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A Myers-Briggs personality test, your zodiac sign, and even a random BuzzFeed quiz based on your favorite Disney movie may be able to give you some insight into your complex personality. But if you’re looking to discover another way to learn more about yourself, particularly why you do the things you do, give the Enneagram test a try.
“The Enneagram can be an incredibly useful tool for understanding the ‘why’ behind our behaviors,” Lauren Cook, Psy.D., a therapist who frequently uses the Enneagram in her clinical work, tells FabFitFun. “It can help explain the unique pain that we feel in our lives, as well as what compels us forward. The best part of the Enneagram is that it gives us a guide for when our types are in ‘health’ vs. ‘unhealth’ so that we can have some intentionality in our direction for growth.”
There are nine distinct personality types, and no one is better or worse than the other. Each type has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Although you may find yourself having a bit of each type, everyone has one basic personality type that stems from childhood.
If you’re curious to know what your type is, you can take an official test from The Enneagram Institute for $12 or a free Enneagram test here. With that said, here are the nine different Enneagram types.
1: The Reformer
These types are the ultimate truth-seekers and strive to do things right. On the other hand, they can also have perfectionist and sometimes rigid tendencies.
2: The Helper
Naturally, this type works to endlessly give to others. According to Cook, it’s often done as an unconscious way to receive love. Problematically, they can sometimes give to a fault and abandon their own wellbeing in the process.
3: The Achiever
Achievers are ambitious, have a great will to achieve, and possess a charming nature that can win over just about anyone. However, they have a tendency to become chameleons at times, bending to the requests of others, just in hopes of being liked and accepted.
4: The Individualist
These are the types that are most in touch with their feelings and are expressive in sharing and exploring their experiences. On the downside, all this inward searching can lead to wallowing and even self-pitying at times.
5: The Investigator
The Investigator is a deep thinker-type with an ever-curious mind. According to Cook, they integrate logic and a search for truth in all their endeavors. They can, however, feel limited on energy and can be easily burdened by the demands of others.
6: The Loyalist
Loyalists are incredibly dedicated and committed to the people they choose to be in their lives. They tend to have a great have a sense of honor and obligation that makes them incredible community members. However, they can also be deeply anxious and frequently worried about anything that could go wrong.
7: The Enthusiast
These fun lovers are always on the go and make the most out of every opportunity. However, they can sometimes get caught up in too much fun and can fall into addictive behaviors if their need for thrill goes into overdrive.
8: The Challenger
“With a bold and sometimes brash presentation, The Challenger gets things done with a commanding presence,” Cook says. They tend to have big hearts and soft spots for those who’ve been marginalized. However, their aggressive nature can sometimes interfere with their well-meaning efforts.
9: The Peacemaker
Peacemakers are those who seek community and harmony and have a way of uniting others. However, Cook says they can become so passive that problems actually intensify because they don’t always choose to stand up for what’s right.
What is your Enneagram type? Let us know in the comments below!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
