The Nine Types

Each Enneagram Type is one of nine archetypes, and was constructed very early in life as a way to cope with the world. The separation of oneness first experienced at birth created a wound so deep, that you’ve spent your entire life attempting to protect yourself from having to feel it again.

If You Don’t Know Your Type

Begin with the core motivation of each Type. You might have characteristics from a variety, but what drives that trait in you?

Do you make decisions primarily out of your head (Types 5,6,7), heart (Types 2,3,4), or instinct (Types 8,9,1)?

Consider how you handle conflict. Are you avoidant (Types 4,5,9)? Are you assertive (Types 3,7,8)? Are you compliant (Types 1,2,7)?

The Instinctual Center

This is where your survival instincts exist, signaling the ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ response. The primary emotional issue is anger and a concern for control.

TYPE 8: The challenger

Motivation: To protect self

Strengths: strong, assertive, self-reliant, confident

Challenges: intimidating, demanding, impulsive

type 9 : the peacemaker

Motivation: To avoid conflict

Strengths: adaptable, accepting, humble, inclusive, steady

Challenges: resistant, self-forgetting, indecisive

type 1 : the reformer

Motivation: To be good

Strengths: conscientious, responsible, precise, committed to fairness

Challenges: critical, inflexible, judgmental, resentful

The Emotional Center

This is where your emotions and motivation exist, signaling you to seek pleasure and avoid pain. The primary emotional issue is grief and a concern about connection.

TYPE 2: The giver

Motivation: To feel love

Strengths: helpful, supportive, optimistic, generous

Challenges: prideful, intrusive, over-accommodating

TYPE 3: The achiever

Motivation: To feel valuable

Strengths: success-oriented, efficient, ambitious, confident

Challenges: deception, self-promoting, impatient

TYPE 4: The individualist

Motivation: To be themself

Strengths: idealistic, sensitive, empathetic, intense, creative

Challenges: dramatic, moody, unsatisfied, self-absorbed

The intellectual center

This is where your thoughts exist, signaling you to plan for the future and discover a higher purpose. The primary emotional issue is fear and concern for safety.