Understanding the ESTP 3w4: Key Characteristics & Growth Tips

The ESTP 3w4 personality type is a combination of the bold and action-oriented ESTP personality and the ambitious and unapologetically authentic Enneagram 3w4. This type differs from typical ESTPs and Threes in that it also has an innate urge to remain true to itself and lead a meaningful life.

If your Enneagram test results indicate that you’re a 3w4 or you simply want to learn more about this unique personality type, keep reading as we explore the ins and outs of the ESTP 3w4 personality.

Understanding ESTP 3w4: Three Core Traits

The core traits of the ESTP 3w4 personality include determination, creativity, and adaptability. Unlike most ESTPs, these ones are rather introspective due to the influence of the Enneagram Type 4. Still, they are highly action-oriented and pragmatic.

Here’s a more detailed overview of the core traits of ESTP 3w4s:

• Creativity. Although ESTPs are certainly resourceful, it’s rare for people to describe them as creative. However, those with the 3w4 Enneagram type often have a creative streak, and many of them are drawn to acting, writing, and other kinds of art. They also tend to be quite innovative, as they strive to do things differently from others.
• Adaptability. ESTP 3w4s are deeply attuned to the present moment and have excellent attention to detail, which enables them to read and adapt to situations easily. They also have a knack for thinking on their feet and finding actionable solutions to real-life problems.
• Determination. The ESTP personality type is ambitious, and the influence of the Enneagram Type 3 only amplifies their drive and success orientation. These individuals don’t want to live a mediocre life; they want to excel at what they do, and they’re determined to overcome any challenge that prevents them from being the best.

ESTP 3w4 vs. ESTP 3w2 Comparison

The main difference between ESTP 3w4 vs. ESTP 3w2 personalities lies in the fact that the former is more driven to stand out from others, whereas the latter strives to be socially accepted.

In other words, both are success-oriented, yet their understanding of success and motivations are strikingly different. ESTP 3w4s know they’ve made it when they outshine others and stand out from their competition, whereas those with a 3w2 personality feel accomplished when they earn social acceptance, admiration, and influence.

Some other differences between ESTP 3w4 vs. 3w2 personalities include:

• 3w4s are more introspective and concerned with remaining true to themselves than 3w2s.
• 3w2s tend to be more outgoing and people-oriented, whereas 3w4s can be socially selective.
• 3w4s are more focused on authentic self-expression than 3w2s, which is often reflected in their personal style.

Core Fears and Desires of ESTP 3w4

The core fears and desires of ESTP 3w4s primarily revolve around achievement; they desire to be successful and fear failure more than anything else.

With this in mind, let’s explore their key fears and desires in greater depth.

Core Fears of ESTP 3w4

The core fears of the ESTP 3w4 personality type are:

• Failure. Like all Threes, ESTP 3w4s base their self-worth on their competence, success, and achievement. As such, failure to achieve their goals can leave them feeling inadequate and insecure.
• Insignificance. ESTP 3w4s are ambitious and want to leave their mark on the world. Because they fear being insignificant and invisible, they typically seek recognition for their talents and accomplishments.
• Loss of individuality. Because of their Enneagram wing, ESTP 3w4s tend to have a clear self-concept and fear being the same as everyone else. As such, they strive to achieve their goals without sacrificing their authenticity.

Core Desires of ESTP 3w4

Meanwhile, the core desires of ESTP 3w4s include:

• Success. ESTP 3w4s want to be and be seen as successful; they thrive on recognition and make every effort to achieve their goals, even when the going gets tough.
• Uniqueness. The Four wing adds an appreciation for individuality to any core Enneagram type, meaning ESTP 3w4s desire to be one of a kind. This is also true when it comes to their achievements; they strive to accomplish greatness in life by breaking the mold rather than following someone else’s footsteps.
• Meaningful life. Although ESTPs normally seek action and adventure, those with a 3w4 personality aren’t satisfied with simply having fun or achieving external success; they also desire to live a meaningful life that brings them a deep sense of fulfillment.

Best and Worst Career Choices for ESTP 3w4

The best career choices for ESTP 3w4s are those that involve working in dynamic environments, as this personality type thrives on action, embraces challenges, and enjoys solving problems. They also aren’t afraid to take bold risks and express their originality at work.

Meanwhile, rigid and restrictive work environments aren’t suitable for this type. They are also unlikely to feel fulfilled if their job is too repetitive or lacks meaning.

ESTP 3w4s can thrive both as leaders and team members, as they tend to have strong leadership skills and find it easy to motivate others.

In teams, they bring so much enthusiasm and initiative that they often naturally assume the role of the leader. While they can get along with others well, they can also be very competitive and constantly seek ways to differentiate themselves from others.

