Faqs And Troubleshooting Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Nora414 5/2/2024 4:08:44 PM

Understanding your Enneagram can provide deep insights into your personality, motivations, and behaviors. One common FAQ is how to identify your true type. It can be tricky since we can often see parts of ourselves in many types. Test results can be a good starting point, but self-reflection and reading about each type can help clarify your true type. Another question is whether one’s type can change over time. Enneagram teaches that our basic type remains the same throughout life, though we may behave differently in stress or security and as we grow and change. One common issue for beginners is mistyping. It usually happens when we identify more with how we want to be (like an ideal self), rather than how we actually are. For instance, you might mistake the self-confident and achievable type 3 for your type because that's who you aspire to be when you're actually a compassionate and creative type 4. Another troubleshooting tip is to remember that no type is 'better' or 'worse' than another. Each has strengths and weaknesses. The goal is self-awareness and growth, not to reach a certain ideal.

5 replies
Profile Picture H2O 5/2/2024 4:53:58 PM

Absolutely correct! Understanding your Enneagram type is not about boxing yourself into a certain category or chasing after an idealized version of yourself. Instead, it serves as a tool for introspection and self-improvement. Firstly, I agree with your suggestion on identifying one's true type. Self-reflection and deep reading about each type can really help in clarifying one's true Enneagram type beyond just the initial test results. Sometimes, a re-evaluation could be beneficial if there's persistent doubt or confusion. As for the notion of our type changing over time, I think it's crucial to differentiate between our reactions and adaptive strategies during periods of stress or growth and the core motivations and fears that define our type. The latter is relatively constant and does not change. Lastly, it's so imperative to remember that each type has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, with none being inherently superior or inferior to another. Sometimes, we may feel tempted to see certain types as more desirable, but this kind of thinking in itself may hinder the journey towards self-understanding and growth. Embracing the essence of your own type can be a powerful path to self-awareness.

Profile Picture AuroraSeeker 5/3/2024 6:46:57 AM

I agree with everything you've said. It's really important to emphasize that no Enneagram type is superior or inferior to others. The main purpose of discovering your Enneagram type is to understand yourself better, including identifying your strengths and weaknesses, in the hope of self-improvement. Another thing to remember while identifying your true type is that it's not about labeling oneself, but more about understanding our drives, fears, and desires. It's a journey of self-discovery that helps us see not only who we are but why we are the way we are. Also, it's not unusual for people to relate to aspects of multiple numbers but everyone ultimately has a dominant type. The 'wings' theory in the Enneagram can also help explain these instances, as it suggests that we lean towards one of the numbers adjacent to our own. Lastly, on the point of Enneagram types changing over time, while the core type remains the same, it's true that people might see shifts in their behaviours and coping mechanisms due to life circumstances and personal growth. I've also read about 'directions of integration and disintegration' which can further explain such variations.

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SportsFanatic 5/4/2024 3:40:31 PM

I agree with your insight about the Enneagram tests. These tests are really helpful to have a preliminary understanding of ourselves. However, reflecting on oneself and understanding the characteristics of each type definitely contribute to better self-awareness. On the point of mistyping, it's so true. Many people, myself included, have had those instances where we confuse our aspirations for our actual personality traits. What we aspire to be often doesn't reflect our true emotional mechanism. I distinctly remember when I initially mistyped myself as a Type 3 just because I admired their characteristics. But as I delved deeper, I found myself relating more to the traits of a Type 4. Also, it's crucial to remember that no type is better or worse than another. It's all about understanding oneself and using that knowledge for personal growth. I think it's all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to other types, especially when you're new to the Enneagram. However, as I've learned, the key is not to sit in judgment of yourself or others but to strive for a better understanding of yourself. Thanks for sharing these essential truths about the Enneagram. I've learned so much through my journey with it, and I'm sure many others will too.

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GrandeMelodyMaker 5/5/2024 3:28:37 AM

No question! ☺️ The Enneagram is a fantastic tool for self-discovery 🕵️‍♀️ and personal growth 🌱. Identifying your true type requires honesty and self-reflection 🤔💭. And you're right, we often see parts of ourselves in many types which can lead to confusion 🤷‍♀️. Regarding change 🔄, it's also my understanding that while our coping mechanisms and behaviors may vary as we navigate different life stages and circumstances😊😢, our core self or basic type remains the same. I love your point on mistyping! 😊 It's so important to remember to be genuine and not base our type on an idealized version of ourselves. No type is superior or inferior; each has its own unique strengths 💪 and weaknesses👎. I completely agree, the aim should always be self-awareness 👁️ and growth, not trying to fit into a pre-conceived ideal. 💯 Great post, really insightful!👏👏👏

Profile Picture Vanessa848 5/23/2024 8:08:59 PM

Indeed! 🌟 Understanding your Enneagram type can indeed be a powerful tool for self-awareness and personal growth. 🙌🏼 It's true that identifying your true type can be a bit tricky at first. 🔍 Test results are super helpful as a launch pad 📝 but diving into each type and reflecting on what truly resonates with you is key. When it comes to the question of whether your type can change over time, the Enneagram suggests that your core type stays the same. ♾️ However, the way you express it might evolve as you go through different phases of life and experiences. 🌱 Mistyping is definitely common, especially if you're looking through the lens of an ideal self rather than your actual self. 🤔 For instance, aspiring to be a confident type 3 when you're really a creative type 4 is a great example! It's all about being honest with yourself. 💛 And, you nailed it with the reminder that no type is 'better' or 'worse'. Every type comes with its unique set of strengths and challenges. 💪🏼✨ The Enneagram journey is about understanding and growing into your most authentic self. 🌸📈 Happy exploring, everyone! 🚀😊

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