I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DON'T KNOW, BUT I DO KNOW THIS
I’m an “I” (DiSC assessment), ENFP-T (Myers-Briggs), Sanguine (Jung), Seal/Otter (Four Animals test), Fox (Conflict Style), and Physical Touch & Quality Time (Love Languages) type of person. I’m not trying to put myself, or you, in a box here. I know I’m more than just all these labels. I’m complicated and weird. And as I grow and mature, and life seasons change, these types may also change.
I love personality tests. I don’t know why. Ok, that’s not true, I DO know why after diving head first into the latest craze: the Enneagram. You see those personality tests above explain how a person acts and reacts, but they don’t really touch on the why. What are the deep motivations and desires that lead us to those actions and to who we truly are? And if you’re a Jesus-loving quirk like me, who we truly are in Christ. This is where the Enneagram stands out.
The Enneagram is, as defined by Your Enneagram Coach:
“The Enneagram (Ennea=9, Gram=Diagram) is simply a map (GPS) for self-discovery and personal growth based on 9 basic personality types. The Enneagram accurately and clearly describes why you think, feel and behave in particular ways based upon your core fears and core desires. The power of the Enneagram is in its ability to harness and transform self-limiting behaviors into life-enhancing personal empowerment. The gift of the Enneagram is that through self-discovery, one can create and sustain meaningful and lasting relationships with others, God and themselves.”
DIAGRAM FROM YOUR ENNEAGRAM COACH - CLICK ON IMAGE TO LEARN MORE
Yes, I know the Enneagram is the cool, popular thing to talk about right now, but that’s only part of why I’m writing about it. First, I think it’s so fun! Second, I want to understand myself better and be the person God created me to be. I know this will not only help me in relationships, but also in my job, on this platform, and all areas of life.
Based on the Enneagram, I’m a 7 with a 6 wing. Sevens are “The Entertaining Optimist” or “The Enthusiast.” Basically we’re the dancing monkeys in your life. OOOHHH, well that explains all the finger guns and not being able to take a picture without my mouth wide open! ...J/K, J/K… We’re the people who want to live life to its fullest, the joyful extroverts, and the first to suggest a spontaneous road trip to Legoland (because who doesn’t want to go to Legoland, let’s be serious). However, we can often be over-extended (because why not say yes to everything), gluttonous (because everything needs to be tried to find satisfaction and contentment), and escapist (why have conflict when you can avoid it).
Not every seven looks the same, of course. Yes, I like to dance, road trip, dream, have deep talks, emotionally eat, and have a hard time making big choices that will nail me down for more than a year...BUT I’m ok with pain, leaning into it, and talking about the hard. Life experiences, and therapy, have taught me that being vulnerable and stepping into the hurt is way better than avoiding it. I do have a hard time committing to buying a house, BUT I’m happy to commit to a person. It’s all situational, because that’s real life.
Sevens, at their core, desire to be content, fully satisfied, and known. I think this is why I love personality tests, specifically the Enneagram. It puts words to all my striving to know and understand myself and others. Annnnd, they’re fun! At the end of the day, I want to feel full and satisfied, and for those who I love to truly know me and know that I want to understand and know them too. That’s valuable to me...and dance parties, those are also very important and valuable.
I LOVE THESE PICTORAL REPRESENTATIONS OF EACH TYPE FROM YOUR ENNEAGRAM COACH - CLICK ON IMAGE TO LEARN MORE
I strongly encourage you to learn more about the Enneagram. We are more than just our outward personalities. Our core identities, rooted in Christ, are who we truly are. If we tap into that and learn more about ourselves and others: why we are the way we are, why we do the things we do, why we communicate the way we communicate, think of how much fuller our lives and relationships can be! Here are some awesome Enneagram resources for your enjoyment:
ROAD BACK TO YOU - read this book; it’s amazing. there’s also a podcast.
YOUR ENNEAGRAM COACH - there’s a free test here as well as courses to dig more into your type and all the others.
THE ENNEAGRAM INSTITUTE - detailed type descriptions and other good stuff.
ANNIE F. DOWNS, THAT SOUNDS FUN PODCAST ep. 53 - an interview Annie did with Beth McCord from Your Enneagram Coach.
POPCAST PODCAST ep. 288 - this is a must listen! hilarious and informative!
THE SACRED ENNEAGRAM: FINDING YOUR UNIQUE PATH TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH - I haven't read this, but I heard it’s great.