So, What is the Enneagram?

Today I want to take you back to the beginning (where this all started) and give you an Enneagram breakdown. If you’re new here, the Enneagram is a personality test rooted in spiritual growth. It describes patterns of how you interpret the world and manage your emotions. I use the Enneagram as one of the 3 foundations for my coaching (the other two are consciousness and the law of attraction) and I want to dedicate some time to really diving into the Enneagram, so you can begin to understand yourself more.

The Enneagram is not meant to put you in a box. It’s not one of those tests that’s like “Oh hey, you should be an engineer” or “you should be an actor.” It’s designed so you can understand yourself on a deeper level.

Understanding yourself is important! I help you use the Enneagram as a tool to navigate why you might do certain things, how to overcome some of your fears by learning where they come from. I am a firm believer that you can be the most confident version of yourself when you deeply understand yourself. I mean, who doesn’t want to be the most confident version of yourself? Why not use a tool that would help expedite that? My goal today is to help you understand yourself more, so you can show up confidently in whatever fate you might create.

Briefly, the Enneagram is a number system of 1-9, and you will have a dominant number. You might have other numbers that score high in the test, and you’ll likely have some of those traits. But your primary number is the focus because each number has its own motivators, which are:

Your core fear;
Your core desire; and
Your core message that your superego says to you

It’s these core motivators that are formed from your thought patterns and shape the habits of your thoughts and actions now.

The Numbers:

1. The Perfectionist (or Reformer)
2. The Helper
3. The Achiever
4. The Individualist
5. The Investigator
6. The Loyalist
7. The Enthusiast
8. The Challenger
9. The Peacemaker

 

1 - The Perfectionist (or Reformer)

Ones are defined by their belief that everything must be in order, and by their feeling that they must always be "right." They show great commitment and determination to improve conditions that they find need improvement, and they are not shy about encouraging others to improve their performance, too.

They are supremely disciplined and honest but can struggle with being overly critical and resentful.

 

2 - The Helper

Twos want to be liked and find ways that they can be of service to others so that they can belong. They have a strong need to be affiliated with others, and pursue acceptance by being kind, caring, and helpful. They are highly altruistic and empathetic, but sometimes give too much of themselves because they are so eager to be connected with others. 

They are sincere and warm-hearted but can struggle with saying no and being a people pleaser.

 

3 - The Achiever

Threes are defined by their desire to achieve. They want to advance in the world and will sacrifice for success, vigorously pursuing tasks and becoming utterly absorbed in the pursuit of attainment. Threes are goal-oriented, and their need to stand out from the crowd means that they are especially focused on goals that bring rewards and prestige.

They are efficient and adaptable but can struggle with facing failure and attaching their worth to their successes.

 

4 - The Individualist

Fours are defined by their belief that they are different from other people, and by their feelings of envy for what others have. Fours have the sense that something is missing from their lives, and they worry that they will never have the happiness that other people experience. They tend to channel this sense of longing into passionate creativity and originality, looking for ways to be special and unique.

They are highly innovative and creative but can struggle with envy and moodiness.

 

5 - The Investigator

Fives are driven by a belief that their resources are scarce, and that they don’t have enough of what they need. Unlike other types who go out into the world to get what they need, Fives instead aim to need as little as possible. To achieve this, they withdraw from the world, retreating into their minds to conserve their time, energy, and other resources. 

They are thoughtful and curious but can struggle with being detached and high-strung.

 

6 - The Loyalist

Sixes are preoccupied with security, seek safety, and like to be prepared for problems. They have active minds which are constantly scanning for danger and creating contingency plans. They are highly attuned to risk and typically have a clear idea of what they will do in any worst-case scenario.

They are reliable and trustworthy but can struggle with being suspicious and pessimistic.

 

7 - The Enthusiast

Sevens are defined by their desire to experience everything good and pleasurable that the world has to offer while avoiding pain, boredom, and limitations. Sevens avoid negative emotions and experiences, instead focusing on their imagination and zest for life to keep them moving forward and embarking on new adventures.

They are optimistic and spontaneous but can struggle to focus and not get distracted or bored

 

8 - The Challenger

Eights see themselves as strong and powerful and seek to stand up for what they believe in. They rarely see themselves as having vulnerabilities and have the belief that they can handle pretty much anything that comes their way. Eights typically see themselves as fighters, standing up for what is right and protecting the weak.

Eights are authoritative and encouraging but can struggle with being vulnerable and being seen as intimidating.

 

9 - The Peacemaker

Nines are defined by a desire to live in peaceful harmony with their environment. They want a sense of balance and calm and aspire to a kind of homeostasis where nothing disturbs their inner peace. They tend to be easygoing and accepting of what is happening around them but can become resistant and willfully oblivious when something in the environment threatens to throw them off balance. 

They are collaborative and supportive but can struggle with being passive-aggressive and being in touch with their own needs.

There is so much out there on the Enneagram and there is so much to cover so if you want to really deep dive with me you can check out my podcast on this topic (linked below for your favorite platform) or even schedule a conversation with me! 

 

Apple Podcast  Spotify   Google Podcast