The Enneagram is a fascinating personality typing system that teaches there are nine different personality styles in the world. If you don’t know anything about the enneagram, visit the Enneagram Institute online to learn more. If you are a self-proclaimed “Enneagram-er,” read on! 

Sevens are known as the “Enthusiast.” They are the Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered.

Biblical Studies, Minor in Biblical Languages, Masters of Divinity

I identify as a 7 for a few reasons. First of all, I always feel like the energizer bunny. I love to go, go, and go some more. I love spontaneous adventures and moments where I say, “let’s just do this”! I am outrageously extroverted and I have to meet new people and be with people all the time. In addition, I am painfully optimistic, sometimes to a fault. However, I am also a seven because I can often be scattered and overextended. I struggle to say “no”. Finally, I push my pain away and do not face it until I have to.

At Grace, I feel the freedom to be spontaneous, and because there are a lot of ways to get plugged in, I have opportunities abundant to meet new people. Grace also gives me space and guidance on how to grow closer to Christ and to know myself better.

Go to the library, go up to the third floor, go all the way to the other side, sit at one of the desks against the wall. The bookshelves block most of the activity so you don’t get distracted. It is a nice quiet and isolated environment where I get the most work done. Do homework and study alone because as a seven, it is hard not to talk to people and it is easy to get distracted.

I just try to get as involved as possible. I go to almost every event Grace puts on: intramurals, tournaments hosted by GIP, Serve events, BSA events, Plays and Musicals, Back in Five (our campus improv comedy group), and Zumba (it’s so much fun everyone needs to do it). You name it–I’m usually there. These events really allow you to meet new people and get plugged in. I also played baseball for my first two years at Grace, have been an RA in beta for the last three years, and I am in Dr. Harmon’s mentor group with some great guys.

There are so many things to consider while choosing a college, but here are few factors that are extra important to consider as a seven. 

1. Location, Location, Location — Let’s be real. If the school is not in close proximity to fun opportunities, then should you even consider it? Can you go kayaking and paddleboarding nearby? Do you have cities close for weekend adventures?
2. Ways to Get Involved — Options are king for a seven. Before you settle on a school, check to see if they host an Involvement Fair so you can see all of your activity options up front.

We aren’t saying that these are the only programs that you would fit in, nor are we suggesting that every enneagram seven would be good in these fields. However, given your natural tendencies, you might just have a knack for one of these.

1. Youth Ministry — Teenagers are energy-packed–to simply capture their attention and earn their respect, it might involve organizing messy games, challenging them to live out their faith, and knowing all of the lingo of their generation. If any personality type can match this energy, we would place our bets on the seven.
2. Sport Management — Another productive channel for a seven’s energy could be sports. Athletics as an industry are always changing because games are unpredictable. Seasons can be up and down. This is good for an easily-bored seven. In addition, athletes need a leader who is positive and inspiring.

Again, these are not cookie-cutter placements, but here are some ways that, as a seven, you can capitalize on your gifts and provide a fun-loving and high energy environment for others.

1. Red Zone — Lead your peers in cheering on the Lancers at athletic events. It’s a role that requires a confident, social, influential, and energetic personality.
2. The Joust Team Captain  — The Joust is a campus-wide competition where all students compete on one of four teams. Each team is led by one male and one female captain. Their role is to assign competitiors to their challenges, organize team chants and hype up their team.

Grace College alumnus gives advice to college students who identify as a seven.

1. Do not be overwhelmed by the fear of missing out. You can look at anything and always think the grass is greener on the other side. Instead, stay in the present, and live in thankfulness! 
2. Get involved on campus and find what fits you best! The involvement fair may have been the best day ever with all the different options! Stay balanced and organized, don’t overdo it.

Here’s a practical growth step for you during your college experience.

You don’t always have to be the life of the party. Learn how to say “no” to some adventures and be ok with just being. 

Now we’ve covered ones, twos, threes, fours, fives, sixes, and sevens! Stay tuned for posts about the two other enneagram types! Give us a call and find out how sevens find a good time to be had at Grace!

1 https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions