How ESFP Enneagram Types Differ

ESFP Enneagram types blog cover

If you’ve found this blog post, you probably already know which of the 16 personality types you are. But do you know your Enneagram type? If not, you should definitely check it out – there’s a lot of valuable information to be gleaned from this personality theory.

But even if you’re already familiar with the Enneagram, did you know that there’s a correlation between the 16 personality types and Enneagram?

While the 16 personalities model is more focused on how we interact with the world around us, the Enneagram framework delves deeper into our underlying motivations and basic fears.

So when you combine your 16 personalities type and your Enneagram type, you can get some even deeper insights into why you make decisions the way that you do or why you behave in certain ways.

Today, we’re going to take a look at how ESFPs relate to each of the nine Enneagram types. Keep reading for insights and tips on how to better understand yourself and others.

Which Enneagram types are most common among ESFPs?

According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type for ESFPs is Enneagram 7. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 7s are fun-loving, optimistic, and always up for a good time. Plus, they’re spontaneous and can be impulsive. These are the kind of ESFPs who are always seeking new experiences and adventures.

ESFP Enneagram pie chart

The second most common Enneagram type for ESFPs is Enneagram 2. This makes sense, as Enneagram 2s are known for their warm, caring nature. They will go above and beyond for those they care about. These are the kind of ESFPs who are always looking out for others and trying to help in whatever way they can.

Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.

How each Enneagram type manifests in ESFPs

Let’s now take a look at how ESFPs differ depending on their Enneagram type.

ESFP Enneagram 1

This is a very rare Enneagram type for ESFPs. ESFPs who identify as Enneagram 1 tend to be more of a perfectionist than your typical ESFP. They’re spontaneous and enthusiastic, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they are less impulsive and are more likely to think through decisions carefully, which can’t be said for all ESFPs!

ESFP Enneagram 1s are the type of people who are always striving for the best. They have a deep desire to be seen as ‘good’ people, which means they can feel ashamed of their inclination for sensory pleasures.

People of this type have a strong sense of morality and justice, although it might not always be obvious when you first meet them. However, ESFP Enneagram 1s are quite hard on themselves and can often benefit from learning to relax and go with the flow a bit more.

ESFP Enneagram 2

friends laughing

This is the second most common Enneagram type for ESFPs. ESFPs who identify as Enneagram 2 are even more people-oriented and come across as more agreeable than your typical ESFP. While most ESFPs tend to be relaxed and easy-going, they can be quite headstrong at times.

ESFP Enneagram 2s tend to focus more on other people’s needs. They’re always looking out for their loved ones, and they’re quick to lend a helping hand. They are warm and nurturing. In addition, they are highly perceptive of their environment, and they use these skills to ensure that other people are happy and comfortable. This comes from a place of genuinely wanting to help people.

Some ESFPs struggle to follow through on their word because they can get caught up in the moment and make plans that they don’t end up sticking to. This doesn’t tend to be the case with ESFP Enneagram 2s, though, because they want to be someone who can be counted on. However, ESFP Enneagram 2s can use their people skills to manipulate others into doing what they want.

ESFP Enneagram 3

ESFPs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical ESFP. They’re always striving to be the best, and they tend to be competitive, which isn’t always a trait that is seen in ESFPs. ESFP Enneagram 3s are incredibly charming people, and they are very smooth when it comes to social interactions. They’re the kind of people who can talk their way into or out of anything.

ESFP Enneagram 3s are quick thinkers, and they’re always looking for ways to improve. They’re never satisfied with mediocrity, and they push themselves to their limits. At times, they can be quite ruthless in their pursuit of success. They are natural, charismatic leaders and are often very entrepreneurial. They can find it hard to sit still, which is why they are always on the go.

ESFPs are naturally perceptive of their environment, and they are highly aware of physical beauty. These characteristics are even more evident in ESFP Enneagram 3s. This can mean that they are more image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.

ESFP Enneagram 4

While ESFPs are emotional people, they don’t always take time to self-reflect. However, ESFP Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical ESFP. They’re also more self-aware and in touch with their emotions. In addition, they tend to need more alone time.

While ESFPs are often very integrated into social groups, ESFP Enneagram 4s can feel misunderstood, and they sometimes live with a sense of being ‘different’. They have a deep desire for self-expression and are often drawn to the arts. This ties in with the fact that they are some of the most creative ESFPs.

ESFP Enneagram 4s tend to be slightly more individualistic, often through their fashion sense, although this isn’t exclusively related to being an ESFP Enneagram 4. People of this type often have a deep understanding of human nature, and they can be very perceptive when it comes to other people’s emotions. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety. 

