The purpose of these personality systems isn’t to label people or pigeonhole them into specific groups, but to help us become aware of our basic characteristics

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once heard a saying, “Normal exists only in the washing-machine cycle.” If you think about it, you’ll realize it’s true. We’re all individuals with different personalities, and what may seem normal to you will seem bizarre to someone else. That’s where personality systems come in…

Just like the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, developed by Isabel Briggs Myers, and her mother, Katharine Briggs), which separates people into 16 categories, the Enneagram is another personality system, dividing people into nine categories. The Enneagram (expanded by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson) is not a contradiction to the Myers-Briggs system; these two work hand in hand. For example, an Enneagram Type FIVE is likely to be an INTP or INTJ in the Myers-Briggs system, while an Enneagram Type FOUR is likely to be an INFP or INFJ. Confused? Read on!

The purpose of these personality systems isn’t to label people or pigeonhole them into specific groups, but to help us become aware of our basic characteristics (basic, as no two people are alike!). This allows us to better understand ourselves, accept ourselves, as well as gain an awareness about which traits to work on. Personality systems also teach us not to judge others. As already mentioned, there’s no such thing as “normal.” Got that? While you might have a fairly easy time resisting certain temptations, your classmate who has a different personality than you might struggle far more in that area. There’s no “best” type. It’s all about what you choose to do with your specific personality traits. Every type has a “healthy” and “unhealthy” version.

The following is a test I designed to help teens figure out their Enneagram type. We’re all really made up of all the Enneagram types; nobody is entirely one number. This test will just help you discover your core type. We also have wings, the numbers attached to our main type. For example, if you are a SIX, you will either be a SIX with a FIVE wing or a SIX with a SEVEN wing — this means that even though SIX is your main type, your wing will also contribute to your personality. One wing is usually more dominant than the other (i.e., a SIX with a SEVEN wing as opposed to a SIX with a FIVE wing), but some people are “double-winged.” Some people’s wings are also stronger than others’ and will have a greater influence on their personalities. Take the following test to discover your core type, your wing, and other types of character traits that strongly affect your personality!

Test:

Instructions: Choose the examples you relate to in each category.

Enneagram Type ONE: The Perfectionist

1. I’m obedient and good at following the rules. I sometimes get teased that I’m a “goody-goody.”
2. It annoys me when I see others doing the “wrong” thing.
3. I’m a perfectionist and very hard on myself.
4. I’m a rather strict person and quick to criticize others when I see the need to.
5. I’m very organized and good at running things. The downside is that I can be over-meticulous and scrupulous.
6. I am more serious than playful. I pride myself in being a no-nonsense person.
7. I’m very conscientious and strive to do what’s right.

Enneagram Type TWO: The Helper

1. I put the needs of others ahead of my own.
2. Whenever my teacher asks for a volunteer to help out, my hand is the first to shoot up.
3. My friends know they can always count on me to be there for them when they need me.
4. People sometimes complain that I’m too much in their business, but it’s only because I care!
5. I’m a very warm and generous person.
6. I’m not sure if I’d admit it, but deep down I sometimes wish others would appreciate me more.
7. I tend to express my love through gifts, food, etc., and I get insulted if others don’t accept my help/services, refuse a gift, or don’t like my food.

Enneagram Type THREE: The Achiever

1. I have a desire to excel and be the “best” at whatever I do.
2. I’m very ambitious, driven, and sometimes competitive.
3. I’m good at multitasking or doing whatever it takes to succeed.
4. I have an eye for beauty, and I can become a bit obsessed with my image and how my presentation affects others.
5. I’m good at motivating people. I’m articulate, charismatic, and know how to “get” others.
6. I know how to adapt different “roles” in order to impress different people.
7. I enjoy being in the spotlight and have a desire for constant applause. I’m also quite charming and one of the most popular girls in my class.

Enneagram Type FOUR: The Individualist

1. I believe I am special and unique, but sometimes I feel like nobody understands me. I long for a best friend or a “kindred spirit.”
2. I’m extremely sensitive and emotional. I often get overwhelmed by the harshness of the world.
3. I’m a deep thinker and have a rich inner world. Other people seem so boring and shallow.
4. I have a passion for art, writing, music, drama, or any other creative activity.
5. I’m good at empathizing with people, and I feel like I can see right through them. It’s just sometimes exhausting to carry around everybody’s emotions.
6. I know the world can be a painful place, but it sometimes seems like nobody feels it as strongly as I do.
7. I’m forever analyzing myself and trying to figure myself out. I yearn to express my true self. I also tend to struggle with issues of self-doubt. I need constant acknowledgement and validation.

