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Writer's pictureZeynep Alev

Enneagram Personality Types: How Our Type Affects our Life and Habits

Updated: Mar 28, 2023



What is The Enneagram ?


The Enneagram is a model of human personality that describes nine interconnected personality types. Each type has its own unique worldview, motivations, fears, and patterns of behavior. The Enneagram is based on the idea that each of us has a dominant type that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions.


The Enneagram has ancient roots, but it was popularized in the modern era by a number of authors and teachers. The Enneagram has gained popularity in recent years because of its practical applications for personal growth, relationships, and leadership.


The Enneagram works by describing nine personality types and the interplay between them. Each type is associated with a number, ranging from one to nine, and a specific name that describes its key characteristics.






Nine Enneagram Types


  • Type 1 - The Reformer : Enneagram Type 1, also known as "The Perfectionist" or "The Reformer," is a personality type characterized by a strong sense of personal responsibility and a desire for improvement and perfection. Type 1s are motivated by a deep sense of right and wrong, and they strive to make the world a better place through their actions.

If you are an Enneagram Type 1, you may have a strong sense of duty and responsibility towards yourself and others. You may feel that it is your responsibility to uphold certain moral and ethical standards, and you may feel compelled to correct or improve things that you perceive as wrong or unjust. This can make you a valuable member of your community or workplace, as you are often highly reliable, hardworking, and committed to your goals.


However, your desire for improvement and perfection can also lead to self-criticism and anxiety. You may set very high standards for yourself and others, and you may feel disappointed or frustrated when these standards are not met. This can cause you to be overly critical of yourself and others, and it can make it difficult for you to relax and enjoy yourself.

In order to thrive as an Enneagram Type 1, it is important to learn how to balance your desire for improvement and perfection with self-acceptance and self-care.


Strenghts : Dedicated , idealistic , diciplined

Weaknesses :Critical , inflexible , overly elaborative


  • Type 2 - The Giver : If you are an Enneagram Type 2, you may have a natural gift for empathy and emotional intelligence. You are often attuned to the needs and feelings of others, and you may be highly skilled at providing emotional support and comfort. You may also be very generous with your time, resources, and energy, always looking for ways to help others.

However, your desire to be helpful and to please others can sometimes lead to over-involvement in the lives of others. You may have difficulty setting boundaries, and you may sacrifice your own needs and well-being in order to help others. This can lead to resentment and burnout over time.

In order to thrive as an Enneagram Type 2, it is important to learn how to balance your desire to help others with self-care and self-compassion.


Strenghts : Empathic ,caring ,generous

Weaknesses : Extreme altruism , controlling , indirect


  • Type 3 - The Achiever : Enneagram Type 3, also known as "The Achiever," is a personality type characterized by a strong desire to achieve success and recognition. Type 3s are motivated by a need to prove their worth and to be seen as successful by others. They are often driven, ambitious, and highly focused on their goals.

If you are an Enneagram Type 3, you may have a strong work ethic and a natural talent for achieving success. You are often skilled at presenting yourself in a positive light and may be highly influential and charismatic. You may also be very competitive and enjoy setting and achieving challenging goals.


However, your desire for success and recognition can sometimes lead to a focus on external validation rather than internal fulfillment. You may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and may feel that your worth is tied to your achievements. This can lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of fulfillment over time.


Strenghts : Energetic , efficient , goal oriented , motivated

Weaknesses : Over-competitive , self-centered , vindictive


  • Type 4 - The Individualist : Enneagram Type 4, also known as "The Individualist," is a personality type characterized by a strong desire to express themselves and be seen as unique and special. Type 4s are motivated by a need for authenticity and self-expression, and they often feel different from others.

If you are an Enneagram Type 4, you may have a strong sense of creativity and a natural talent for self-expression. You are often highly intuitive and emotionally intelligent, and you may be drawn to the arts or other creative pursuits. You may also have a strong sense of empathy and may be highly attuned to the emotions of others.


However, your desire for self-expression and authenticity can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and a sense of being misunderstood by others. You may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and may feel that you are not living up to your full potential. This can lead to a sense of melancholy and a lack of motivation over time.

In order to thrive as an Enneagram Type 4, it is important to learn how to balance your desire for self-expression with a focus on connection and community.


Strenghts : Authentic , creative , artistic , elegant

Weaknesses : Melancholic , moody , pessimistic , self-pitying




  • Type 5 - The Investigator : Enneagram Type 5, also known as "The Investigator," is a personality type characterized by a strong desire for knowledge and understanding. Type 5s are motivated by a need to understand the world around them and to gather information and knowledge.

If you are an Enneagram Type 5, you may have a natural curiosity and a strong desire for learning. You may be highly analytical and enjoy delving into complex subjects. You may also be independent and value your autonomy and freedom.

However, your desire for knowledge and understanding can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and detachment from others. You may struggle with social interaction and may feel drained by too much social interaction or stimulation. This can lead to a sense of loneliness and a lack of fulfillment over time.


Strenghts : Objective , analytic , eager to learn , focused

Weaknesses : Secretive , isolated , don't show emotions


  • Type 6 -The Skeptic : Enneagram Type 6, also known as "The Skeptic," is a personality type characterized by a strong desire for security and safety. Type 6s are motivated by a need for guidance and support, and they often seek out relationships and institutions that can provide them with a sense of stability.

If you are an Enneagram Type 6, you may be highly loyal and committed to your relationships and community. You may be highly responsible and reliable, and you may have a natural talent for problem-solving. You may also be highly attuned to potential dangers and risks, and you may take steps to protect yourself and those around you.


