Enneagram Type 7
The Enthusiast
Early Childhood of Enneagram Type 7
Strengths of the Enneagram Type 7
- Enneagram type sevens are reputed to be the most optimistic, not allowing a difficult day to bring them down. They are quick to reframe and though they can recall sadness and pain, the labels placed on such memories makes it seem like a passing cloud.
- Enneagram Type Seven love a good time and remain childlike because of their enthusiasm, excitable and free-spirited nature. They are likely to be the life of the party and probably the loudest though this isn’t always the case.
- They can be outspoken and spontaneous with their ideas, stimulated by their childlike energy. They don’t refrain from letting others know how different some of their thoughts are from the rest.
- They are the best brainstormers, with a Disney-like mind where there are no holds barred. They have a vivid imagination which keeps them playful on the inside, hence the outside.
- They are pleasers in many ways, generous and kind in their comments of others and consistently want to bring cheer to others who can’t seem to feel the feelings they do. They just want to make the world a much happier place.
- With optimism, Sevens take it further by believing in themselves and others through their strong risk appetite and living in the moment. This attitude allows them to exhibit a keenness for entrepreneurship since they create the rules of engagement and the hunger to start new projects with creative energy.
- They are multi-taskers and have such varied interests and abilities which they display through involvement in multiple events which pack up their schedule. They will avoid boredom at all costs.
- They are pleasers in many ways, generous and kind in their comments of others and consistently want to bring cheer to others who can’t seem to feel the feelings they do. They just want to make the world a much happier place.
Limitations of Enneagram Type 7
Any type becomes Unresourceful when they begin to over-do some of the thoughts and behaviours that are typical of the type.
- Enneagram type 7 personalities want to be stimulated by exciting pursuits quite persistently or at least be in a space that affords them happiness. This sometimes leaves them judgmental when they are in encounters which are slow-moving or require patience. If in the company of people who may not offer the stimulation they crave for, their mind starts to focus on how to enliven the energy around them. This creates the kind of distraction that causes them to lose presence and attention.
- They are great starters of projects since they enjoy new experiences but when the mind goes into overdrive with detailed analysis which could get boring, they may begin to defocus. They can be guilty of ditching something which they are bored of.
- Some Type 7s find it difficult to come home from “Disneyland” and that is get back to the grind and formulate structured and deep planning which will require focussed attention. They have a tendency to be underground, preferring the Big Picture and lofty goals and fantasies.
- Since they feel restricted by doing repetitive things, Sevens may find it inhibiting to be in a committed relationship unless their partner gives them the freedom they desire. If they are in a relationship with an understanding partner who accepts their need for freedom, they will commit to a long-term partnership.
- evens may not experience true joy if they avoid some of the painful experiences in their life. Whatever you avoid, comes crawling back and there will certainly be painful moments. This avoidance of anger, and sadness especially stifles their emotional growth and leaves them sometimes quite unrealistic in their expectations of others. There is a kind of impatience with other’s outbursts.
- Enneagram type sevens are reputed to be the most optimistic, not allowing a difficult day to bring them down. They are quick to reframe and though they can recall sadness and pain, the labels placed on such memories makes it seem like a passing cloud.
- Enneagram Type Seven love a good time and remain childlike because of their enthusiasm, excitable and free-spirited nature. They are likely to be the life of the party and probably the loudest though this isn’t always the case.
- They can be outspoken and spontaneous with their ideas, stimulated by their childlike energy. They don’t refrain from letting others know how different some of their thoughts are from the rest.
- They are the best brainstormers, with a Disney-like mind where there are no holds barred. They have a vivid imagination which keeps them playful on the inside, hence the outside.
- They are pleasers in many ways, generous and kind in their comments of others and consistently want to bring cheer to others who can’t seem to feel the feelings they do. They just want to make the world a much happier place.
- With optimism, Sevens take it further by believing in themselves and others through their strong risk appetite and living in the moment. This attitude allows them to exhibit a keenness for entrepreneurship since they create the rules of engagement and the hunger to start new projects with creative energy.
- They are multi-taskers and have such varied interests and abilities which they display through involvement in multiple events which pack up their schedule. They will avoid boredom at all costs.
- They are pleasers in many ways, generous and kind in their comments of others and consistently want to bring cheer to others who can’t seem to feel the feelings they do. They just want to make the world a much happier place.
Reflections for the Enneagram Type 7
- Try to establish when you are feeling bored, what feelings are you masking… fear or anxiety? Your habit of escaping and finding something more interesting gives you a clue as to what you are avoiding.
- Allow yourself to experience pain and joy fully. In doing so, you can you make your joy more meaningful and real. To experience joy, you must know what pain feels like. Focus your attention on your body and how it feels.
- Learn to develop ideas fully. With your charm, bravado and energy, all you need is a little more patience to push through more thoroughly in any undertaking and you will really receive the respect you deserve. Otherwise, you come across as superficial and shallow.
- Develop the ability to focus mentally, emotionally and physically.
- 7’s need to learn meditation to stay in the moment and quieten down the mind. Meditation will allow you to recognize the state of your mental chatter and identify with mental presence and patience.
- Learn to spread your joy without pushing because not everyone feels like you do. If you are grounded and steady as you do it, people enjoy your presence fully without them thinking there is something wrong with themselves.
Subtypes of the Enneagram Type 7
Known as The Gourmand and their Vulnerabilities / Vices is. Keepers of the Castle. They enjoy a good life within their inner circle having good conversations, planning fun events, elaborate meals, and other pleasures of life.
Known as The Adventurer and their Vulnerabilities / Vices is Suggestibility or Fascination. They are easily infatuated with new ideas, adventures, and people. They are dreamers, with good powers of suggestion and personal charm.
Known as The Utopian Visionary and their Vulnerabilities / Vices is Limitation or Sacrifice. They need friends and projects for the greater good of the community, but it requires sacrifice and limits their own desires or plans for future outcomes.
Read more on the 27 Sub Types here.
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