Strategy 5
Capable Expert
- Desire
- Understanding and the ability to handle the world
- Fear
- Helplessness, incompetence, and overwhelm
Strategy 7
Enthusiastic Optimist
- Desire
- Contentment and freedom of choice
- Fear
- Deprivation and pain there's no escaping
Why People Confuse Them
The mix-up is rare, but both strategies belong to the Head Center. They're curious, like exploring new things, collect information or objects, and can come across as nervous. On top of that, a Five under stress can at times resemble a scattered Seven.
What the Difference Is
The Five goes deep. They can concentrate on a single topic for hours, prefer spending time alone, and conserve their energy. They view optimism with skepticism, and dark subjects don't put them off.
The Seven goes wide. They connect ideas from different fields, plan what to do next, and hate being restricted. They're sociable, need movement, and escape sadness or boredom by turning to something fun. They quickly find something positive in negative things.
Both avoid strong emotions, but each in their own way: the Five disconnects from them and withdraws, while the Seven drowns them out with new experiences. Once the stress passes, the Five returns to their focused, quiet style.
Subtypes: A social Five can resemble a Seven: they're more open and can get excited about interesting people and ideas, but they remain more reserved and less emotional.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- How do you most like to spend a free evening?
5More likely a Five if you spend it alone with a book, a project, or music.
7More likely a Seven if you spend it with people or out where something's happening.
- How do you see the future?
5More likely a Five if you look at it realistically, even skeptically, and dark topics don't scare you.
7More likely a Seven if you look forward to it and your head is full of plans.
- What's worse for you?
5More likely a Five when people want more than you can give.
7More likely a Seven when someone restricts you and boredom sets in.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Five →How to Spot a Seven →How They Work Together in a Relationship →