“You can’t really live a rational, beautiful, and just life without also enjoying it, right? It all goes hand in hand.” Epicoros. This quote encapsulates the core desire of the Enneagram 7 personality.
Though at first look Sevens (The Entertainers/Enthusiasts) seem to be having a fantastic time entertaining everyone, deeper scrutiny shows a desire to avoid discomfort. This is a crucial aspect of Enneagram 7 avoidance. Sevens are alert to potential for savoring every moment and may have a childlike capacity to appreciate life. Sevens make natural Epicureans (who think that the ultimate good is to pursue small, lasting pleasure in the form of a state of tranquilly and freedom from anxiety, along with the absence of physical discomfort — via knowledge of the workings of the universe and restricting wants). This highlights Enneagram 7 pleasure seeking. Sevens are idealistic and hopeful; they may easily inspire others to join in their excitement. In job interviews, sevens do really well; this is usually justified as a seven’s excitement does really convert into a good work attitude and an eagerness to learn. Often constructing a tiny paradise for their families and communities, they like creating grand plans for the future; yet, if they are not mindful, self-aware, cooperative, or collaborative, this may lead to useless scheming. The anthems of Sevens are songs like “Keep on the Sunny Side” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” precisely the message Sevens are prone to imparting to their friends and relatives. Usually seeing the Enneagram as a chance to laugh at oneself and to develop oneself by becoming knowledgeable, sevens are typically both joyful and thoughtful (think of Eleanor Shellstrop seeking tutoring/knowledge from Chidi to become a better person in “The Good Place”). Though they would rather appear themselves as fun, sevens often dislike sharing with people that they are highly intelligent. One may see all the Seven’s amusing features as denial, coping strategies, defensive mechanisms, etc. and it is certain that one day they will not be able to shield them from Enneagram 7 inner suffering or anxiety attacks.
Their inner suffering results from some horrific events or experiences in childhood that overwhelmed them. They conceal these emotions by experiencing and presenting a bright attitude, therefore avoiding similar suffering in the future, and also by working hard to financially construct a wonderful, comfortable existence for oneself. Many salesmen and business owners are Sevens (although if we would think more of persons in show-business when we consider a Seven stereotype e.g. Robin Williams as an extreme example). Sevens are anti-authoritarian by nature; they choose best careers for Enneagram 7 and employment where they (believe they) are their own boss, therefore allowing their potential and liberties to stay unbridled. This drives them to strive hard to reach leadership roles; yet, they will want to establish a collaborative, team-based, or organic style of leadership as they do not love being in control when it results in difficult problems. Whether serially or in simultaneously, they generally have multiple distinct jobs or interests. Sevens overdoing their “life is wonderful” attitude may alien those seeking a more real and sincere personal connection. Those with a more practical or pessimistic attitude may also be driven to attempt to subvert this hope and pull Sevens down to Earth. On the other hand, nominal Sevens could discount those who saw the glass as half empty when it is clearly half full. Though smaller in numbers than type 2’s, 4’s, and 9’s, Healthy Sevens are really adept with suffering; others may seek them out for assistance and therapy. Many Sevens also become therapists. Sevens would stress messages of empowerment and teaching constructive techniques in the counselor position, instead than sympathetic listening — which is frequently very appropriate for logical-minded individuals. Sevens are outstanding instructors and university lecturers; when pupils value an interesting (but logically-clear) presentation of content, they are greatly appreciated. This highlights Enneagram 7 strengths.
In a hunt for pleasure, sevens are inquisitive and seek change, spontaneity, excitement, and new experiences. Their schedule will have interesting events to look forward from entertaining and exciting activities. They might put off or overlook tedious tasks. They will probably schedule a brief side excursion to view the sights if they go for a conference or for business to another location. If they are off on a long journey, they probably make sure they have a fantastic play-list to listen to. Unless they can also schedule in a bungy-jump (physical or metaphorical), a beach trip may not appeal to them; so, make sure to remember to pack toys and a nice book to the otherwise dull beach. Unhealthy Sevens may not see all this as just a means of avoiding unpleasant emotions. A Seven is highly likely to relate a really sad tale in an interesting manner while laughing. Natural stand-up comedians, their audience usually finds “It’s funny because it’s painfully True!” Sevens will exaggerate any real-life event to make it funny and worth your time to listen to; you will wonder why amusing events like that don’t happen to you at the grocery store. Saying Sevens have uneasy laughing is sometimes an understatement; when only one person in the whole auditorium laughs at a daring remark or phrase and has their laugh reverberate from the rooftops while everyone else looks at them, you can be sure it is a Seven. This shows Enneagram 7 humor and Enneagram 7 impulsivity.
