Extroverted intuition is the process or the attitude through which we perceive possibilities, ideas, and connections by directing our psychic energy toward the outer world. Those who are gifted with extroverted intuition can see or predict new possibilities, unconsciously; they are often able to innovate and pursue new things with extraordinary enthusiasm.

In today’s article we are going to have a look at Jung’s definition of extroverted intuition, as well as the main traits of this personality type. When intuitive extroverts are aware of their potential, and know how to use their innate skills and way of thinking, they can become great innovators and leaders: keep reading to find out more…

The two main types: extroversion and introversion

Throughout human history, many writers and philosophers argued that there are two main forces that shape our attitude and personality. For example, Nietzsche believed that Apollo and Dionysus, two gods of Ancient Greece, were a metaphor of these two forces.

Apollo, the God of the sun, symbolized rational thinking, ideas, and order, as well as their creations, such as architecture. Dionysus, on the other hand, symbolized our emotions and instincts, as well as everything that changes us emotionally, such as music and big parties or celebrations.

Despite the work of Nietzsche and many other philosophers and artists, Carl Jung (1875—1961) was the first person who developed the concept of personality types and their psychological definition. Jung proposed that there are two main ways of using and directing one’s energy, interacting with the world, and making decisions.

And since each and every one of us tends to lean toward one of these two ways of thinking and acting, we can then say that each individual belongs to a certain category, or “type”. Jung called these two types extroversion and introversion, stating that extroversion is psychic energy directed toward the outer world, while introversion is psychic energy directed toward the inner world.

Essentially, extroverts are those who are mainly focused on external events and situations. People and objects are their main source of motivation and energy; and when making decisions, they prefer to observe the elements of the outer world rather than their own inner images.

Extroverted intuition according to Jung

An intuitive extrovert, then, is someone whose psychic energy is directed toward the outer world, and whose main function is intuition — a perception by ways or means of the unconscious. Jung believed that many politicians, entrepreneurs, and speculators belong to this personality type.

He also believed that intuitive extroverts are usually more interested in people, rather than objects; and that their ability to motivate others, discover their talents and strengths, and encourage them to pursue a particular goal is often exceptional, and greater than that of any other personality type.

Because they use their intuition a lot, intuitive extroverts aren’t usually guided by their current values or beliefs, but by future possibilities. Their intuition constantly makes them identify, and chase, new opportunities, often to the point where they find it difficult to focus on just one thing and stick to it.

Intuitive extroverts tend to perceive any long-term situation as frustrating. They constantly immerse themselves in new situations with great enthusiasm, but after a while, they will start chasing something different, and then do the same over and over again.

According to Jung, then, one of the main risks of this personality type is being so obsessed with new things, and rejecting old things as well as any form of long-term commitment so drastically, that they rarely find fulfilment in what they do, and rarely enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Intuitive extroverts tend to jump from one thing to another, and may find it hard to complete a single project or be in a certain situation long enough. Saying that, their enthusiasm and intuition are often unmatched, and their role in society is extremely important.

Traits of intuitive introverts

Individuals characterized by extroverted intuition like to focus on the future. They are open to possibilities, and aren’t so concerned with immediate results or benefits of something. For them, what can be is more important, or at least more interesting, than what is.

They may pursue a lot of different career paths, projects, and hobbies that seem to have very little in common with each other. For them, any environment or situation where they can’t constantly innovate and discover feels frustrating; they become bored easily, and may feel trapped in anything that is permanent.

In general, whereas intuitive introverts tend to link images and ideas together, so they can come to a definite conclusion about someone or something — intuitive extroverts prefer to keep gathering information and focus on new possibilities, without a clear end goal or purpose in mind.

They are extremely open minded, and rather than seeing people or situations “as they are”, they like to think of their potential; what they can do, what their best qualities may be; how they may evolve and what they are likely to do in the future. This is why, as we’ve seen earlier, they can be successful entrepreneurs and innovators.

Pros and cons of extroverted intuition

On the positive side, intuitive extroverts…

  • Are able to predict or foresee events no one else thought possible, which gives them a great advantage in their career
  • Have the confidence and persuasiveness to influence or inspire others; they know how to motivate those around them and make them excel at what they do
  • Have big ideas and are not afraid to dream and innovate, regardless of other people’s opinions or feelings
  • Often pursue goals with extraordinary enthusiasm and determination — alone, or as charismatic leaders

On the negative side, they may tend to…

  • Feel trapped in any situation that seems to limit their constant desire to discover, try, and create new things
  • Forget about their own health, or even that of other people, when they are too immersed in their projects and ideas
  • Be so obsessed with new possibilities that they end up achieving less than others (though intuitive extroverts aren’t necessarily motivated by concrete or permanent results)

Are you an intuitive extrovert? What do you think your main strength is? Let me know by leaving a comment! 👇