INTJs and Routine

[thegnat]

I was thinking about this on my way back from class to my dorm the other day.

The fact that I could now (and probably for awhile have been able to) just let my legs carry my thinking brain to the right place because I've done that path so many times and I could just let my mind wander on the path with little thinking about the world outside of my mind.

Before sometimes I'd automatically go the path of my old dorm if I was lost in thought. Now I'll go to the right place even if lost in thought. It's nice.

I was thinking - I wonder if part of the reason INTJs need or like structure/ routine is to kind of allow their mind to wander at certain moments. Or to allow mind wandering and not get us too far off schedule. I know I'll give myself extra time for tasks than I actually would need if I were completely focused because I know my mind will wander and I'll want to toss around that thought and it might take me a bit to get back on track.

I don't know. Post your thoughts.

This thread will probably flop. But it's what I was thinking at one point in time of one day recently...so you can blame it on my brain if you so desire if this thread does flop....

[The Rose]

Hi.
I'm not sure if I understand you entirely.
I didn't know INTJs liked routines and structure. I guess I do in that I like things that are predictable. And if I was in an environment where there was constant change, I would be uncomfortable. That's because I don't relate to my environment very well, until I get it memorized.

As far as walking to your room in auto pilot goes - I drive in auto pilot - I know - scary!
When I am doing something physical like driving, or washing dishes or folding laundry - stuff that doesn't require extreme concentration, I will be in my own little thought world. People can speak to me and I won't hear them.
Sometimes those tasks are so mundane, that I will go insane if I don't have something intelligent to listen to on the radio, or watch on tv, or someone to talk to on the phone.
But yes, I am in an almost constant state of daydream.
Except when doing something new.
Then it requires all my concentration.

[thegnat]

I don't know that was kind of a scatter-brained post - but I just appreciate at least routine...at least in that case I was able to go oh! This is nice...you don't really have to focus so much where you're going as your body will just take you there out of sheer repetition.

Personally I like routine - at the very least planning things out and seeing those plans executed. That makes me feel great. I don't like not executing a plan.

And plans can be anything from scheduling meetings, classes, times to do homework and finish it etc.

And I plan my day so I have a little flexibility.

Like today: Pchem 8:10-9:30am. 10-11 nap. 11-12 open window for homework pchem homework that is. 12-kenyon march - 12:15 - 1ish lunch 1-4 open window for inorganic homework - start on lab report. 4-5 office ours for hemkin. 5-6 dinner. 6 and later - open window for homework, either pchem or inorganic lab report.

The flexibility built in though is in the open window for homeworks. Since I have a good, 1, 3, and possibly another 6 hours to do homework I'm not going to do homework in all those 10 hours. I'll be able to relax and have "mind wandering time" and accomplish things.

I at least have my days planned out for at least the rest of the week and probably even part of next week...ie Tomorrow 9-10, nap, 11-12, lunch, 1-4 lab, 4-6 fitness, dinner, 6 and later finish pchem homework, start on econ homework.

And if someone wants me to do something at a certain time that isn't planned and is last minute - almost spontaneous in my view - I'm extremely uncomfortable and I don't like it at all. Like I'd schedule a meeting with a prof in a window of time I have "free" and then coach would schedule practice then last minute (freshman year this happened quite a few times and really bugged me to no end).

I suppose I'm really wondering how many people do like routine? and what does routine do for them?

[ciphersort]

I didn't know INTJs liked routines and structure. I guess I do in that I like things that are predictable. And if I was in an environment where there was constant change, I would be uncomfortable. That's because I don't relate to my environment very well, until I get it memorized.

As far as walking to your room in auto pilot goes - I drive in auto pilot - I know - scary!
When I am doing something physical like driving, or washing dishes or folding laundry - stuff that doesn't require extreme concentration, I will be in my own little thought world. People can speak to me and I won't hear them.
Sometimes those tasks are so mundane, that I will go insane if I don't have something intelligent to listen to on the radio, or watch on tv, or someone to talk to on the phone.
But yes, I am in an almost constant state of daydream.
Except when doing something new.
Then it requires all my concentration.

