Finding Your Enneagram Type: A Guide to Self-Discovery

Have you ever wondered why you tick the way you do? Why are you drawn to certain situations and repelled by others? The Enneagram offers a powerful lens for self-discovery, but the first step is identifying your type. This journey is often the most difficult, as the Enneagram is not about what you do, but why you do it.

Unlike systems like the MBTI which focus on cognitive processing (which you can read about in our MBTI Guide book), the Enneagram is a map of core motivations, fears, and desires. This guide will equip you with a process for embarking on this exciting journey.

Step 1: Understand the Nine Core Motivations

The Enneagram identifies nine distinct personality types. The single most important step in finding your type is to read through the core motivations, fears, and desires of all nine. Do not focus on behavior. Two different types can have the exact same behavior for completely different reasons. As you read our complete guides, ask yourself: which of these core fears do I most try to avoid? Which of these core desires is secretly driving me?

• Enneagram Type 1: The Reformer: Motivated by a need to be good, right, and perfect. Fears being corrupt or "bad."
• Enneagram Type 2: The Helper: Motivated by a need to be loved and appreciated. Fears being unwanted or unloved.
• Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever: Motivated by a need to be valuable and worthwhile. Fears being worthless.
• Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist: Motivated by a need to be unique and find their identity. Fears having no significance.
• Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator: Motivated by a need to be competent and capable. Fears being useless or overwhelmed.
• Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist: Motivated by a need for security and support. Fears being without support or guidance.
• Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast: Motivated by a need to be satisfied and avoid pain. Fears being deprived or trapped in pain.
• Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger: Motivated by a need to protect themselves (to be in control). Fears being controlled or harmed by others.
• Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker: Motivated by a need for internal and external peace. Fears loss, separation, and conflict.

Step 2: Use Enneagram Tests as a Starting Point

Numerous online Enneagram tests can serve as a starting point. Remember, these tests are not definitive. In fact, many people are mistyped by them. This is because tests are notoriously bad at identifying motivation; they can only ask questions about behavior. Use a test to get a list of your top 3 most likely types, and then return to Step 1 to read the full guides for those types. The answer will be in the descriptions, not in the test result.

Step 3: Deepen Your Exploration

Once you have a few potential types in mind, delve deeper into their characteristics:

• Read in-depth descriptions: Explore our ultimate guides for your shortlisted types and see which one "clicks" on a deeper level.
• Listen to Enneagram podcasts and interviews: Hearing real-life experiences can bring the types to life in a way that descriptions cannot.
• Reflect on your life experiences: Consider how your core motivations, fears, and behaviors align with your potential type. Think about your patterns since childhood.

Step 4: Embrace the Nuances

The Enneagram is not a rigid system. You might find yourself resonating with aspects of several types. This is normal. Look into "wings," which are the two types bordering your core type on the Enneagram symbol. For example, a Type 9 might have a "One Wing" (9w1) or an "Eight Wing" (9w8), and these will look very different, even though the core motivation is the same.

Key Principles for Finding Your Type

Remember: finding your Enneagram type is a process, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, embrace the exploration, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery. As you gain a deeper understanding of your type, you unlock the potential for personal growth, improved communication, and stronger relationships.

Here are some final tips:

• Be honest with yourself: Don't try to answer based on how you wish you were. Look at your patterns with radical honesty.
• Focus on your core motivations: This is the most important tip. Why do you do what you do?
• Consider your long-term patterns: How have you behaved and felt throughout your life, not just in recent situations or when you're at your best?
• Don't get discouraged: If you're still unsure, keep exploring. It is common to be confused for months. This is part of the journey.

The Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-awareness. By finding your type and embracing the journey, you can unlock a deeper understanding of yourself and build a more fulfilling life. For more tools to continue your journey, explore The MBTI Advantage book series to see how different personality systems can work together.