ESFP 5w4 (A 7 Point Guide)

This blog provides a brief guide to the ESFP 5w4 personality type. SFP is a personality type derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality system. And 5w4 is one of the personality types outlined in the Enneagram of Personality. We will be looking at the similarities between these two personality types and at the likelihood of these two types occurring together. We will also examine their primary traits, strengths, weaknesses and other features in detail.

ESFP 5w4:

The MBTI and the Enneagram of Personality are two of the most popular personality classification systems. A number of attempts have been made to correlate the different types outlined in these two systems. These correlations may make it possible to provide individuals with a combined personality result, such as ESFP 5w4.

5w4s are essentially introverted people who draw inwards to discover themselves and find meaning. ESFPs on the other hand are extraverted and prefer interacting with external reality. Additionally, most 5w4s deal in abstractions, whereas ESFPs prefer concrete and practical problems. Given these fundamental differences, it seems unlikely that ESFPs and 5w4s will exist together. In fact, 5w4s are more likely to test as INFJs, INTJs or INTPs on the MBTI. All these personality types are cerebral, introspective, withdrawn and possess a deep understanding of themselves and the world around them.

However, it is not possible to completely rule out the possibility of a person testing as an ESFP 5w4. One reason for this may lie in an inherent difference in MBTI and the Enneagram that makes them difficult to compare. The Enneagram relies on basic motivations as a way of differentiating between people, whereas MBTI focuses more on their functions i.e. the way they perceive and interact with the world. Thus, although certain Enneagram types are more likely than others to co-occur with a specific MBTI types, this is by no means guaranteed.

ESFP (The Entertainer):

ESFP is an MBTI personality type. The MBTI is a classification of 16 personality types. It is measured by the MBTI indicator and encompasses the different ways in which people perceive and engage with the world. The tool assigns people along 4 dimensions: introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, judging vs. perceiving and generates one of 16 possible combinations as the final result. ESFP is one of the possible results you can get on the MBTI.

ESFPs are effervescent and charming and draw people to them. They are spontaneous and energetic and take pleasure in everything around them. ESFPs are outgoing and like to engage in new and vibrant experiences. They have a keen eye for aesthetics and are always open to new experiences. ESFPs are ardently social and love bringing people together through fun and laughter. ESFPs like to be the centre of attention and are usually the individuals who are the ‘life of the party’.

Although they may appear self-absorbed, ESFPs are actually very observant and sensitive to others feelings. They are supportive and always available to talk about someone’s problem. However, if the problem is about them, they prefer to avoid rather than address the issues.

ESFPs can be impulsive and focus on immediate pleasure rather than analysing and planning for the future. They usually rely on luck or a friend to keep them on track. Additionally, because ESFPs are so focused on having fun they go out of their way to avoid situations that interfere with this.

Characteristics:

· Extraverted: Energised by spending time with other people.

· Sensing: Focus on tangible experiences or facts rather than ideas and concepts

· Feeling: Decisions are guided by feelings and values rather than cognition

· Perceiving: Avoid planning and organising and adopt a spontaneous approach

Strengths:

· Bold and open to new experiences

· Original. Like to stand out

· Good aesthetic sense

· Prefer to see, do and experience rather than think

· Focus on the here and now

· Observant. Strong awareness of their surroundings and the needs of others

· Excellent social skills. Witty, talkative and enjoy company.

Weaknesses:

· Sensitive to criticism and highly emotional

· Tendency to avoid conflict

· Impulsivity and difficulty with long-term planning

· Risky or over-indulgent behaviour

· Easily bored

· Difficulties with prolonged focus and persistence on tasks

· Difficulty dealing in abstractions

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

ESFPs at work:

ESFPs are born entertainers and love engaging with people. They prefer an active and social work environment. Owing to their keen aesthetic sense, ESFPs thrive in careers in music, art, food or fashion. Work that does not produce immediate results and environments that are extremely rule-bound and bureaucratic are not suited to ESFPs. Because they are so tuned to people’s needs, ESFPs thrive in careers where they can serve others.