That sums the way I handle physical tasks very well. Thanks!

Personally, I find routine boring although it makes scheduling easier. Not easier to fit things into a schedule, just the scheduling part.

[The Rose]

I prefer things planned or scheduled in advance, too.
I had to learn to be spontaneous.
I don't like it that much.

[rwyatt365]

I prefer things planned or scheduled in advance, too.
I had to learn to be spontaneous.
I don't like it that much.
Personally, I don’t much care for schedules and planning when it comes to personal things. I very much prefer to do things spontaneously, i.e. the thought of a "movie night", or "spaghetti Tuesdays" just rub me the wrong way. I'd rather have the opportunity to make a choice based on how I feel (yes, I said it – "feel") at the time.

However, if I (spontaneously) decide to rent a movie and get take-out I will sit down and map out an optimal route, taking into account the time of day, traffic patterns, available fuel reserves, sunshine index (or rain probabilities) and potential passenger. I don't call that planning, I tend to think of it as optimization.

[The Rose]

... However, if I (spontaneously) decide to rent a movie and get take-out I will sit down and map out an optimal route, taking into account the time of day, traffic patterns, available fuel reserves, sunshine index (or rain probabilities) and potential passenger. I don't call that planning, I tend to think of it as optimization. You're in planning denial! ;)

You know I do that, too especially optimal route planning! It just makes sense to do it in the most efficient way possible.

Hmm... I think we'll have spaghetti tonight... ;)

[Firelie]

As far as walking to your room in auto pilot goes - I drive in auto pilot - I know - scary!
When I am doing something physical like driving, or washing dishes or folding laundry - stuff that doesn't require extreme concentration, I will be in my own little thought world.

I drove home on auto-pilot once. It scared the crap out of me that I couldn't remember the entire 30-minute drive from work to home, and I vowed never to engage in daydreaming while in charge of a moving vehicle ever again.

As for routine, I follow a vague one. Sometimes I adjust my bedtime or when I get up or what I eat during the day, but it generally follows the same pattern as the day before it. It's getting rather boring, actually. I'm almost hoping I'll get sick so I have a good reason to change it up (sad, huh?).

[Rei]

My schedule is so packed most days that I don't have much room for "doing something different"

I basically figured out the most convenient location to stop for lunch b/w classes etc. And I basically go there without thinking about going there, of course, my brain is otherwise occupied with other plans for the day, or thinking about whether I want to order something different for lunch. :thumbsup:
Sometimes if i have something else planned (like visit the student financial services and ask them why the hell my student loan is not in yet) and I have to get to a different place, I walk the wrong direction and then I pause and think, "Wait, no, where was I going to go?"
I hate when that happens, even if I waste just a minute or so, it's still time wasted.

When I do have some 'open' time on my hands, I usually decide between my one of 4 study spots; the coffee house, the quiet studying area in the library, next the coffee stand in the library, the science complex atrium (again, next to the coffee counter).

[thegnat]

My schedule is so packed most days that I don't have much room for "doing something different"

I basically figured out the most convenient location to stop for lunch b/w classes etc. And I basically go there without thinking about going there, of course, my brain is otherwise occupied with other plans for the day, or thinking about whether I want to order something different for lunch. :thumbsup:
Sometimes if i have something else planned (like visit the student financial services and ask them why the hell my student loan is not in yet) and I have to get to a different place, I walk the wrong direction and then I pause and think, "Wait, no, where was I going to go?"
I hate when that happens, even if I waste just a minute or so, it's still time wasted.

When I do have some 'open' time on my hands, I usually decide between my one of 4 study spots; the coffee house, the quiet studying area in the library, next the coffee stand in the library, the science complex atrium (again, next to the coffee counter).

Yep! That's the way I am. And yes time wasted is never a good thing. I feel like I napped too long but it felt damn good.

Now I just realized I don't have food so I can't hermit in my room for lunch. I actually have to go down to the cafeteria and be around people, sigh.... This is gonna be a quick lunch and I'm going to go right to pchem once I'm done with lunch.....