Generalists with a wide range of interests and aptitudes, sevens are sevens in many different fields. Not only is specializing very monotonous, but it also limits a person who wants not to be confined. They like keeping their choices open. Sevens prefer to provide the appearance of knowing a little bit about everything, utilizing a few facts to come off as knowledgeable about a topic (similar to 5’s, but using even less concrete information even more aggressively). Though they portray their material as spell-binding tales and engaging parables, i.e. in a style people really value, they seldom get questioned. Sevens like theory, but before they get it, they require concrete examples that show the useful application of the idea. These examples will eventually find their way in their explanatory tales.
They are prone to Enneagram 7 rationalization and may assert a bigger benefit arising from a bad circumstance. “Oh well, that place was probably a horrible work environment, so I’m glad I ended up where I did.” said one should they not get the desired position. Or often, “Their death was a blessing, as it ended their suffering.” The prosperity gospel easily targets religious Sevens; if you are affluent, you deserve it because of your natural goodness. If a Seven provides you with a logical explanation for their behavior, most likely their actual reason at the time came from their gut or emotions — and they came up with a “logical” reason after the fact; they may say “I took this job for the great benefits” when in fact they just needed a job, applied, and got hired like the rest of us.
Many action heroes in films have Seven qualities, easily delivering humorous one-liners to release the tension in trying or depressing circumstances. Though sometimes they employ reason to get themselves out of difficult circumstances just as frequently as raw force, these people are generally shown as hopeful, impulsive, and adventurous. Their strong energy and search for thrills fit the Type 7’s need for stimulation and fear of deprivation or suffering. Classic examples of Type 7 action heroes include stars like Jack Sparrow from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series and Star-Lord from “Guardians of the Galaxy.” They epitomize the Type 7’s love of adventure and their charm and creative ability to negotiate confined areas. Likewise, frequently lightening perilous circumstances with humorous comments, Nathan Drake from the “Uncharted” video game series and Marty McFly from “Back to the Future are both emblematic of this sort. A trademark of the Enneagram Type 7 personality is the capacity of these people to keep a sense of humor and mental clarity under crisis. This further shows Enneagram 7 fear of deprivation and Enneagram 7 FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Sevens see themselves as decent when they are idealistic. They like working on initiatives with more of a goal — that will make the world happy. They are prone to choose what would be best for others and developing initiatives against request from none other than themselves (scheming). Gluttony is a Seven’s core sin; when done out of a too strong need to feel pleasure, their urge to create good times may be both harmful and unwelcome by people around them. This is Enneagram 7 gluttony.
Using their gluttony as fuel, Healthy Sevens may help to build a better planet for everybody. Healthy Sevens also welcome working with the universe and others. They learn to pay attention to what other people really desire and value instead of feeling accountable for single-handed planning and creation of paradise. Sevens learn to accept their suffering rather than attempt to ignore it as they grow healthier; this helps them to build real, sincere, and close connections with others all around them. This also helps kids to develop awareness of the (often unpleasant) present and enjoyment of it instead of fantasizing about the future. Emotional intelligence, being on-board with the needs of others, and their natural enthusiasm taken together provide a powerful, positive force for generating and maintaining good teamwork and cooperation. This is Enneagram 7 emotional intelligence and Enneagram 7 growth path.
Type 7s progress toward Type 5 (The Observer/Investigator) as they become healthy in route of integration. Just consider nominally-hilarious-and-unconstrained Robin Williams as Dr. Malcolm Sayer in “Awakenings,” Seymour Parrish in “One Hour Photo,” Andrew Martin in “Bicentennial Man,” even a robot, Chris Nielsen in “What Dreams May Come.” Type 7s start to adopt some of the more favorable traits of Type 5 include being more introspective, contemplative, and concentrated with a need to acquire information and understanding while they are heading in the path of progress and integration towards Type 5. Instead than hopping from one event to another, they slow down their pace to ponder and explore more deeply their passions. This is Enneagram 7 going to 5 and Enneagram 7 integration to 5. This integration assists 7s in:
Rather of skimming the surface, they deepen their knowledge in particular disciplines. This is Enneagram 7 deepening knowledge.
Develop inner peace to help to lessen the desire for continual stimulation. This is Enneagram 7 finding contentment.
Grow more self-reliant and independent instead of depending always on other people for affirmation.
Rather than merely later as rationalization, start to assist children employ reason to guide their judgments.
Start to develop ideas about things rather than only learning facts.
Type 7’s integration into Type 5 is essentially a change from looking for outside stimulation to discovering satisfaction in inward research and knowledge mastery. This road let's Type 7s strike a balance between their grounded, analytical attitude to their experiences and relationships and their passion for life. This highlights Enneagram 7 becoming contemplative.
By understanding the Enneagram 7 core fear, core desire, and motivations, we can better understand how to support Enneagram 7s in their personal growth. This understanding can improve Enneagram 7 in relationships and Enneagram 7 partner compatibility.
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