18
Winter 2024
LIFESTYLE
Understanding Personality Types If there are universal truths about being a human being, one of them is our absolute inability to pass up a personality test. We are constantly seeking to know ourselves and others more fully, to find healing and understanding through learning about what divides and connects us. We frequently look for different methods of categorizing and explaining why we are the way we are, for our lives and relationships to have less conflict and be more fulfilling. There are many ways that we have categorized ourselves through different personality type systems: Meyers-Briggs, the Keirsey Temperaments, the four DiSC types, and the 12 Zodiac signs, among others. One such system of distinguishing between different personalities that many find to be eerily accurate and has had a surge in popular appeal lately is the Enneagram. The Enneagram Personality Type is a tool for understanding our deep inner workings and the motivations that inspire our ways of being. An amalgam of philosophy, psychology, and spirituality, the Enneagram test shows us 9 diverse ways that we relate to the world, and the gifts and challenges of each of these 9 types. Enneagram Types Explained Enneagram One: Type Ones, often referred to as The Reformer or Perfectionist, are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. At their best they are often well-organized, orderly, wise and discerning, however, they can also slip into being critical and perfectionistic with themselves and others. Type Ones are often rule-followers, pay attention to detail, and strive to avoid making mistakes. Their deepest fear is of being “bad,” morally flawed, or seen as less than perfect, and through acceptance of their imperfections they can achieve a sense of peace and serenity. Enneagram Two: Type Twos, or The Helpers, are often empathetic, attuned to others needs, friendly, and warm-hearted. They are generous and self-sacrificing and are driven to be close to others. Type Twos can have difficulty with accessing their own needs, and often tend to other’s needs to gain their love and appreciation. Twos have a need to be needed, and often try to make themselves invaluable to others in their service to them. This can create resentment for all that they do for others without tending to themselves. At their best, their gifts are unconditional love and generosity, and when practicing self care, they can achieve this unconditional love for themselves, as well.
Enneagram Three: Type Three, The Achiever, is a charming, success-driven, and image-conscious type. They often have a sense of radiance about them, excel at whatever they put their energy into, and are seen as self assured, competent, and ambitious. They are hard-workers and can experience a workaholic and competitive nature when becoming imbalanced. Threes focus on how they are perceived, and often have a deep fear of unworthiness without their achievements and accolades. They can devolve into dishonesty, even with themselves, to maintain their image. At their best, however, Threes are role models who inspire and motivate others. Enneagram Four: Type Fours, The Individualists, are self-aware, sensitive, drawn to romanticism, and emotionally honest. They are often creative and visionary and can tend to withdraw from others due to feeling defective or misunderstood. The deep emotionality of the Type Four can also lean toward melancholy and self indulgence, and they have a sense of feeling separate or different than others. Their gifts are an ability to hold space for authenticity and depth, and they inspire creativity through their own unique expression. Enneagram Five: Type Fives, The Investigators or Observers, are cerebral, insightful, and curious. They are motivated by a need to know and understand the world, and they are lifelong researchers. Fives can come across as detached, as they often withdraw from others to avoid rejection and a feeling of incompetence. They tend to feel that the world demands too much, and are self-sufficient and non-demanding, conserving their energy for pursuits of the mind. Brilliant and inventive, they are the source of many innovations and creative ideas. Enneagram Six: Type Six, or The Loyalist, is security-oriented and committed, reliable, hard-working, and trustworthy. They can tend to be cautious, unsure, and look to others for advice. When present with themselves, they are their own best counsel, knowing the best course of action for themselves and often for others, as well. Sixes have a strong ability to troubleshoot and foresee problems occurring, although this is in part due to an abundance of time spent worrying and preparing for an imagined future. At their best, Sixes are stable and courageous champions for themselves and others. Enneagram Seven: Type Sevens, or The Enthusiasts, are optimistic, spontaneous, and playful. Usually high-spirited, they are often able to bring a lot of energy and fun to their 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