[rwyatt365]

You're in planning denial! *;)
I don't need no stinkin' plans!! :bandana:

[Rei]

Yep! That's the way I am. And yes time wasted is never a good thing. I feel like I napped too long but it felt damn good.

Now I just realized I don't have food so I can't hermit in my room for lunch. I actually have to go down to the cafeteria and be around people, sigh.... This is gonna be a quick lunch and I'm going to go right to pchem once I'm done with lunch.....
Oh man... that's what i feel like every morning. I like to wake up a whole 2 hours before I have to leave the house, so sometimes I sleep in for another hour after my alarm goes off. It was a waste of time, but it felt damn good...

I'm having the exact same feeling about the lunch thing. I'm eating my last portion of food I have in storage. Tomorrow I have to buy food, and eat at the cafeteria *OH NOEHZZZZZZZ* :scared:
I ALWAYS sit next to the window in the cafeteria. We have these "bar/breakfast nook-like" seats around 2 sides of the outside wall (which are really just pane after pane of windows). And I always sit there, because people usually never join you. And if they do, you have good reason to freak out and leave :thumbsup:

[GOD]

One good question to ask of people is "what do you think about when sitting on a bus/train etc by yourself". You'll find that most people completely squander all that time. And now with the iPod generation... Nobody will think with spare time on their hands!

Another interesting observation I came up with (just recently in fact) is that I find it really easy to fall into deep sleep and for long periods of time (And I virtually never remember my dreams). Whereas I know people that can't get to sleep because they are thinking too much. Well, I think I get to sleep easily because my mind is tired from thinking... bit like sleeping heavily when you've exhausted your body through physical work.

I'd say INTJ's like structure and routinue because its efficient and allows them to concentrate on more important issues. A messy INTJ is one that has so many issues on that they don't have time for structure and routine... which can ultimately be counter productive (Ok, they might just be lazy and not think following structure and routine is of sufficent materiality to be a priority).

[rwyatt365]

The fact that I could now (and probably for awhile have been able to) just let my legs carry my thinking brain to the right place because I've done that path so many times and I could just let my mind wander on the path with little thinking about the world outside of my mind.

Before sometimes I'd automatically go the path of my old dorm if I was lost in thought. Now I'll go to the right place even if lost in thought. It's nice.
Gnat – I don’t often find myself on auto-pilot, I just don’t seem to have a moment to chill out like that. The only time that comes close is when I listen to music. That's when I can "zone out", tune everyone and everything out and get into the heart of whatever I'm listening to. There are some songs that have such a meditative quality (for me) that I can almost feel myself drifting in outer space. And then my wife comes in and says, "What is that?!! Could you turn it down?" and reality comes crashing in.



One good question to ask of people is "what do you think about when sitting on a bus/train etc by yourself". You'll find that most people completely squander all that time. And now with the iPod generation... Nobody will think with spare time on their hands!

Veneti – when I can get to myself I think of things like; Is there a giant (someone) out there looking at me through a microscope now? Does a multiverse exist and, if so, is there another "me" out there wondering the same thing? Do dolphins wonder if humans can really think, or are they (humans) just clever tool makers? Does the rest of the world really exist, or is all of this just a clever disguise?

Yeah, I'm weird. *:mad:

[thegnat]

Hm. Well....

One third the time when I listen to music I listen to it to tune it out - and then I study a lot better. Another third I immerse myself in it so I can clear my mind. Well I suppose yet another third of the time it's background music to my thoughts as I can't cancel out the music nor my thoughts.

Well - When I'm walking on auto-pilot - Yeah my mind wanders and it is kind of "chilling out" in a way even though my mind's thinking about all sorts of crazy things. It doesn't happen often - really only when I walk to places. I'll just get completely lost in thought and go the wrong way sometimes if I hadn't gone there in awhile...or something like that....

when I can get to myself I think of things like; Is there a giant (someone) out there looking at me through a microscope now? Does a multiverse exist and, if so, is there another "me" out there wondering the same thing? Do dolphins wonder if humans can really think, or are they (humans) just clever tool makers? Does the rest of the world really exist, or is all of this just a clever disguise?

