat and identify specific mistakes to work on, rather than falling into the trap of blaming teammates or bad luck.

Conclusion

The reason most people struggle in League isn’t because they lack talent – it’s because they approach improvement the wrong way. By understanding these common pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, you’re already ahead of the curve. Remember, even the pros were Iron ranked at some point. The difference is in how they approached their journey to improvement.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go practice what I preach and review that replay where I completely threw my lead by overstaying for plates.