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Writer's pictureMyrna Scales

How to Find Your Enneagram Number: A Quick and Friendly Guide

Updated: Sep 14, 2023


A happy woman deep in thought

Did you click on this blog post because you want to learn how to find your Enneagram number without a test?


If so, keep reading, friend!


The Enneagram is an effective tool for figuring out who you are, what drives you, and how you act (especially those annoying habits you want to stop).


I think that you can figure out your type without taking a test. You have to ask yourself some of those deeper questions that a lot of us don't really take the time to think about.


As you start to find your type, it's important to keep an open mind and know that every person's experience with the Enneagram is unique. If you get confused, or it becomes too complicated, it's all part of your journey.


Have fun getting to know yourself better. You will be amazed at what you find out.


So, are you ready? Let's begin.



Table of Contents


Understanding the Enneagram

A woman reading a book at a coffee shop

If you're new to the Enneagram, the first thing you should do is learn about the nine types. A great way to learn more about the nine types is to read about each type. I recommend reading Ian Cron's book "The Road Back to You." 


Take the time to study each type's core desires, fears, and motivations because this will help you see your habits and patterns and understand those of others.


One helpful resource is this step-by-step guide for beginners on finding your Enneagram type.


Just a friendly reminder that the Enneagram is a helpful tool for personal growth and understanding, not a definitive answer or label for who you are.



How to Find Your Enneagram Number

A picture of the Enneagram diagram

Let's go through each Enneagram type real quick:

  1. Type 1: The Reformer - These individuals are rational, moral, and have a strong sense of purpose. They tend to be perfectionistic and organized.

  2. Type 2: The Helper - Type 2s are caring, supportive, and focused on meeting the needs of others. They excel in teaching and nurturing roles.

  3. Type 3: The Achiever - Energetic and goal-oriented. Type 3s strive for success and recognition. They're often ambitious and can be competitive.

  4. Type 4: The Individualist - Creative and self-expressive, these people seek unique and authentic ways of expressing themselves. They are in tune with their emotions and values.

  5. Type 5: The Investigator - Known for their analytical and observant nature, Type 5s strongly desire to understand the world around them. They tend to be curious and intellectually driven.

  6. Type 6: The Loyalist - Security-seeking and committed. Type 6s value trust and loyalty. They're often responsible and can be counted on in times of need.

  7. Type 7: The Enthusiast - Type 7s bring energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of adventure to life. They enjoy exploring new possibilities and often have a positive outlook on life.

  8. Type 8: The Challenger - Powerful and assertive. Type 8s are natural leaders who can take charge of situations. They're confident and protective of those they care about.

  9. Type 9: The Peacemaker - Known for their diplomatic and calming presence, Type 9s strive for harmony and balance. They often mediate conflicts and help others find common ground.

Find Your Enneagram Number eBook Sheets


Appreciating the Unique Traits of Each Type


Did you know that Type 1s are great at inspiring others with their high standards, while Type 4s can bring a lot of emotional depth and creativity to our lives?


Type 5s can be impressive with their vast knowledge and intellectual abilities. While on the other hand, Type 6s offer stability through their loyalty and resilience.


Seeing how every type has something unique to offer to the world is truly amazing.



Steps to Identify Your Enneagram Number

A woman looking at something on her computer

Utilizing Free Online Enneagram Tests


One popular way to uncover your type is by taking online tests, such as the Enneagram Personality Test by Truity.


Please don't forget that these Enneagram tests can't guarantee 100% accuracy on your type.


All these tests were made to help you understand your personality type based on your answers to a set of questions.


After finishing the test, you'll get your number/type and a detailed explanation of your core motivations and habits.


Find Out Your Core Motivation


Every type has a different motivation that shapes their thoughts, actions, and emotions.

So, thinking about what motivates you most, like the need for love, success, or understanding, can get you closer to finding your type.


