What we pay attention to

Attention refers to where we direct our observations and apply our focus. Some types may focus more internally to make sense of their emotions, while other types focus externally to figure out the right thing to do under the current circumstances. All types are aware of both internal and external cues, but what we prioritize differs. 

Attention is often a manifestation of a type's basic fear and desire. For example, Ones pay attention to correctness because they want to be good, and they're afraid of being bad–hence, they evaluate themselves and others to make sure everything is "correct." It can be a gift and a curse depending on how rigidly each type clings to it. 

Type 1: Improvement

Ones focus much of their attention on correctness. They have an active inner dialogue, constantly evaluating themselves, their environments, and other people against their own ideals of how things should be.

At their best, Ones want to figure out what is already good and what can be improved, so the world can become a better place in which to live. They seek fairness and justice: “How can we lift this neighborhood out of poverty?” When they’re less healthy, Ones seek hollow wins for their ego, and their correctness becomes criticism devoid of any altruistic purpose: “She’s doing it all wrong.” Ones hold themselves to high personal standards. They want to treat people well, to be loyal, and to be productive. They pay close attention to details, perhaps triple-checking a recommendation letter they wrote for a friend or staying an hour after basketball practice to perfect their shooting stroke. Because of their drive for correctness, they tend to go above and beyond on most tasks, believing they have an obligation to themselves and others to get things “right.” Their meticulousness may yield exceptional results, or cause them to burn energy on minutiae while losing sight of bigger-picture goals.

 

Type 2: Love

Twos focus much of their attention on love and connection. They seek opportunities to be kind, helpful, and caring, looking to meet others’ needs both because it feels good and it increases the likelihood that others will reciprocate and fulfill the needs of the Two.

Type 3: Performance

Threes focus much of their attention on performing, both for themselves and others. It’s important to them to be well regarded by people they perceive as influential, valuable, or deserving of respect. As a result, their attention goes to monitoring and performing for those people to gain prestige, seek approval, and get noticed. 

Threes pay attention to their audience so they can adapt to their expectations. They’ll work to figure out how success is defined in a particular situation, then push to achieve it. The healthier Threes are, the more their focus on performance includes themselves in the audience: they’ll push to make themselves proud when no one else is watching, such as a personal fitness record that only they witness or dressing up when they’re home alone. They also want to cultivate physical attractiveness, have high social rank (e.g., being famous or having well-respected friends), and get others’ validation of their personality and admiration for their work. The more that Threes seek out the traits and achievements that others reward, the less attention they pay to their true feelings and identity. When they’re less healthy, Threes may pay excessive attention to others who they view as competition, feeling a need to demonstrate their superiority.

 

Type 4: Meaning

Fours focus much of their attention on finding meaning in their lives. They pay attention to both their inner feelings and their external relations, often noticing what is unique or valuable about each individual.

Fours are always trying to make sense of how the significant individuals in their lives, and the events that surround them, intertwine and play a role in their lives in grand, meaningful ways. They are in awe of the mysterious and seemingly interconnected way life unfolds, and how much hinges on precise timing—almost as if each event were preordained, unearthing significance when it is needed most. When Fours are less healthy, they tend to focus more on what is different or missing in a given situation rather than what is to be gained. They may search for hidden meanings by amplifying their own feelings of melancholy or replaying past experiences, often reading between the lines of any given conversation (“Is this a comfortable silence or a pregnant pause?”) and wondering about what went unsaid. Fours’ attempts to discover hidden meaning drive them to listen to various songs or peruse works of art until they find something that surfaces past memories or events that evoke powerful emotions. If they feel that life has become mundane or ordinary in any way, they may inject drama to liven it up or become extra attentive to curating their environment with exceptional things that reflect their identity.

 

Type 5: Observation

Fives focus much of their attention on observing their environment and then going inward to use that information to construct mental models or complex fantasy worlds. They gravitate towards reason, logic, and objectivity to make sense of the world and how to function within it.

Fives may have keen observational skills, noticing the details, inconsistencies, and changes that slip past others. Their observational orientation may involve focusing on a critical work problem that no one else can solve or diving deep into a personal area of interest, mining the Internet or reference books for anything that will help them gain expertise. Since they are always looking for data that will help them improve their mental constructs and prefer to retreat into their minds anyway, they are hyper-observant of their surroundings, integrating any useful information. Fives believe that even obvious things have hidden sides and secrets that are worth delving into. Their perceptiveness is usually not obvious to other people because they are unlikely to volunteer their insights without being prompted first. Their gravitation towards rich fantasy worlds—often through books or games—is a way of leveraging their quick minds and keen observation skills while dissociating from real world problems and thus keeping any emotional distress at bay. When they’re less healthy, Fives can over-rely on their observations and mental constructs as “truth,” which can ultimately lead them astray.

 

Type 6: Threats

Sixes focus much of their attention on doubting their support systems and detecting threats. If none exist, they’ll contemplate worst-case scenarios. Sixes are effortlessly vigilant; it’s easier for them to scan for danger, hidden agendas, or malevolent motives than it is for them to relax.

