Enneagram Type 7

Type 7: The Epicure / Generalist

Sevens belong to the Thinking Centre. They plan for pleasurable experiences, possibilities and plans to make anything more exciting. Type 7s are motivated to have many options and hence not limited by choice. They relish in the freedom they have to be, do and have all that is possible in a world where there are limitless possibilities. Sevens are fun seekers, optimistic and cheerful. They spread joy and happiness and inspire others to notice the rainbows and butterflies, basically the possibilities in life. They can turn the mundane into magical moments.

Sevens are often multi-taskers who love engaging in many activities at the same time and avoid situations that may result in boredom or stress. Stress at work or in relationships are their areas of avoidance. Who needs stress when you can have joy is a typical mantra they can identify with. When restrictions are placed on them and freedom is curtailed, they escape and flutter into activities that can distract them. The consequences of this is the Type 7 can live in a bubble and avoid realities of having a multitude of experiences that manifest true colour, depth, connection and empathy.

Early Childhood

The Type 7 child was left to her own devices, usually given much less attention and the response was to distract or occupy themselves with no lack of stimulation to distract them from the pain and loneliness. They found a way to entertain themselves when it was uncomfortable and preferred this stimulation while being alone and away from the discipline, rules and inhibitions that would have potentially put a stop on their freedom and joy to do anything they chose. They also had a preference for positive options, those that brought happiness and excitement to fulfill their desires and gain a sense of the world around them. This seeking for what works, staying optimistic and an avoidance of discipline that might inhibit their movement soon became a part of their psyche. Those who rain on their parade can simply be avoided knowing that they can turn elsewhere. Sevens grow up dreaming of the freedom they’ll have when they reach their teens or young adulthood.

Strengths of the Type Seven

1) 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.

2) Sevens 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.

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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.

Limitations

Any type becomes Unresourceful when they begin to over-do some of the thoughts and behaviours that are typical of the type.

1) Sevens 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) Sevens 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.

Reflections for the Type Seven

1) 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.

2) Allow yourself to experience pain and joyfully. In doing so, you can make your joy more meaningful and real. To experience joy, you must know what pain feels like.

3) Learn to develop ideas fully. 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 can come across as superficial and shallow.

4) Develop the ability to focus mentally on something for longer periods and stay with painful emotions. It will certainly nurture greater patience and an acceptance of whatever happens.

5) Learn to spread your joy without pushing others to feel the same because not everyone feels the way you do. Accept that others are not as hopeful or optimistic about everything in life.

Self-Preservation Type Seven

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.

Sexual or One-to-One Type Seven

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.

Social Type Seven

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.

Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast

Enneagram Sevens belong to the Thinking Centre. They plan for pleasurable experiences, possibilities and plans to make anything more exciting. Type 7s are motivated to have many options and hence not limited by choice. They relish in the freedom they have to be, do and have all that is possible in a world where there are limitless possibilities. Sevens are fun seekers, optimistic and cheerful. They spread joy and happiness and inspire others to notice the rainbows and butterflies, basically the possibilities in life. They can turn the mundane into magical moments.

Enneagram Type Seven are often multi-taskers who love engaging in many activities at the same time and avoid situations that may result in boredom or stress. Stress at work or in relationships are their areas of avoidance. Who needs stress when you can have joy is a typical mantra they can identify with. When restrictions are placed on them and freedom is curtailed, they escape and flutter into activities that can distract them. The consequences of this is the Type 7 can live in a bubble and avoid realities of having a multitude of experiences that manifest true colour, depth, connection and empathy.

Enneagram Type Seven : The Epicure / Generalist

Enneagram Type 7 belong to the Thinking Centre. They plan for pleasurable experiences, possibilities and plans to make anything more exciting. Type 7s are motivated to have many options and hence not limited by choice. They relish in the freedom they have to be, do and have all that is possible in a world where there are limitless possibilities. Sevens are fun seekers, optimistic and cheerful. They spread joy and happiness and inspire others to notice the rainbows and butterflies, basically the possibilities in life. They can turn the mundane into magical moments.

Sevens are often multi-taskers who love engaging in many activities at the same time and avoid situations that may result in boredom or stress. Stress at work or in relationships are their areas of avoidance. Who needs stress when you can have joy is a typical mantra they can identify with. When restrictions are placed on them and freedom is curtailed, they escape and flutter into activities that can distract them. The consequences of this is the Type 7 can live in a bubble and avoid realities of having a multitude of experiences that manifest true colour, depth, connection and empathy.

Early Childhood of Enneagram Type Seven

The Enneagram Type 7 child was left to her own devices, usually given much less attention and the response was to distract or occupy themselves with no lack of stimulation to distract them from the pain and loneliness. They found a way to entertain themselves when it was uncomfortable and preferred this stimulation while being alone and away from the discipline, rules and inhibitions that would have potentially put a stop on their freedom and joy to do anything they chose. They also had a preference for positive options, those that brought happiness and excitement to fulfill their desires and gain a sense of the world around them. This seeking for what works, staying optimistic and an avoidance of discipline that might inhibit their movement soon became a part of their psyche. Those who rain on their parade can simply be avoided knowing that they can turn elsewhere. Sevens grow up dreaming of the freedom they’ll have when they reach their teens or young adulthood.

Strengths of the Enneagram Type Seven

Limitations of Enneagram Type Seven

Any type becomes Unresourceful when they begin to over-do some of the thoughts and behaviours that are typical of the type.

Reflections For the Enneagram Type Seven

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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