I’m an Enneagram Type Four. So what?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt this longing. Longing for …. more. For something. For anything that could explain how to find what I was longing for. As a teenager, I remember sitting in solitude for hours, listening to music (John Denver was my music of choice for contemplation of life, and well, ok, for anything, really!) and wondering what I was so strongly seeking.

Now, yes, I did have the desire to have Christ in my life, and a strong connection with God. And in fact, having that almost seemed to intensify this longing.

Many years later, when I discovered the Enneagram and my type as a Four, I had an “aha” moment about that constant longing. Honestly, I felt exposed. It turns out there were others who felt it in their lives as well.

Discovering you’re an Enneagram Type Four can be important for self-understanding and growth. Knowing you’re a Four validates your inherent desire to be different and authentic. It explains your rich inner world and creative drive. This self-awareness empowers you to express yourself freely without feeling like you need to fit in.

I did always feel a bit different as a kid, and slightly off center from everyone else. I mean, who else listened to JOHN DENVER at that age, right?! Sometimes I tried to ignore that feeling. But there were so many times that it could not be hidden, and I definitely didn’t feel like I “fit in”.

As a Four, you have a deep longing for significance and connection. Understanding how this core need shows up for you, it helps to skillfully navigate your emotions and motivations. You can learn to fulfill this need through creative pursuits, meaningful relationships that don’t make you feel insignificant or out of place, and self-compassion for your unique way of seeing the world.

Fours can struggle with envy, melancholy, and a sense of being flawed. Recognizing these as potential pitfalls of your type allows you to be aware of them, and address them. You can develop strategies to manage negativity, embrace your strengths, and find healthy outlets for your emotions.

Your Enneagram type can also offer clues about your strengths, weaknesses, and preferred work environments, helping you make informed decisions about your career path and goals.

Type 4s experience emotions with great intensity. When hurt, their emotional response can be particularly strong, leading them to withdraw as a way of protecting themselves from further pain. As you become aware of how you normally react to emotional pain, you’re able to share that with the person that hurt you, and hopefully create a stronger connection.