Enneagrams: What You Need to Know

Enneagrams (pronounced ANY-uh-gram) are all of the rage recently. But, what are they exactly? The enneagram system is composed of nine specific personality traits. Each person is born with the nine traits, but one particular trait sticks out as dominant. Take one of the free tests offered here to discover what Enneagram type you are. 

Following this new craze, many creative Enneagram Instagram accounts have popped up. Some of our favorite accounts are @cathartic_word and @chalkandleaves! These artists match Enneagram types with characters from your favorite TV shows, describe the type of wedding each dominant personality would want and even what kind of sea creature each type would be. 

Type 1: The Reformer - perfectionist, rational, idealistic; Reformers thrive in leadership positions. Think Hermione Granger. 

Type 2: The Helper - generous, caring, kind; Helpers make great teachers. 

Type 3: The Achiever - driven, success-oriented and motivated; Achievers want to be the best in everything they do. Think Blair Waldorf. 

Type 4: The Individualist - dramatic, sensitive and a hopeless romantic; Individualists would thrive in a design-based field. Think Peyton from One Tree Hill

Type 5: The Investigator - isolated, innovative, clever; Investigators could be the scientist who finds the next cure for cancer. Think Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds

Type 6: The Loyalist - committed, responsible, protective; Loyalists are the kinds of friends you want to have and want to be. Think Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins’ friendship in Parks and Recreation

Type 7: The Enthusiast - spontaneous, fun-loving and playful; Enthusiasts are the life of every party. Think Michael Scott. 

Type 8: The Challenger - powerful, confrontational and stubborn; Challengers would naturally make great lawyers. Think Jo from Little Women

Type 9: The Peacemaker: easygoing, reliable and calm; Peacemakers would be great counselors. Think Anna from Frozen

Enneagrams are a great way to dive into the depths of your personality and find out traits about yourself that you didn’t previously realize. Plus, it’s fun to see what different characters/foods/weddings/books your trait matches up with the most. Check out The Enneagram Institute’s website for more in-depth information about each personality type.