The Nine Enneagram Types

Principled, purposeful, self-controlled, perfectionistic, morally heroic

Ones are motivated by the need to live their life the right way, including improving themselves and the world around them. Ethical, reliable, productive, wise, idealistic, fair, honest, orderly, self-disciplined.

Anna's Story

“I always feel like there’s a right way to do things, and I’m determined to find it. At work, I’m known as the one who gets things done perfectly—no mistakes. But honestly, this pressure to always do things flawlessly weighs on me. I’m my own worst critic, constantly pointing out where I could’ve done better. I’m learning, though, that I need to let go sometimes. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect all the time; progress matters more than perfection.”
Strengths: Detail-oriented, responsible, and principled.
Weaknesses: Critical, rigid, and hard on myself.
Growth: I’m working on embracing imperfection and learning to be kinder to myself.

Does this sound like you? If you are gifted with a strong moral compass and a natural ability to improve systems, you might be a Type 1.

Generous, caring, people-pleasing, possessive

Twos are motivated by the need to be loved and valued and to express their positive feelings toward others. Loving, caring, adaptable, insightful, generous, enthusiastic, tuned in to how people feel.

Brian's Story

“I love making people feel cared for—it’s what I’m good at. I’ll do anything to help others, whether it’s a friend in need or someone at work. People tell me I’m compassionate and generous, and I guess that’s true. But sometimes I get drained. I give and give, and when I don’t get anything in return, I feel unappreciated. I know I need to focus more on myself and not just on others. I’m learning that setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.”

Strengths: Caring, supportive, and generous.
Weaknesses: Overly self-sacrificing, needy for appreciation, and neglectful of my own needs.
Growth: I’m learning to take care of myself and set boundaries without feeling guilty.

Does this sound like you? If you are gifted with an empathetic heart and an intuitive sense of what others need, you might be a Type 2.

Ambitious, adaptable, driven, image-conscious

Threes are motivated by the need to be productive, achieve success, and avoid failure.  Optimistic, confident, industrious, efficient, self-propelled, energetic, practical.  

Clara's Story

“I’ve always been driven by success. Whether it’s at work or in my personal life, I need to feel like I’m achieving something. It’s what keeps me going. People admire how I can push myself to reach the top, and I love being recognized for my accomplishments. But sometimes, I feel empty when I’m not achieving. It’s like my whole identity is tied to what I do, and that can be exhausting. I’m starting to realize that my worth isn’t tied to my accomplishments, and I’m working on finding value in who I am, not just what I do.”

Strengths: Ambitious, goal-oriented, and adaptable.
Weaknesses: Overly focused on image, fear of failure, and workaholic tendencies.
Growth: I’m learning to appreciate myself beyond what I achieve and finding fulfillment within.

Does this sound like you?  If you are gifted with ambition, charisma, and the ability to inspire others through your success, you might be a Type 3.

Creative, expressive, sensitive, emotionally intense

Fours are motivated by the need to experience their feelings and to be understood, to search for the meaning of life, and to avoid being ordinary.  Warm, compassionate, introspective, expressive, creative, intuitive, supportive, refined.

Danielle's Story

“I’ve always felt like I was a bit different, like I see the world in a way others don’t. I’m passionate, emotional, and I feel things deeply. My art reflects that—I pour my heart into my paintings. But I often feel misunderstood, like no one really gets me, and that makes me pull away. I can be a bit moody, and I struggle with envy when I see others being happy or content in ways I’m not. My growth is about accepting that I’m not alone in my struggles and that connecting with others doesn’t mean I have to lose what makes me unique.”

Strengths: Creative, introspective, and authentic.
Weaknesses: Overly emotional, envious, and self-absorbed.
Growth: I’m learning to find connection with others without losing my individuality.

Does this sound like you?  If you are gifted with deep emotional insight and a unique sense of self-expression, you might be a Type 4.

Analytical, innovative, emotionally distant, private

Fives are motivated by the need to know and understand everything, to be self-sufficient, and to avoid looking foolish.  Analytical, persevering, sensitive, wise, objective, perceptive, self-contained.

Edward's Story

“I’ve always been fascinated by understanding how things work. I love diving deep into subjects, researching, and figuring out the intricacies of everything. I value my independence, and I’m happiest when I’m left to explore on my own. But, I’ll admit, I sometimes withdraw too much. I tend to avoid emotional situations and keep my distance from others. I’m learning that I don’t have to do everything on my own and that emotional connection doesn’t weaken me; it can actually enhance my understanding of the world.”

