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Writer's pictureMyrna Scales

Enneagram 3w4: Understanding the Driven Creative Personality Type

Updated: Sep 14, 2023


A working mom helping her child

If you're into the Enneagram and curious about the 3w4 type, you've landed on the right blog post! The Enneagram is a fun tool that can help you with your personal development, self-awareness, and understanding of yourself and others. The 3w4 is a unique blend of the core Type 3 and Type 4 traits, also known as "The Expert."


You'll discover the 3w4's strengths, weaknesses, deeper emotions, and motives as we dive deeper. Your awareness of and appreciation for this Enneagram type will be strengthened by this information, which will help you better understand yourself and develop stronger relationships with others.


Are you ready? Let's get into it!


Table of Contents


Understanding Enneagram 3w4


A woman working on her computer

So, if you're an Enneagram type 3 wing 4 personality, you're probably someone who's really driven to succeed and get noticed. But it's not just about being successful for the sake of it. You're also someone who's pretty reflective and in touch with your emotions. That's where the four wing comes in - it allows you to be even more aware of your feelings, which gives you a deeper understanding of yourself and what triggers you.


The basic core desire of a 3w4 Enneagram is to succeed and feel valued by others. You want to feel like your hard work is paying off. Getting that recognition and knowing you're doing something right is nice. But at the same time, I can understand why you're scared of failure. It's not a good feeling. Sometimes, you try to distract yourself by focusing on your career and hobbies. It's like you're saying, "If I keep busy, I won't have to worry about failing."


Strengths and Weaknesses of Enneagram 3w4


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Strengths


As a 3w4, you have a unique blend of characteristics that make you a force to be reckoned with. Your strengths include being hard-working, engaging in business, and focusing on your profession to improve your skills. You value autonomy and independent problem-solving, which helps you tackle challenges head-on.


You have a natural artistic flair that adds a creative touch to everything you do. Your great sense of style sets you apart from the crowd in professional and social settings, allowing you to express yourself freely and be seen. You also take time for self-reflection and constantly look for ways to learn and grow.


Weaknesses


However, being a 3w4 also presents specific weaknesses that you should be mindful of. Your basic fear of failure can sometimes cause you to throw yourself into your career to an unhealthy extent. While it's important to work hard and achieve success, it's also crucial to maintain a balanced home-work life.


You may sometimes want others to tell you you're doing a good job. But when you start relying too much on other's validation, it can mess with your sense of self-worth. So, building your confidence and self-esteem is crucial so you're not constantly seeking approval from outside sources.


Motivations and Fears


A mom and child showing their fist

If you're an Enneagram 3w4, your ideas, motivations, and fears are a big deal when it comes to shaping your personality. Let's take a closer look so that you can gain a better understanding of your thought processes and how you interact with the world.


Motivations


I know you love to inspire others to reach for the stars and grow as individuals. Your natural drive and enthusiasm are so infectious that it motivates those around you to work harder and achieve greater things. This determination pushes you to work diligently, exceed expectations, and accomplish your goals.


As an Enneagram 3w4, you also prioritize self-reflection and emotional understanding, allowing you to be more in tune with your emotions and develop a deeper sense of compassion for others.


At the same time, being self-reflective means continually seeking opportunities for self-improvement and learning. You want to learn and grow in all areas of your life, and that's what fuels your passion for knowledge and pushing your limits. It's an amazing quality to have!


Fears


We all have fears that hold us back from truly living. One of these fears is feeling like you're not worthy, which is sometimes caused by the worry that our accomplishments define our value as a person. This fear can make us work hard while always trying to maintain and project a good image and avoid failure.


Another fear that's important to you is wanting to be authentic. You don't want to seem fake, primarily because you're an Enneagram Type Three. This fear can make you try to balance being true to yourself with showing off your achievements.


But hey, if you understand why you feel this way as Enneagram 3w4, you can work on growing personally with more clarity and emotional understanding. You should celebrate your strengths, address your fears, and use your self-reflective nature to be the best version of yourself.


Role of Emotions in 3w4


An emotional woman laying on the couch

As an Enneagram 3w4, understanding the role of emotions in your life can be a powerful way to gain self-awareness and personal growth. Emotions often play a significant role in shaping the thoughts, decisions, and actions of individuals who identify as this enneagram personality type.


As someone in the Heart Triad (types 2,3, and 4), have you noticed that your emotions significantly affect your decision-making process? You're a pretty sensitive person! Sometimes, it can be tough to deal with all those feelings, but when you learn to channel them in a healthy way, it can actually be a strength.


Stress Management


A stressed woman reflecting

Dealing with stress can be challenging for you as an Enneagram 3w4. It can come from things outside your control, like a tough situation or a high-pressure work environment. But sometimes, you can bring it on yourself by setting unrealistic expectations or feeling like you lack the necessary skills. It's important to recognize what's causing it and find ways to deal with it.


Remember, when you're feeling stressed out, it's totally fine to reach out for help and let others support you. A good network of people you can count on can make all the difference in coping with stress and taking care of your emotional health.


Enneagram 3w4 at work


A woman talking during a meeting

If you're a 3w4, you're probably an expert in your field, super ambitious, and career-driven. Your work reflects your personality, with a unique blend of goal-oriented Type 3 traits and the introverted, emotional nature of Type 4. Let's explore how these characteristics can shape your work style and career choices.


Being goal-oriented and organized comes naturally to you. Plus, you're highly in tune with your feelings, which makes you approach work with purpose and genuine engagement.

In pursuing your professional goals, it's essential to understand that your Enneagram type may sometimes seek validation from others. Type 3w4 personalities may rely on others' approval and recognition for self-worth. It's important to remember that while praise is satisfying, your motivation should come from within. You can develop intrinsic motivation and a sense of fulfillment by finding personal satisfaction in your accomplishments.