Ah yes I love those kinds of thoughts...randomly I'll have those kinds of thoughts too....

[mind_wander]

I was thinking - I wonder if part of the reason INTJs need *or like structure/ routine is to kind of allow their mind to wander at certain moments. *Or to allow mind wandering and not get us too far off schedule. *I know I'll give myself extra time for tasks than I actually would need if I were completely focused because I know my mind will wander and I'll want to toss around that thought and it might take me a bit to get back on track.


Do I even have to asked on how I got my screename as an INTJ. You pretty much explained it for me; thanx :)

[Rei]

Veneti – when I can get to myself I think of things like; Is there a giant (someone) out there looking at me through a microscope now? Does a multiverse exist and, if so, is there another "me" out there wondering the same thing? Do dolphins wonder if humans can really think, or are they (humans) just clever tool makers? Does the rest of the world really exist, or is all of this just a clever disguise?

Yeah, I'm weird. :mad:

I once read a short story, that ultimately implies that earth is merely a trinket of some giants that live in the Universe. I think it was called "The Bauble" By far one of the best short stories I have ever read.

[Quincunx]

It's possible that because we are the 'Masterminds' of MBTI, routines and rituals give us a greater sense of security and groundedness. I know that for myself personally, routines in thought process are intolerable (I.E., almost brainless secretary work is nearly torture), while physical routines, such as the time I rise up, the times I eat, and the times I go to sleep, are almost essential. When I am in control of when and where my body is moving in spacetime, I feel more secure--and therefore, as you suggested, free to explore my thoughts instead.

Particularly in social cases, routines are easier to learn and stick to: I think most of us would find it much easier to learn a dance routine for a performance than have to improvisationally interact on a dance floor. Knowing what you're going to say during some unfortunate occasion of small talk might help ease the struggle of social interaction--routines might just be a coping mechanism.

[Max T]

The usefulness of routine to allow us to think of more important things/ avoid mindless clutter reminds of Einstein.
At one stage he apparently had 5 sets of identical clothes, so he didn't have to think about what to wear in the morning!

The one thing that Einstein spent least thought on is the one thing I have in common with the guy. ;D
I've eaten exactly the same breakfast for 4+ years: 3 weetabix and two slices of marmalade on toast with coffee and juice (seperately, not combined). *
Lets you think about the day ahead.

[Natrushka]

The usefulness of routine to allow us to think of more important things/ avoid mindless clutter reminds of Einstein.
At one stage he apparently had 5 sets of identical clothes, so he didn't have to think about what to wear in the morning!


What a great idea. I have four 'outfits' per season so I don't have to work too hard in the morning but this is even better.

[The Rose]

The usefulness of routine to allow us to think of more important things/ avoid mindless clutter reminds of Einstein.
At one stage he apparently had 5 sets of identical clothes, so he didn't have to think about what to wear in the morning!... One of my requirements for a part time job is a place that has a "uniform" so I don't have to decide what to wear!

[The Rose]

The usefulness of routine to allow us to think of more important things/ avoid mindless clutter reminds of Einstein.
At one stage he apparently had 5 sets of identical clothes, so he didn't have to think about what to wear in the morning!


What a great idea. I have four 'outfits' per season so I don't have to work too hard in the morning but this is even better.
And I thought it was just me!

[mind_wander]

Yep! That's the way I am. *And yes time wasted is never a good thing. *I feel like I napped too long but it felt damn good.

Now I just realized I don't have food so I can't hermit in my room for lunch. *I actually have to go down to the cafeteria and be around people, sigh.... This is gonna be a quick lunch and I'm going to go right to pchem once I'm done with lunch.....
Oh man... that's what i feel like every morning. *I like to wake up a whole 2 hours before I have to leave the house, so sometimes I sleep in for another hour after my alarm goes off. *It was a waste of time, but it felt damn good...

