If you’ve met an ISTP 5w4, you’ll know they are an interesting bunch. In this article, we’ll take a look at this personality type and what you can expect from them.

Who is the ISTP 5w4?

ISTP 5w4 is logic-driven with a sprinkle of creativity. Backed by type 5’s curiosity, they are avid investigators and never hesitate to rise up to the challenge.

Type 5 is the common enneagram type for ISTPs. One reason for this is because of the introverted thinking (Ti) function in ISTPs. Type 5 complements this perfectly.

However, ISTP 5w6s are more common than ISTP 5w4s. The presence of type 4 as a wing distorts some stereotypical traits of the ISTP.

ISTP 5w4s are more likely to be assertive than turbulent.

What is the Core Desire of the ISTP 5w4?

The core desire of the ISTP 5w4 is to be self-sufficient and competent. They also want to achieve this desire on their own terms.

In their opinion, being competent and self-sufficient ensures they never become a burden.

What is the Core Fear of the ISTP 5w4?

The core fear of the ISTP 5w4 is to be useless, insignificant, and a burden. To prevent this from happening, they gather skills, information, and experience.

They might also use their creativity to get ahead in life.

How the 5w4 Changes Some of the Natural Tendencies of the ISTP

1.   More Sensitive to Criticism

ISTPs are logical. Thus, they are not easily offended by constructive feedback. Make no mistake, this is the same with the ISTP 5w4. However, the extent to which they can handle criticism is reduced.

If their wing is strong, they might struggle to take it without feeling defensive or hurt. However, given enough time, they’ll make the needed changes.

2.   More Creative

Creativity is present in all personality types. However, ISTPs are known to be more practical. They prefer to work on concrete ideas and make an immediate impact. Looking at ideas and the big picture is not their thing.

This changes with the ISTP 5w4. While they are still very practical, they are also dreamers. This is all down to their wing. They might also be drawn to music, the arts, or writing.

This might not be their primary focus. However, it’s something they’ll be adept at.

3.   More Emotional

Emotions and ISTPs. That’s not right. However, the ISTP 5w4 is different. Because of their wing, they are more emotional. This has its benefits. They’ll show more tact when talking to others.

They will also do better with romance and showing affection. The extent to which this applies will depend on their wing.

4.   Frugal vs Emotional Purchases

ISTPs are not very frugal. Just like the ISFP, they are more likely to spend on adventures such as travel. The introduction of type 5 and type 4 further muddies the water.

Now, type 5 is all about self-sufficiency and competence.

This makes this type more frugal. However, because of their wing, ISTP 5w4s are more inclined to make emotional purchases. The extent to which this applies depends on the strength of their wing.

Emotional purchases plus the lure of adventures might make them less frugal. This creates an eternal battle with their dominant Enneagram type.

5.   Lover of Research

ISTP 5w4s are curious people. They love finding out everything they can about a subject matter. In their view, having the right knowledge means you are always prepared. Being prepared directly relates to being competent.

Because of their wing, the knowledge gotten from research can be creatively used for better purposes.

6.   Better Understanding of Abstract Concepts

ISTPs are sensors. This means they are more traditional and pragmatic. They prefer to focus on the present rather than the future. Sensors also have little time for abstract concepts.

ISTP 5w4s are different. Because they are type 5, they understand abstract concepts better than most sensors. They can also see the bigger picture.

However, ISTP 5w4s are still ISTPs. So, pragmatism will always come first.

New Weaknesses of the ISTP 5w4

1.   Detached

The problems of type 5 are very much evident in ISTP 5w4s. One of them is being detached. ISTP 5w4s have a very colorful world. So, they spend so much time in their heads and alone.

This can become a problem if they are unhealthy. It also puts a strain on their relationship with family and friends. As with most things, the key is to find a balance.

2.   More Self-Absorbed

Most ISTPs don’t have to contend with being self-absorbed. It might also not be a weakness for some ISTP 5w4s. However, if their wing is strong, this will be a big problem.

They might feel special or superior to others. When things don’t go their way, they might also feel bad things happen to only them.

They might become so self-absorbed that people might see them as unreliable and selfish. This problem of being self-absorbed is largely dependent on the strength of their wing.

3.   Less Action-Oriented

ISTPs love challenges and adventures. This makes them action-oriented. ISTP 5w4 will be a bit different.

Type 5 loves to live in their head. Type 4 is creative and is blessed with a vivid imagination. These traits reduce the action-oriented behavior of the ISTP 5w4.

They are more likely to spend more time in their heads. The downside is that this makes them prone to procrastination.

4.   Fear+Shame

Type 5 is in the fear triad while type 4 is in the shame triad. Thus, ISTP 5w4s access fear first when dealing with a problem or situation.

Depending on how strong their wing is, they might also feel ashamed or embarrassed. This makes this personality type a very fearful person.

ISTP 5w4 in the Workplace

ISTPs like career paths that produce concrete results. They want to be involved hands-on and make a difference. They are also pretty great with technical skills.

When it comes to the workplace, they prefer a workplace with some flexibility. Because they are sensors, they have no problems with the traditional working environment. ISTP 5w4 is similar.

In addition, they are looking for jobs with a dose of creativity. Because they want to be self-sufficient, they want their careers to make them self-sufficient.

To get the best out of this personality type, make sure their roles give them tangible results. If it has a sprinkle of creativity, even better.

Best Careers for the ISTP 5w4

• Chef
• Mechanical engineer
• Civil engineer
• Plumber
• Computer Scientist
• Programmer
• Data Analyst
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanic
• Pilot
• Professor
• Travel Blogger

Worst Careers for the ISTP 5w4

• Attorney
• Clergy
• Social worker
• Dentist
• High school teacher

Famous/Fictional Characters that are ISTP 5w4

• Sofia Herrera (Control Z)
• The Ninth Doctor (Doctor who)
• Sebastian (Stardew valley)
• Miles Davis
• Detective Loki (Prisoners)
• John Carpenter
• The Chemist (America Horror Story)
• David Blaine
• Summer Walker