The Idiosyncratic Style
The nerds and mystics of the world, this style includes those whose focus is analytical, abstract, creative, and intellectual.
These are the bookworms and visionaries. Its members are independent,
self-directed, and rely on their inner world for company. They are
sensitive and observant.
As their name implies,
Idiosyncratics are the eccentrics of all the NPSP styles. They are the
ones that you aren't quite sure about when you first meet them, since
they are unconventional and don't seem to fit into a well-defined pattern, even this one. Like the others in the Mind group, they look inside themselves for their directions. They don't care about what others think,
even though they may be well aware of what the conventions are; they
only care about what makes sense to them. This means they are not
willing to make compromises in order to build and keep relationships,
and they often have only a few close friends. They are open to new
ideas and creative speculations, from the occult to applications
software programming innovations.
They are curious and intrigued by new ideas.
These folks love a debate and will buy the books written both in favor
of, and against, a position or a theory. They often like a puzzle, a
mystery, an intellectual game. Even their hobbies are things they know
more about than anyone else. They are happy in their own worlds, and can easily occupy themselves. They don't need anyone else to be perfectly contented and absorbed.
The flip side of their independent thinking is that Idiosyncratics can sometimes be overcome by periods of uncertainty
and doubt. Since they cannot look to an outside authority for
confirmation, they have only their unique, self-created belief systems
to sustain them. They are sometimes involved in inner debates, which
can begin with "what if" interrogations of their belief systems. These
debates can create periods of anxiety until the issues are resolved. It
can also be difficult for Idiosyncratics to fit into conventional molds
when they must; sometimes they have to do what others do and act how
others act in order to make a living. Being forced to comply with convention can be a significant source of stress
for Idiosyncratics. How they negotiate a way to accommodate their
distinctive lifestyle preferences with the demands of making a living
can be a major hurdle.
The Enthusiast - Seven
Sevens, or Enthusiasts, are always on the go and are able to juggle lots of tasks
at the same time. They believe that the goal of life is to be happy,
and they pursue that goal by seeking the fun and joy in every moment.
Other names for this type include The Multi-Tasker, the Wunderkind, the
Dilettante, the Connoisseur, the Energizer, and the Generalist. They
are spontaneous and versatile, approaching life with
a bold vivaciousness and a sense of adventure. They are quick thinkers
and are great at brainstorming. Often good athletes or musicians,
Sevens have excellent motor skills and coordination. They are energetic and often operate at a frantic pace.
All this activity can be the way Sevens escape from inner anxieties —
they keep themselves so busy that they don't have time to worry.
The Seven with a Six-wing is called the Entertainer.
They combine the joyful attitude of a Seven with the engaging
responsibility of a Six. They have quick minds and a cooperative bent
that helps them get along well with others. Their high energy level,
excitement, and optimism make them productive additions to any team.
The Seven with an Eight-wing is called the Realist.
They meld the quickness of a Seven with the drive of an Eight. They are
practical and determined, often showing the ambition to reach positions
of power and fame. They can be blunt and aggressive, but they can also
have a great sense of humor and a flair for the outrageous.
Sevens are the classic consumers
of the Enneagram. They like to know what the best products are, what
they cost, and where to buy them at the lowest prices. Sevens have fun
getting the best they can afford — because they deserve the best, after
all. And they are willing to work hard to obtain these things. Most
Sevens are somewhat driven by a materialistic world view
where having more things and being able to travel more will bring more
happiness. Since Sevens are easy-going and charming, they tend to have
a lot of friends and find it easy to build relationships. People are
drawn to them because they are such fun to be with and they bring excitement and laughter to every gathering. They don't like to be bored; they are creative and keep things moving from one idea to the next.
There is a downside to a relationship with a Seven, however. Sevens don't like to make commitments
because they always have the feeling that something better might show
up later, and they don't want to miss out on a good thing. They can end
up letting appointments slide and breaking promises, which can lead to
broken relationships, too. And it is not just a problem with
relationships. Whatever Sevens are doing in the moment, they are
constantly wondering whether it is the best use of their time, or
whether there is something more fun that they could be doing instead.
The end result is that they never truly enjoy anything. This constant search for the peak experience
can leave the Seven frustrated. By searching for more and more
stimulation, the Seven can end up feeling numb and empty. Their
impatience and self-interest can cause others to turn away. Sevens can
try to escape by turning to substance abuse or some other escapist
behavior, such as gambling or overspending. But at their best, Sevens
are engaging extroverts who are terrific at teaching us all how to lead joyful, happy lives.