A type 4 Enneagram is known as “the Individualist” or “the Romantic”. People who identify with this type tend to be creative, sensitive, and self-aware.
They have a deep need for authenticity, meaning they strive to express their true feelings and desires to truly connect with others.
In this article, we’ll share some tips to help type 4s learn how to express their emotions more effectively.
Brief Overview of the Enneagram Type 4
The Enneagram type 4 is identified as creative, sensitive, and self-aware.
Knowing how to express their feelings honestly and authentically can be a challenge for type 4s. They often pressure themselves to live up to specific standards and expectations, leaving them feeling inadequate or misunderstood when they don’t measure up.
This self-critical attitude can lead to depressive episodes that last longer than other types.
Enneagram Type 4 Key Traits
The Enneagram personality type 4 focuses on wanting to be unique and different from others. Desires for self-expression, appreciation, and recognition are often the driving force behind their decisions. By expressing themselves authentically, type 4 Enneagrams hope to find a sense of worth and belonging.
The fear of being inadequate or judged harshly is also common in type 4s. This can lead them to become inwardly focused and overly sensitive, preventing them from connecting with others.
Motivations for type 4s come from a need to express their authentic selves and a desire for understanding and connection with others. They often strive to be creative to stand out and make an impact on the world around them.
Values such as authenticity, creativity, passion, and connection are vital principles that Type 4s strive to embody. They are also highly self-aware and take great pride in their uniqueness.
Wings for the Enneagram Four
The term Wings describes two adjacent types with which a type 4 individual might identify. A 4w3 is the “Aristocrat” who is creative, ambitious organized, and efficient. Meanwhile, the 4w5 is more introverted and intellectual than their 4w3 counterpart, often dubbed “the Bohemian”.
Enneagram 4s may also identify with other types in the Enneagram. Some of these combinations are 4w3/1 (The Achiever), 4w5/2 (The Helper), and 4w3/2 (The Charmer).
Strengths of the Enneagram Type 4
Type 4 Enneagrams are known for their unique strengths and abilities. Here are some of the areas where they excel:
Creativity and Self-Expression
One of the greatest strengths of type 4s is their ability to tap into their creativity and express themselves through various mediums. They often have a natural talent for music, art, or writing and can use these outlets to communicate their deepest emotions and ideas.
Empathy and Compassion
Type 4s are highly sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others. They naturally empathize with those around them and can often pick up on subtle nuances in body language or tone of voice. This makes them excellent at connecting with others and offering support and guidance when needed.
Individuality and Non-Conformity
Type 4s have a strong sense of self and are unafraid to stand out. They value their individuality and often reject societal norms and expectations in favor of their unique path. This can give them a sense of authenticity and depth that is highly attractive to others.
Introspection and Self-Awareness
Type 4s are highly reflective and spend much time reflecting on their thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness allows them to understand themselves deeply and make conscious life decisions. They are also skilled at identifying their strengths and weaknesses and can use this knowledge to their advantage.
Passion and Drive
When type 4s commit themselves to a goal or project, they do so with intense passion and enthusiasm. They have an innate drive to succeed and are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to achieve their goals. This makes them highly motivated and often successful in their careers and personal pursuits.
Weaknesses of Type 4 and What Are They Bad At
While type 4 Enneagrams have many strengths, they also have weaknesses that can hinder their personal growth and relationships with others.
Self-Indulgence and Drama
Type 4s can become so preoccupied with their emotions and desires that they may engage in self-indulgent behavior, such as overeating or overspending. They can also create unnecessary drama in their relationships by overreacting to minor issues and seeking attention from others.
Envy and Resentment
Type 4s tend to compare themselves to others and envy those who seem to have more success or happiness. This can lead to resentment and bitterness towards others and even sabotage relationships.
Insecurity and Self-Doubt
Despite their desire for uniqueness and authenticity, type 4s can struggle with insecurity and self-doubt. They may worry that they are not talented or unique enough, which can prevent them from taking risks and pursuing their goals.
Isolation and Loneliness
Type 4s often feel misunderstood by others and may struggle to forge deep connections with people. They may also withdraw from social situations or become overly reliant on close relationships, leading to isolation and loneliness.
Difficulty with Routine and Structure
Type 4s typically resist strict routines and schedules, preferring to follow their creative impulses. However, this can make it difficult for them to maintain regular habits or meet deadlines, leading to stress and feelings of inadequacy.
It’s important to note that while these weaknesses may be shared among type 4 Enneagrams, they are not insurmountable. With self-awareness and a willingness to grow, type 4s can overcome these challenges and cultivate healthy relationships and fulfilling lives.
Enneagram 4 in Relationships
Type 4s in relationships tend to be very passionate and driven. They value their individuality and seek authenticity. They are introspective, self-aware, and can pick up on subtle cues from others.
But they may overindulge or create drama in relationships, feel envious of others, or struggle with insecurity or loneliness. With awareness and effort, type 4s can form strong connections with people.
