The Enneagram can be a helpful tool in discovering our uniqueness. With origins in the 7 Deadly Sins, the Enneagram helps us discover who we are when stressed and in a great place and everywhere in between.
Taking the Assessment:
Enneagram Resources
Here are some of the helpful categories I’ve found:
Vices and Virtues
Type 1 – The Perfectionist → Anger / Perfection
Type 2 – The Giver → Pride / Help
Type 3 – The Performer → Deceit / Efficiency
Type 4 – The Tragic Romantic → Envy / Creativity
Type 5 – The Observer → Avarice / Knowledge
Type 6 – The Loyalist → Fear / Courage
Type 7 – The Epicure → Gluttony / Joy
Type 8 – The Protector → Lust / Strength
Type 9 – The Mediator → Sloth / Peace
Unconscious Childhood Messages vs. Messages You Wanted to Hear:
Type 1 – “It’s not okay to make mistakes.” vs. “You are good.”
Type 2 – “It’s not okay to have your own needs.” vs. “You are wanted.”
Type 3 – “It’s not okay to have your own feelings and identity.” vs. “You are loved for yourself.
Type 4 – “It’s not okay to be too functional or too happy.” vs. “You are seen for who you are.”
Type 5 – “It’s not okay to be comfortable in the world.” vs. “Your needs are not a problem.”
Type 6 – “It’s not okay to trust yourself.” vs. “You are safe.”
Type 7 – “It’s not okay to depend on anyone for anything.” vs. “You will be taken care of.”
Type 8 – “It’s not okay to be vulnerable or to trust anyone.” vs. “You will not be betrayed.”
Type 9 – “It’s not okay to assert yourself.” vs. “Your presence matters.”
Basic Fears and Distortions and Patterns to be aware of:
Type 1 – Fear of being bad, corrupt, evil, or defective.
The desire to have integrity (deteriorates into critical perfection).
Value-judging, condemning yourself and others.
Type 2 – Fear of being unworthy or unloved.
The desire to be loved (deteriorates into the need to be needed).
Giving your value away to others.
Type 3 – Fear of being worthless or without inherent value.
The desire to be valuable (deteriorates into chasing after success).
Trying to be other than you authentically are.
Type 4 – Fear of being without identity or personal significance.
The desire to be oneself (deteriorates into self-indulgence).
Making negative comparisons.
Type 5 – Fear of being useless, incapable, or incompetent.
The desire to be competent (deteriorates into useless specialization).
Over interpreting your experience.
Type 6 – Fear of being without support or guidance.
The desire to be secure (deteriorates into attachment to beliefs).
Becoming dependent on something outside yourself for support.
Type 7 – Fear of being deprived or trapped in pain.
The desire to be happy (deteriorates into frenetic escapism).
Anticipating what you are going to do next.
Type 8 – Fear of being harmed or controlled by others.
The desire to protect oneself (deteriorates into constant fighting).
Trying to force or control your life.
Type 9 – Fear of loss of connection, of fragmentation.
The desire to be at peace (deteriorates into stubborn neglectfulness).
Resisting being affected by your experiences.
