How to Determine Your Enneagram Type: Tools and Tests
Determining your Enneagram type can be a transformative journey towards greater self-awareness and personal growth. The Enneagram system offers nine distinct personality types, each with unique motivations, fears, and behaviors.
Identifying your Enneagram type can provide valuable insights into your inner world and help you navigate your relationships and life more effectively. In this article, we will explore various tools and tests that can help you determine your Enneagram type.
Understanding the Process
Determining your Enneagram type involves a combination of self-reflection, exploration, and sometimes professional guidance. It's important to approach this process with an open mind and a willingness to explore your inner motivations and patterns. Here are some effective tools and methods to help you identify your type:
Self-Reflection and Observation
Self-Observation: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in different situations. Notice patterns and recurring themes in how you respond to challenges and interact with others.
Keep a journal to record your observations. Reflect on your motivations, fears, and desires. Consider how you react under stress and what brings you joy and fulfillment.
Personal Stories: Reflect on significant experiences and stories from your life. Identify recurring themes and patterns in your behavior and choices. Think about moments of triumph and challenge. What motivates you during these times? How do you typically respond to stress and conflict?
Enneagram Books and Resources
Enneagram Books: There are many comprehensive books on the Enneagram that provide detailed descriptions of each type. Reading about the types can help you identify which resonates most with you.
"The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, "The Road Back to You" by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, and "Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson.
Online Resources: Numerous websites and online articles offer in-depth information about the Enneagram types. These resources often include descriptions, videos, and personal stories that can help you identify your type. Websites like the Enneagram Institute, offer valuable insights and resources.
Enneagram Tests
Online Enneagram Tests: Online tests can be a helpful starting point for identifying your Enneagram type. These tests typically include a series of questions designed to assess your motivations, behaviors, and preferences. Recommendations:
RHETI (Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator): A comprehensive and widely used test available on the Enneagram Institute's website.
Truity Enneagram Test: A free online test that provides a detailed report on your type.
Eclectic Energies Enneagram Test: Offers both a free and a paid version with in-depth analysis.
Professional Assessments: Working with a certified Enneagram coach or therapist can provide personalized guidance and help you accurately determine your type. Professionals can offer deeper insights and support your personal growth journey. Look for certified Enneagram professionals through organizations like the International Enneagram Association (IEA).
Peer Feedback and Discussions
Discussion Groups: Joining Enneagram discussion groups or communities can provide valuable insights through shared experiences and feedback. Engaging with others who are familiar with the Enneagram can help you identify your type.
Look for local Enneagram groups, online forums, or social media communities focused on the Enneagram.
Feedback from Trusted Friends and Family: Asking for feedback from people who know you well can offer additional perspectives. They may notice patterns and behaviors that you might overlook. Share descriptions of the Enneagram types with trusted individuals and ask for their input on which type they believe fits you best.
—
Determining your Enneagram type is a journey of self-discovery that involves self-reflection, exploration, and sometimes external guidance. By using a combination of self-observation, reading, online tests, professional assessments, and feedback from others, you can gain a deeper understanding of your type and begin to harness the transformative power of the Enneagram for personal growth and improved relationships.
