ISTP 4w3: (A Complete Guide)

In this article, we will describe a combination of ISTP 4w3 personality type i.e. ISTP personality from the MBTI types and the type 4w3 from enneagram types. We will be describing each personality separately followed up by giving an in-depth overview of a combination of both personalities i.e. ISTP 4w3.

ISTP 4w3

ISTP 4w3 shares traits of both ISTP and 4w3 personality. These people strive to be different and unique since they are fearful of being ordinary. To do so, they try their best to express themself in a creative and distinct manner. They are also good problem solvers and get stimulated by unique challenges. In addition to this, they have a low boredom threshold and constantly need new challenges to grasp their attention.

MBTI: Four Cognitive Functions

 Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types, approaches personality to be composed of four cognitive functions that govern how people think, process, and make decisions. The top two cognitive functions play a dominant role in guiding a person’s personality. Whereas, the latter two play less of a role. However, they still have some impact or influence on how a person behaves in certain situations. ISTP is one personality type out of the 16 types. 

ISTP: The Crafter (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

The ISTP personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types. It describes people who are independent, action-oriented, prefer freedom and flexibility in their life. They are open to new experiences and like engaging in practical activities. Logic,  rationality,  concrete information, and practical application of things appeal to them more than abstract ideas.  They dislike routine and prefer newness in their life. 5.4% of people have an ISTP personality type in the world.

Four Cognitive Functions of ISTP

Four cognitive functions that guide how ISTP personality type processes information includes:

Introverted Thinking

ISTPs spend most of their time thinking and processing information which they rarely express to others.  Consequently, they prefer being quiet most of the time. Their actions are based on their strong observational and thinking skills.  You could say they are rational and logical people who like to engage in practical activities.  Furthermore, while analysing situations,  they can put their emotions aside and see things objectively.  Such personalities are hard to get to know for other people due to their action-oriented and reserved nature.

Extroverted Sensing

ISTPs are present-oriented who do not think about the past or future excessively.  They are logical and enjoy learning about how things function and operate.  They love the practical application of concepts. So they learn more by doing than from reading theories or abstract ideas. 

Introverted Intuition

ISTPs often have gut feelings about different situations especially before making a decision. They can turn abstract concepts into actions or practical ideas.  Due to their intuitive function,  they are also able to have moments of insight about themselves and others. 

Extroverted Feeling

This is the weakest part of ISTP’s personality. They are usually calm and logical.  However,  in stressful situations, they can have emotional outbursts and lash out at others.  This is because they usually ignore their feelings till they reach a breaking point. 

Enneagrams

Enneagrams are a map or typology of human personalities. It was developed by George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, Oscar Ichazo, and Claudio Naranjo.It is divided into nine personality types that are spread across 3 triads i.e. Feeling triad, Thinking Triad, or Instinctive Triad. It describes a person’s fundamental psychological orientation in the form of good or bad traits and sees which triad quality i.e. emotion, intellect or instincts is most characteristic of his or her personality.  The Basic Personality Type is the most characteristic of a person. Whereas wings add elements to the overall personality. Type 4w3 is one of its types.

Type 4w3: ‘The Aristocrat’

Type 4w3 has basic traits of type 4 and secondary traits of type 3 personality. Such people are emotionally volatile since type 4 and type 3 have completely opposite traits.  This makes type 4w3 extremely conflicted, conscious of self-image, and self-esteem. 

Healthy versions of this subtype are social, ambitious, and creative. They strive to leave their mark in the world. They know who they are and who they aspire to be. So, they keep themselves involved with people to achieve that. They are social, goal-oriented, creative, and adapt according to their audience. They are also sensitive and have a good sense of humor.

Average versions of this subtype are also concerned about their self-image but they can grow out of it if helped. These people conceal their emotional vulnerabilities and project a favorable image on others. They are motivated to make something of themself but are fearful of rejection, insult, and humiliation. Their underlying need for attention and admiration pushes them to behave dramatically, narcissistically, and sometimes in an exhibitionistic manner. They keep themselves surrounded with finer things and finer people as close association with ‘high class’ makes them feel sophisticated. Their need to please others makes them responsive to critique and suggestions but it can also cause resentment towards others. 

