Learning about Enneagram types has helped me unravel why people react the way they do. I’m a novice, but between my Enneagram-versed hairstylist and Influencer, Enneagram with Abbey, I’ll be an expert in no time. This statement reveals my Enneagram personality, which is Type 2, wing 1. —Yes, I do in fact have my therapist on speed dial, thank you very much.

The Enneagram is a personality typing system that is used to understand and describe individual differences in thought patterns, emotions, and behavior. The system is based on nine distinct personality types, each with its own unique characteristics and tendencies.

There are nine Enneagram types. Each type has a dominant set of behaviors, motivations and fears. These traits shape how we respond to life experiences.

Researchers traced the origins of Enneagram types to South American philosopher Oscar Ichazo. His Enneagram typing is comparable to the more modern Myers-Briggs test. Both tests help decipher an individual’s strengths and weaknesses.

You might recognize traits of each of the following Enneagram types within yourself. In fact, we each have characteristics of all nine types. But, we emerge from childhood with one dominant type.

THE9 ENNEAGRAM TYPES

Enneagram Type 1. – The Reformer

The first Enneagram type is The Reformer. People with this personality type are rational, idealistic, and principled. They are perfectionists who strive for improvement and often have high standards for themselves and others. They are independent and responsible, and value integrity and personal growth.

Enneagram Type 2. – The Helper

The second type is The Helper. People with this personality type are caring, supportive, and generous. They are empathetic and enjoy helping others, and often put the needs of others before their own. They are social and concerned with maintaining harmony and relationships.

Enneagram Type 3. – The Achiever

The third type is The Achiever. People with this personality type are ambitious, driven, and successful. They are focused on achieving their goals and are often competitive and goal-oriented. They value achievement and recognition, and often have a strong work ethic.

Enneagram Type 4. – The Individualist

The fourth type is The Individualist. People with this personality type are introspective, emotional, and creative. They are sensitive and self-aware, and often have a strong inner life. They value individuality and self-expression, and often have a unique and personal style.

Enneagram Type 5. – The Investigator

The fifth type is The Investigator. People with this personality type are intellectual, perceptive, and independent. They are curious and analytical, and often have a strong interest in understanding the world around them. They value knowledge and competence, and often have a rich inner world.

Enneagram Type 6. – The Loyalist

The sixth type is The Loyalist. People with this personality type are responsible, reliable, and hardworking. They are loyal and trustworthy, and often have a strong sense of commitment and responsibility. They value security and stability, and often have a strong support network.

Enneagram Type 7. – The Enthusiast

The seventh Enneagram type is the Enthusiasts, also known as the Adventurers. These individuals are spontaneous, energetic, and optimistic. They are often fun-loving and enjoy new experiences, but can also struggle with impulsivity and difficulty focusing on one thing for too long.

Enneagram Type 8. – The Challenger

The eighth Enneagram type is the Challengers, also known as the Mavericks. These individuals are assertive, confident, and self-reliant. They are often strong-willed and can be confrontational, but also have a deep sense of loyalty to their friends and family.

Enneagram Type 9. – The Peacemaker

The ninth Enneagram type is the Peacemakers, also known as the Mediators. These individuals are easy-going, accepting, and focused on maintaining harmony. They are often sensitive and can struggle with indecisiveness and difficulty standing up for themselves.

“The Enneagram doesn’t put you in a box. It shows you the box you’re already in and how to get out of it.”  —Ian Cron

In addition to Enneagram types, there are  Enneagram type triads. They consist of: Heart Types, Head Types, and Gut Types.

The first triad is the Gut Triad, also known as the Instinctive Triad. This triad includes the Enneagram types 8, 9, and 1. Individuals in the Gut Triad are driven by their instincts and primal needs, and are focused on exerting their will and maintaining control. They are often assertive and confident, but can also struggle with anger and stubbornness.

The second triad is the Heart Triad, also known as the Feeling Triad. This triad includes the Enneagram types 2, 3, and 4. Individuals in the Heart Triad are driven by their emotions and their need for connection and validation. They are often ambitious and focused on achieving success, but can also struggle with self-doubt and a lack of fulfillment.

The third triad is the Head Triad, also known as the Thinking Triad. This triad includes the Enneagram types 5, 6, and 7. Individuals in the Head Triad are driven by their intellect and their need for information and understanding. They are often analytical and independent, but can also struggle with anxiety and a lack of confidence.

You might think you’ve already identified your Enneagram type. Not so fast. I thought for sure I was a Four. I keep retaking the test and I’m a Two through and through.

It’s important to take the test to uncover your authentic Enneagram type. There are many Enneagram tests offered online. Most testing sites ask for payment. I prefer the Personality Path test because it’s brief and free.

Take the test for fun, if nothing else. If it piques your interest and you’re seeking a deeper dive, read The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile. Let me know if you have any Enneagram-y questions and I’ll ping my hairstylist.

You might also like My Favorite Books I Could Read Over and Over Again.

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