Wednesday, October 28, 2015

I'm a 7. What number are you?


The enneagram is essentially a personality type test that might give you some insight into what kind of a human being you are. When I first heard about enneagrams last year, I was skeptical and it sounded far-fetched and fairly lame. I’ve since come around to loving the idea and think it can help us with our everyday life. It seems incredibly accurate and is a bit mind blowing that a test can tell you things about yourself that you may not have noticed. I’ve been meaning to write this post for a long time now but haven’t made time but since being home sick the last two days, it has opened some writing time in my schedule. Let’s dive right in.


 There are 9 types. Everyone is a little bit of each type but we have a dominant type along with a wing (or two). No type is inherently male or female; the higher the number does not mean one is better than the other; at different times you may act like a 3 while in other situations you may act more like a 9; there is no “good” or “bad” number; it is also believed that we are born into our types and that we don’t change types throughout our lifetime.  I’m by no means an expert in the enneagram field but I find it fascinating and will do my best to summarize it. So, what are the types? Great question but raise your hand next time to ask a question. While you read, try to guess which type(s) you (and me!) are and I will put a link to the free test after type 9. After you take the test, go back to your number and click on the link to learn more. There is a video that explains what it is like to be your number, how you do in relationships, an overview of your type and tips to make you a better you.

Some of this info is from their website https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/

Type One—The Reformer: The principled, idealistic type. Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionist. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic. Famous 1's include Plato, Hillary Clinton, Harrison Ford, Martha Stewart. Learn more about 1's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-1/
Type Two—The Helper: The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others. Famous 2's include Stevie Wonder, Elizabeth Taylor and Kenny G. Learn more about 2's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-2/
Type Three—The Achiever: The adaptable, success-oriented type. Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others. Famous 3's include Will Smith, Bill Clinton, Oprah and Kevin Spacey. Learn more about 3's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3/
Type Four—The Individualist: The introspective, romantic type. Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences. Famous 4's Edgar Allen Poe, Nicolas Cage, Marlon Brandon and Bob Dylan. Learn more about 4's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-4/
Type Five—The Investigator: The perceptive, cerebral type. Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way. Learn more about 5's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-5/
Type Six—The Loyalist: The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others. Famous 6's David Letterman, Chris Rock, Mark Twain and Prince Harry. Learn more about 6's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-6/
Type Seven—The Enthusiast: The busy, productive type. Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied. Famous 7's Mozart, Thomas Jefferson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlie Sheen and Larry King. (Some may say the best type..........) Learn more about the best https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-7/
Type Eight—The Challenger: The powerful, aggressive type. Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self-mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring. Famous 8's Martin Luther King Jr, Winston Churchill, Picasso and Frank Sinatra. Learn more about 8's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-8/
Type Nine—The Peacemaker: The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually grounded, supportive, and often creative, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent and emotionally distant, simplifying problems and ignoring anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts. Famous 9's include Lincoln, Morgan Freeman, Monet and Ringo Starr. Learn more about 9's https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-9/

All Rights ReservedCopyright 2008 The Enneagram Institute
Link to the free test. Just add your email:
 https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/rheti-sampler/
Another interesting part of the enneagram is how it affects us in relationships we have. Certain types mesh well with others. If you and someone you are in a relationship both take the test, you can click here https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/practical-applications/ 
and it will tell you how your types interact. That link also explains how different types do in business, parenting, personal growth and what countries have more of which type. Once you know your type and understand them a little more, it’s quite fun to guess what type your friends and family might be. Even guessing new people you meet can become addicting.

After taking the free test, I was a 7 (The Enthusiast) with a 3 (Achiever) and a 9 (Peacemaker) wing. I felt that I was a hard 7. Focuses on fun, avoiding pain, undisciplined and spontaneous. Since taking the test, I see myself as a 7 and tend to seek out 7’s as friends. There is also a $12 test that I always wanted to take but never did that is a more in-depth so just before writing this post, I took it and it was a tie between 7 and 9! A nine! But I’m a 7! 9’s are easy-going, trusting, supportive and stubborn. They can bring people together but avoid conflict. I’m pretty entrenched into my 7 attitude so I haven’t had enough time to explore my 9 habits but I’m still going to call myself a 7 (Stubbornness: such a 9 trait!) Let me know what you think. I’m sorry if this post was even worse than what I usually write but I think learning about ourselves, each other and how we all interact is important. Let me know what number you are and if you think it's accurate or not. Thanks.