Enneagram Type FIVE: The Investigator

1. I have a love/thirst for knowledge.
2. My friends tease me that I’m a “bookworm” or a “nerd.”
3. My curiosity just never seems to be satisfied.
4. I’m logical and rational. I don’t show emotions freely.
5. I know it’s weird, but I’d much rather be learning in class than going on a trip.
6. Even though I’m the “brain” in my class, I’m hesitant about sharing my ideas. What if I don’t know enough?
7. When I’m busy studying or learning something new, I can completely block out my physical surroundings and forget about food/sleep. Just like a fish needs water to survive, I need knowledge!

Enneagram Type SIX: The Loyalist

1. I’m extremely loyal and devoted. If I believe in a certain cause, I’ll be there for it through thick and thin. In camp I’m one of the loudest “cheerers” on my team!
2. I like to “belong” and conform to a certain group, so as to counteract my feelings of insecurity and inferiority. I define myself by my group; it’s how I can prove my self-worth.
3. Similar to my need to conform, I like to have an authority figure to look up to, to make me feel safe.
4. I’m very cautious and value my safety.
5. I struggle with anxiety and fears.
6. I am suspicious and don’t trust easily.
7. I believe that my way (the way of my “group”) is the right one. I will argue fiercely about it, and woe to anyone who doesn’t agree with me.

Enneagram Type SEVEN: The Enthusiast

1. Fun is my middle name.
2. I look forward to camp all year. Who wants to sit and learn in a dungeon when you can run around and let off some steam?!
3. I pride myself in being an optimistic person and looking at the bright side of life.
4. I love nature, sports, exercising — and don’t forget food!
5. My teachers have complained that I’m a handful. Is it my fault I just can’t sit still?
6. I’m sharp and witty and people have told me I have quick mind, but I don’t really do well academically. School’s just not my thing. (Unless you’re talking about G.O.!)
7. I get bored easily and I’m always eager for a new “thrill.” I like taking risks! Adventure!

Enneagram Type EIGHT: The Challenger

1. Whenever a leader is needed, I jump at the opportunity.
2. People say I’m bossy. I’ve even been accused of bullying.
3. I am brave and heroic and I enjoy protecting people.
4. I don’t want to be vulnerable or even admit that I have feelings. I want to show that I’m capable and confident, and I am confident.
5. I know there are people who think I’m intimidating, and truthfully, I don’t mind.
6. I don’t listen to authority, as that makes me feel weak. I am the authority!
7. I pride myself in being blunt and saying things the way they are, without worrying about hurting the other person’s feelings. It’s not my fault if they’re weak! I also like challenging people and putting them on the spot.

Enneagram Type NINE: The Peacemaker

1. I never get involved in fights. I often find myself being the “middleman” in such situations. I thrive on harmony.
2. People often tell me how nice I am.
3. I have a rather relaxed, laid-back personality.
4. I sometimes procrastinate, as I believe things will turn out fine anyway.
5. I hate reading sad books or listening to sad stories. I prefer focusing on the positive aspects of life and in people.
6. People sometimes take advantage of me, since I trust them easily and don’t see the “bad” in them.
7. Due to my tendency to not want to see evil, I can sometimes get stuck in denial and downplay events that are actually really dangerous.

Now that you’re done, go through the examples you’ve marked down and see which type gives you the most — and that’s your Enneagram type! If you’ve marked down the same number of examples for more than one type, perhaps you’re very well-balanced! (Not everybody fits in perfectly…) And don’t forget to look out for your wing, e.g., if you circled all 7 examples under Type NINE, 5 examples under Type ONE, and only 3 examples under Type EIGHT, then you’re a NINE with a ONE wing, not an EIGHT wing. If you circled 6 examples under Type THREE (and that’s the most you have), 5 examples under Type FOUR, and 3 examples under Type TWO, you’re a THREE with a FOUR wing, not a TWO wing.

And whatever type you came out to be, be proud of who you are!

To learn more about your Enneagram type, read Awareness by Dr. Miriam Adahan (or if you want to find out what your Myers-Briggs type is, Appreciate People!, by Dr. Miriam Adahan).