Overview of Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast

Sat Feb 18 2023


Type 7 individuals, brimming with enthusiasm and optimism, are the quintessential adventurers of the Enneagram.

Their ability to consistently find the silver lining and their eagerness for new experiences define their vibrant approach to life. Yet, this same zest can sometimes lead them to bite off more than they can chew, driven by a fear of missing out on life’s exciting opportunities.

Enneagram 7 Description

Known as β€œThe Enthusiast,” Enneagram Type 7 personalities are a whirlwind of energy and optimism, constantly seeking new adventures and experiences. Their life is a quest for enjoyment and discovery, marked by an unquenchable curiosity and a desire to live life to its fullest.

Distinct traits of Type 7s include:

  • Creative Energy: Their creativity is as boundless as their energy, leading them to pursue a variety of activities and projects, always brimming with new ideas.
  • Exploration and Curiosity: An innate curiosity drives Type 7s to embark on journeys of discovery, whether through travel, new hobbies, or cultural immersion.
  • Sociability: They thrive in social settings, bringing excitement and fun to their interactions and often being the life of the party.
  • Adaptability in Problem-Solving: Type 7s excel in dynamic environments, quickly adjusting to new situations and finding creative solutions to challenges.
  • Commitment Challenges: Their enthusiasm for new experiences can sometimes hinder their ability to commit and follow through, as they may struggle with the fear of being tied down or bored.

Type 7s infuse their surroundings with energy and joy as dynamic and optimistic individuals. Their creativity and adaptability are tremendous assets, but they also face challenges in managing their fear of missing out and cultivating commitment and follow-through in their endeavors.

πŸ’ͺ Strengths of an Enneagram 7

Type 7 individuals possess several strengths that make them valuable team or community members. These include:

  • Optimism: Type 7 individuals have a positive outlook and can find joy and pleasure in many situations.
  • Adventure: Type 7 individuals strongly desire new experiences and to make the most of life. They are spontaneous, and they enjoy taking risks.
  • Adaptability: Type 7 individuals can adapt to changing circumstances and find new opportunities. They can think outside the box and come up with new and creative solutions to problems.
  • Resourcefulness: Type 7 individuals possess much energy and are very resourceful; they can find ways to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
  • Creativity: Type 7s are highly creative and love to explore new ideas and experiences. They are naturally curious and can be great problem-solvers, always looking for new and innovative solutions.

Situations where 7s thrive

  • Event Planning: Their energy and creativity create exciting and enjoyable events.
  • Travel and Adventure Sports: Their enthusiasm and spontaneity make every experience memorable.
  • Marketing and Advertising: Their optimism and versatility create engaging campaigns.
  • Teaching or Training Roles: Their lively and engaging approach keeps learners interested and motivated.

πŸ€” Weaknesses/ Challenges of an Enneagram 7

  • Impulsivity: Type 7s can be impulsive and fear missing out on new experiences. They may struggle with being present at the moment and can tend to jump from one thing to the next.
  • Lack of commitment: Type 7s need help with commitment and follow-through. They may become bored or lose interest in a project or relationship and move on to something new.
  • Avoidance of negative emotions: Type 7s can struggle with negative emotions and may avoid dealing with them by seeking out new experiences or distracting themselves in other ways.

🧭 Motivations of an Enneagram 7

Type 7s are motivated by the desire for new experiences and adventure. They want to feel alive and engaged with the world around them. They fear missing out and can struggle with feeling trapped or limited in any way. They want to be accessible to explore and create and can feel restless or unhappy when stuck in routine or monotony.

😨 Fears of an Enneagram 7

One of the core fears of Type 7s is the fear of being trapped or limited in their options and experiences. They naturally desire freedom, adventure, and exploration and may fear that commitments or responsibilities will restrict their ability to pursue these things. As a result, they may avoid situations that feel constricting or confining and struggle with commitment in relationships, careers, or other areas of their life.

Another fear of Type 7s is missing out on experiences or opportunities. They have an intense FOMO (fear of missing out) drive, and they may feel anxious or restless when they perceive that there are experiences or opportunities available to them that they cannot access. This can sometimes lead to impulsive decision-making or jumping from one adventure to another without fully considering the consequences.

Finally, Type 7s may also fear experiencing difficult or painful emotions. They may avoid or suppress negative feelings, preferring to focus on positive experiences and emotions. This can sometimes lead to a lack of emotional depth or intimacy in their relationships and a tendency to avoid dealing with critical issues or conflicts.