I'm having the exact same feeling about the lunch thing. *I'm eating my last portion of food I have in storage. *Tomorrow I have to buy food, and eat at the cafeteria *OH NOEHZZZZZZZ* *:scared:
I ALWAYS sit next to the window in the cafeteria. *We have these "bar/breakfast nook-like" seats around 2 sides of the outside wall (which are really just pane after pane of windows). *And I always sit there, because people usually never join you. *And if they do, you have good reason to freak out and leave *:thumbsup:
I also felt the say way. At times I do waste time, but I don't considered it wasting time more like meditation time[brain to relax, whats up in my email(team meetings, concerns, etc.), check out forums]. When things are scheduled as planned, majority of it is done. Times/Dates are just a footnote for me when assignments are do. I planned out in my head when to start/stop doing homework, study, have mental fun, etc. I've learned taked it easy on yourself and enjoy life as it goes because right now this semester is flying.

As for sitting on the bus and listening to music, I've noticed in the past, the high majority would not sit next to me, even there is an empty seat.

[snoogit]

As far as walking to your room in auto pilot goes - I drive in auto pilot - I know - scary!

Ha! I daydream in the car, even if I don't know where I'm going! I've on many occasions had passengers scream at me "OMG! YOU'RE GOING TO MISS MY EXIT!1!1!1!1!" and I miss the exit, because I was thinking about something else.

I find that if I'm listening to something like NPR, I'm MUCH more prone to do this. (Although I find myself almost exclusively listening to NPR in the car now)

[mind_wander]

Well actually, dear help my spirtual guardian. While listening to music and thinking things in my head; I did not see a car almost clipped me, same goes for a bus, bicycles, etc. That is really bad, can be in an accident, but I didn't; felt really bad to be my spiritual guardian. Guess to solve this problem, try to do some good things in my life or something in compensating.

[Rei]

Particularly in social cases, routines are easier to learn and stick to: I think most of us would find it much easier to learn a dance routine for a performance than have to improvisationally interact on a dance floor.

Actually I do much better improvising than trying to remember a dance routine. I have a horrible memory, and if I ever learn any dance routines, it's probably due to extensive practice.

[thegnat]

snoogit: you make me laugh. I *love* how you alternated the 1s and exclamation points *precisely* when you were imitating passengers who you thought were crazy. Most often I see, at least with people who do the 1 instead of the exclamation point (lazy on the shift key and unnecessary in my book) do it in random order. But you alternated them perfectly.

Rei: I sat at the back of the cafeteria - well what I consider the back - the furthest away from the entrances. At a table that had a New York Times (so I could "read" it and attempt to look like I was intending to read it all along because well I feel that's the most accepted form of sitting by yourself here - plus it gets my focus away from the people) considerably away from people near me and yes people pass by that area, but they're normally focused towards the exit. Plus I was slightly in. This is FAR better than the tables close to the entrance - sometimes they were the only ones with NYTs and I actually read them somewhat before (and I can sort of hide behind them) - mainly to hide behind it though because all the people that come in - I feel like they're staring straight at me if I'm close to the entrance - makes me very uncomfortable.

Max T: That's like stroking the ego there saying it's Einstein like to like routine to let your mind wander freely....That's a great idea that Einstein had - I would definitely be up for that...my wardrobe is pretty much that way actually - I have shirts and pants that pretty much all go together. To an extent of course. I just don't waste much thought on clothes.

Quincrux: I think you summed it up perfectly. While physical routine keeps us grounded and able to explore our thoughts, mental routine is torture. There's a reason I'm not going into pharmacy. I don't want to count pills. And just straight memorization of all the drugs and stuff would bore me. I like logic and reasoning. I like to be able to look at a new problem and have to reason it out rather than just look at it and spit out an answer.

[snoogit]

snoogit: you make me laugh. I *love* how you alternated the 1s and exclamation points *precisely* when you were imitating passengers who you thought were crazy. Most often I see, at least with people who do the 1 instead of the exclamation point (lazy on the shift key and unnecessary in my book) do it in random order. But you alternated them perfectly.

