Strategy 7
Enthusiastic Optimist
- Desire
- Contentment and freedom of choice
- Fear
- Deprivation and pain there's no escaping
Why People Confuse Them
Both strategies are assertive, energetic, and enjoy success. Both can crave money and status symbols. Both can come across as self-centred, which is why they're traditionally confused in the enneagram.
What the Difference Is
The Seven wants experiences and things because they make them feel alive. They don't care whether anyone knows. A luxury cruise is a joy in itself. For the Three, the same cruise would be proof of how far they've come, and it matters that the right people know about it.
The Seven doesn't need constant admiration from others. The Three does, and is very afraid of embarrassment and humiliation. When the Seven goes overboard, they're running from pain and anxiety. When the Three goes overboard, they inflate their own worth out of fear of failure. The Three comes across as polished and relaxed. The Seven doesn't censor themselves much and can be loud, funny, and rude.
Subtypes: The Three most often confused with the Seven is the one-to-one Three, enthusiastic and encouraging; but the Three is guided by what others expect, while the Seven knows what they themselves want.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- When you treat yourself to something luxurious, how important is it that someone knows about it?
3More likely a Three if quite a lot; it's also a sign that you're doing well.
7More likely a Seven if hardly at all; it's the experience itself you're after.
- What's worse?
3More likely a Three if it's failing in front of people who matter to you.
7More likely a Seven if it's being bored or tied down.
- How do you behave in public?
3More likely a Three if you keep an eye on how you come across and stay in control.
7More likely a Seven if you don't hold back much and say whatever comes to mind.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Three →How to Spot a Seven →How They Work Together in a Relationship →