🀯 Enneagram 7s Under Stress

Their stress number is Type 1. Type 1s are principled, ethical, and perfectionistic. When they’re under stress, they might become more critical and judgmental of themselves and others and rigid and inflexible in their thinking. They might also struggle with feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the demands of life. Read more about other types under stress

Type Characteristic role Ego fixation Holy idea Trap Basic fear Basic desire Temptation Vice/Passion Virtue Stress/ Disintegration Security/ Integration
7 Enthusiast, Epicure Planning Plan, Work, Wisdom Idealism Being unfulfilled, trapped, deprived To be satisfied and content Thinking fulfillment is somewhere else Gluttony Sobriety 1 5

🧸 An Enneagram 7's Childhood

  • Childhood Stereotype: Often experienced childhoods where they felt trapped or deprived, leading them to seek happiness and fulfillment in external experiences and adventures.
  • Childhood Wound: Faced situations where their needs (emotional or physical) were not adequately met, leading to a sense of missing out. Developed an adaptive strategy of seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, often through imaginative and future-oriented thinking.
  • Developmental Aspects:
    • May have experienced family environments where negative emotions or problems were glossed over or ignored.
    • Sought escape through engaging in a variety of activities, hobbies, and friendships.
  • Typical Behaviors: Often the class clown or the adventurer or most talkative, always planning or engaging in new experiences.
  • Thoughts and Feelings: A deep-seated fear of missing out and a desire to maintain personal freedom and happiness.
  • View on Childhood: Remembers it as a time of adventure and exploration but may acknowledge a pattern of escapism and surface-level engagements.

πŸ‘« An Enneagram 7 in relationships

Type 7s can be fun-loving, adventurous, and passionate partners in relationships. They often have a natural charm and enthusiasm that can be very attractive to others. They enjoy trying new things and exploring the world together with their partner.

However, Type 7s can also struggle with staying committed to long-term relationships. They may become restless or bored if the relationship becomes too routine or predictable. They may also work with dealing with difficult emotions or conflicts, preferring to avoid or distract themselves from them.

To help Type 7s thrive in relationships, they need a partner who shares their sense of adventure and is willing to explore new things. It is also helpful for their partner to be patient and understanding when they become restless or distracted. It can be beneficial for Type 7s to learn to embrace difficult emotions and work on developing deeper connections with their partner rather than just seeking out new experiences.

Learn more about other types in relationships

πŸ’Ό An Enneagram 7 in the Workplace

Type 7s can bring a lot of energy and creativity to the workplace. They are often great at generating new ideas and are skilled at brainstorming sessions. Their natural optimism and enthusiasm can also be infectious, making them valuable team members who can motivate others.

However, Type 7s sometimes need help following through on commitments and staying focused on long-term goals. They may also become restless and easily bored with routine tasks. As a result, they may need extra support in staying on track and completing assignments on time.

To help Type 7s thrive in the workplace, providing them with various tasks and opportunities to learn new things can be helpful. It can also be beneficial to provide regular check-ins to help them stay on track with their goals and commitments. Additionally, it can encourage them to take breaks and engage in activities that promote creativity and imagination.

Learn more about other types in the workplace

🌱 Growth and Development for Type 7 Personalities

  • Learn to embrace discomfort: Type 7s avoid discomfort, pain, or anything that might make them feel negative emotions. However, Type 7s must learn to tolerate and cope with discomfort to achieve personal growth. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help Type 7s build resilience and manage negative emotions effectively.
  • Set realistic goals and priorities: Type 7s often have many ideas and tend to get carried away with their enthusiasm. However, Type 7s must prioritize their goals and focus on achieving them individually. Setting realistic goals and sticking to them can help Type 7s build a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
  • Develop patience and self-control: Type 7s tend to act impulsively and can struggle with self-control. However, developing patience and self-control can help Type 7s make better decisions and avoid impulsivity. Engaging in activities that require patience and focus, such as learning a new skill or practicing a musical instrument, can help Type 7s build patience and self-control.
  • Learn to face and accept negative emotions: Type 7s tend to avoid negative emotions, but learning how to meet and get them is essential. Therapy or counseling can help Type 7s work through their emotions and develop emotional resilience.
  • Practice gratitude and appreciation: Type 7s focus on the future and overlook the present. However, practicing gratitude and appreciation for the present moment can help Type 7s develop a sense of contentment and fulfillment.

🀝 Enneagram Seven's sharing their experience

🌟 Famous Enneagram 7s


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