Enneagram

 At the core of the Enneagram is the understanding that we each have a dominant center of intelligence through which we view the world and make decisions. These centers influence how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. To begin uncovering your Enneagram type, consider which of the following centers you gravitate towards most often: 

• Do you tend to engage the world through analysis and logic?
• Key Points:
  • Decisions are made from the mind, focusing on what's true or false.
  • You seek certainty and understanding, and anxiety arises when you face ambiguity or unresolved issues.
  • Your approach is head-centered, revolving around thoughts and intellect

• Is your primary mode of decision-making based on instinctual responses?
• Key Points:
  • Decisions come from the gut, discerning what feels pleasant or unpleasant.
  • You strive for autonomy and have a strong need for independence; frustration or anger can emerge when facing problems.
  • Your orientation is body-centered, connecting to instinct and physical sensation.

• Do you navigate life led by emotional responses and values?
• Key Points:
  • Decisions stem from the heart, influenced by feelings of sadness or joy.
  • You seek attention and recognition, and shame can surface when you feel undervalued or unseen.
  • Your perspective is heart-centered, encompassing emotions and empathetic connections.

 By examining your responses to life's challenges and your decision-making tendencies, you can begin to pinpoint your position within these centers. This understanding is your first step towards discovering which of the Enneagram's nine unique paths reflects your journey. 

 After identifying with one of the centers, examine the related Enneagram types within that triad (Thinking: 5, 6, 7; Feeling: 8, 9, 1; Emotions: 2, 3, 4). Now we go to next step.

 When it's time to make a significant purchase or a life-altering decision, such as buying a car, choosing a television, accepting a job offer, or even entering a relationship, we each have an instinctive approach that guides us. Reflect on these three distinct responses to decision-making and consider which one aligns most closely with your natural inclination: 

• Do you dive deep into research mode, comparing options across multiple sources?
• For this type, the instinct is to make an informed choice, visiting numerous shops or pondering all aspects of a job or relationship. Even if something appeals to you right away, you'll likely seek out additional information to ensure you're making the best decision.

• Are you the type to trust your gut and make quick decisions based on immediate attraction?
• If this is your approach, you tend to walk into a store, spot what you like, and purchase it without hesitation. This decisiveness also applies to job offers and relationships; you know what you want and you go for it without delay.

• Do you take a step back to watch and wait before making your move?
• If you identify with this method, you're likely introverted, preferring to observe and let things unfold before you commit. Whether it's a big-ticket item, a career opportunity, or a potential romantic partnership, your first instinct is to withdraw, wait, and assess before engaging.

 Your first instinct in these scenarios—whether it's to analyze, act swiftly, or observe—can provide insight into your Enneagram type. This instinctual behavior is a window into how you interact with the world and make choices that impact your life's path. Consider this question carefully and select the option that most authentically represents your natural response. 

Having identified with one of the three decision-making approaches—The Analyzer (Work for It), The Go-Getter (Grab It), or The Observer (Withdrawn/Wait/Observe)—you've uncovered another trait that brings us closer to pinpointing your Enneagram type.

• If you resonate with The Analyzer, diligently comparing and researching before a decision, you share traits with Types 1, 5, and 6. These types are known for their methodical approach to life and decisions, seeking to make the correct choice after careful consideration.

• If you're aligned with The Go-Getter, making swift and confident decisions, you exhibit characteristics of Types 3, 7, and 8. These types move quickly and decisively, trusting their ability to know what they want and to go after it with gusto.

• If you see yourself in The Observer, taking a step back to consider all options, you may find similarities with Types 4, 5, and 9. These types tend to be more reflective and measured in their decision-making process, often seeking to understand the full picture before committing.

Combining your dominant decision-making center or Driver from the previous question with this trait should start to paint a clear picture of your Enneagram type. But to ensure we have the most accurate reflection of your personality, let's proceed with an additional step for confirmation.

Continuing this self-reflective process with going to the next question which will help you to confirm or refine the Enneagram type you've resonated with so far. By approaching this discovery with openness and a desire for self-knowledge, you're setting the stage for a more meaningful understanding of yourself and how you navigate the world. Let's move on to the next step for an extra layer of insight.

  Your strategy for making decisions and the parenting style you experienced can offer deeper insight into your Enneagram type. Reflect on the following approaches and the corresponding upbringing to see which resonates most: 

• Type 9: The Peaceful Mediator - If your approach is to maintain harmony and you were often praised for being peaceful or were encouraged to avoid conflict, this may be your type.
• Type 8: The Assertive Protector - If you take charge and face challenges head-on, especially if you were brought up with high-pressure expectations, this type could be yours.
• Type 7: The Enthusiastic Visionary - If you seek fun and variety, and your upbringing included a motto of keeping things enjoyable, consider this type.
• Type 6: The Loyal Guardian - If your method involves cautious cooperation and your upbringing had elements of instability or inconsistency, this type may be the closest fit.
• Type 5: The Investigative Thinker - If you tend to step back and observe, and you were often acknowledged for your knowledge or intellect, this type might be yours.
• Type 4: The Intense Creative - If your style is marked by a search for identity and your upbringing felt like you were misunderstood, you might find your type here.
• Type 3: The Achieving Performer - If your focus is on success and you received a lot of positive reinforcement growing up, this could be your type.
• Type 2: The Supportive Advisor - If you are sociable and nurturing, and you were encouraged to be kind and helpful, this type may describe you.
• Type 1: The Principled Reformer - If you are detail-oriented and driven by integrity, especially if your upbringing emphasized doing your best, consider this type.

This step, combined with your previous answers, should help clarify your Enneagram type. Remember, this is not about fitting into a rigid category but about gaining insights into your personality for personal growth. Take your time with this introspective process, and be open to the ongoing journey of self-discovery that the Enneagram invites you to embark upon.