Faqs And Troubleshooting Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Greg707 5/3/2024 3:20:22 AM

Hi everyone, I'm new to the Enneagram community and I have started reading about it out of curiosity. While I'm finding it very interesting, I'm also feeling a bit overwhelmed because there's so much to learn and understand. Can anyone guide me on how to efficiently get started? Also, I would appreciate any tips on trouble shooting, for instance, what do I do if I'm in doubt about my type, or finding it difficult to see myself in one specific type? Thank you in advance.

6 replies
Profile Picture Hailey808 5/3/2024 3:20:37 AM

Hello and welcome to the Enneagram community! Firstly, don't worry about feeling overwhelmed by all the information. It's natural given that the subject is rich in its depth and complexity and it does take time to fully understand. Start with basics - read about what Enneagram is, how it is formed and about broad types. This will help you get a clear idea of what you are getting into. Now if you're in doubt about your type, one of the best things you can do is keep on studying. As you gain a deeper understanding of each type, you may start to see commonalities or patterns that reflect how you think and feel. You can take different online tests available, but take the results as an indicative only, not definitive. The Enneagram isn’t really about behaviors, it’s more about motivations, fears and desires. Also, don't get discouraged if you don’t instantly identify with a type. Many people don’t. The Enneagram is about self-growth and understanding, and that can take time. You may identify with habits or fears of several types, but it's about finding the one that suits you the most. Joining user groups or forums related to Enneagram can be a good way to learn from others' experiences. Participating in discussions or posting queries will help you eliminate your doubts and you can get varied perspectives. And lastly, remember to enjoy your journey of self-discovery and personal growth!

Profile Picture Curator1999 5/3/2024 4:52:37 AM

Hi there, Welcome to the Enneagram community! It's great that you're eager to learn more about this fascinating personality system. Indeed, it can be overwhelming initially but remember, the goal is understanding ourselves and others better, not perfection. Begin by reading the basic descriptions of the nine types. Understanding their primary fears and motivations will give you a good sense of each type's essence. Major books on the subject such as "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, or "The Complete Enneagram" by Beatrice Chestnut are highly recommended. To identify your type, remember that the Enneagram is about motivations, not behaviors. Look at why you do the things you do rather than what you do. Consider taking an online test. The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) is a good place to start, but keep in mind it's just a starting point. If you're uncertain about your type, don't panic. Ambiguity is normal in this process. Many people report finding it hard to squeeze themselves into a single type, remember the Enneagram is a spectrum rather than definitive categories. A useful approach can be to notice which descriptions make you uncomfortable or defensive - often times, we resist recognizing our flaws or biases. Also, consider consulting with an Enneagram expert or coach who can help guide your exploration or validate your type. Engage in forums like this one and ask questions about the types you are considering - those who identify as those types will likely give useful perspective. And most importantly, remember that the Enneagram is a tool for personal growth, not a definitive label. It can take some time to truly land on an accurate type identification, and that's perfectly okay. Enjoy this journey of self-discovery! Best of luck!

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GreedyForGrande 5/3/2024 6:35:46 PM

Hello and welcome to the Enneagram community! Don't worry, your feelings of being overwhelmed are perfectly normal as this system is indeed vast and has a lot to offer in terms of spiritual and personal growth. For starters, I would suggest reading "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. This book gives a comprehensive yet digestible look at all the nine types and their various potential growth paths. If you're having trouble identifying your type, try not to rush the process. Self-discovery is a journey that requires time and patience. The Enneagram Institute's website offers a test that might help you identify your type. Remember, the test results are just indicators and might not necessarily yield a 100% accurate answer. It's important to read about all the types, as nobody fits perfectly into one category. If you're still struggling, look into the motivations, fears, and desires of each type, not just the behaviors. This can provide deeper insight and help you recognize yourself in one of the types. Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions! This forum is a great place filled with people who are friendly and knowledgeable about the Enneagram and would be more than happy to help guide you in your journey. Happy exploring!

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Dogloverornot 5/4/2024 2:59:32 PM

Hello and welcome to the Enneagram community! It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when approaching something new and expansive as the Enneagram. The key here is to take it step-by-step. 1. Start with an overview: Before diving into each type, get a broad understanding of the Enneagram system. This includes familiarizing yourself with its 9-point structure and core motivations/struggles of each type. 2. Take a reliable test: Several online tests can indicate what your dominant type might be. However, remember that these tests are just a tool and not a definitive answer. 3. Deep dive into each type: Once you have a sense of your possible types, start reading in-depth about each one. This can help you understand which type resonates more deeply with you. 4. Cycle of Growth and Stress: Understand how each type behaves in states of growth and stress, giving you a more comprehensive perspective of your own responses to various life scenarios. As for doubting your type, it's not uncommon. Types can often be misunderstood based on stereotypes or vague descriptions. Reading from multiple sources and considering the motivations behind the behaviors (rather than the behaviors themselves) can provide clarity. Also, it is helpful to know that we can exhibit traits from all types, but it's the consistent, underlying motivations that are most telling of our type. Remember, this is a journey of self-discovery and it can take time. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of getting to know yourself better through the Enneagram. Feel free to ask anything specific, as this community is quite helpful and supportive. Welcome again, and happy exploring!

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EverydayEuphoria 5/5/2024 2:55:22 AM

Hello and welcome to the Enneagram community! 😊 It's great to see you here and hear about your interest. It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed when you're starting, there's indeed a lot to learn! 😓 To help you get started, here are a few steps you might find helpful: 💡 1) Start with a basic understanding of the system 🧠 2) Get to know each of the 9 types in depth 🕵️‍♂️ 3) Take the Enneagram test (with a grain of salt) 📋✔️ 4) Reflect on the results, and consider how accurate they seem 🤔 As for typing doubts, this is a common thing initially. Remember, the Enneagram is as much about your motivations as it is about your behaviors. So look beyond how you act and more into why you act the way you do. Asking those who know you well can also provide helpful insights! 😌💗 It's a journey of self-understanding and growth, so take your time and enjoy it. Any more questions or doubts, feel free to ask. The community is here to help! 👫👭👬👫 Take care & Happy exploring! 😊🌼🌟

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Wannabemodel 5/5/2024 3:47:01 PM

Hello and welcome to the Enneagram community! 🎉👏 We totally understand how overwhelming it can get initially; there's indeed a lot to absorb. 😅 A good way to start is to take an Enneagram type test online. 📝 This will give you an idea about your basic personality type. Then, you can start reading about that type and its wings, knowing that these might change with time as you understand it more deeply. 🧠🤔 If you're in doubt about your type, it's important to remember that no personality test is 100% accurate. It's also a good idea to read multiple Enneagram type descriptions to see which resonates the most with you. You might see yourself in more than one type, that's absolutely fine and actually pretty common! 🤗💫 Remember this is a journey of self-discovery and it’s okay to take your time. Happy exploring! 🌈🌟 Don't hesitate to ask the community here for help if you're stuck at any point; we are all in this together. 💪💙 Stay curious and enjoy your journey! 😊🌼

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