Leadership Quote 11

“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.” Dr. Dyer

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Krakow/Berlin/Thanksgiving




Thursdays are our gateway to the weekend. What better way to start off the weekend than a wrap up post? The answer is no other way. But first:

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/94781376/v523054683/textor-gm5-bautista-hammers-goahead-threerun-shot



Yeah right eh? Stayed up till 2am watching it with a fellow Canadian while another Canadian decided sleep was a better option. We are deciding what to do with her passport. I don’t normally miss being at home too often but right now I’m very envious of anyone in the GTA. These late night games are going to be cutting into my sleep and productivity with my classes. I hope they understand it’s part of my culture. They need to learn about cultural sensitivity in my opinion and I’m their teacher so I obviously know best.

Quick thoughts on Krakow:
I dig it. I don’t take tons of pictures because my phone has a scratched lens and I’m not a big real camera person, making people wait around so I can take a few pictures of some chapels. Here’s what I would have taken pictures of:



























Just a reminder, when you are in a new country, understand the exchange rate and decimal numbers on atm/card machines. Just a reminder. I'd tell you it was my friend but you wouldn't believe me.



Nothing crazy happened in Krakow but it was my first train ride in Europe that was cheap and an enjoyable time with a few other teachers from my school. Also hit up my first brewery which was a win, laughed a few times and ate a cinnabon. Only a three hour train ride so I anticipate returning once or twice in the near future.


Berlin:
Also a good spot. Shocking? Aren’t you glad you tune into for this wise and sage like advice? Want another shocker? It was expensive! Gasp! I went to meet up with a friend from university and it was definitely worth it. Obviously we saw a Berlin polar bear hockey game. Saw a little thing called the Berlin wall; maybe you’ve heard about it. It’s quite the wall. Did my first bike tour of a city that covered a lot of ground which is great because of my Bertness, I got lost twice (twice) on the Sunday for a walking tour so I didn’t see a few famous places, most notably checkpoint Charlie. I had a few hours but it would have cost me a few euros to get there and I don’t like gambling with flight times however I do love gambling in almost any other scenario. Instead of the walking tour, I took part in my first boat tour that was beautiful and informational. If I took pictures, this is what they would sort of look like:







While I was poorly navigating Berlin’s complex metro system, I started wondering why I wanted to see these landmarks on that walking tour and if I didn’t, would my trip have been a waste? Did I really care or did I just not want to tell people that I went to Berlin and I didn’t see ________. How often have I or yourself seen a sight or taken part in an activity that you weren’t 100% jacked up about but did it in large part to say that you did it? I’m guessing more than I imagine. Is there a lesson to be learned here? Oh, I think so.
I feel like before going to a new place, researching it a bit, talking with people who have been and coming up with a rough idea of how I want to spend my days/hours in that particular spot will give me an outline of the things that catch my interest but if I go to Moscow and don’t see the Kremlin or visit Nigeria and don’t see Zuma rock, is that a big deal? I feel like it isn’t. I go to a new place to chill out, not be rushed and just see what happens. One reason I’m not super down to visit India any time soon is because I hear that even though it’s wild, different and unlike any other place on the planet, going there doesn’t seem like it would help me unwind. I need to unwind from a class filled with students who thinks that me showing them pictures of a forest being destroyed to make products is fake. “Teacher! Not real! From a computer!” Sigh.


So if you go somewhere new or old, don’t let people bully you into doing must see things. Take a random bus somewhere with a new friend, grab a beer and wander around, sleep in your air bnb all day, do whatever that is you want to do at that time. You do you.
Thanksgiving was great. I’m quite thankful for many things. Being Canadian, having a crazy, great amount of friends and family that I love very much, being able to travel, having luscious long eyelashes and being able to go to work and instantly be put into a better mood by a student saying that a tomato and a potato are the same thing or asking me if I have a girlfriend, me asking her what she thinks and her reply is “of courrrrse not”. She knows. Enjoy your weekend.

Thursdays. Are. Sexy. Sexy Thursday.



“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” 

John D. Rockefeller