As you explore different career choices, consider roles that allow you to showcase your expertise and provide creative freedom. Many 3w4s thrive in artistic design, writing, or marketing roles where creativity and individualism can shine. You may excel in positions that let you leave a personal mark on your work, combining your professional drive and emotional intelligence.


Famous 3w4 Personalities


Tom Cruise Star

Many celebrities and public figures exhibit personality traits consistent with the Enneagram 3w4 type, or "The Expert." It's interesting to see how some famous people, public figures, and celebrities show characteristics consistent with this personality. Let's take a closer look at some of them from various fields.


Tom Cruise is a prime example of a 3w4 personality in the acting world. With his dedication to success and intense work ethic, he has achieved great heights in his career. Cruise's passion for his craft and ability to blend creativity and ambition make him a powerful symbol of what 3w4s can achieve.


The beautiful Adele is said to be an Enneagram 3w4 in the music industry. She is masterful at bringing intense emotions into her music. Making everyone who listens feel emotional. She is also ambitious and determined. She goes after her dreams.


These famous 3w4 personalities are known for being ambitious success-driven, driven, and creative, which is an awesome combo. They inspire anyone who wants to make a difference and achieve big things.


3w4 in Relationships


Two moms talking during a playdate

As a partner or friend, you're the type who's always there to support and be kind. You're gentle and understanding and good at ensuring your loved ones are emotionally taken care of. You're really good at connecting with others and having deep conversations, and that helps you build strong relationships that last. You also appreciate the beauty in the world around you. You can inspire anyone to try new things and be creative. You're passionate about life and success, which makes you an interesting and fun person to be around.


On the other other hand, your ambition can cause some trouble. To keep your relationships strong, balancing your goals with your partner/friend's emotional needs is important. That means being open, talking about your feelings, and listening to the other person's perspective. That kind of emotional communication will help you build a strong bond.


3w4 in Motherhood


A mom smiling with her son

If you're a type 3w4 mom, you are ambitious and introspective. You are going to want to see your family succeeding and doing well in everything they are doing. But with the wing 4, you might also be introverted and need time alone to recharge.


You are a fun mom to be around with lots of energy to give. You are creative; love telling jokes and messing around. Your kids and kid's friends will love to be around you.


You will also be the mom who will genuinely care about your kid's feelings and won't mind sitting with your kids and talking about their feelings. You have a beautiful spirit and are a blessing to your children.





Personal and Professional Growth


coffee and journal

One way to help yourself grow is by reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and values regularly. By taking the time to explore your inner self, you'll get to know yourself better, and this can help you achieve more success. Writing in a journal can be an excellent way to practice self-discovery and understand your inner motivations.


When it comes to your professional life, remember to set big goals but also take the time to appreciate the small successes along the way. You can be ambitious and still celebrate the progress you make in achieving your goals. Recognize the steps you take towards your goals and reward yourself for your achievements.


To grow, it's important to learn from both successes and failures. Setbacks are a part of the journey, and they offer valuable opportunities for self-improvement. Embrace these experiences as a chance to learn and use the insights you gain to improve your future efforts.


Having strong relationships can also help you grow both personally and professionally. As a 3w4, you might tend to focus mainly on success, but it's vital to keep a balance. Make an effort to connect with others by being open, authentic, and supportive. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth by offering constructive feedback and different perspectives.


Frequently Asked Questions


What are the differences between 3w4 and 3w2?


The main difference between the 3w4 and 3w2 enneagram types lies in their wing influences. Even though they're both type 3, their wing influences make them different. 3w4 individuals have a bit of type 4 in them, which makes them more individualistic and creative. Meanwhile, 3w2 types lean more towards type 2, so they're more people-oriented and helpful.


Which fictional characters are 3w4?


There are a number of fictional characters that represent the 3w4 enneagram type. They often exhibit ambition, individuality, and a strong drive for success. Some examples of 3w4 fictional characters include Tony Stark (Iron Man), Don Draper (Mad Men), and Scarlett O'Hara (Gone with the Wind). Remember, these are only fictional examples and not necessarily accurate representations of real people with this enneagram type.


What are the best careers for a 3w4?


Enneagram 3w4 individuals often thrive in careers that allow them to showcase their ambition and creativity. Some suitable career options could be in marketing, public relations, entrepreneurship, creative design, or the arts. Ultimately, it's important for 3w4 individuals to choose a career that aligns with their unique strengths, interests, and values.


How does an unhealthy 3w4 behave?


Some signs of an unhealthy 3w4 include trying to be too perfect, manipulating situations, and working way too hard. They might also struggle and have a hard time expressing their real emotions or being kind to themselves. The best thing for them is to focus on getting to know themselves better, being more aware of their feelings, and finding a good balance between work and life.


What is the relationship between 3w4 and 4w3?


The relationship between the Enneagram 3w4 and 4w3 types is that they act as wings to each other, meaning they share some common traits. While the 3w4's primary type is 3, they have secondary traits from type 4 and vice versa for the 4w3. This makes them similar in certain aspects, but they still possess distinct primary traits that set them apart from one another.


What does an INTJ 3w4 personality look like?


An INTJ 3w4 personality would be an individual with Myers-Briggs traits of Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging, combined with enneagram type 3 traits and secondary traits from type 4. This unique combination could result in a person who is highly individualistic, overly confident, ambitious, and analytical, with a strong focus on achieving success and creating an impact. They might also have a powerful interest in aesthetics and a deep understanding of their own emotions.


Find Your Enneagram Number Ebook Sheets

I hope this blog post was informative and helpful. If you want to find out your type, click here to find the perfect test for you.


If you want to dig deeper and learn more about yourself, then please click the "Free Enneagram Coaching Consultation" button below.


I would love to talk with you.








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