ESFPs prefer hands-on working experiences and are good at practical problem solving. Jobs that an ESFP would be well suited for include: actor, artist, designer, teacher, psychologist, social worker, real estate agent, public relations manager, corporate trainer etc.

ESFPs in relationships:

ESFPs have a natural interest in forming connections with people. They are warm, friendly and openly affectionate. They often go out of their way to make their loved ones happy. However, they dislike dealing with the complexities of relationships and have a tendency to avoid conflicts. Because of their focus on the here and now, ESFPs often neglect thinking about the future course of their relationship and find it difficult to maintain long term relationships.

5w4 (The Philosopher):

5w4 (5 wing 4) is an enneagram type. It indicates Type 5 personality with a 4 wing. This means that this personality primarily has Type 5 traits, but also a few of Type 4. The enneagram is a personality typology system that focuses on the basic fears and motivations that guide the lives of individuals. It has been used widely in business and spiritual settings.

This system is made up of nine primary personality types. A nine point diagram helps to demonstrate how these nine types are connected to each other. In addition to the basic nine types, the system includes 27 different subtypes or wings as well as three primary central factors focusing on thinking, feeling and behaviour. According to the Enneagram, every personality type can be coupled with characteristics from one of its neighbouring personality types. Thus, type 5 is divided into two types: Type 5w4 and 5w6.

5w4s are philosophical, creative and curious. They are extremely reserved and prefer to spend time alone with their thoughts. Compared to other Type 5s, they are more emotional and expressive. Their self-worth is derived from feeling competent. Thus, the basic fear of 5w4s is a fear being incapable or helpless. They often compensate for this fear by constantly expanding their skills and knowledge. Their basic desire is to feel capable and useful. This is reflected in their unquenchable thirst for knowledge and new experiences. They are guarded or withdrawn around other people and this can often lead to feelings of loneliness among 5w4s.

Motivations:

· Learning new skills

· Improving understanding of the world

· Introspecting

· Appreciation from others

Stresses:

· Spending too much time with people

· Feeling incompetent

· Being unable to express themselves

· Criticism from others

Strengths:

· Creative in thinking and expression

· Stay true to themselves

· Able to work independently

· Detail-oriented

· Able to focus deeply and attentively

Weaknesses:

· Hypersensitive

· Self-centred

· Distance themselves from others

· Difficulty thinking in a practical and realistic manner

5w4s at work:

5w4s are philosophers and thinkers. They are good at dealing with problems that require creative or abstract solutions. Work environments that help them grow while allowing them their own space and independence are preferred by 5w4s.

Jobs 5w4s are well suited for include: scholar, author, inventor, engineer, composer, accountant etc.

5w4s in relationships:

5w4s tend to be detached from other people. Sometimes they avoid romantic relationships, seeing it as not worth the trouble. They fear losing their personal space and alone time by entering into an intimate connection and this may hold them back in relationships. Type 5s are often perceived by partners as self-centred and this can often lead to conflict. However, they also possess an intuitive and deep understanding of the emotions and needs of other people. They use this to their advantage in interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion:

In this guide, we looked at ESFPs and 5w4s. We focused on the likelihood of these two personality types co-occurring as ESFP 5w4. Additionally, we explored the traits, strengths, weaknesses and other aspects of these two types in more detail.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

FAQ on ‘ESFP 5w4’:

What Enneagram is ESFP?

A major chunk of ESFPs identify as Type 7s. They tend to be highly extraverted, energetic and sociable.

How rare is ESFP?

ESFPs constitute 9% of the general population. Additionally, ESFPs are more likely to be women than men.

Is 5w4 rare?

5w4s are very rare. However, because they are considered a rare and gifted personality type, a lot of people mistype themselves as 5w4s.

What is the rarest Enneagram type?

The rarest Enneagram type is said to be Type 4. This is often because Type 4s go unnoticed because they tend to be introverted and withdrawn.

Who should an ESFP marry?

ESFPs are compatible with ISTJs and ISFJs which makes these personality types good marital partners. However, two healthy individuals can enjoy a good marital relationship, irrespective of personality compatibility.