I always try to be consistent.

[thegnat]

snoogit: you make me laugh. I *love* how you alternated the 1s and exclamation points *precisely* when you were imitating passengers who you thought were crazy. Most often I see, at least with people who do the 1 instead of the exclamation point (lazy on the shift key and unnecessary in my book) do it in random order. But you alternated them perfectly.

I always try to be consistent.

It's great. I would do that too.

It's just classic INTJ..the compulsion to put order on disorderly things....make illogical things logical...

[Max T]

Max T: That's like stroking the ego there saying it's Einstein like to like routine to let your mind wander freely....
:o thegnat- you focussed on "routine" and "Einstein" and filtered out my self-deprecating humour. * To repeat:

The one thing that Einstein spent least thought on is the one thing I have in common with the guy. ;D
To spell it out: I can only follow the most mundane, menial, mindless mental task he undertook (and am lost doing anything else). * That was the funny bit- not very funny so I'll clap before the joke next time! *
*
And to really dispel any pre-empted accusation of delusions of grandeur, the reason I follow a routine is to do the very basic, ordinary thing of:

Lets you think about the day ahead.
To spell it out: I can only think about simple stuff and not E=mc2.
Phew! hopefully that clears me of your allegation.


That's a great idea that Einstein had - I would definitely be up for that...my wardrobe is pretty much that way actually - I have shirts and pants that pretty much all go together. *To an extent of course. I just don't waste much thought on clothes.
And where's your self-deprecating comment!? * ;D ;D Just joking.

[thegnat]

I suppose I should have spilt more praise unto you with my oh so very eloquent mastery of the English language? Wrote beautiful poetry about it because my poetry is on the level of Robert Frost? Wrote eloquently worded prose?

Well here's some late, eloquent and downright beautiful praise for your self-deprecating humor: :thumbsup: ;D

Still.....I stick beside my word...a mindless mundane task for a rather mundane purpose in comparison is still the same mindless mundane task ;)

I never self-deprecate - I'm too good for that, self-deprecation is only good for the people who share with Einstein only the same mindless mundane task ;D just joking!

Beware the sarcasm - only part of it isn't sarcastic - mainly the praise and the I stick beside my word, because what's true is true.

[Max T]

I suppose I should have spilt more praise unto you with my oh so very eloquent mastery of the English language? Wrote beautiful poetry about it because my poetry is on the level of Robert Frost? Wrote eloquently worded prose?

Well here's some late, eloquent and downright beautiful praise for your self-deprecating humor: :thumbsup: ;D

Still.....I stick beside my word...a mindless mundane task for a rather mundane purpose in comparison is still the same mindless mundane task ;)

I never self-deprecate - I'm too good for that, self-deprecation is only good for the people who share with Einstein only the same mindless mundane task just joking!
Beware the sarcasm - only part of it isn't sarcastic - mainly the praise and the I stick beside my word, because what's true is true.

thegnat-
In your first post you focussed on "routine" and "Einstein" and filtered out my self-deprecating humour. And you accused me of nursing an ego.

In your second post above, you focussed on “routine” and “Einstein” and acknowledged my “self-deprecating humour”.
And this time you didn’t accuse me of nursing an ego. Instead, you only state in tiny text at the bottom “what’s true is true” and use loads of sarcasm to add vagueness to what you’re saying (e.g. your praise of my humour is sarcastic but you ‘mainly’ mean it literally- that’s an all time first- unsarcastic sarcasm)!).

So I understand your train of thought- you’re acknowledging more of my points and you’re retracting yours.
It’s an INTJ’s way of saying “ok, I made a cheap and dirty shot at you (but I cannot admit a fault, damn you, I cannot… mustn’t)”.

Anyhoo, let’s drop this cos it’s surely boring everyone else. And I enjoy your other posts so don’t want any hard feelings between us. :thumbsup:

Beware- all of this is written with sincerity.

