What is the Enneagram?
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The Enneagram (ANY-uh-GRAM) is a transformational tool for understanding WHY you do what you do, as well as uncovering opportunities for growth related to limiting beliefs and thought-processes. It can not only help you understand yourself better, but it can also help you comprehend how those around you see the world through a different lens.
The Enneagram is a personality typing system comprised of nine numbers representing nine different “types” (personalities). Your type (or number) is rooted in a core fear and core motivation generally developed based on a formative childhood experience or care taker. It's a fluid system, so the Enneagram symbol represents how the types are connected to one another. The Enneagram is unique in that it accounts for how you show up depending on your stress level and current life circumstances, as opposed to highlighting how you are ALWAYS a leader, introvert, driven, etc. |
How do I figure out my Enneagram type? Is there a test?
While there are a variety of Enneagram tests online, I've found that they are about 50% accurate. While they may give you a good idea as to what types you connect with more than others, it's hard to identify your innermost motivations using a multiple choice test. Personally, I think the best way to discover your type is to review all nine type descriptions and figure out which one you connect with most (note: the most uncomfortable description for you to read is general your type). The website below is my favorite resource for learning more about all nine types:
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions*
If you are determined to take a test, here are a few I would recommend:
https://enneagramtest.net/* (Provides you with your top three most-likely types)
www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test* (Use the free pie chart at the end to evaluate your results without paying)
Note on tests: Look for patterns in your dominant types; for example, if you have high scores on 8 and 9, you may be a Type 8 with a 9 wing or visa versa. Similarly, once you find a few types that you connect with, look for what numbers they move toward in growth and stress; for example, if you have high scores for 1 and 7, you may be a 1 in a healthy headspace as a Type One moves to Type Seven when they're in a healthy headspace. On the contrary, you may be a 7 but going through a lot of stress right now so you relate to a 1.
*I have no financial ties to these organizations and only recommend them based on my own knowledge and experiences.
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions*
If you are determined to take a test, here are a few I would recommend:
https://enneagramtest.net/* (Provides you with your top three most-likely types)
www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test* (Use the free pie chart at the end to evaluate your results without paying)
Note on tests: Look for patterns in your dominant types; for example, if you have high scores on 8 and 9, you may be a Type 8 with a 9 wing or visa versa. Similarly, once you find a few types that you connect with, look for what numbers they move toward in growth and stress; for example, if you have high scores for 1 and 7, you may be a 1 in a healthy headspace as a Type One moves to Type Seven when they're in a healthy headspace. On the contrary, you may be a 7 but going through a lot of stress right now so you relate to a 1.
*I have no financial ties to these organizations and only recommend them based on my own knowledge and experiences.
What if I resonate with more than one type?
Everyone has ONE dominant type. While you may connect with more than one type, it's important to understand your core fear and motivation that correspond to a single type. (Note: The goal of the Enneagram is to become aware of our type, so we can let go of it and become more integrated and embrace parts of all types. If you're struggling to figure out your type, you may have already done some of the self-reflection work necessary to move out of your automatic thought patterns and habits.)
Still struggling? I'd love to do a typing session with you!
Still struggling? I'd love to do a typing session with you!
Enneagram Type Descriptions:
Review the chart and descriptions below for a high-level overview of each Enneagram type.
Type 1
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Type One is often referred to as “the perfectionist.”
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Basic Fear: Being wrong, bad, or corrupted
Basic Desire: To be perfect, good, without fault Triad: Instinctive (Anger) Wings: Type 9, Type 2 In Stress: Type 4 (become disconnected, alienated) In Growth: Type 7 (care-free, spontaneous) |
Type 2
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Type Two is often referred to as “the helper.”
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Basic Fear: Being worthless, rejected
Basic Desire: To be needed, loved, appreciated Triad: Feeling (Shame) Wings: Type 1, Type 3 In Stress: Type 8 (become blunt, hostile) In Growth: Type 4 (emotional regulation, acknowledge needs) |
Type 3
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Type Three is often referred to as “the achiever.”
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Basic Fear: To be worthless, without value, useless
Basic Desire: To succeed, be admired, attain status Triad: Feeling (Shame) Wings: Type 2, Type 4 In Stress: Type 9 (apathetic, irresponsible) In Growth: Type 6 (collaborative, altruistic) |
Type 4
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Type Four is often referred to as “the individualist.”
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Basic Fear: Being flawed, unimportant
Basic Desire: To be special or unique Triad: Feeling (Shame) Wings: Type 3, Type 5 In Stress: Type 2 (needy, clingy) In Growth: Type 1 (emotionally stable, objective) |
Type 5
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Type Five is often referred to as “the investigator.”
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Basic Fear: Being ignorant or drained of their energy
Basic Desire: To understand, be competent Triad: Thinking (Fear) Wings: Type 4, Type 6 In Stress: Type 7 (scattered, overwhelmed) In Growth: Type 8 (decisive, confident) |
Type 6
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Type Six is often referred to as “the loyalist.”
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Basic Fear: Being without support or guidance
Basic Desire: To be secure, certain Triad: Thinking (Fear) Wings: Type 5, Type 7 In Stress: Type 3 (image-conscious, competitive) In Growth: Type 9 (relaxed, harmonious) |
Type 7
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Type Seven is often referred to as “the enthusiast.”
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Basic Fear: Being stuck, trapped in pain, FOMO
Basic Desire: To feel satisfied and content Triad: Thinking (Fear) Wings: Type 6, Type 8 In Stress: Type 1 (critical, impatient) In Growth: Type 5 (analytical, focused) |
Type 8
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Type Eight is often referred to as “the challenger.”
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Basic Fear: Being controlled or harmed
Basic Desire: To feel in charge of their life Triad: Instinctive (Anger) Wings: Type 7, Type 9 In Stress: Type 5 (misunderstood, isolated) In Growth: Type 2 (helpful, empathetic) |
Type 9
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Type Nine is often referred to as “the peacemaker.”
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Basic Fear: Being stuck in conflict or detached from others
Basic Desire: Inner harmony, peace of mind Triad: Instinctive (Anger) Wings: Type 8, Type 1 In Stress: Type 6 (worried, passive-aggressive) In Growth: Type 3 (energetic, confident) |