For example, type 4s can remain open-minded and honest in conversations. They can be aware of when they are feeling envious or insecure and take steps to address these issues.
In addition, they can learn how to communicate their needs clearly and openly so that their partner feels heard and appreciated. By developing these skills, type 4s can form meaningful relationships with others that are based on understanding and mutual respect.
Personal Growth Tips for the Type 4
If you are a type 4 Enneagram, here are some tips and strategies to help you grow.
Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is an important first step in becoming a more balanced person. Type 4s tend to be highly creative and introspective, but may also struggle with comparison, envy, insecurity, and loneliness.
Take some time to reflect on these areas of yourself and develop strategies for addressing them when they arise. You can also focus on cultivating your positive qualities by engaging in activities that allow you to express your creativity or practice self-care.
Remind yourself that comparison is not helpful or productive
It can be easy for type 4s to compare themselves to others and feel envious or resentful of those who seem more successful or popular.
However, it’s important to remember that comparing yourself to others will not help you reach your goals or make you feel better. Instead, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discontentment. Remind yourself that comparison is not productive and focus on striving for personal growth instead.
Practice self-care and positive affirmations daily
Self-care is a vital part of living a healthy and meaningful life. Type 4s may be prone to overworking themselves or feeling overwhelmed by their creative projects, so taking the time to practice self-care can help them stay grounded and recharged.
This could include journaling, yoga, or spending time outdoors. Additionally, positive affirmations can help boost type 4s’ confidence and provide motivation when needed.
Be honest regarding feelings and thoughts
Type 4s tend to be very self-aware, so they must be honest about their feelings and thoughts. It can be easy to get lost in comparison or envy.
Still, by reflecting on what is truly going on underneath these emotions, type 4s can better understand and address the underlying issues.
Learn how to express your needs in relationships without creating drama or resentment
Strong communication skills are essential for forming meaningful relationships. Type 4s may struggle to communicate their needs clearly or create unnecessary drama in their relationships.
They should learn to practice effective communication that conveys respect and understanding toward their partner to avoid this.
If you’re a Type 4, this could include expressing yourself assertively, taking responsibility for your mistakes, apologizing when necessary, and listening without judgment.
Seek out support from trusted friends or a therapist when needed
It can be challenging to process all of the emotions that type 4s experience, so it is important to seek help from supportive people when needed. Talking to close friends or family members about your feelings can provide a helpful source of emotional release.
Additionally, therapy can be beneficial for creating deeper insight into yourself and developing strategies for dealing with difficult situations.
Stay open-minded and receptive to new ideas or experiences
Type 4s may find themselves getting stuck in their own heads while dreaming up elaborate plans for future. It’s important to stay open-minded and flexible to new experiences and even if they don’t match up with what you had initially envisioned for yourself.
Keeping an open mind can help type 4s explore new opportunities and gain valuable insight into themselves.
Focus on progress over perfection
Type 4s may be prone to perfectionism, setting unrealistic expectations for themselves that can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure when they are unable to meet these goals.
Rather than focusing on reaching perfect results, it is more beneficial to focus on making progress toward your goals. Celebrate the small victories along the way and remind yourself that you are already enough as you are!
Development Levels of Type 4
When it comes to the development levels of type 4, it is important to understand the differences between average, healthy, and unhealthy levels of development.
Average
At an average level of development, type 4s are likely to be introspective and self-aware individuals who enjoy creating art and expressing their unique perspectives. They may have a strong sense of individual identity which is reflected in their creative endeavors.
Healthy
At a healthy level of development, type 4s have developed insight into their own feelings and emotions as well as an acceptance for themselves as they are. They can express themselves with authenticity and take ownership for their actions and beliefs without feeling guilty or ashamed.
Unhealthy
At an unhealthy level of development, type 4s are prone to comparison, envy, perfectionism, and self-criticism. They may struggle with expressing their needs in relationships or feel overwhelmed by their emotions. Unhealthy type 4s may also be overly critical of themselves and feel very disconnected from other people.
How to Recognize an Enneagram 4
Here are some common traits and behaviors that can help you recognize an Enneagram 4:
- They are highly introspective and self-aware, often spending a lot of time reflecting on their inner thoughts and feelings.
- Enneagram 4s value individuality and self-expression, and may be drawn to creative pursuits like writing, music, or visual arts.
They may feel misunderstood or like they don’t fit in with others, which can lead to a sense of isolation or loneliness. - Enneagram 4s are highly attuned to their emotions and may have intense mood swings or emotional reactions.
- They may idealize the past or future, often feeling like the present moment is lacking in some way. This can lead to a sense of nostalgia or yearning for something that they feel is missing.
- Enneagram 4s may struggle with feelings of envy or jealousy, either towards others who they perceive as having something they lack, or towards those who they feel don’t understand them.
- They may be prone to perfectionism and may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or self-criticism when they don’t live up to their own high standards.
It’s important to note that not all Enneagram 4s will exhibit all of these traits and that individuals of any type may exhibit some of these behaviors from time to time.
