Enneagram – What Type Are You?
The Enneagram refers to the nine basic personality types and how they relate to one another and the world. If you aren’t familiar with the Enneagram, there is a wonderful book called The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types
One of my best friends just returned from a conference on the Enneagram. Her being there reminded me of our interest in the subject for some time. Initially, we liked the novelty of finding your own personality type and then using this information to “type” others. However, we soon found the real power was in the knowledge of understanding more about yourself and your interaction with other personality types.
Know Yourself and Know Others
An important element of self-care is self-knowledge. The self-knowledge gained from learning your type is important in terms of knowing how you will react to things, reacting the way you want to, and not being at the mercy of your emotions. These are also valuable tools for self-growth.
If you want to find out what type you are (and you know you do!), you can take a quick test and find out which of the nine personality types you are most like at http://9types.com/rheti/index.php or https://enneagramtest.net/. You may also pay $12.00 here and receive the comprehensive report on your personality type.
Nine basic personality types of the Enneagram as listed in the “The Wisdom of the Enneagram” book:
1 – “The Reformer – Rational, Idealistic”
2 – “The Helper – Caring, Interpersonal”
3 – “The Achiever – Success-Oriented, Pragmatic “
4 – “The Individualist – Sensitive, Withdrawn”
5 – “The Investigator – Intense, Cerebral”
6- “The Loyalist – Committed, Security-Oriented “
7 – “The Enthusiast – Busy, Fun-Loving”
8- “The Challenger – Powerful, Dominating “
9- “The Peacemaker – Easy going, Self-Effacing”
Of course, there is no type that is inherently better than another, just nine different types of people. There are two wings (variations) for each type as well. Within each type, however, there are as many variations as there are people. Identifying as a certain type can also allow you to see commonalities with people as well and understand their motivations.
How do you use the type information to your advantage?
Personally, I am a 7 type with a 6 wing. My personality type is a good match for having a blog where I focus on a variety of topics and serve as your “host”. I would probably not do well with a blog where I wrote about the same thing day in and day out as I tend to prefer variety over repetition. Knowing this about myself, I can gravitate toward things that will suit my strengths rather than flaunt my weaknesses.
Within each type, there are levels of healthiness as to how your personality will react during good times or times of stress. The book will also tell you the underlying story pertaining to your type from the messages you received in childhood and your particular type’s strengths and weaknesses.
Knowing more about yourself is a great way to anticipate how you will react to stress and events outside of your control. The more knowledge you have from a variety of sources, the better equipped you will be when life takes a turn you didn’t expect and the more control you will wield over your reactions. Knowing your type then becomes one more tool for your resource kit.
Frankly, it is also fascinating data! I hope you have fun figuring out your type and learning more about YOU.
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Lindsay @ Let Me Give You Some Advice says
Laura, I’m obsessed with the enneagram! We’ll have to talk about it next time we get together. I’m still trying to decide for sure what I think I am. It’s somewhere between 1,7, and 3. They all have parts that are totally me but nothing feels like a great fit so I’m spending time working my way through it. Have you listened to the Podcast – The Road Back to You. It’s all about the enneagram and I’ve found it really helpful to listen to interviews with various types.
selfcareguide says
Lindsay, We’ll definitely have to discuss! It is very interesting. I will definitely check out the Podcast. Thanks for the info!
Stephanie White says
Discovering the Enneagram in my 20’s has truly changed my life for the better. What I have learned over the years about myself and others has helped me immensely to continue on my own path of self development.
selfcareguide says
Stephanie, I completely agree! It really does help to understand more about yourself and others. Cheers to self-knowledge and self-development!