I love personality tests and anything that seeks to explain how and why people do what they do. It’s fascinating to me. Even though not all personality tests are completely accurate, they still can be a great way to find out more about yourself. When you are a chronic identity-seeker like myself, it’s easy to become obsessed with this type of thing.
I was intrigued when I first started to hear about the Enneagram, but it took me a while to really get into it. Once I started reading about it though, I had to find out more.
It’s taken me a long time to figure out what my number is. I’ve mistyped myself multiple times. I thought I was a 2 then a 4 then a 6 then possibly a 5 then a 9. None of them seemed to fit me entirely.
So I did what someone like me does in these situations, I asked my family: “What sounds most like me?”
And the consensus was I’m a 4.
Apparently so is Eeyore.
I read that you can’t always discover your number by doing an online test because it’s more about what motivates you than your answer to the test questions. The Enneagram has been around for a long time, which means there could be confusing and/or conflicting information on the free tests that won’t give you the best picture. As humans, we are also prone to answering how we want to be, instead of how we actually are, which can make the test inaccurate as well.
Reading the descriptions of each Enneagram type can be the best way to find out which one you are.
However, if you want to take a test, the Enneagram Institute’s paid RHETI test ($12) is said to be the most accurate online test and I would agree. That test told me I was a 4. I just didn’t want to believe it. 🙂
The Enneagram is a different kind of personality indicator, as it isn’t as feel-good-happy times as some of the other ones I have done. The Enneagram does more than tell you good things about yourself, it dives into your flaws, fears, weakness, wounds. When confronted with that information, it means you either ignore it or figure out how to face the reality of it. That’s why I didn’t want to think of myself as a 4. Because it was uncomfortable. Those can’t be my flaws! I must have different ones aka non-existent ones, right?!
Perhaps a good indicator then of what your type is might be the one that makes you the most uncomfortable, the one you don’t want to be…
Here’s what I would recommend if you want to start to explore the Enneagram.
(If you already know your number, please comment below! I want to know what it is and how you came to that conclusion!)
- Check out the descriptions on The Enneagram Institute’s website.
- Download the app called EnneaApp. There is a test on there too, but I found the descriptions to be more helpful. (I took the test three times and it mistyped me every time.)
- Read The Road Back To You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. An easy, short introduction to the Enneagram.
- The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher L. Heuertz. This book goes more in depth, and is written from a Christian perspective and goes into the spiritual side of the Enneagram. (Admittedly, I am only halfway through it, but I’ve liked what I’ve read so far.)
Something I’ve learned…
Self-awareness isn’t enough for change, though it is incredibly important as the first step. You have to take action on that awareness otherwise it is useless.
Taking action is easier said than done, but after years of therapy, I can tell you that putting work into improving yourself and healing from life wounds is so worth it. But there are times when it is far easier to not see my flaws and areas of weakness, believe me. The Enneagram has been helpful in learning more about who I am, and you might find that as well!
What books or things have you read about the Enneagram that you would recommend?
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