The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding personality types, providing insights into human behavior, motivations, and emotional patterns. With its roots in ancient philosophy and psychology, the Enneagram identifies 9 distinct personality types, each with unique traits, strengths, and challenges. This guide will help you understand each type and how it can be applied to personal growth, relationships, and self-awareness.

What is the Enneagram test?

The Enneagram is a system that categorizes human personalities into nine interconnected types. Unlike many other personality systems, the Enneagram goes beyond surface-level traits and delves into core motivations, fears, and desires. Each type is represented by a number from 1 to 9, and people often have a "dominant type" that defines their general approach to life.

The Enneagram is widely used for personal growth, team building, and improving relationships. By understanding your type, you gain clarity on why you act the way you do and how you can achieve a more balanced and fulfilled life.

The 9 Enneagram Types

1. The Reformer (Type 1)

• Core Motivation: To be good, right, and ethical.

• Core Fear: Being perceived as corrupt, wrong, or flawed.

• Traits: Disciplined, perfectionistic, principled, and self-controlled.

• Strengths: High sense of integrity, responsibility, and a drive to improve the world.

• Challenge: Tendency toward self-criticism and being overly critical of others.

2. The Helper (Type 2)

• Core Motivation: To be loved and appreciated.

• Core Fear: Being unwanted or unloved.

• Traits: Generous, caring, empathetic, and people-pleasing.

• Strengths: Supportive, nurturing, and capable of forming strong relationships.

• Challenge: May neglect their own needs while focusing on others.

3. The Achiever (Type 3)

• Core Motivation: To be successful and admired.

• Core Fear: Failure, being seen as worthless.

• Traits: Ambitious, goal-oriented, adaptable, and image-conscious.

• Strengths: Natural leaders, driven to succeed, and highly adaptable.

• Challenge: Can be overly focused on appearances and external validation.

4. The Individualist (Type 4)

• Core Motivation: To find their unique identity.

• Core Fear: Being ordinary or having no identity.

• Traits: Introspective, creative, emotional, and self-expressive.

• Strengths: Deep emotional awareness and creativity.

• Challenge: Prone to mood swings, self-doubt, and feeling misunderstood.

5. The Investigator (Type 5)

• Core Motivation: To understand and master the world around them.

• Core Fear: Being overwhelmed or incapable.

• Traits: Analytical, curious, independent, and private.

• Strengths: Highly knowledgeable, logical, and innovative thinkers.

• Challenge: Can be emotionally detached and reluctant to engage in relationships.

6. The Loyalist (Type 6)

• Core Motivation: To feel safe and secure.

• Core Fear: Feeling unsafe or unsupported.

• Traits: Loyal, cautious, responsible, and security-seeking.

• Strengths: Dependable, prepared for emergencies, and excellent problem-solvers.

• Challenge: Prone to anxiety, fear of worst-case scenarios, and indecision.

7. The Enthusiast (Type 7)

• Core Motivation: To experience joy and avoid pain.

• Core Fear: Feeling trapped, deprived, or in pain.

• Traits: Playful, spontaneous, adventurous, and optimistic.

• Strengths: Highly creative, energetic, and open to new experiences.

• Challenge: May avoid responsibilities and commitment, chasing constant stimulation.

8. The Challenger (Type 8)

• Core Motivation: To be in control and protect themselves.

• Core Fear: Being controlled or vulnerable.

• Traits: Assertive, strong-willed, confrontational, and self-confident.

• Strengths: Courageous, protective, and natural leaders.

• Challenge: May appear domineering, confrontational, and resistant to vulnerability.

9. The Peacemaker (Type 9)

• Core Motivation: To maintain inner peace and avoid conflict.

• Core Fear: Loss of peace or separation from others.

• Traits: Easygoing, accommodating, and agreeable.

• Strengths: Good mediators, empathetic, and able to see multiple perspectives.

• Challenge: May avoid conflict to a fault and struggle with indecision.

How to Discover Your Enneagram Type

1. Take an Enneagram Test: Online tests can provide an initial assessment, but self-reflection is key.

2. Read Type Descriptions: See which type’s core fears and motivations resonate with you.

3. Observe Your Patterns: Notice patterns in your decisions, motivations, and fears.

You may also have a "wing," which is a neighboring type that influences your personality.