Many things we talk about when it comes to functions are about people with that function in a particular place, or who have it in a particular combination with another function. This piece by Iris Strauss actually seems to be relevant to all types that have Si in their stack, although they may apply it with their own twist. FiNe, TiNe, SiFe, SiTe, FeSi, TeSi, NeFi, and NeTi’s - let us know if you found this helpful!

-Beckett H

When it comes to getting things done, Si can make it seem like you have a never-ending to-do list spanning infinity in your mind. When one item gets completed, 5 more take its place. It can be tough for Si types to feel like they’ve accomplished something, even if they were busy all day long.

Stop the madness! Here's how to make Si work for you.



1. Make physical lists for different categories.

I make a to-do list for work for my "real job", a personal to-do list, and a Type In Mind to-do list. Sometimes there are sub-categories within each of those, depending on what I've got going on that week. Decide how many lists you need and make them as detailed as possible. If you think of something you need to add, do so immediately.

Physical to-do lists help my brain quiet down so I can focus on what I'm supposed to be doing currently, instead of the next 50 things I need to do. Instead of constantly running over each list in my head to make sure I don't forget anything, I can glance over and see what I've got written down.



2. Lay all your lists out in front of you, so you can switch between tasks and types of tasks when you get bored.

Since all Si types also have Ne, it is a fact that we will probably get bored with certain tasks. When you have all your lists laid out in front of you, you can easily prioritize them (This works best if you have Si first or second), or pick the one that sounds the best/most fun, and/or most urgent (More likely to be used this way for those with Si third or fourth). This is something you might want to have physical list accoutrements for. I prefer a giant white board and dry erase marker. Keep switching as often as you need to between high priority and fun/urgent tasks until everything on that priority 'level' is complete. Then move on to the next set.

It's important to note that if you get really excited about working on a certain project, you should use that to your advantage if possible to get that task completed. Don't let yourself get interrupted from something you're really jazzed about doing unless it's absolutely necessary. If the interruption is not going to directly impact your business today or tomorrow, it can probably wait. Write it down, and get back to the task that excites you.



3. Move completed tasks to a "finished" list.

Because Si is forever moving on to the next task with little regard for its accomplishments and making us feel like our work will never be done, it is imperative that we visualize and take time to appreciate what we've done. This is especially important if the work you're doing isn't physically tangible. At the end of the day, take a look at the things you've accomplished. Pretty satisfying, huh?



4. Set a little time aside to revel in your completed tasks.

Did you write an incredible article? Have a successful conference call with a difficult client? Organize your office paperwork? Take the time to mentally or physically check back through the work you've just accomplished. Read over your article. Replay that call in your mind. Stare at your impeccably organized file cabinet. Let your accomplishment sink in. When you do a task really well, it's important to acknowledge it and appreciate it, especially if you're in a position where you are your own boss most or all of the time. You deserve recognition, and who better to recognize what you've done than you?

When you harness the power of Si, instead of letting it overwhelm or cripple you, you might be surprised at how productive you can be.