Stuck in a Loop? A Practical Guide to Breaking the Dominant-Tertiary Grip

In the world of personality types, cognitive functions offer a deep and nuanced understanding of how we process information and make decisions. We often talk about our dominant "hero" function—the one we’re most comfortable with. But what happens when that hero function goes rogue? This often leads to a frustrating and unproductive state known as the dominant-tertiary loop.

This loop is a common experience for every personality type, often triggered by stress, fatigue, or a feeling of being undervalued. It’s that "stuck" feeling you can't quite shake, where your usual balanced perspective is replaced by a skewed, immature, and repetitive cycle of thoughts. Understanding this loop is the first step to breaking free and returning to a healthier, more effective mindset.

What is a Cognitive Function Loop?

Normally, your cognitive stack operates with a healthy balance. Your dominant function leads the way, and your auxiliary ("parent") function provides balance and support. For example, the analytical Introverted Thinking (Ti) of an INTP is balanced by the expansive Extroverted Intuition (Ne). The value-driven Introverted Feeling (Fi) of an INFP is balanced by that same Ne.

A loop occurs when you bypass this balancing auxiliary function. Instead of using your top two functions together, you fall into a feedback loop between your dominant (1st) function and your tertiary (3rd) function. Because both of these functions share the same orientation (they are either both introverted or both extroverted), you lose all balance. You become an unhealthy, immature version of your type, cut off from either the external world (for introverts) or your internal compass (for extroverts).

Examples of Common Loops (And What They Feel Like)

Loops feel different for every type, but here are some common examples:

• The Ti-Si Loop (INTP & ISTP): This is the loop of obsessive analysis. The Introverted Thinking (Ti) dominant function pairs with the Introverted Sensing (Si) tertiary function. Instead of using Ne (for INTPs) or Extroverted Sensing (Se) (for ISTPs) to gather new information, the person gets stuck. They obsessively review past data and mistakes (Si) to feed their logical frameworks (Ti), becoming cynical, withdrawn, and convinced they have all the data they need—all while ignoring the changing reality of the outside world.
• The Fi-Ni Loop (INFP & ISFP): This is the loop of internal withdrawal. The Introverted Feeling (Fi) dominant function pairs with the Introverted Intuition (Ni) tertiary function. Instead of using Ne (for INFPs) or Se (for ISFPs) to engage with the world, the person retreats into a fantasy world of their own values (Fi) and abstract visions (Ni). They can become overly sensitive, detached from reality, and convinced of their own righteousness while failing to take any real-world action.
• The Ne-Te Loop (ENFP & ENTP): This is the loop of scattered activity. The Extroverted Intuition (Ne) dominant function pairs with the Extroverted Thinking (Te) tertiary function. Instead of using their internal judging function (Fi for ENFPs, Ti for ENTPs) to check their ideas for value or logic, they jump from one new idea (Ne) to the next, trying to execute them all (Te). This results in manic, impractical, and often bossy behavior, starting countless projects and finishing none.
• The Fe-Se Loop (ENFJ & ESFJ): This is the loop of external validation. The Extroverted Feeling (Fe) dominant function pairs with the Extroverted Sensing (Se) tertiary function. Instead of using their internal perceiving function (Ni for ENFJs, Si for ESFJs) to gain perspective, they become obsessed with seeking immediate, tangible validation (Se) from others (Fe). This can manifest as pleasure-seeking, over-accommodating behavior, or becoming overly focused on appearances and social status just to get a positive reaction.

A Practical Guide to Breaking the Grip

The solution to breaking a dominant-tertiary loop is always the same: deliberately activate your auxiliary (2nd) function.

This function is the bridge. It’s the parent that steps in to restore balance. It forces you to either engage with the outer world (if you're an introvert) or check in with your inner world (if you're an extrovert). Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Recognize the Pattern

You can't fix a problem you don't see. The first step is simple mindfulness. When you feel "stuck," cynical, scattered, or overly sensitive, ask yourself: "Am I in a loop?" Recognizing the repetitive, unhealthy nature of your thoughts is key.

Step 2: Identify Your Auxiliary "Escape Hatch"

Know what your balancing function is. This is the tool you need to consciously pick up.

• INTP/ISTP (Ti-Si Loop): Your escape hatch is Extroverted Perception (Ne/Se).
• INFP/ISFP (Fi-Ni Loop): Your escape hatch is Extroverted Perception (Ne/Se).
• INTJ/INFJ (Ni-Fi Loop): Your escape hatch is Extroverted Judging (Te/Fe).
• ISTJ/ISFJ (Si-Ti Loop): Your escape hatch is Extroverted Judging (Te/Fe).
• ENFP/ENTP (Ne-Te Loop): Your escape hatch is Introverted Judging (Fi/Ti).
• ENFJ/ESFJ (Fe-Se Loop): Your escape hatch is Introverted Perception (Ni/Si).
• ESTP/ESFP (Se-Fe Loop): Your escape hatch is Introverted Judging (Ti/Fi).
• ESTJ/ENTJ (Te-Ne Loop): Your escape hatch is Introverted Perception (Si/Ni).

Step 3: Take Small, Deliberate Actions to Engage It

This is the most important part. You must do something that forces this function to turn on.

If you're an Introvert in a loop (e.g., INTP, ISFP):
Your loop is entirely internal. You must break it by engaging with the external world. Don't think about doing it—just do it.

• (For Ne users): Talk to someone with a completely different opinion. Read an article on a topic you know nothing about. Brainstorm three wildly impractical solutions to your problem.
• (For Se users): Go for a walk and name five things you can see, four you can hear, and three you can feel. Cook a complex meal. Do a high-intensity workout. Create something tangible with your hands.

If you're an Extrovert in a loop (e.g., ENFP, ESTJ):
Your loop is entirely external. You must break it by checking in with your internal world. Stop acting and reflect.

• (For Fi/Ti users): Close the door and be alone. Journal. Ask yourself: "Is this really true?" or "Does this actually matter to me?" Meditate for five minutes. Analyze the logical consistency of your plan from start to finish.
• (For Ni/Si users): Step back from the immediate situation. Ask yourself: "What is my long-term goal here?" or "How does this compare to a similar situation I've faced before?" Stop seeking external feedback and trust your own past experience or future vision.

Conclusion

Falling into a dominant-tertiary loop is not a personal failure; it's a normal part of how your personality type reacts to stress. The key is to develop self-awareness. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing the specific "escape hatch" for your type, you can consciously choose to engage your auxiliary function.

This action breaks the unhealthy cycle, restores your natural balance, and allows you to move from feeling "stuck" to feeling capable, clear-headed, and in control once again. For a deeper understanding of your own type's functions, check out our book, The MBTI Guide, or explore our MBTI Advantage book series.