However, your desire for security and safety can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety and fear. You may struggle with indecisiveness and may feel unsure of yourself in new or unfamiliar situations. This can lead to a sense of self-doubt and a lack of confidence over time.


Strenghts : Loyal , prudent , team player , honest

Weaknesses :Pessimistic, controlling , anxious


  • Type 7 - The Enthusiast : Type 7s are motivated by a need for new experiences and opportunities, and they often seek out adventure and fun in all aspects of their lives.

If you are an Enneagram Type 7, you may be highly optimistic and outgoing. You may have a natural talent for creativity and innovation, and you may enjoy exploring new ideas and possibilities. You may also be highly spontaneous and impulsive, and you may enjoy taking risks and living in the moment.


However, your desire for variety and excitement can sometimes lead to feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. You may struggle with follow-through and may become bored or disinterested in projects or commitments over time. This can lead to a sense of unfulfillment and a lack of direction over time.


Strenghts : Energetic , cheerful , innovative

Weaknesses : Ape-tempered , hyperactive , impulsive


  • Type 8 - The Challenger : Enneagram Type 8, also known as "The Challenger," is a personality type characterized by a strong desire for control and autonomy. Type 8s are motivated by a need for power and influence, and they often seek out opportunities to take charge and make decisions.

If you are an Enneagram Type 8, you may be highly assertive and confident. You may have a natural talent for leadership and may be highly respected by those around you. You may also be highly independent and self-reliant, and you may value your ability to make decisions and take action.


However, your desire for control and autonomy can sometimes lead to feelings of aggression and defensiveness. You may struggle with vulnerability and may be reluctant to show weakness or ask for help. This can lead to a sense of isolation and a lack of connection with others over time.


Strenghts : Brave , fair , outspoken ,determined

Weaknesses : Aggressive , dominant , possessive , self-centered


  • Type 9 - The Peacemaker :Enneagram Type 9, also known as "The Peacemaker," is a personality type characterized by a strong desire for harmony and unity. Type 9s are motivated by a need for peace and tranquility, and they often seek out opportunities to promote cooperation and collaboration.

If you are an Enneagram Type 9, you may be highly empathetic and compassionate. You may have a natural talent for understanding the perspectives of others and may be skilled at diffusing conflicts and tensions. You may also be highly adaptable and may value flexibility and compromise.


However, your desire for harmony and unity can sometimes lead to feelings of complacency and avoidance. You may struggle with assertiveness and may be reluctant to speak up for your own needs or desires. This can lead to a sense of unfulfillment and a lack of direction over time.

Strenghts :Mediator ,calm ,empathetic , tolerant

Weaknesses : Lazy , indecisive , stubborn




Enneagram Core and Wing Type


In an Enneagram test result you will see "3w4" or "7w8" , etc. that means 2 enneagram types attached to each other with one core and one wing.The core type is the primary type that describes your personality. It is the Enneagram type that you most closely identify with and is based on your core motivations, fears, and desires.The wing type is the secondary Enneagram type that influences your personality. It is the type that is adjacent to your core type on the Enneagram circle. For example, if your core type is a Type 4, your wing type will either be a Type 3 or a Type 5. Your wing type helps to refine your personality and adds nuances to your core type.While your core type remains the primary descriptor of your personality, your wing type can influence how you express yourself within that core type. For instance, a 2w1 wing may be more perfectionistic and organized than a 2w3, who may be more focused on achieving goals and recognition.






How Our Type Effects our Life and Habits ?


Our Enneagram type can have a significant impact on many aspects of our lives. Here are some ways in which our Enneagram type can influence our behavior, relationships, and overall wellbeing:


1. Behavior: Our Enneagram type can affect our behavior patterns, motivations, and fears. For example, an Enneagram Type 1 (Perfectionist) may be driven by a desire to be perfect and avoid mistakes, while an Enneagram Type 7 (Enthusiast) may be motivated by a fear of boredom and a desire for new experiences. Understanding our Enneagram type can help us recognize and change unhelpful behavior patterns and cultivate positive ones.


2.Relationships: Our Enneagram type can also impact our relationships with others. Different types may have different communication styles, needs, and challenges. For example, an Enneagram Type 2 (Helper) may be highly empathetic and nurturing, but may struggle with setting boundaries and prioritizing their own needs. Understanding our Enneagram type and the types of those around us can help us communicate effectively and develop more fulfilling relationships.


3.Work and Career: Our Enneagram type can also influence our career choices, work habits, and job satisfaction. Different types may have different strengths, preferences, and challenges when it comes to work. For example, an Enneagram Type 5 (Investigator) may excel in research-based roles but may struggle with teamwork and interpersonal communication. Understanding our Enneagram type can help us find work that aligns with our strengths and values and cultivate a fulfilling career.


4.Personal Growth: Finally, our Enneagram type can play a crucial role in our personal growth and wellbeing. Understanding our Enneagram type can help us recognize and address unhelpful thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors, and develop healthier habits and perspectives. For example, an Enneagram Type 9 (Peacemaker) may struggle with assertiveness and conflict resolution, but can use their awareness of their type to practice standing up for themselves and communicating their needs effectively.

In conclusion, our Enneagram type can impact many aspects of our lives, including our behavior, relationships, career, and personal growth. By understanding our Enneagram type and using this knowledge to cultivate self-awareness and personal growth, we can lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.






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