Four Modes-Eight Functions---Part 1--Seeking Novelty

To better understand the way our thinking brain works, we need to look at the components that make up the various needs our brain helps us to pay attention to.

Our unique brain type indicates which modes and which functions we prefer to use. This type of thinking becomes our default method. We tend to process life through our preferred functions.

We have access to all eight functions, however, dependent upon our preferences and our level of awareness, many of us live out of just the two dominant functions. This leads to a narrowness in our thinking if we do not at least make ourselves aware of the others and allow them to be integrated into our lives. This is the path to self-actualization.

There are four primary modes and eight functions that comprise our "thinking brain". The modes are 

1. Front right is the Novelty seeking mode
2. Front left is the Focus seeking mode
3. Right basal (back) is the Social seeking mode
4. Left basal (back) is the Stability seeking mode.

Within each mode is an extroverted function and an introverted function. So in the case of the Novelty seeking mode, one of the functions seeks novelty by reaching out to be seen as special and stand out. The introverted novelty seeking function looks for new ideas in the imagination and is happy spending time alone in their own mind. 
So this week, we will begin with the Novelty seeking mode and look at the basic characteristics associated with the extroverted and introverted functions as well as the issues that arise when either of these functions becomes overused and out of balance.

Novelty is defined as the quality of being new, original, and unique. Those who lead with their novelty seeking mode are always scanning for new ideas or ways to look at old ideas in a more innovative way. Their minds move quickly and can often be distracted by the "next shiny object".

The extroverted novelty seeker looks for what is possible and is future oriented. These people make excellent brainstormers. They easily spot trends and patterns in the social realm. Marketing and self-promotion comes naturally to them. They tend to learn in a nonlinear way. Others may see them as flighty or scattered. Their constant need for the novel may cause them to drop projects before they are finished or miss important details. These individuals also seem to have a natural knack for enlisting help from others due to their enthusiasm. Forget asking them to follow some routine procedure because routine equals boredom; the very thing they try to avoid.

The introverted novelty seeker is interested in searching for the deeper meaning in life. While the extroverted novelty seeker looks to the outside world for stimulus, the introverted novelty seeker searches the unconscious realm. They are prone to have insights about life that seem to appear out of nowhere. Their quest is to understand the "dance of the universe". They are drawn to symbols of all types and can easily find meaning in these symbols. These are the people with a strong sixth sense. They can easily read the motives of others.  This type of individual is very independent and chooses to trust their own insights over those of others. Others may see these individuals as a bit spacey and "out there". If the introverted novelty seeker spends too much time alone, they can get lost in a world that isolates them. Their constant quest for a better solution can lead them off on tangents. 

We need our Novelty seeking mode. It helps us to create new ideas, see the big picture and get a vision of what's possible in the future. In this mode lies potential, ready to be mined and used to invent or innovate.

Are you curious about what your preferred thinking mode is? Order your Astro-Brain Dynamics Report. 

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