S-Ps Seekers of action, sensation, excitement and independence. These types may likely account for approximately 30% of the general population. Typically encompass Enneagram types 3, 7 & 9 Tend to be fun-loving, optimistic, realistic, and focused on the here and now Pride themselves on being bold and spontaneous Make playful mates, creative parents, and dynamic leaders Excitable, trust their impulses, want to make a splash, seek stimulation, prize freedom, and seek mastery of action skills

Sources: Keirsey.com, Jack Falt

Of the four temperaments, the SP is probably the one that stands out the most. This is probably because people of this kind posess a strong desire to shine and be outstanding, which is aided by a natural ability to excel in any kind of performance-related activity. This does not only pertain to the performing arts such as music, theater, and dance, but also the athletic, military, political, technical, and industrial arts, as well as the “art of the deal” in business.

Due to the 'S' initial, which SPs share with SJs, they are most at home in the real world of tangibles that can be grasped, and of real-life events that can be experienced in the here and now. They have exceptionally keen senses, and usually love working with their hands. SPs are right at home with tools, instruments, and vehicles of all kinds, and their actions are usually aimed at getting them where they want to go, and as quickly as possible. Thus SPs will strike off boldly down roads that others might consider dangerous or difficult, doing whatever it takes, rules or no rules, to accomplish their goals. This devil-may-care attitude also gives the SPs a winning way with people, and they are usually affable and often irresistibly charming with family, friends, and co-workers.

A core need for SPs is the ability to act on impulse. That doesn’t necessarily mean being immature and irresponsible, but rather, there is that impulse of energy to do something right now. They just know what has to be done and the now is the time to do it! This can be a playful and fun-loving kind of behavior, but it also means being able to solve very practical problems, such as how to fix a car, put a dress together, or solve a complex engineering problem.

It is believed that a majority of school dropouts are SPs, while a vast minority of teachers are SPs. When they want to, however, they can have the discipline to do the amount of studying needed to achieve their goal and when academic success is the goal, they invariably reach the top of the class.

When SPs are in an overly restrictive environment, they can become bored, restless and/or stressed. This is also evident in school. When SP children have to sit for long periods of time listening to the teacher or having to do repetitive work, they may turn to mischief to liven things up. Many get mis-diagnosed as being hyperactive. Lots of variety and hands-on activities can often calm these students down and are much more effective ways for them to learn. At home, parents are advised to get them into lots of activities such as sports, or just getting them out and playing in a rough and tumble manner.

Adult SPs need lots of variety as well. They tend to avoid committee work but will take on a short term project such as fund raising. When the job is over, they move on to something else. When they do get on a committee that is running very smoothly, they have even been known to create a few problems just to liven things up.

Another core need of SPs is to have impact. They want recognition for how well they perform, which can be very graceful and impressive. This could be manifested in how well they hit a ball, repair a toilet, act in a play, or write a song. They do things because it is fun to do. SPs will practice hitting baseball flies for hours. They do not think of it as a drill. It's just fun to do. Other temperaments might also want to be great ball players, but will do the practice because they know it has to be done.

When SPs are too confined and controlled, they follow the motto: “Don't get mad, get even.” This is particularly noticeable in the teen years. Most teens can be rebellious to a certain extent, but SP teenagers can become quite vindictive when thwarted from their freedom. They still need firm guidelines, but confrontation is not always the best way to handle them.

As lovers and spouses, SPs prefer a freedom-centric lifestyle. There is often a mutual attraction between the SP and the SJ temperaments. SPs want the traditional, organizational part that SJs bring to the relationship. However, as frequently happens with all of the temperaments, they try to change their spouses to be like them. If they do succeed, they may find that their spouses no longer interest them. The answer is for them to love what they have and appreciate their differences. SPs have so many gifts everyone can enjoy.

SPs want to be where the action is; they seek out adventure and show a constant hunger for pleasure and stimulation. They believe that variety is the spice of life, and that doing things that aren’t stimulating or exciting is a waste of time. SPs are often impulsive, adaptable, competitive, and believe the next throw of the dice will be the lucky one. They can also be generous to a fault, always ready to share with their friends from the bounty of life. Above all, SPs need to be free to do what they wish, when they wish. They resist being tied or bound or confined or obligated; they would rather not wait.

There are many SPs, perhaps 30 to 35 percent of the population, which is good, because they create much of the beauty, grace, fun, and excitement the rest of us enjoy in life.