EnneaWhat? A beginners guide to the Enneagram

You might’ve heard someone mention they’re a “Type 1” or talk about “wings” and thought… Ennea-what? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The Enneagram can seem like a strange word, but it’s simply a tool for understanding personality types—and, more importantly, for understanding yourself on a deeper level. Whether you’re new to self-awareness work or just curious, this guide will help you get to know the Enneagram and why so many people find it life-changing. 

What Is the Enneagram? 

The Enneagram is a personality system that identifies nine distinct types of people. Each type has its own core motivations, fears, desires, and ways of interacting with the world. Think of it as a roadmap for understanding why you do what you do. Ennea is the Greek word for 9 + gram. It is a 9-sided symbol that shows each personality, wings, instinctual type, stress patterns, and growth patterns (and more). 

Unlike other personality frameworks, the Enneagram goes beyond just describing your behaviors—it gets to the heart of your motivations. It helps you uncover the unconscious patterns that drive your thoughts and actions, giving you the chance to grow and transform. It’s not about putting you in a box; it’s about showing you the box you’ve been living in so you can step out of it. It is the only personality test that actually explains your motivations and gives insight on how to stay in growth and alignment.  

The Nine Types 

Here’s a quick rundown of the nine Enneagram types: 

• Type 1: The Perfectionist 
  Motivated by a desire to be good, right, and ethical. They strive for perfection and fear being wrong or flawed. 

• Type 2: The Helper 
  Motivated by a need to be loved and appreciated. They focus on taking care of others and fear being unworthy of love. 

• Type 3: The Achiever 
  Motivated by a drive to succeed and be admired. They fear failure and being seen as worthless. 

• Type 4: The Individualist 
  Motivated by a need to be unique and authentic. They fear being insignificant or without identity. 

• Type 5: The Investigator 
  Motivated by a desire to understand and master their world. They fear being overwhelmed or incapable. 

• Type 6: The Loyalist 
  Motivated by a need for security and support. They fear instability and betrayal. 

• Type 7: The Enthusiast 
  Motivated by a desire for excitement and adventure. They fear being deprived or trapped in pain. 

• Type 8: The Challenger 
  Motivated by a need to be strong and in control. They fear being vulnerable or controlled by others. 

• Type 9: The Peacemaker 
  Motivated by a desire for inner and outer peace. They fear conflict and disconnection from others. 

So, How Does It Work? 

The Enneagram isn’t just a simple label; it’s a tool for personal growth. Each type represents different ways of coping with the world and trying to meet core needs. And each type has its own path to growth. For example, a Type 2 might need to learn how to care for themselves as much as they care for others. A Type 8 might need to soften their defenses and embrace vulnerability. 

In addition to the core types, there are also “wings” and “stress and growth paths” that give each person even more nuance. You can think of wings as the neighboring types that influence your main type. For example, a Type 9 might lean toward Type 8 (more assertive) or Type 1 (more disciplined). 

Why Should I Care? 

If you’ve ever wondered why you keep falling into the same patterns—or why other people seem to react so differently to the same situations—the Enneagram can be an incredible tool. It not only helps you understand yourself, but it also helps you relate to others in a deeper way. You might discover why your partner seems to always need order (hello, Type 1!) or why your best friend is always chasing the next thrill (hey there, Type 7!). 

The Enneagram gives you language to describe the things you’ve probably felt your whole life. But more than that, it offers insights into how to break free from limiting patterns, whether it’s perfectionism, fear, or a need to be constantly busy. 

How Do I Find My Type? 

Here’s the thing: finding your Enneagram type isn’t as simple as reading a description or taking a quiz. While there are assessments available that can point you in the right direction, they’re only about 80% accurate. Why? Because the Enneagram isn’t just about behaviors—it’s about the motivations behind those behaviors, and sometimes it takes deeper exploration to fully understand what’s driving you. 

That’s why working with a certified Enneagram coach (hopefully that’s me) is so valuable. A coach can help you dive deeper into the test results, guide you through each type’s core fears and desires, and help you identify which type truly resonates with your inner experience. It’s not just about finding a label; it’s about gaining clarity on your thought patterns, behaviors, and motivations so you can experience real growth. 

Wrapping It Up 

So, that’s the Enneagram in a nutshell. It’s a tool for understanding yourself and others, a way to explore your deepest motivations, and a guide to personal growth. Whether you’re a perfectionist, a helper, an adventurer, or anything in between, the Enneagram offers a path to more self-awareness, compassion, and transformation. 

If you’re curious to dive deeper, don’t rely solely on online quizzes. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of your type, explain how it shows up in your life, and offer guidance on your personal growth path. You might be surprised by what you discover—and how much it resonates with your true self. 

Here is a great place to start your journey:  Enneagram Online Assessment and Review Session