I’m a huge fan of personality tests, and one of my favorites and most relatable is the Enneagram. The Enneagram groups people by personality traits into 9 groups or types which represent your most dominant personality traits. Each type has a different core set of fears, desires and characteristics. In this post, I outline my understanding of the Enneagram, which is based on information from the Enneagram Institute. Read more about the Institute and its type descriptions here.
Type 1
Type 1 is the “Reformer.” Ones have a strong sense of purpose that encourages them to try to improve the world. They feel that it’s their job to overcome adversity to make the world a better place. While ones have that strong sense of purpose, they also feel that they need to justify their actions to themselves and others.
Type 2
Type 2 is known as the “Helper,” and is near and dear to my heart because I’m a type 2. This type is known for being caring, generous, empathetic and at times people-pleasing. Twos genuinely want to help people and want to be loved, to express their feelings for others and to feel needed and appreciated. This type can become too involved in meeting others’ needs that they forget about their own self-care. They will often put others before themselves in all aspects of their lives.
Type 3
Type Threes are known as the “Achievers.” This type is very success-oriented and self-assured. They want to distinguish themselves from others, to have attention and to impress others. At an early age, they learn to do things that will earn them praise and positive attention. However, unhealthy threes can become very separated from themselves to the point that they no longer know what they truly want or what their real feelings or interests are. This makes them easy to deceive.
Type 4
Fours are known as the “Individualists.” They see themselves as fundamentally different from others, which in turn means they feel that no one can understand them or love them adequately. In addition, they also think they are uniquely talented and uniquely flawed. This focus on differentiation makes them acutely aware of differences between themselves and others. Fours also feel that they lack a personality, especially a public personality. As those who feel so different from others, they long for someone to discover and appreciate their secret self that they have hidden from the rest of the world.
Type 5
Fives are known as the “Investigator.” This type is very perceptive and curious. They want to learn as much as possible so they can prove to others that they are capable and competent. They fear being useless or incapable, so they try their best to understand their surroundings. More than any other type, fives want to know how things work and why they are the way they are. Rather than focus on what’s known, fives want to investigate and explore the unknown.
Type 6
Type Six is known as the “Loyalist.” Sixes are extremely committed to the people and things in their life. They’re the type to go down with the ship no matter what. Sixes want to have security, support and reassurance. They are hard-working but also lack self-confidence. Relying on their friends, families and beliefs allows them to survive and thrive. Often, sixes can foresee problems and help cooperation, but they can also be very anxious and stressed.
Type 7
Sevens are known as the “Enthusiast.” This type is very extroverted, optimistic and spontaneous. They are very playful and high-spirited but often have issues with impatience and impulsiveness. Their most basic desire is to be satisfied or to have their needs fulfilled. Sevens need their freedom and happiness, and they have some serious FOMO (fear of missing out). They tend to be very enthusiastic about everything they do. They’re often compared to kids in a candy store who see opportunities everywhere.
Type 8
Eights are known as the “Challengers” of the Enneagram. This type is very confrontational and powerful. Eights can be self-confident, decisive, assertive, strong and even domineering at times. They will do anything to avoid being hurt or controlled by other people because they strive for self-reliance and to be in control at all times. They seek this level of control because they want to protect themselves and see the only way to do so is by being in control. Eights enjoy a good challenge and love challenging others. If something is wrong, they aren’t afraid to speak up.
Type 9
Nines are pretty much the opposite of eights. Known as the “Peacemaker,” nines are very easygoing, trusting and stable. Their goal in life is to have inner stability and peace of mind. They will go along with others to keep the peace and avoid conflict at all costs. Nines avoid anything that would be upsetting to themselves or others. This type does not like change and will numb themselves to avoid anything that would disrupt their peace.
Not sure what type you are?
There are several options of online resources to figure out which type you are. The most reliable test is from the Enneagram Institute but does cost $12. I’ve taken a free version, and this is the one I like best!
Definitely, Katie 