What to Know about Enneagram Type Four

Enneagram Type 4s are nicknamed “The Individualist” for their need to be authentic and different. Fours are sensitive, creative, and emotionally attuned to their feelings and the feelings of others. 

If you’re looking to have a deep, meaningful conversation with someone, a Type 4 would be the perfect person for you to go to. They’re not afraid to go deep into emotions and sometimes might even feel comfortable being there. 

Below you will find an overview of what motivates the Enneagram Type 4 and things they can work on to improve their daily living.

Enneagram Type 4’s Focus of Attention

→ Their Inner State/How They’re Feeling

Emotions play a big part in the Type Four’s life. They feel a wide range of emotions and can feel them deeply.  Fours can experience high highs or low lows with no in-between. Sometimes they even take comfort in their feelings or may have difficulty getting out of them.

→ What’s Missing

Fours constantly feel that something important is missing in their life, leading to constant comparison with others.  It can be challenging for them to feel content since they’re always focused on what’s missing.

→ Status of their Relationships/Connections

Relationships are important to Type Fours. They are always scanning their relationships to see how connected or disconnected they feel from others.  It is crucial for Fours to feel seen and understood by people, especially with those they’re close to.

Type 4’s Passion: Envy

The passion (or vice) of Enneagram Type 4 is ENVY. (Learn about the Enneagram Type Passions here.) 

While we all experience ENVY to some degree, Fours’ ENVY involves a painful sense of lacking. To accommodate this self-perceived lack, they search for what’s “missing” by looking outside themselves for it. 

Type Fours have a tendency always to compare themselves to others. They dwell on what other people have that they think of as good and feel envious that they don't have it. 

By concentrating on what they don't have, they forget to feel grateful for what they do have.

Type 4’s Strengths and Struggles

Strengths

• Empathetic

• Value authenticity

• Truth-tellers

• Creative

• Emotionally intuitive

• Great companions

• Appreciates the beauty in everything

Struggles

• Can get stuck in difficult emotions and have a hard time getting out of them

• Constantly comparing themselves to others

• Can come off as moody or too deep and complex

• Can have overly strong emotions (high highs and low lows)

• Self-referencing

Things for Enneagram Type 4 to Work On

📍 Notice the similarities between yourself and others instead of always focusing on the differences. Accept life on your own terms and not based on anyone else's.

📍 Be more present in the world by focusing on what’s happening around you instead of always relying on what you’re feeling. Bring more attention to thoughts and sensations. > Take in the positives about yourself, especially when receiving positive feedback from others. Own what is good and beautiful about yourself.

If Someone You Love is a Type 4

❣️ Type Fours want to know that they are really special to you in your relationship. Make an extra effort to let them know you care, either with affirming words or actions. 

❣️ Fours need to feel understood regarding their experience, especially by their partner. While you may never know to a deep extent what they’re feeling, try to mirror back to your Four what they are conveying to you so that they know they are being listened to.