If you know me, you know I love the Enneagram. My husband often says, “Oh, she’s talking about the Enneagram again.” A few years ago, I wrote about the Enneagram and how it helped me reframe and accept the parts of my personality that I didn’t like, such as my weaknesses and my fears.
Although there is a wealth of information about the Enneagram available online, in books, in schools, and in seminars, I wanted to write about the basics of the Enneagram here. On my Enneagram page, you’ll find a list of resources that I’ll keep adding to as I find helpful things.
The Enneagram is a personality system that explores our core fears and motivations. Another way to put it: human consciousness manifests itself in nine distinct patterns, and these patterns are called types in the Enneagram. and there are nine core types. Each type has its own way of protecting itself in the world, and that manifests in a personality that shields their true self from themselves and from others. While I appreciate personality systems such as the Big 5 and MBTI, I believe the deep work of the Enneagram is actually about shedding our fabricated personality and returning to our essence.
The Nine Types
All nine types have a basic fear and a basic desire. These fears and desires drive many of our behaviors, but they manifest in different ways based on the person’s circumstances, relationships, and upbringing. It’s one of the many reasons people caution about “typing” others. For example, people will react differently to the fear of being unloved.
1, The Reformer: Rational, Idealistic
Ones believe they must be good and balanced, and fear being evil and corrupted. This manifests in a principled, self-controlled way, but they can also be critical and judgmental of others and themselves.
2, The Helper: Caring, Interpersonal
Twos want to feel loved, and fear being unloved or unwanted. This manifests in a helping, kind spirit, but they can slip into doing things to feel needed and can resent others if they feel their love isn’t returned properly.
3, The Achiever: Success-Oriented, Pragmatic
Threes need to feel valuable and important, and they fear feeling worthless. This manifests in a competent, ambitious energy, but they can place their desire to advance and stand out over their true emotional needs.
4, The Individualist: Sensitive, Withdrawn
Fours want to find themselves, and they fear that they have no identity or significance. This manifests in a sensitive, expressive lifestyle, but they can opt for melancholy and moodiness instead of true creative inspiration.
5, The Investigator: Intense, Cerebral
Fives want to be capable and competent, and they fear being useless or inept. This manifests in a search for knowledge or wisdom, but they can check out of reality in their quest to master something.
6, The Loyalist: Committed, Security-Oriented
Sixes want to feel supported and secure, and they fear being without a stable support system. This manifests in a cooperative, reliable work ethic, but they can slip into feelings of anxiety and instability.
7, The Enthusiast: Busy, Fun-Loving
Sevens want to be satisfied and have their needs met, and they fear being in pain. This manifests in a scattered, fun-loving attitude, but they can struggle with a lack of discipline, patience, or depth.
8, The Challenger: Powerful, Dominating, Protective
Eights want to protect themselves, and they fear being controlled by others. This manifests in a self-reliant, justice-seeking, assertive way, but they can harm others in their search for strength.
9, The Peacemaker: Easygoing, Self-Effacing
Nines want to feel connected, and they fear loss or separation from the whole. This manifests in an optimistic acceptance of all things, but they can forget themselves and their importance in the face of the larger picture.
Reviewing these nine types, is there one or two that stick out to you? Maybe one makes you laugh because you’re thinking, “That is so me!” If so, awesome!
Do you have more questions? Even better. Let’s dive in with the Enneagram basics.
Coming up:
Do you want to learn more and uncover your true potential? Contact me today about Enneagram and life coaching. I use the Enneagram to help people reach their goals and change their lives.