ESFP Enneagram 5

ESFP Enneagram 5s tend to be more cerebral than your typical ESFP. They’re highly intelligent, and they love to learn new things. In addition, they tend to make more calculated decisions, and they don’t have that reckless streak that can be seen in some ESFPs. This is a rare Enneagram type for ESFPs.

People of this type are also quite independent and self-sufficient. In fact, ESFP Enneagram 5s tend to be less extroverted, and they find socializing more draining. Like ESFP Enneagram 4s, they need more alone time so that they can think and process information. This type is often very resourceful, and they’re great at coming up with creative solutions.

While ESFPs tend to be resourceful in a practical sense, ESFPs Enneagram 5s are talented at analyzing information and data. In addition, they’re quick to notice inconsistencies in their environment that others might miss. However, they can be arrogant and condescending when they think they are right.

ESFP Enneagram 6

ESFP Enneagram 6s tend to be more anxious and uncertain than your typical ESFP. While most ESFPs shoot from the hip and aren’t afraid to take a chance, ESFP Enneagram 6s are more risk-averse. They are less impulsive and tend to take time to think through decisions.

ESFP Enneagram 6s are very loyal and protective of their loved ones. They’re the kind of people who would do anything for their family and friends. In fact, people of this type value loyalty above all else. While some ESFPs can be a little flighty, ESFP Enneagram 6s take pride in sticking to their word. You can count on them to follow through. They value being part of a group, and they often have a strong sense of community.

People of this type like to plan for multiple scenarios because they are very focused on safety and security. However, imagining all the different ways a situation might play out can be a struggle for ESFPs. In addition, they can need a lot of reassurance from others at times. They can also be prone to paranoia and worry. This means that they can be quite pessimistic.

ESFP Enneagram 7

This is the most common Enneagram type for ESFPs. ESFP Enneagram 7s are your typical fun-loving, spontaneous ESFPs. They’re always looking for new thrills, and they’re quick to jump into new experiences. While most ESFPs enjoy a good time, ESFP Enneagram 7s live for it. Ultimately, they need to be kept on their toes because they don’t cope well with boredom.

People of this type seek out adventure and sensory stimulation. In addition, they aren’t afraid to break rules and push boundaries. They take the view that it’s worth taking risks for new experiences. However, their spontaneity can cross over into the territory of being impulsive, which can sometimes get them into trouble.

ESFP Enneagram 7s often have a scattered thought process. They’re always thinking about the next thing, and they can find it hard to focus on one task for too long. This can make them seem a little disorganized, and their impulsivity can mean that they don’t always stick to plans. It’s not unusual for ESFP Enneagram 7s to change tack at a moment’s notice.

ESFP Enneagram 8

ESFP Enneagram 8s are more ambitious and competitive. They are assertive and can be direct. In addition, they are very goal-oriented. As a result, they have a tougher edge than some other ESFPs, and they are often seen as a force of nature.

People of this type are also natural leaders who are quick to take charge. In addition, they’re confident, and they have no problem speaking their mind. While most ESFPs are resourceful, ESFP Enneagram 8s are especially so. They’re always looking for ways to get ahead, and they’re very driven.

However, their competitive nature can sometimes make them seem arrogant, and they can have a hard time losing. In addition, their impulsivity can lead them to make rash decisions. But ESFP Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.

ESFP Enneagram 9

ESFP Enneagram 9s are more easy-going and agreeable than your typical ESFP. They’re peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re usually quite content with letting others take the lead, and they aren’t as outgoing as some other ESFP Enneagram types.

People of this type tend to be more patient and willing to compromise. While most ESFPs are adaptable, ESFP Enneagram 9s tend to be the most adaptable of all the ESFP Enneagram types. At the same time as being flexible, ESFPs can actually be resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.

ESFPs tend to be outgoing and dynamic. However, ESFP Enneagram 9s are a little calmer. They are highly talented at reading people, and they use these skills to mediate conflict when necessary. Ultimately, they like to maintain a sense of peace. As a result, they can be more conflict-averse than other ESFPs.

Nuances between ESFP Enneagram types

So there you have it, the nuances between ESFPs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an ESFP, first and foremost.

This means that you likely enjoy being active and you’re very adaptable. There’s a good chance that you’ll also be fun-loving, emotional, and spontaneous. However, your exact Enneagram type will play a role in how specific traits are expressed.

Particularly if you’re one of the less common ESFP Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an ESFP.

Final thoughts on ESFP Enneagram types

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ISFP Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the ESFP Enneagram types.

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