The Enneagram: Self-Reflection Type Four (Individualist, Romantic)

Type 1	Type 2	Type 3	Type 4	Type 5	Type 6	Type 7	Type 8	Type 9
13	19	21	12	12	4	30	21	12

The above is the result of my Enneagram test.  As the result indicates, type four has a comparatively average influence on me.  Honestly speaking, I have thought of myself as an individualist, so I was a little bit surprised that the test score of type four was not so much high.  The following is my self-reflection about type four appeared in my life.

Firstly, Riso and Hudson (1999) point out that “Fours maintain their identity by seeing themselves as fundamentally different from others” (p. 180).  Reading this sentence, I smiled unwillingly, because this sentence rang a familiar bell about my characteristics.  Actually, I used to think that I’m totally different from others, and others can’t understand me truly.   Moreover, I used to see or see myself still now as a unique, special, talented person.  However, Fours tend to see themselves not as outstanding but also as uniquely disadvantaged or flawed (Riso & Hudson, 1999).   Interestingly, I don’t see myself as so, because I’m type seven so I’m optimistic and don’t like acknowledge my negative parts.  This is a little bit my egocentric characteristics that I regard myself as a unique or notable man, but I understand that this trait is still in me. 

Secondly, I found the difference between type four and seven in respect to self-recognition.  Riso and Hudson (1999) demonstrate that “Fours typically have problems with a negative self-image and chronically low self-esteem.  They attempt to compensate for this by cultivating a Fantasy Self-an idealized self-image that is built up primarily in their imaginations” (p. 181).  Obviously, Sevens have the exact opposite characteristics about self-recognition.  In other words, Sevens are likely to have a positive self-image and always have a high self-esteem.  It is true that this characteristic helped me a lot.  When I tackled something difficult, I could overcome them by virtue of my positive self-image and high self-esteem.  In fact, I usually say to myself like this “I can do it.  Because I am ‘Yohei (my name).’ If I can’t do that, who can do that?”  This self-talk is like an important sentence written in a famous self-help book.  However, I have one thing that I have keep in mind.  Certainly, my positive self-image and high self-esteem are helpful to accomplish something in my life, but as a matter of fact, I sometimes tend to overestimate myself.  As a result, there were some or a lot of failures in my life.  I don’t need to have a negative self-image and low self-esteem, but I rediscovered the fact that I often had too much confidence in myself. 

 Reference: The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types