Yellows are one of the nine Enneagram types in the Enneagram system of personality. The Enneagram describes nine interconnected personality types that are based on core desires, fears, and motivations. In the Enneagram, each type has a particular temperament that colors how they experience the world.
Key Traits of Yellow Temperament
Yellows are types Seven, Eight, and Nine on the Enneagram. Their core temperament is called Positive Outlook. Here are some key traits of the yellow temperament:
- Optimistic – Yellows tend to see the positive in people and situations. They focus on the brighter side of life.
- Adventurous – Yellows crave new experiences and get bored with routine. They are bold and energetic risk-takers.
- Outgoing – This temperament is engaging and charming. Yellows know how to work a room and draw people in.
- Busy – Always on the go, yellows juggle many activities and commitments. Sitting still is a challenge for this high-energy temperament.
- Adaptable – Yellows go with the flow and are quick to adjust to changing circumstances. Rigidity and strict rules frustrate them.
- Attention-seeking – Yellows enjoy being the center of attention. They want to be noticed and appreciated.
- Independent – This temperament resists being restricted or controlled. Yellows need a lot of freedom.
- In denial – When stressed, yellows may avoid unpleasant realities by staying busy or positive. Self-deception is a pitfall.
This upbeat, spontaneous outlook shapes the core needs of the yellow temperament.
What Yellows Need in Relationships
In relationships, yellows need:
- Playfulness – Yellows want their relationships to be lighthearted and fun. Shared laughter and adventurous activities are essential.
- Independence – This temperament doesn’t like to be smothered or controlled. Yellows need the freedom to be themselves.
- Appreciation – Feeling admired and valued is very important to yellows. They thrive on praise, affection, and approval.
- Variety – Boredom is the enemy in relationships for yellows. They need things to stay fresh and exciting.
- Space – Yellows can feel trapped or overwhelmed by too much closeness and intimacy. They require breathing room.
- Calm – When yellows get overstimulated, they need their partner to be an anchor of tranquility and grounding.
Overall, yellows need relationships that make them feel free, appreciated, stimulated, and at ease. Flexibility and positivity are essential in a partner.
What Yellows Need at Work
In their professional lives, yellows thrive in environments that provide:
- Autonomy – Yellows dislike being micromanaged. They flourish when given freedom over tasks, schedules, and decisions.
- Excitement – Boredom dampens productivity for yellows. They need work that engages their love of adventure and novelty.
- Affirmation – Positive feedback, praise, encouragement, and rewards motivate this temperament. Criticism is demoralizing.
- Interaction – Yellows get energy from collaboration and people contact. Isolation drains them.
- Minimal rules – Rigid policies, processes, and hierarchies frustrate yellows. They want flexibility and informality.
- Leadership – Many yellows thrive when given authority, influence, and ability to chart their own course.
The ideal work environment for yellows encourages their strengths while minimizing pet peeves like tedium, excessive rules, and micromanagement.
What Yellows Need for Well-Being
To stay healthy, balanced, and grounded, yellows need:
- New experiences – Boredom and monotony drain yellows’ spirit. Novelty fuels their vitality and joy.
- Movement – Yellows benefit from plenty of physical activity to burn off their abundant energy.
- Awareness – In stressful times, yellows need to pay attention to their anxieties and fears rather than deny them. Mindfulness practices help.
- Moderation – Over-the-top excitement can burn out yellows. Regular periods of calm provide balance.
- Solitude – Time alone helps yellows recharge their batteries, especially after prolonged social time.
- Contribution – Giving back through volunteering, mentoring, or other altruistic acts boosts meaning and perspective.
- Rest – Yellows’ active pace can lead to exhaustion. Restorative rest and relaxation are essential.
Making time for renewal amidst an adventurous life is key to sustaining yellows’ signature optimism.
How Yellows Can Thrive
Here are some key things yellows can do to thrive in their temperament:
- Set aside daily reflection time to process feelings and gain self-awareness rather than avoiding inner turmoil.
- Make a long-term bucket list to stimulate ideas for future adventures and experiences.
- Strike a balance between alone time and social time to stay grounded.
- Develop some routines and habits to create a sense of comfort amidst all the excitement.
- Learn to say no to excessive demands that lead to burnout or resentment.
- Surround yourself with positive, playful people who appreciate your outlook and vitality.
- Keep exploring new hobbies, interests, and passions to beat boredom.
- Find work that allows freedom of thought and movement.
Harnessing this temperament’s strengths while mitigating weaknesses allows yellows to maximize their potential and lead rich, fulfilling lives.
Famous Yellows
Many influential people demonstrate the yellow temperament, including:
- Winston Churchill – This British prime minister led with inspiring optimism during WWII’s darkest days.
- Theodore Roosevelt – The adventurous 26th U.S. president championed an exuberant strenuous life.
- Mark Twain – The beloved American author’s witty books brim with folksy wisdom and humor.
- Robin Williams – The actor’s manic energy and humor shone in both comedic and dramatic roles.
- Amelia Earhart – The aviation pioneer modeled courage and resilience during daring solo flights.
- Ellen DeGeneres – Her fun, upbeat brand of comedy connects with millions of fans.
- Richard Branson – This entrepreneur’s thirst for new ventures built the Virgin brand’s success.
These yellows used their temperament’s strengths to fuel bold accomplishments.
Healthy vs Unhealthy Yellows
| Healthy Yellows | Unhealthy Yellows |
|---|---|
| Curious, open-minded | Restless, distracted |
| Optimistic realists | Unrealistic optimists |
| Energetic, enthusiastic | Hyperactive, frantic |
| Charming, engaging | Superficial, phony |
| Resilient, adaptive | Inconsistent, flaky |
| Confident, courageous | Arrogant, reckless |
| Inspiring, motivating | Bossy, controlling |
| Free-spirited | Irresponsible |
When healthy, yellows display their strengths without excess. When unhealthy, their traits become exaggerated and unbalanced.
Growth Areas for Yellows
Despite their strengths, yellows have some common growth areas:
- Self-reflection – Yellows avoid contemplating unpleasant feelings, so insight can be lacking. Taking time for introspection is critical.
- Moderation – Their excess zeal needs balancing with calm and routine. Moderating stimulation keeps yellows refreshed.
- Follow-through – With laser focus on the next adventure, yellows may neglect completing current projects. Conscientious follow-through helps offset this.
- Consideration – In their enthusiasm, yellows can overlook others’ needs and overstep boundaries. Practicing empathy and consideration counters this.
- Realism – Yellows’ optimism should be tempered with realistic perspectives to avoid denial and poor choices. Feedback helps with this.
By developing greater self-command in these areas, yellows can become their best selves.
Finding Balance as a Yellow
Yellows thrive when they:
- Maintain friendships despite their busy pace
- Find fun ways to complete necessary routine tasks
- Express their feelings rather than suppressing them
- Celebrate small daily moments, not just big adventures
- Slow down to focus fully on one activity at a time
- Incorporate relaxing rituals like yoga, massage, or sauna
- Spend time in nature to restore perspective
- Ask trusted advisors for guidance to offset blindspots
Making minor adjustments creates more harmony between yellows’ various needs and prevents restlessness from dominating their lives.
Conclusion
With their Positive Outlook temperament, yellows offer invaluable optimism, excitement, and resilience. By championing yellows’ strengths while providing healthy structure, relationships, and personal habits, this spirited temperament can flourish. Yellows remind us to savor each day to the fullest with passion and playfulness.
