The Enneagram Of Personality: Discovering Your Core Motivations
The Enneagram of personality is a powerful tool for self-awareness and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
It describes the structure and dynamics of nine distinct personality types, and is rooted in ancient spiritual wisdom and modern psychology. The Enneagram offers a deep understanding of the motivations, fears, and desires that drive our thinking, feeling and behaviour.
Each type is identified by a number and has its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and potential for growth, making it a versatile tool for personal and spiritual growth and understanding in relationships.
The Enneagram gives us insights into who we are conditioned to be to survive.
The Enneagram describes how we are conditioned to think, feel and act.
The Enneagram doesn’t put us in a box. Instead, it helps us see the box we’re already in and the limitations from which we experience the world.
From early childhood, we develop specific coping mechanisms and defence strategies to navigate our environment, which shape our personality. These conditioned behaviours respond to perceived threats and unmet needs, leading us to adopt habitual patterns that define our type.
While at one time this way of being helped us survive, over time, these patterns can become limiting, trapping us in cycles of reactivity and automatic behaviour that obscure our true selves and deeper connection with others.
The Enneagram provides a map for growing into who we are born to become.
In addition to illuminating our conditioned way of thinking, feeling, and behaving, the Enneagram is a roadmap for growing into our true selves and authentic lives. It shows us how to break out of our boxes so that we can thrive rather than merely survive.
By understanding our type’s core motivations and challenges, we can embark on self-discovery and transformation. The Enneagram shows us how to transcend our habitual patterns and align with our true selves, promoting growth, healing, and integration.
It reveals the unique path each type can take towards our fullest expression, helping us to reconnect with our true nature and live more authentic, fulfilling lives with deeply connected relationships.
The first step in using the Enneagram map for getting unstuck and discovering our true selves is discerning our type. Our type is determined by what motivates us – in other words it’s not what we do, it’s why we do what we do.
Here’s a brief overview of what motivates each of the 9 Enneagram types:
Type 1: Motivated to be good
“I am a perfectionist who strives for order, justice, and fairness in everything I do. I have a strong inner critic that pushes me to improve myself and the world around me. I believe in doing things the right way and have a keen sense of responsibility.” Learn more about the type 1 path to inner peace HERE.
Type 2: Motivated to be connected
“I am a caring and empathetic person who finds joy in helping others. I am sensitive to the needs of those around me and often put their needs before my own. I feel valued when I am able to make a difference in someone’s life. Learn more about type 2 path to inner peace HERE.
Type 3: Motivated to be successful
“I am driven and success-oriented, always setting and achieving goals. I am adaptable and motivated by the desire to excel and be recognized for my accomplishments. I value efficiency and strive to be the best at what I do.”
Type 4: Motivated to be unique
“I am a deeply emotional and introspective person who values authenticity and creativity. I often feel unique and seek to express my individuality. I am sensitive to beauty and strive to understand my true self and find my place in the world.”
Type 5: Motivated to be autonomous
“I am a thinker who values knowledge and understanding. I am independent and enjoy exploring complex ideas and theories. I need time alone to recharge and often prefer the world of ideas to the world of people.”
Type 6: Motivated to be safe
“I am reliable and hardworking, always seeking security and stability. I am loyal to my friends and values, and I am always prepared for potential challenges. I often seek reassurance and support from those I trust.”
Type 7: Motivated to be happy
“I am energetic and optimistic, always looking for new experiences and adventures. I am spontaneous and fun-loving, constantly seeking to avoid pain and boredom. I thrive on excitement and variety in life.”
Type 8: Motivated to be strong
“I am strong-willed and assertive, always ready to stand up for myself and others. I value control and power, and I am not afraid to confront challenges head-on. I am protective of those I care about and strive to be a leader.”
Type 9: Motivated to be at peace.
“I am easygoing and accommodating, always seeking harmony and peace. I avoid conflict and prioritize the needs and feelings of others to maintain a sense of calm. I am patient and supportive, striving to create a peaceful environment for everyone.” Learn more about type 9 path to inner peace HERE.
As we journey through the lens of the Enneagram, we gain profound insight into our conditioned patterns, motivations, and the unique paths we can take toward becoming our true selves. The Enneagram offers more than just self-awareness—it’s a map to inner peace and deeper connection with ourselves and others.
By understanding and embracing our type, we can break free from limiting patterns and step into a life that is more authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with our highest potential. The Enneagram invites us to not only survive but to thrive, fostering greater ease, well-being, and inner peace along the way.
If you’d like to learn more, I offer a 3-session Enneagram Discovery Package. I’d love to explore your personality and path to inner peace with you!
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