Unhealthy versions of this subtype are isolated from others. They are depressed people who can be hostile and malicious out of the envy of others. Jealousy is a fairly common experience among them which leads them to exploit others. Yet, later on, they feel ashamed and punish themselves quite harshly. In short, their pattern is that they contemplate ruining others but never act on it and punish themself due to guilt later. Hence, their aggression is directed inwards. Taking their lives and crimes of passion can happen in the case of such individuals.

Examples of Type 4w3: Michael Jackson, Prince, Judy Garland

A Combination of ISTP 4w3

Personality: ISTP 4w3

ISTP 3w4 are afraid of being insignificant and ordinary. They want to be unique from others. To do that, they express themselves by using creative means. They are also good problem solvers who are stimulated by complex challenges. They use their knowledge and skills to fix things. However, they easily get bored and require new challenges to maintain their interest. At times, these personalities adopt the characteristics of people around them in their attempt to be more unique.

Workstyle: ISTP 4w3

At their workplace, ISTP 3w4 are creative and goal-oriented. They are adept at solving problems and challenges presented to them. At the same time, they use their creativity to express themself. For this, they like flexibility and independence and do not like to be constrained by schedules or routines. They are good at crisis management, focus on details, and pay special attention to concrete information. They prefer to work in jobs that allow them to be creative and form connections with others e.g. artists, music teachers, journalists, photographers, video game designers, carpentry, scientist, etc.

Emotional stressors of ISTP 4w3

ISTP 4w3 are stressed by interpersonal conflicts and by being alone for too long. Similarly, they get upset when they fail and something or disappoint others. On a related note, when they cannot express themselves, they also get distressed. 

Conflict: ISTP 4w3

ISTP 4w3 are open to conflict but don’t find it pleasant. Usually, they have an inner conflict of their own going on. These types are able to find a solution during disagreements by using logic and clear communication. Their focus is to move towards resolutions as soon as possible to restore harmony in a relationship. 

Interpersonal Skills: ISTP 4w3

ISTP 3w4 are friendly and social in their interpersonal interactions. They are able to engage with people using their sense of humor. However, they can be sensitive to the opinions of others and need their approval. Often, they adopt the characteristics of their audience in their attempt to be unique and acceptable. They also struggle with emotions in relationships. Usually, they seek thrill and action in their socialization.

Strengths of ISTP 4w3

  • They are creative and efficient in what they do
  • They try to stay genuine and authentic
  • Usually, they are in tune with themself
  • They can understand the feelings of other people
  • They are logical
  • They learn by experience
  • They are action-oriented
  • They are realistic and practical in their approach
  • They enjoy new things
  • They are self-confident and easy-going

Weakness of ISTP 4w3

  • They are overly concerned about their self-image
  • They engage in self-doubt and insecurity
  • They need the approval of others
  • They exhibit emotional reactions in stress
  • They are difficult to get to know
  • They can be insensitive
  • They get bored easily
  • They are risk-takers
  • They do not like commitment

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.

 FAQs: ISTP 4w3

Who should an ISTP marry?

ISTP should marry ESTJ or ENTJ. This is because their dominant introverted thinking can be matched well by the dominant extroverted thinking of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well.

Is ISTP rare?

No. ISTPs are not rare among the general population but they are rare among women. 

What is Type 4 personality?

Type 4 personality is social, creative, and expressive. They fear being unwanted by loved ones and experience identity confusion. So, they try really hard to figure out who they are to prevent that from happening. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.

What is Type 4w3?

Type 4w3 or Type 4 wing 3 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type four personality and complementary characteristics of type three personality. 

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed ISTP 4w3 personality.  We found that ISTP 4w3 shares traits of both ISTP and 4w3 personality. These people strive to be different and unique since they are fearful of being ordinary. To do so, they try their best to express themself in a creative and distinct manner. They are also good problem solvers and get stimulated by unique challenges. In addition to this, they have a low boredom threshold and constantly need new challenges to grasp their attention.

I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊

Citations

https://www.verywellmind.com/istp-introverted-sensing-thinking-perceiving-2795993

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-4-wing-3

Personality Types – Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso with Russ Hudson

The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson

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