So, you’ve been hearing a lot about the Enneagram lately. Maybe your friend won’t stop talking about how being a “Type 7” explains why they can’t commit to plans, or you’ve scrolled past one too many memes about Type 4s being the most misunderstood. If you’re wondering what all the hype is about, you’re not alone. The Enneagram isn’t just another personality quiz to tell you which Hogwarts house you belong in—it’s a tool that helps you understand your core motivations, fears, and desires, so you can grow into the best version of yourself.
“The Enneagram has tremendous influence over how we move through the world,” Dr. Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self Discovery, told RELEVANT. “Do we move through the world reacting to life or do we move through the world responding to life? It helps us as we understand our type’s story and that of others. It arouses tremendous compassion and empathy for the stories that other people find themselves stuck in.”
At its core, the Enneagram is a system that maps out nine distinct personality types. It’s not new-age fluff; it has roots that trace back to ancient wisdom, and it’s been refined over the years by psychologists and spiritual leaders alike. Each of the nine types has its own way of viewing the world, handling stress, and interacting with others. It’s less about labeling yourself and more about understanding the “why” behind your behaviors. The goal? Self-awareness, growth, and maybe even a little more compassion for others.
Here’s a breakdown to get you started on your Enneagram journey.
The 9 Types: A Brief Overview
Type 1: The Reformer
Perfectionists at heart, Type 1s are driven by a desire to be good, ethical, and right. They have a strong inner critic and are often seen as the go-to person for doing things correctly—sometimes to a fault. They’re the friend who’ll tell you there’s spinach in your teeth, but it’s out of love.
Type 2: The Helper
These are your ride-or-die friends. Type 2s are all about connection and love, often putting others’ needs above their own. They want to feel appreciated and are the first to offer a helping hand. Just don’t forget to thank them—they can be sensitive if they feel taken for granted.
Type 3: The Achiever
Type 3s are the go-getters, always chasing success and recognition. They’re motivated by goals, often shaping their identity around their accomplishments. They’re charming, adaptable, and sometimes, a little too focused on the hustle. If you need a motivational speech, look no further.
Type 4: The Individualist
Fours are the creative souls of the Enneagram. They’re driven by a need to be unique and true to themselves, often feeling like they’re missing something essential. They’re deep, expressive, and not afraid of a little melancholy. If you catch them brooding in a coffee shop, don’t be surprised.
Type 5: The Investigator
Type 5s are all about knowledge and understanding. They value their independence and can often seem reserved or withdrawn. They’re the ones who’ll deep-dive into a topic until they know it inside out. They might be quiet at the party, but they’re observing everything.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Type 6s crave security and stability. They’re the planners, always thinking ahead and assessing potential risks. Loyal to a fault, they value community and can be the glue that holds a group together. But their anxiety can sometimes get the best of them—they’re the ones with the backup plans for their backup plans.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
Always up for an adventure, Type 7s are fueled by a fear of missing out. They’re optimistic, spontaneous, and tend to focus on the positive. They hate feeling trapped or bored and are usually the life of the party. If there’s fun to be had, a Type 7 is already there.
Type 8: The Challenger
Type 8s are strong, assertive, and not afraid to speak their minds. They value control and can sometimes come off as confrontational, but at their best, they’re protective and advocate for the underdog. They’re the ones who’ll fight for what they believe in, no questions asked.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Easygoing and agreeable, Type 9s strive for inner and outer peace. They avoid conflict like the plague and are great at seeing all sides of an argument. They’re the mediators, always looking to keep the harmony. Just don’t push them too far—they have opinions, even if they’re slow to share them.
So, Why Should You Care?
Knowing your Enneagram type isn’t just about slapping on a label; it’s a starting point for deeper self-awareness and growth. It helps you identify your strengths and challenges and gives you a roadmap for navigating relationships, work, and personal development. (Plus, it’s pretty fun to dive into the world of Enneagram memes once you know your type.)
“There’s nothing, in many ways, more important than being able to move through life with conscious awareness of what you’re thinking, acting and feeling in any given moment so that you can make healthy choices about how you’re going to move through the world,” Cron said. “Are you going to move through the world on autopilot or are you going to move through the world with emotional wisdom? My hope is that people can become the highest expression of who they are as human beings. And to me, that’s kind of what the spiritual journey is all about.”
Aside from the memes, here are four key benefits of knowing your Enneagram:
1. Improved Self-Awareness
Understanding your Enneagram type can shed light on your motivations, fears, and core desires. It’s like holding up a mirror to your inner self—sometimes it’s a little uncomfortable, but it’s the first step to real growth. You’ll start recognizing your patterns, like why you react a certain way under stress or what truly drives you to succeed. This awareness can help you make more intentional choices and break out of unhelpful habits.
2. Better Relationships
Whether it’s your partner, friends, or coworkers, knowing your Enneagram type (and theirs) can transform your relationships. The Enneagram helps you understand not just what people do, but why they do it. This insight fosters empathy and patience, allowing you to navigate conflicts more effectively and appreciate each other’s differences. It’s a tool for building deeper connections—because who doesn’t want to know why their Type 8 friend is always so intense?
3. Personal and Professional Growth
The Enneagram isn’t just about identifying who you are; it’s about recognizing who you can become. Each type has a path of growth that can guide you toward becoming your best self. If you’re a Type 3, for instance, you might work on valuing authenticity over image. For a Type 6, it could be about learning to trust your inner guidance rather than seeking constant reassurance. Understanding your type can also enhance your work life, helping you play to your strengths and manage your weaknesses in a more strategic way.
4. Stress Management and Resilience
Let’s be real—life gets stressful, and knowing your Enneagram type can help you handle it better. Each type has a particular way of reacting under pressure, and knowing yours can help you anticipate and manage those stress responses. Instead of falling into your usual traps, like a Type 1’s harsh self-criticism or a Type 7’s tendency to avoid problems, you can use your awareness to choose healthier coping mechanisms. It’s about turning those stress habits into growth opportunities.
Ready to dig deeper? Head over to The Enneagram Institute for more in-depth descriptions, resources, and tools to start your journey. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, exploring the Enneagram might just give you the insight you didn’t know you needed.
