What’s an Enneagram 7?
The enneagram is a personality typing system (like zodiac signs or Myers-Briggs.) There are 9 types. Type 7 is sometimes called “The Adventurer” or “The Epicure,” but is usually known as “The Enthusiast.”
I absolutely think of myself as a 7.
But I have a different approach to the enneagram than most people: I think you can decide to be any personality type you want to be. And for all the writers who read my blog: even if you don’t believe in personality typing systems for people, they can be useful when developing characters.
There are a lot of free enneagram quizzes online, and if you’d like me to post about another enneagram type, let me know in the comments. (I’m calling it right now: a bunch of you are 4’s.) But if a lot of these things sound like you, you might just be a type 7 enneagram!
Signs You Might Be an Enneagram Type 7
You have a lot of tabs open on your computer.
And they cover a wild variety of different topics.
You don’t want to talk about your sad feelings.
Therapy? Venting to a friend? You might try it out, but in the end, it’s not really your style. And you certainly don’t want to “sit with your feelings.” That’s literally the worst idea you’ve ever heard.
If you just ignore your bad feelings, they’ll go away…right? Especially if you distract yourself with something fun.
You are very, very excited about your project.
No, it’s not the same one you were excited about last week…which you’ll get back to! Maybe!
You love trying new things.
New foods. New music. New places. And even some ill-advised adventures…you want to experience it all!
You skip tutorials
and you don’t read the instructions. After all, you usually pick things up quickly… and no matter what, you’d rather dive right in.
People mistake you for a younger person.
And it’s certainly not due to an excellent skin care routine, because as an enneagram 7, you struggle to stick to boring routines in general. In fact, you may not actually look like a younger person. You just act like one. It’s that youthful energy and optimism combined with, well…an occasional lack of common sense.
You have 2 levels of interest:
- Total obsession.
- Indifference.
You have a long list of life goals.
And you don’t want to hear about whether they’re “realistic.”
I was just blogging again about my 100 life goals earlier this month… which inspired this post, because that is a classic enneagram 7 thing to do.
In fact, you love thinking about the future.
For you, the future is a place full of joy and wonder. You’ll probably have a mansion. And one thousand cool friends. And maybe a unicorn. Anyway, it’s going to be awesome.
You wish sleep wasn’t necessary.
Okay, sleep seems like a good idea in the morning when you’re dragging yourself to the coffeemaker, but at 11 p.m. or so, you think, the hell with sleep…you’ve got things to do!
You like to call the shots…
You’re not afraid to make mistakes, but you can’t stand being bossed.
And you make quick decisions.
Deliberation is so boring! Most of the time, you just trust your gut.
Patience is not one of your virtues,
and as an enneagram 7, you’re actually fine with that.
You Don’t Enjoy Yoga
Really? They want you to hold this pose for a whole thirty seconds? You need to get on with your life.
You’re pretty sure the type 7 enneagram is the best one.
You love staying open to life’s possibilities. Even when you go through tough times, you never quite lose your optimism. You wouldn’t change your approach to life for anything.
Of course, you like being friends with every enneagram type, and you appreciate all their qualities. Some of them keep you grounded…and variety keeps things interesting!
If you’re interested in self-discovery…
Check out my journal filled with fun, easy, and creative exercises, The Book of Dreams Come True! It’s a great way to cheer yourself up, get to know yourself better, and make a fresh start.
Are you an enneagram 7? Or a different type?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Thanks so much for reading, and have a great (and enthusiastic) rest of your week!
I don’t know what the other enneagrams are, but I am not a 7. I’m very patient, read all of the instructions and take a long time to consider all the options and decide. (I’m a retired lawyer.)
Hi Edie! I imagine being a lawyer does take a lot of patience (and, well, judiciousness!) If I had to guess, I would bet you’re a 1! Thanks for reading!
With a couple of small exceptions, I’m very much a 7! Tutorials? Hard pass. Yoga? You’re joking, right? People I meet are surprised to learn how old I am. They think I’m kidding and I wish I were!!
Hahaha! You definitely sound like a 7, Angela! And hey, we’re only as old as we feel. 😉 Thanks for reading!
If I’m not a 7, then I have something wrong inside 🙂 I’m totally like the details you give. I’m nothing other then a 7. Sorry for my poor English, I’m from France
Your English is much better than my French! I bet you are a 7. How do you say “the enthusiast” in French? Google Translate says “le passionné” 🙂 Thank you for reading!
Love the enneagram! I use it when I’m creating characters for a new book. I’m a 4. 🙂
So many writers are 4’s! It’s such a romantic personality type 🙂 The enneagram really is fun for character development!
I don’t know my Ennegram type, but related to yours.
denise
I’m not surprised that we’re similar! 🙂
I had never heard the term “enneagram” before today. I am definitely not a 7, but my step-son is. He used to always say, “When you’re sleeping, you’re missing out on life.” I love sleeping and can’t get enough of a good nap, so I am the opposite of this 7 type.
Ha! Your son and I have a lot in common, clearly! Mr. Donovan still teases me about the time I accidentally overslept on a Saturday. When I got up, he told me it was noon and I burst into tears. 😀 I hate to miss out!
Most of the symptoms you mention apply to me, and to anyone with ADHD. I know nothing about Enneagrams, bit I’d be interested to read about the other categories – I wonder whether they also equate with specific psychological traits.
I am a certified enneagram teacher, artist, world travel advisor, counselor, etc
I am also a type 7. I love your style and looking forward to more. Thank you