Discovering the complexities of your own personality can be challenging, but having a guide can make it easier.
Sarajane Case has always had a deep interest in understanding human behavior and the reasons behind our choices. When she came across the Enneagram, she felt like it held the answers she was seeking.
“We’ve simplified the reasons why people do what they do,” she explains in reference to the test.
Sarajane is sharing this key with others through her book The Honest Enneagram: Know Your Type, Own Your Challenges, Embrace Your Growth, and her podcast Enneagram & Coffee.
Understanding the Enneagram
The Enneagram is a personality assessment that categorizes individuals into nine types, from one to nine, based on core motivations, fears, and perspectives.
These nine types include:
- Type One: The Reformer, a believer in improving the world.
- Type Two: The Helper, focuses on earning love through good deeds.
- Type Three: The Achiever, finds worth in actions.
- Type Four: The Individualist, values uniqueness.
- Type Five: The Investigator, is driven by knowledge.
- Type Six: The Loyal Skeptic, seeks security.
- Type Seven: The Enthusiast, prioritizes freedom.
- Type Eight: The Challenger, believes in fighting for success.
- Type Nine: The Peacemaker, seeks harmony and avoids conflict.
Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, without one being superior to another. The goal is to recognize your type to leverage its positive traits while addressing any negative aspects.
Identifying Your Enneagram Type
Starting with online quizzes can be a helpful approach to determine your Enneagram type.
Consistently receiving the same result from multiple quizzes indicates a potential match. From there, delving deeper into resources like Sarajane’s book can provide more insights.
Even if results vary, explore the types that appear frequently to pinpoint your type accurately. The goal is self-awareness, not selecting a preferred type.
If a description resonates strongly with you, it’s likely a good fit. According to Sarajane, it should feel revealing yet uncomfortable, akin to exposing your inner thoughts.
Soul Children and Wing Numbers
Your main Enneagram type remains consistent throughout your life, but you can also draw from other types to complement it.
Wing numbers: Adjacent types to your main type, influencing your characteristics. Their impact varies among individuals.
Soul child: Reflects your childhood self, offering insights into your fears and worldview. Understanding this type can highlight the origins of your personality traits.
Utilizing the Enneagram for Personal Growth
The Enneagram is more than a label—it’s a tool for leveraging your strengths and addressing weaknesses.
Engaging in practices like meditation can enhance self-awareness, enabling you to make conscious choices aligned with your best traits.
Recognizing your Enneagram type doesn’t restrict you to certain behaviors. By understanding your instincts and growth opportunities, you can navigate situations with more autonomy.