[childofforest]

I was thinking - I wonder if part of the reason INTJs need *or like structure/ routine is to kind of allow their mind to wander at certain moments. *Or to allow mind wandering and not get us too far off schedule. *I know I'll give myself extra time for tasks than I actually would need if I were completely focused because I know my mind will wander and I'll want to toss around that thought and it might take me a bit to get back on track.


I just looove routines!

I have my routines, my next moves all planned up inside my head every time I have to do something. Everyday I have fixed places that I go to, the fixed time I move, and the fixed places where I would eat at. But I never thought I do this to allow my mind to wander..my plans and routines are all there for one main reason: efficiency. When I move from one to another, my mind is full of objects - what I have to, and should do, to fulfill my goals of achievements. Even for the small times in between like 15 minutes or 30 - I need to sit down or run my own errands to fill the time.

Most of my goals are searching for materials relevant to the theme I'm researching (researching on my own), so I always plan my routines so that I could maximize my fulfillments regarding my goals.

Most people around me are surprised when I leave off after talking with them saying that I have to go somewhere (to do things of my own). Sometimes they expect me to undo(?) my plans, but I always insist on the things I planned previously.

[PRBori]

I was thinking about this on my way back from class to my dorm the other day.

The fact that I could now (and probably for awhile have been able to) just let my legs carry my thinking brain to the right place because I've done that path so many times and I could just let my mind wander on the path with little thinking about the world outside of my mind.

Before sometimes I'd automatically go the path of my old dorm if I was lost in thought. Now I'll go to the right place even if lost in thought. It's nice.

I was thinking - I wonder if part of the reason INTJs need or like structure/ routine is to kind of allow their mind to wander at certain moments. Or to allow mind wandering and not get us too far off schedule. I know I'll give myself extra time for tasks than I actually would need if I were completely focused because I know my mind will wander and I'll want to toss around that thought and it might take me a bit to get back on track.

I don't know. Post your thoughts.

This thread will probably flop. But it's what I was thinking at one point in time of one day recently...so you can blame it on my brain if you so desire if this thread does flop....


Not sure what you mean. I like structure on how things are organized, but I love working on unstructured environments that I need to re-structure to an organized level.

I don't like routine at my work, actually my job has to be extremely challenging, other wise I get bored to death. For example, I can do training for a few weeks, but not for the rest of my life because I will not gain anything out of it. I'm just repeting myself a thousand times and that's annoying.

I LOVE to set the structures and routines for others...

I guess it depends on what you mean. At home, I do abide by routine most of the time, but can easily break it if I feel the need to relax.

When it comes to directions, I have an internal GPS for all the areas I lived in for the past 17 years. If a place has some sort of meaning, I can go back three to six months later without following directions, for it's saved on my mind even if it's dark.

Kind of confusing... but that's how I am. Can't talk about other INTJs..

[colmdubh]

First a comment on people in general; many have the same general routine of waking up, eating, going to work/school etc. If by rely on routines you mean having to do the same thing each day to the point of eating similar foods or using the bathroom at 10:12am each day I would certainly not fall into that category. The reason I structure my routines is to provide the most efficient use of my time, but they are flexible.
Also, the words routine and structure have different meanings. For instance, I like having a place for everything and don't tolerate clutter very well so I feel I am very structured yet I can't stand imposed deadlines or doing the same thing everyday which is closer to the general idea of "routine". I say imposed because I don't mind making my own deadlines but hate for them to be made for me.
Part of being right brained and possibly an INTJ is not thinking in a linear fashion. Many times I am doing multiple things at once or doing one thing and thinking of something else no matter if it is part of a routine or not. IF however I am doing something I do everyday the chances of my zoning out are greatly enhanced. Generally that's how I misplace things.

[Jgib5328]

I always have schedules and my day planned. I work out at the same times, do hw at the same times, and I have even eaten the same food every day for the entire school year so far at the same times too. I get uneasy if my day isn't going according to plan too.

