Strategy 7
Enthusiastic Optimist
- Desire
- Contentment and freedom of choice
- Fear
- Deprivation and pain there's no escaping
Why People Confuse Them
At first glance, they're almost opposites. But both strategies dislike everyday boredom, seek intense experiences, are idealistic, and have a soft spot for beautiful things. Sevens also sometimes think they're Fours because they've been through a period of sadness or depression.
What the Difference Is
The Seven sticks to positive feelings. When sadness comes, they quickly look for something to lift their mood: a plan, action, a new experience. They can see unpleasant things as opportunities, and what draws them most is what's still to come. Once they get something, their interest often fades quickly.
The Four doesn't chase sadness away. It's part of who they are, and they can find depth in it. They tend to notice what's missing, and the advice to "look on the bright side" annoys them. They value beautiful things for the feelings they evoke, and even a little is enough, like a stone from the beach.
Both strategies can overdo things in rougher times. The Seven does it to escape anxiety and pain; the Four does it to intensify their feelings or to numb the pain of how they see themselves.
Subtypes: The Four who can resemble the Seven is the self-preservation Four, who endures a lot and works hard, and needs lightness and fun as an escape.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- When you're sad, what do you do about it?
4More likely a Four if you stay in the feeling and want to understand it.
7More likely a Seven if you look for something to cheer you up as soon as possible.
- How do you react to the advice to "look on the bright side"?
4More likely a Four if it strikes you as shallow and a little hurtful.
7More likely a Seven if it makes sense to you, because that's what you normally do anyway.
- Where does your attention spontaneously drift?
4More likely a Four if it turns to what's missing in your life and what others have.
7More likely a Seven if it turns to the interesting things ahead and everything you could do.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Four →How to Spot a Seven →How They Work Together in a Relationship →