Common motivations for each type are:


Type 1: Desire to be good; fear of being defective

Type 2: Desire to be loved; fear of being unworthy

Type 3: Desire to be valued; fear of being worthless

Type 4: Desire to be understood; fear of insignificance

Type 5: Desire to be capable; fear of incompetence

Type 6: Desire to feel safe; fear of no support and guidance

Type 7: Desire to be satisfied; fear of being in pain

Type 8: Desire to protect themselves; fear of being controlled by others

Type 9: Desire to have peace of mind; fear of separation



Determining Your Relationship with Fear


Did you know that fear can significantly impact what type you are? It's true! Each type has its own unique relationship with fear, and it can show itself in different ways.


Do you tend to avoid fear? Confront it head-on? Or use it to your advantage. Understanding your relationship with fear can help you figure out your type more easily.


As a type 9, I fear confrontation or drama that will lead me to lose a relationship. I used to make most of my decisions based on this fear.


Understanding Wings and Their Significance

A colorful drawing of wings

Wings are the two types that are next to your main type. They play a big role in shaping your personality and habits.


As you continue to explore the Enneagram, you may begin to notice that you lean towards one or both of your wings. Try to figure out which wing has the biggest impact on you. Sometimes, both wings have equal weight in your life.


For example, if your core type is 3, your wings would be 2 and 4. Take some time to really think about how these neighboring types act and react and what motivates them. You might relate to one of them more than the other, which could be a sign that it's your dominant wing.


How to Apply Your Enneagram Knowledge for Personal Growth

A hand holding a card that says "love yourself" on it

Now that you know your number, it's time to put it to use and grow. Let's talk about some friendly and constructive ways to apply this information.


First, look at the positive traits that come with your type. Embrace these qualities and give yourself credit for the things you're naturally good at.


For example, if you're a Type 2 - The Helper, recognize and be proud of your compassionate and empathetic nature.


Now, let's talk about the challenges and fears that come with your type. It might be hard to confront some of the uncomfortable truths about your behavior. I know it was hard for me when I found out my type. But it's important to acknowledge these weaknesses and commit to working through them so that you can become the best version of yourself.


Just be kind to yourself and stay patient - change doesn't happen overnight!


Tips for Personal Growth

A person practicing mindfulness

One thing I've found really helpful for personal growth is spending 5-10 minutes a day on mindfulness exercises. Taking time to be still and breathe will help you recognize and shift your perspective on things. Plus, it can really help you focus on what matters in life.


It's also really important to have a support system when you're trying to grow as a person. Look for people with a positive outlook on life and share your values.


If you're really into the Enneagram, consider joining a group for your type to connect and share advice.


As you grow, try to take advantage of what the Enneagram offers by using its guidance to set realistic and meaningful goals. For example, If you're a Type 3 - Achiever, it's essential to be mindful of your tendency to pursue success just for the sake of achieving. Instead, focusing on goals that align with your values and bring you true joy and satisfaction is better.


Lastly, take care of yourself. Stay in tune with how you're feeling physically and emotionally. And remember to take breaks and be kind to yourself along the way!



Role of Empathy and Compassion in Enneagram Types

A young kind woman holding the hand of an elderly woman

It's important to talk about empathy and compassion when it comes to understanding and working with our Enneagram types.


Did you know that everyone experiences and expresses empathy and compassion in their own unique way?


Knowing these differences can help you better understand the needs of others and yourself. For instance, those who belong to Type 2, also known as The Helpers, usually show empathy by offering support and taking care of others, while Type 5, The Investigators, tend to practice empathetic listening and understanding from a more analytical viewpoint.


Consider practicing some of the following actions:

  • Listening actively and attentively to understand not just the words but also the emotions behind them.

  • Validating feelings by acknowledging and trying to understand the emotions others are experiencing.

  • Being open and non-judgmental when others share their feelings or experiences with you.

Remember to be kind to yourself, too, not just to your family and others. Being empathetic and compassionate towards yourself is just as important.