[asongforgrace]

I'm addicted to my calendar, I get quite anxious when someone asks me if I can be somewhere on such-and-such a day and I don't have it handy (it's on the computer and it's all colour-coded and wonderful). I have general routines when I'm studying, obviously my day follows the general wake up-study-sleep routine, but I make a mental (or physical, if it's a long/complicated day and I need to get a lot done) list of times and places to be, and I factor nothing-time into that so I have time for "spontaneous" acts (ie, daydreaming).

I've never found strict study regimes to be suited to me, however, as I'd rather take the extra 10 minutes to finish a task, even if it's then encroaching on the time alotted to the next tast - but then the times all get out of order and it's just no fun at all, ruins the rest of the day.

I guess I could like knowing where I'll be and what I'm going to encounter so I can prepare myself if it's something new or where I'll have to interact with people I don't know - psych myself up for it.

[cruftie]

What about working out? Does anyone find that too routine? Or does anyone find that having all those people around at the gym is too distracting?

[PRBori]

What about working out? Does anyone find that too routine? Or does anyone find that having all those people around at the gym is too distracting?


I hate the gym environment... you will never find me there...

I prefer hiking, camping, and outdoor sports rather than enclose myself in a room of desperate men and that's full of bacteria. I also prefer the comfort of my own home. Nothing like home where I can listen to my own relaxing music and do as I like without people looking at me...

Typical INTJ gal... no crowded places or places where men look for sex...

[Jgib5328]

What about working out? Does anyone find that too routine? Or does anyone find that having all those people around at the gym is too distracting?

I work out daily barring an injury. I love it, it's one of my favorite hobbies. I lift weights Mon-Friday. Depending on the cycle I run Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sun if I'm trying to cut down fat or just Sat-Sun if I'm trying to bulk. Each day has already been planned and scheduled so that I know exactly what I'm doing each day. I love the routine of weight lifting and I hate if something interferes with that. I don't get distracted by other people. I'm only bothered by other people in the gym if they are being too noisy, don't know their shit, are weak, or are too many.





Jgib5328 added to this post, 1 minutes and 39 seconds later...

I hate the gym environment... you will never find me there...

I prefer hiking, camping, and outdoor sports rather than enclose myself in a room of desperate men and that's full of bacteria. I also prefer the comfort of my own home. Nothing like home where I can listen to my own relaxing music and do as I like without people looking at me...

Typical INTJ gal... no crowded places or places where men look for sex...

Don't stereotype men in the gym, some may just be lifting for sex, but the real weight lifters are there for self improvement. We desire to better ourselves and reach our physical limit, women are trivial matter within this regard.

[PRBori]

There may be a few exempted, but most of them are hungry for some action....

[vaguely dissatisfied]

Daydreaming during driving is often from boredom once driving a certain route becomes automated, that is the body takes over in driving, it manages the rapid fire, split second decision and action sequences effectively and near flawlessly. Like when the car ahead slams on the brakes you have less than one second to do likewise, or else...There is no time for thinking. Your leg automatically leaves the gas pedal and finds the brake pedal in a fraction of a second. Your leg knows what to do by itself. It is conditioned to the red glow of the break lights ahead of you. The lights flash and your leg responds.

[Jgib5328]

There may be a few exempted, but most of them are hungry for some action....

Well there are very few true weight lifters.

[PRBori]

Well there are very few true weight lifters.

Exactly my point... so only a few, but most of them are lions looking for their pray... :p

[cruftie]

I find it hard to zone out at the gym. Sex isn't an issue cause I'm older and monogamous, but just the presence of all those people. Registering their presence, trajectory, mood. Hearing them talking to each other. Trying not to be seen checking out the young hotties LOL!
Once I made extra effort to tune it all out, and ended up being so lost in thought that I forgot to run and flew off the back of the treadmill.
Gotta find that middle ground...

[thaddeus6th]

On the various occasions when I try to get into an exercising habit, I've never wanted to go the gym. For a start, I loathe crowds anyway, and I dislike exercising in front of other people too.

As for routine, I like knowing of events in advance, particularly enforced family gatherings or the like. Being told at the last minute that I'm expected to attend six grinding hours of a birthday party or that family are coming over is not a pleasant experience.