Best ESTP 3w4 Careers

Some of the best ESTP 3w4 careers include:

• Actor
• Entrepreneur
• Event planner
• Sales manager
• Marketing manager
• Mechanical engineer

Worst ESTP 3w4 Careers

By contrast, some examples of careers ESTP 3w4s might want to avoid include the following:

• Librarian
• Bank teller
• Receptionist
• Data entry clerk
• Assembly line worker

ESTP 3w4 in Relationships and Romance

In romantic relationships and love, ESTP 3w4s are enthusiastic, adventurous, and bold. They don’t hesitate to make the first move when they’re interested in someone, but they also expect their significant others to show some initiative. They are typically drawn to people who are supportive, inspiring, and respectful of their individuality.

While the fear of commitment is something many ESTPs struggle with, these ones typically seek meaningful connections due to their Enneagram wing. As such, they aren’t afraid of devoting themselves fully if the right person comes along; after all, they know how to keep relationships fun and thrilling.

Nonetheless, they value their independence, and even though they yearn to be admired by their significant others, they tend to avoid overly clingy people.

Best & Worst Romantic Matches for ESTP 3w4

Some of the best romantic matches for ESTP 3w4s are:

• Type 2, as Twos tend to be warm and supportive of their loved ones’ goals
• Type 7 because they are spontaneous and fun-loving, which matches the energy of ESTP 3w4s
• Type 9since they’re grounded, easygoing, and encouraging

On the other hand, ESTP 3w4s tend to be less compatible with people with the following Enneagram test results:

• Type 1 since they can be rigid, critical, and rule-oriented, which clashes with ESTP 3w4s’ freedom-loving nature
• Type 5, as they tend to be withdrawn and aren’t very energetic
• Type 8because they can be demanding and controlling, which can create power struggles in the relationship

3 Personal Growth and Healing Tips for ESTP 3w4

The three personal growth tips that can also help ESTP 3w4s break out of an unhealthy state include making time for self-reflection, slowing down, and developing compassion for others.

When unhealthy, ESTP 3w4s can become overly competitive, restless, moody, and self-absorbed. They may also struggle with feelings of inadequacy and push people away. Let’s explore the tips that can help them feel better and return to their usual selves in greater detail:

#1. Make Time for Self-Reflection

Although ESTP 3w4s are more introspective than other ESTPs, they, too, often forget to check in with themselves while chasing their goals. When this happens, they may focus too much on attaining success, which can result in burnout and feelings of emptiness.

For this reason, it’s essential for ESTP 3w4s to reflect on their life, actions, and decisions regularly. It’s also critical that they understand that there’s no shame in changing course if their goals no longer align with what they truly desire.

#2. Slow Down

ESTP 3w4s are energetic and spontaneous, but this also makes them prone to impulsivity. Moreover, they often feel restless when things aren’t developing as quickly as they’d like. To curb their restlessness and impulsivity, they should practice patience. Mindfulness exercises can also be an excellent way for these individuals to learn to slow down and stop rushing.

#3. Develop Compassion

ESTP 3w4s are very ambitious, and while this is admirable, they can overlook the fact that other people also have feelings and needs while pursuing their goals. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to act as if their problems and goals are more important than those of others.

Therefore, the key to building better, more fulfilling relationships for ESTP 3w4s lies in becoming more compassionate toward other people in their lives. Practicing active listening and making the effort to genuinely understand others is a good place to start.

ESTP 3w4 Famous People & Celebrities

There’s no shortage of ESTP 3w4 famous people and celebrities, and many of them happen to be record-breakers. This isn’t surprising, given that these individuals are success-oriented, innovative, and driven to distinguish themselves from others and become one-of-a-kind trailblazers.

Here are some of the most well-known ESTP 3w4 celebrities:

• Madonna, American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer recognized as the Queen of Pop and the best-selling female artist of all time
• Tom Cruise, American actor and film producer widely regarded as one of the most iconic Hollywood celebrities
• Angelina Jolie, American actress, humanitarian, and filmmaker considered one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood

ESTP 3w4 Fictional Characters

Here are some excellent examples of ESTP 3w4 fictional characters:

• Mr. Big (Sex and the City). Ambitious, confident, and charismatic, Mr. Big perfectly fits the description of the ESTP 3w4 personality type. Although he’s reluctant to commit, he eventually marries Carrie, becoming the husband of her dreams.
• Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony). Rainbow Dash is highly competitive, athletic, and assertive. As a typical ESTP 3w4, she eagerly assumes leadership roles and dislikes rules. Although she has a big ego, she’s also unwaveringly loyal to her loved ones.
• Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind). Scarlett is a great example of an unhealthy ESTP 3w4. She’s self-centered, impulsive, and impatient; nonetheless, she also has quite a few redeeming qualities, including courage and determination.

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Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing anyone can agree on when it comes to ESTP 3w4s, it’s that people with this personality type are incredibly intriguing. Although they are highly ambitious and pragmatic, their Enneagram wing also gives them an air of mystery and a unique outlook on life.

And if there’s one thing we can all learn from them, it’s that everyone has a different definition of success. While status, fame, external validation, and the like still appeal to ESTP 3w4s, this type strives to make a lasting impact on the world in its own unique way above all else.