Sixes tend to focus on the future—what could happen—rather than on past memories or present experiences. If disaster hits, others often benefit from having Sixes nearby to help. Their need for security in social and career situations drives many Sixes to be persistent and responsible, putting in hard work over long time periods. A Six wants to be “the dependable one” and acts accordingly. They have high attention to detail, making them organized and analytical problem-solvers who can dive deeply into knowledge areas. They detect and empathize with others’ insecurities and reach out with natural compassion to help them feel at ease, while hoping to receive the same encouragement back. Sixes pay attention to who’s “on their team,” who’s in charge, and who’s trustworthy. Relationships with authority generate mixed feelings for Sixes, who sometimes follow them devotedly and other times rebel and resist them. Trust is the determining factor in the Six’s regard of authority: if the Six collects enough evidence that a person or institution is trustworthy, that figure crosses a threshold in the Six’s mind that places them in the “good” category. Sixes then go to great lengths to grow and nurture relationships with people who have withstood their scrutiny. Rules, systems, and traditions jump out to Sixes, who prefer to know that there’s a right and wrong way to act within known parameters. They focus on where they stand within groups or political environments.

Finally, Sixes pays near constant attention to their own level of certainty on issues. They try to examine all facets of a situation, imagining what the responses of different people or groups could be. Some Sixes describe having an “inner council” in their heads rather than an inner monologue consisting of just one voice: “My boss would like this. But I don’t think my parents would approve. What would my spouse think?” When they’re less healthy, their multi-dimensional inner guidance and self-questioning can overwhelm them with doubt about making mistakes.

 

Type 7: Possibilities

Sevens focus much of their attention on the world of possibilities. They are the ultimate “ideas” people, seeing the enormous potential of everything around them, and may make excellent brainstormers or co-pilots for spontaneous adventures.

When life gives Sevens lemons, they think about making lemonade, and what kind of lemonade, and where they would sell it, and how they would brand it, and all the different kinds of flavors they would stock. Their high energy and quick thinking can be magnetic for others who are naturally more rational or cautious; they excite and inspire people to follow them. Sevens, for better or for worse, also experience “fear of missing out” more than any other type. Because the globe is full of limitless possibilities, they want to be sure they’re filling up on the best experiences, conversations, and events. At best, they can have a plethora of meaningful experiences and become wise beyond their years; they want to delve into different ideas, because the world is truly fascinating and there to be appreciated and explored. When they’re less healthy, they tend to take their “possibilities” energy too far and have a hard time focusing, believing the grass is greener on the other side. Sevens may jump from relationship to relationship, quickly get bored of a job, or simply lose interest in a conversation.

 

Type 8: Power

Eights focus much of their attention on power dynamics. Like a general surveying a battlefield, an Eight in a room knows where the power is: who has the most, who has the least, and whether it’s being used fairly.

Eights are attracted to and appreciate power. If there’s an empty spot where no one’s taken control, Eights often step in to fill it. At their best, they’ll reach out to empower weaker people by drawing them into conversations and making them feel included. They prefer to lead by providing a meaningful purpose, empowering people to reach their potential, giving tough love, offering decisive actions, removing blockers, and getting out of the way. At the same time, they’ll seek to disempower people who they believe are undeserving, overrated, or corrupt, and will take strong action to let their truth be known. They want to reset the playing field such that those who deserve power are recognized, and those who do not are exposed for who they really are. Eights are primed to fight back when someone challenges them, but they’ll likely respect the fact that the person brought up the confrontation. Eights can be relentless in their search for truth, justice, power, and influence. Eights who feel trapped at a low level of power in an organization or relationship structure are remarkably uncomfortable and have little tolerance for condescension. They are extremely sensitive to someone wielding power over them in a disrespectful way, reacting strongly and angrily and tending to confuse others who view it as an overreaction. Eights in these situations will typically try to increase their power or leave to seek it elsewhere.

 

Type 9: Well-being

Nines focus much of their attention on others and making sure everyone around them is okay. Nines’ are deeply empathetic, so their well-being hinges on the well-being of those whom they care about. Nines feel good when relationship dynamics are healthy, people are getting along, and everyone is content.

Nines identify and merge with others, internalizing other people’s successes, failures, and perceptions as reflections of themselves. For example, Nines will feel far more comfortable at a social event as long as they know their spouse feels that way. They make effective mediators and easygoing companions because of their focus on others and their desire to maintain their peace of mind. Nines also tend to be attuned to sensations and aesthetics, which stems from their empathetic natures and desire for inner peace. They are focused on physical comforts; slippers, hot beverages, and fluffy blankets are often some of their favorite things. When they’re less healthy, their other-focused nature can make Nines overly accommodating, leading them to say “yes” when they’d rather say “no.” They have a heightened awareness of any tensions in their environments, whether social or physical, and may harbor suppressed anger and resentment when they become complacent for too long.