However, if you notice someone consistently exhibiting many of these behaviors and traits, they may be an Enneagram 4.
How To Work & Communicate with Enneagram 4
There are various situations in which you may need to interact with an Enneagram 4. Here are some of the most common ones along with ways to best approach them.
Workplace
At the workplace, Type 4s may work well independently, but can also bring unique perspectives and insights into team-work projects. To get the most out of working with an Enneagram 4, try to provide clear expectations and deadlines for tasks while also giving them space to express their creative ideas and contributions.
Be open to listening to their thoughts and feelings as they may have important insights that could be beneficial for any project or task you’re undertaking together.
Friendships
For friendships with an Enneagram 4, it is important to understand their tendency towards deep introspection and self-reflection.
Try to be patient and understanding when they talk about their thoughts or feelings and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for them to express themselves.
They may also enjoy engaging in activities that allow them to explore their individual interests and passions like music, writing, art, etc. Offer your support while also allowing them the freedom to pursue what they are passionate about.
Communication
Enneagram 4s may be more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings privately rather than in a group setting. When communicating with them, try to give them time to think before responding and avoid making assumptions about how they feel.
Ask open-ended questions that allow them the space to provide thoughtful responses and really dig into any issues or topics you’re discussing.
Meetings
Enneagram 4s may find large meetings overwhelming and prefer working on projects individually or in small groups. To make sure they can still contribute effectively, provide clear objectives for the meeting ahead of time so that everyone can come prepared with ideas and solutions.
If possible, allow them some margin for expressing their creativity or unique insights during the meeting as well.
Emailing
When emailing an Enneagram 4, try to be direct and clear in your communication. As they tend to be introspective, they may take longer than usual to respond so it’s important to give them ample time before expecting a reply.
Avoid using jargon or overly complex language as this can make it difficult for them to understand the context of your conversation.
Giving feedback
When giving feedback to an Enneagram 4, try to focus on the specific behavior or task rather than making broad judgments about their character or abilities.
Be patient and understanding while also providing constructive criticism that is helpful and encouraging rather than overly critical or judgmental. Allow them time to process the feedback and respond in a way that makes sense for them.
Resolving conflict
Enneagram 4s may be sensitive to criticism or judgment, so when resolving any conflicts with them it is important to focus on the issue at hand rather than making personal attacks. Try to create an open dialogue where they can express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
Listen carefully to what they have to say before proposing any solutions and take into account their feelings and concerns as well as your own.
By understanding the unique traits of Enneagram 4s, you can work and communicate more effectively with them in various situations
How Rare is the Enneagram 4?
According to a Truity study of over 54,000 participants, Enneagram Type Four is present in around 11% of the population, with 12% of women and 10% of men identifying with this personality type.
As a result, they are considered to be a rarer personality type compared to other Enneagram types. This makes it important for those who work with or interact with Enneagram 4s to make sure that their unique needs and perspectives are taken into account in order to create a mutually beneficial relationship.
Jobs and Careers for the Enneagram 4
If you are an Enneagram 4, you might be wondering which career paths are best suited for your personality type.
Here are some of the most common possibilities to consider:
- Actor: The performing arts is a natural fit for Enneagram 4s. They have the ability to tap into their emotional depth and convey a wide range of emotions, making them well-suited to acting.
- Writer: Enneagram 4s have a natural inclination towards writing due to their introspective nature. They are often drawn to poetry, songwriting, and other forms of creative writing.
- Artist: Artistic expression is at the core of the Enneagram 4 personality. They have a unique ability to convey emotions through their artwork, whether it be painting, sculpture, or other forms of art.
- Personal Trainer: While it may seem like an unconventional career path, personal training is well-suited for Enneagram 4s. They have a strong sense of individuality and a desire to help others achieve their goals. Plus, the physical aspect of personal training can help Enneagram 4s connect with their bodies and emotions.
- Photographer: Photography is a form of artistic expression that appeals to Enneagram 4s. They have a natural inclination towards capturing beauty in the world around them and expressing emotions through their photographs.
- Dance Instructor: Enneagram 4s have a natural sense of rhythm and movement, making them well-suited to dance instruction. They have a unique ability to convey emotions through dance and can help others do the same.
- Hair Stylist: Hairstyling is a creative outlet that appeals to Enneagram 4s. They have a strong sense of individuality and the ability to express themselves through their hair. Plus, the physical aspect of hair styling can help Enneagram 4s connect with their bodies and emotions.
- Designer: Design is a field that is well-suited for Enneagram 4s. They have a natural ability to think outside of the box and create unique designs that express their individuality.
Conclusion
Enneagram type Four is an introspective and thoughtful personality type that can bring creativity and emotional depth to any relationship or project.
By understanding their tendencies towards deep reflection, self-expression, and sensitivity, you can foster positive communication styles and provide the necessary support they need in various situations.
With patience and understanding, you can create relationships where everyone’s individual contributions are appreciated and respected.
