Have you ever had one of those moments where extreme stress makes you act like a completely different person? Maybe you suddenly become hyper-focused on the tiniest details, or you find yourself melting down over something that usually wouldn't bother you at all.

We’ve been there. In fact, we still catch ourselves doing it.

This week, we are wrapping up our personality stack series by talking about the inferior function – or as it's often called, "the grip." This is the fourth position in your personality stack, and it is often likened to a toddler. While the metaphor is a bit clumsy, we use it because it is very easy to understand: When the toddler is happy, everything’s peaceful. But when the toddler is overtired and stressed? It can be total chaos.

The good news is that once you know it's there, it stops being something that happens to you and starts being something you can actually work with. That’s what we want for you.

Onward and Inward,

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS EPISODE

❓What is the inferior personality trait? Your inferior trait is the fourth function in your personality stack. It is the least developed part of your personality, often compared to a toddler. It develops late in life and tends to stay behind the scenes until extreme stress brings it out.

❓What happens when I am in "the grip"? When you are under severe stress, your inferior function can completely take over, which is why it is often called “the grip.” When someone is in “the grip,” they may act completely out of character. For example, the logical strategist is overtaken by emotional hypersensitivity, or the empathetic idealist becomes hyper-focused on cold data.

❓How can I use my inferior trait in a healthy way? When you are healthy and aligned, your inferior trait can serve you beautifully. By bringing awareness and intention to your inferior trait, you allow it to be a grounding force and a helpful balance in your personality stack.

❓Why does the personality industry focus so much on rigid types? Much of the self-help industry relies on quick answers and easily digestible content for clicks. True personality work requires nuance and a willingness to explore the gray areas, which takes more time but ultimately leads to a much deeper understanding of yourself.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Mind Share: The New Siri AI
(01:18) Understanding your inferior personality trait (The Grip)
(04:15) What "the grip" looks like in real life
(07:00) How severe stress triggers your inferior personality function
(10:30) Why the grip demands attention
(15:30) Using your inferior personality trait for good
(19:36) Mailbag: Why is the personality industry so obsessed with rigid boxes?

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