How do you develop your lesser functions?

[Jgib5328]

The title pretty much says it all...

[BlackHawk]

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Just make a conscious decision to spend more time using, say, Fi. Then do it!

To be a little more descriptive, read the definition of the cognitive proccess you would like to develop, how it works, where it normally places in your "order" and how it reacts with your primary proccesses. Then excercise it- confide in others at whim, speak your thoughts, whatever it entails. Most would probably recommend to start gradually, but you've probably developed it at least a little bit, so as long as it isn't one of your last 3 functions, so you should be fine (in my experience, at least . . .)

[Jgib5328]

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so as long as it isn't one of your last 3 functions, so you should be fine (in my experience, at least . . .)

What does this mean? What's wrong with my last three functions?

[BlackHawk]

There are 8 different processes in the cognitive process system. For each type, there is a certain order. The first 4 are your "main" functions, ones that can be used with a little bit of effort.
The last 4 are "the shadow side." These processes are going to be very difficult for you to use effectively, and will typically only become evident in extremely distressing situations.
All I was saying was that you're pretty much wasting your time attempting to develop the last 3 (4 are on the shadow side, but the fifth one (overall, 1st of shadow side) is possible, if you're willing to give it some effort).

[Jgib5328]

Ok that's interesting, so the Shadow Functions are incredibly difficult to use, why is that? I can never be good at introverted sensing or extroverted feeling even with working at it? Is that what you're saying?

In addition, does that mean that there are certain parts of your personality that you can change, but certain parts that you cannot change? Or would the first question just mean that you can develop further an already existing part of your personality, but you cannot change the foundations of it?

Also, where did you get this information? It is really interesting.

[lowbrass]

Think of your main functions as fully evolved human arms and hands. Now, think of your shadow functions like having Tyrannosaurus Rex arms with 2 digits.

Now, imagine what you can do with the human limbs to manipulate the world around you, and then try to ponder how you'd attempt to do those same things with the T-Rex arms. There's only so much you can do to build the T-Rex arms but they'll always be short, weak and lacking.