An Iconic beginner’s guide to Enneagrams
As we grow and evolve, making our way through this crazy, wonderful world, finding tools that assist us in self-development and understanding can be extremely beneficial. Though personality tests can have their flaws, taking the time to reflect and discover habits and traits we exude can be helpful both personally and professionally. The Enneagram personality test is one example of these popular tools.
The Enneagram has been rapidly growing in popularity over recent years thanks largely in part to social media but was originally created in 1915 by philosopher George Gurdjieff. Based on the theory that people are born with dominant personality types that are then shaped and molded by their environment and experiences, the modern Enneagram consists of nine different personality types that help pinpoint basic fears, desires, core motivations, and virtues. The Enneagram structure believes that nobody is strictly one type, but instead a combination of all types with a certain personality trait being most dominant and therefore, most important.
Once you find out your most dominant type, you will explore your wing which is the subtype of your Enneagram type. While it is possible to have an Enneagram without a wing, most users will feel using a wing more accurately describes their personality. So how do you discover your wing? Each point on the Enneagram has two wings. Simply put, these are the neighboring points, one number above and one number below. So if you are a type 5, your wing would either be 4 or 6, if you are a 9, your wings would either be 8 or 1. Wings are decided by “borrowing” traits from the neighboring type to create a more well-rounded blend of the two types.
Now that we’re clear on all of that, it’s time to explore the nine different Enneagram types. However, before we do, it’s important to keep in mind that no one type is superior to another; each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Also, these nine personality types are universal and can be applied no matter your gender or ethnicity. Remember this is all about understanding and growth, so while your personality type won’t change, you may not relate to the descriptions forever.
The 9 Enneagram Types
Type 1 – The Reformer
The Reformer is the rule follower who is always doing things the right way. They are organized, serious, and practical, often having a strict set of moral rules to abide by. They can be hard on themselves and those around them, but in their hearts, they just want to make the world a better place. Reformers fear being bad or corrupt and desire goodness and integrity.
Type 2 – The Helper
The Helper is a natural giver. This type is always there to give a helping hand and act as a support system to loved ones. They can be giving to a fault, ignoring their own needs and boundaries to please others. The Helper wants to fit in and be loved. They fear being unwanted or unneeded and desire to be loved.
Type 3 – The Achiever
The Achiever is success-oriented, accomplished, and driven. They are always up for a challenge and willing to go the extra mile in order to obtain their dreams. The Achiever always wants to appear capable and do whatever they can in order to avoid failure. Type 3 fears being worthless and disappointing others and desire to be valued and accepted.
Type 4 – The Individualist
The Individualist loves to be unique and creative. Never wanting to be considered ordinary, they strive to present their true self to the world. They are very focused on feeling their emotions and can tend to be moody and sometimes jealous. The Individualist fears not having an identity or personal significance and they desire to be meaningful and authentically themselves.
Type 5 – The Investigator
The Investigator loves to learn. They are always looking to learn more about the world and enjoy being by themselves. They are very private and deep thinkers. Investigators are sponges for knowledge and make great scientists, professors, and engineers. The investigator fears being useless or unskilled and desires to be capable and competent.
Type 6 – The Loyalist
The Loyalist needs security and seeks it in every aspect of their life. Though they can be skeptical and anxious, they are very responsible and trustworthy—often having long-lasting friendships. The Loyalist fears losing security and support and desires stability and to be secure.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
The Enthusiast is spontaneous, optimistic, and full of energy. They are always seeking out new experiences and can struggle with recognizing limits and settling down. This type wants to get the most out of life and is motivated by fun and a need to be happy. The Enthusiast fears being confined or in pain and desires to be fulfilled and satisfied.
Type 8 – The Challenger
The Challenger is always chasing goals, strategies, and improvement. Brave and headstrong they are leaders who know what they want. They are very protective but can become obsessed with controlling everything around them, never wanting to appear weak or vulnerable. Challengers fear being harmed or controlled by others and desire to be free and in control.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
The Peacemaker is accepting and tolerant of others. They value peace and will go to great lengths in order to ensure harmony among a group. They are great at communication and encouragement but tend to let others take control to make other people happy. The Peacemaker fears being disconnected and separated from the world and desires to have peace and stability
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Once you’ve taken a test to discover your Enneagram, it can be beneficial in examining your life and discovering ways to become the best version of yourself. By knowing yourself, you can more accurately inspect your life in order to live as your best, most authentic self. Even if you share traits with others, it’s important to remember that you’re a wonderful, Iconic individual and your path is yours and yours alone.
Do you know your Enneagram type? Comment below or tag us on IG @IconicWineBeauties with your types and how you use this knowledge to work for you!