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