How The Enneagram Works

The Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. Beyond just describing traits, it maps out nine core motivations that drive human behavior.

Discover Your Type

The 9 Personality Types

Type 1 - The Reformer

Core DesireTo be good, to have integrity, to be balanced.

Core FearTo be corrupt/evil, defective.

Type Ones are driven by a need to live life the right way, including improving themselves and the world around them. They are ethical, dedicated, and reliable, but can sometimes fall into the trap of perfectionism.

Type 2 - The Helper

Core DesireTo feel loved, needed, and appreciated.

Core FearTo be unwanted, unworthy of being loved.

Type Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are driven to be close to others and often do things for others to be needed. They can sometimes struggle to acknowledge their own needs.

Type 3 - The Achiever

Core DesireTo feel valuable and worthwhile.

Core FearTo be worthless, failing.

Type Threes are success-oriented, pragmatic, and highly adaptable. They are driven, highly effective, and excel at everything they do—though they can become overly concerned with their image and what others think of them.

Type 4 - The Individualist

Core DesireTo find themselves and their significance.

Core FearTo have no identity or personal significance.

Type Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and uniquely expressive. They seek to understand themselves deeply and bring beauty into the world, but can sometimes struggle with melancholy and feeling fundamentally flawed.

Type 5 - The Investigator

Core DesireTo be capable and competent.

Core FearTo be useless, helpless, or incapable.

Type Fives are perceptive, innovative, and highly secretive. They are intensive thinkers who love to analyze and understand complex information. They fiercely protect their independence and energy.

Type 6 - The Loyalist

Core DesireTo have security and support.

Core FearTo be without support and guidance.

Type Sixes are committed, security-oriented, reliable, and hard-working. They foresee potential problems to keep themselves and their communities safe, but can struggle with anxiety and self-doubt.

Type 7 - The Enthusiast

Core DesireTo be happy and fully satisfied.

Core FearTo be deprived and in pain.

Type Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. They are constantly seeking new experiences to avoid missing out on life's joys. They can become scattered and unfocused if they avoid processing negative emotions.

Type 8 - The Challenger

Core DesireTo protect themselves and be in control of their own life.

Core FearTo be harmed or controlled by others.

Type Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. They are protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be domineering and confrontational to assert their power.

Type 9 - The Peacemaker

Core DesireTo have inner stability and peace of mind.

Core FearTo experience loss or separation/conflict.

Type Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, focusing on bringing people together and healing conflicts. At times they can be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace.