The Enneagram & Its Uses

Most of us ponder the questions “Who am I?” or “Why do I do the things I do?”. We’re curious about the motivation behind our actions, and often we look to outside sources to help us better understand ourselves. While personality tests and quizzes like “Which character from The Office are you?” are interesting and fun to take, the Enneagram contains spiritually-guided wisdom and has a unique perspective that can aid people to feel a closer connection to themselves, their values, and better understand the patterns that exist throughout their life.

There are nine specific types that are recognized by this personality indicator- which you can read more about here. This might sound limiting at first, but the Enneagram has enormous complexities that provide uniqueness to each person and can help you feel understood on a core level. 

Beginning to explore the Enneagram can feel like leaping off the diving board into the waters of self-discovery. You might be feeling curious on how delving into this could impact your life or how the system itself works. 

Here are some ways that knowledge about the Enneagram can be integrated into your daily life. 

Improving Your Relationships

Through gaining information about the different personality types, you are also learning that people have different ways of being and perceiving the world. When we spend time reflecting on what drives us and what motivates other people, this can help build empathy and conflict resolution skills. 

The Enneagram does this by basing the types on Basic Fears and Basic Desires. Through this, each type is fueled and aligned with a core motivator. This does not mean that you are not motivated by something of another type, but that typically there is one in particular you are more connected to than others.

For example, a type 8 or Protective Challenger has the basic fear of being vulnerable or powerless; whereas their basic desire is to protect themselves and have control of their own story. This is different from a Type 2 or a Supportive Advisor who has a basic fear of being worthless or undeserving of love and has a basic desire to be loved.  

With these different core fears and desires, a Protective Challenger(8) and a Supportive Advisor (2) may react to relationships, stress, or working environments differently. Knowing these motivators can help further understanding of strengths and also create a language to talk to loved ones about different viewpoints and reactions.

Getting Unstuck 

When some people think about having a personality type, they might feel put in a box or only seen in one light. The Enneagram actually has a way of considering how a person may act or feel when they are healthy and also when they are in stress. This can help provide insight on what pervasive patterns of behaviors you may fall into and what trait strengths to bolster to feel and operate at your best. 

This concept considers where your number type moves in moments of Integration (growth) and Disintegration (stress) on the Enneagram chart. If you notice the unique diagram associated with the enneagram type numbers, there are lines going to each type. These indicate where each type moves to traits of another when healthy/integrated or unhealthy/disintegrated. 

For example, the type nine or Peaceful Mediator will move towards the weaknesses of type six (Loyal Guardian) and become anxious and worried, often considering worst-case scenarios or be untrusting. Though when a nine becomes more integrated they will move towards the traits of a healthy three (Successful Achievers) and feel more energized, goal-oriented, and purposeful.

Paying attention to the movements of integration and disintegration can be a useful way to begin the journey of typing yourself by recognizing patterns in your own life. When this awareness builds you may begin to more quickly notice warning signs based on your behavior that you may be stressed. This also gives more insight into what may feel good and healthy for you to connect with. 

Becoming Your Best Self

One of the best functions of the enneagram is that it allows room for growth and change for each type. It provides a platform to better explore and put language to what self-actualization can look like. This aspect can also apply to faith and your relationship with God if that is relevant to your spiritual path. 

This concept is the Enneagram Levels of Development. This breaks down levels of health into nine potential sections that are unique for each type. These levels can help a person assess where they are in their own journey of development and provide a picture for how they can best utilize their own beautiful strengths. 

The levels of development can show potential problematic behaviors or thinking patterns as well. I do want to take a moment to remind you that there is no “best” or “worst” type to be. All have their own strengths and struggles. Considering the different levels of development can give ideas to create personal goals that relate to your values and desires in a deep way. 

Learning More

This is just the tip of the iceberg of enneagram information. This type indicator is incredibly in-depth in how it can relate to your life and how you may come to a better understanding of your type. If you would like to take a test on what your type and wing may be, here is a free resource. 

Deciding to try Enneagram Coaching can be a helpful step to better use the Enneagram for your personal development. There are also courses available online if you would like to do some work on your own before trying coaching. 

The enneagram has many functions, though at the core it provides an opportunity for developing a deeper understanding of self, which can open many doors. If you have any questions or are ready to take the plunge into Enneagram Coaching, please reach out today!