Strengths: Analytical, curious, and self-sufficient.
Weaknesses: Detached, emotionally distant, and isolated.
Growth: I’m working on letting others in and embracing emotional connection as part of life.

Does this sound like you? If you are gifted with a sharp intellect and the ability to dive deeply into complex topics, you might be a Type 5.

Warm, committed, engaging, anxious, security-oriented

Sixes are motivated by the need for security.  Phobic Sixes are outwardly fearful and seek approval.  Counter-phobic Sixes confront their fear.  Both of these aspects can appear in the same person. Loyal, likable, caring, warm, compassionate, witty, practical, helpful, responsible.

Fiona’s Story

“I’m the person people turn to when they need support because they know I’m reliable and will always be there. I like feeling prepared and making sure everything is safe and secure. But I’ll be honest—I worry a lot. I’m always thinking about what could go wrong, and that anxiety can be exhausting. Sometimes, I second-guess myself, wondering if I’m doing enough to stay prepared. I’m trying to trust myself more and realize that I don’t need to anticipate every problem. I can handle uncertainty without always feeling like I have to be on guard.”

Strengths: Loyal, responsible, and supportive.

Weaknesses: Anxious, fearful, and overly cautious.

Growth: I’m working on trusting myself and learning to face uncertainty with confidence.

Dose this sound like you? If you are gifted with a sense of responsibility and a talent for foreseeing potential risks, you might be a Type 6.

Charming, spontaneous, optimistic, acquisitive, scattered

Sevens are motivated by the need to be happy and plan enjoyable activities, to contribute to the world, and to avoid suffering and pain. Fun-loving, spontaneous, imaginative, productive, enthusiastic, quick, confident, charming, curious.

Gabriel’s Story

“I’m all about living life to the fullest. There’s so much to explore, and I want to experience it all. New projects, new adventures—count me in! People love my energy, and I’m always the one bringing fun into any situation. But the truth is, I struggle with sticking to things. I get bored easily and move on to the next exciting thing before finishing what I started. I’m realizing that it’s okay to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. I don’t need to fill every moment with something new to be happy.”

Strengths: Energetic, optimistic, and adventurous.

Weaknesses: Impulsive, scattered, and avoiding discomfort.

Growth: I’m learning to embrace stillness and follow through on my commitments.

Does this sound like you? If you are gifted with boundless energy, optimism, and the ability to see endless possibilities, you might be a Type 7.

Assertive, confident, willful, confrontational

Eights are motivated by the need to be self-reliant and strong and to avoid feeling weak or dependent.  Direct, authoritative, loyal, energetic, earthy, protective, self-confident.

Hannah’s Story

“I’ve always been a strong person. I stand up for what I believe in and protect the people I care about. People tell me I’m a natural leader, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind. But sometimes, I come off too strong. I don’t like showing vulnerability—it feels like weakness to me. But I’m starting to see that being vulnerable doesn’t make me weak; it actually makes me more connected to others. I’m working on letting my guard down and allowing others to see the softer side of me.”

Strengths: Assertive, protective, and decisive.

Weaknesses: Controlling, confrontational, and afraid of vulnerability.

Growth: I’m learning that real strength includes allowing myself to be vulnerable.

Does this sound like you? If you are gifted with strength, decisiveness, and a natural ability to lead, you might be a Type 8.

Easygoing, reassuring, receptive, easygoing

Nines are motivated by the need to keep the peace, to merge with others, and to avoid conflict.  Since they, especially, take on the qualities of the other eight types, Nines have many variations in their personalities, from gentle and mild-mannered to independent and forceful.

Ian’s Story

“I’ve always valued harmony. I like keeping the peace and making sure everyone gets along. People say I’m easy to be around because I go with the flow and don’t stir up trouble. But I have to admit, I avoid conflict at all costs, even if it means ignoring my own needs. I’ve been working on speaking up more and not just going along with things to keep the peace. I’m realizing that conflict isn’t always bad—it can lead to deeper understanding and real resolution.”

Strengths: Calm, accepting, and diplomatic.

Weaknesses: Avoidant, indecisive, and passive.

Growth: I’m learning to assert myself and engage in conflict when necessary for real resolution.

Does this sound like you? If you avoid conflict and seek harmony in all areas of your life, you might be a Type 9.