Once you get to know your type better, you'll become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses and figure out what works best for your emotional and personal development.


In-Depth Look into the 9 Enneagram Types

Let's examine the nine Enneagram types and determine which one you might be.


I'll give you a quick rundown of each to help you understand them better:


  • The Reformer (Type 1) - You're the type of person who always wants to do the right thing and inspires others to do the same.

  • The Helper (Type 2) - If you find joy in supporting and nurturing others, you could be a Helper. You help others before taking care of yourself.

  • The Achiever (Type 3) - You're the energetic, goal-oriented, and success-driven type. You strive to be the best and often measure your self-worth by your achievements and recognition from others.

  • The Individualist (Type 4) - You are a creative and expressive person who values uniqueness and authenticity. You are in touch with your feelings and are okay sitting in sadness if you need to.

  • The Investigator (Type 5) - Analytical, curious, and observant is how most people describe you. You want to understand the world around you.

  • The Loyalist (Type 6) - You're a security-seeking and committed individual who values trust and loyalty. You are prepared for any situation.

  • The Adventurer (Type 7) - You bring energy and life to whatever room you walk into. You like to feel happy and are not a fan of anything that comes in the way of that happy feeling.

  • The Challenger (Type 8) - You are a powerful, assertive, and natural leader who can take charge of situations. You're confident and protective of those you care about.

  • The Peacemaker (Type 9) - You are known for your diplomatic and calming presence. You strive for harmony and balance and often mediate conflicts to help others find common ground. But you can struggle with indecisiveness and avoiding confrontation.

There's no such thing as a "better" or "worse" type. Each type has its own strengths and challenges, and discovering which type you are can be super helpful for your personal growth.



Frequently Asked Questions


What is the best way to determine my Enneagram type?


The best way to figure out your type is by taking a good, hard look at your own behaviors, motivations, and the way you think. Try to notice the things you do over and over again that bother you and don't make sense. While Enneagram tests can be a good place to start, they're not always 100% accurate, so it's important to trust your own observations and instincts.


Reading about the nine types and consulting with a certified Enneagram coach can also help you find your type.


Which tests are the most reliable?


There isn't one Enneagram personality test that is guaranteed to provide accurate results for everyone. Try taking a bunch of tests to see if you get the same result each time. That might help you pinpoint what type you are.


Look for patterns and similarities, but remember that your own self-assessment and understanding are the main factors in determining your type.


How do I understand the results of my Enneagram test?


Enneagram test results typically provide a ranking of your compatibility with the nine types, with the highest score being the most likely type. Read the descriptions for your top-ranked types to see which one resonates with you the most.


Make sure to also consider the descriptions for lower-ranked possible types, as there might be aspects of those types that align with your personality.


Are there specific traits to identify my Enneagram type?


Each Enneagram type has distinct traits that can help you identify your type. However, keep in mind that people are complex and may exhibit traits from multiple personality types together. It's important to really focus on your core motivations, desires, and fears rather than specific behaviors to get a better understanding of your type.


Take a look at the traits for each type here.


How do wings affect my Enneagram type?


Wings are the two neighboring numbers to your main Enneagram type. For example, if your type is 4, your wings are 3 and 5. Your wing often complements or balances your main type and can influence your behavior, motivations, and fears. Most people have a dominant wing, but it's possible to have a balanced mix of both wings.


Can my Enneagram number change over time?


While your personality traits tend to stay the same throughout life, people can change and grow in different ways by going through different circumstances in their lives. However, your Enneagram type, which is based on your core motivations, fears, and desires, is unlikely to change dramatically.


It's important to revisit your Enneagram type occasionally, as self-awareness is an ongoing process.


I hope you found this blog post helpful. If you want to find your type by taking a test. Click here to find the perfect one.


If you want to learn more about the Enneagram and build confidence, then click on the "Free Consultation" button below. I hope to talk with you soon.







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