014-What is your {enneagram} number?

Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. If you click them, I may earn a small commission. It does not cost you anything extra, but this commission helps cover the cost of running this website.

Have you heard of the Enneagram? I had heard of it before I went to the Ascend Retreat but didn't know a whole lot about it. If you look online, there are a lot of different tests and quizzes that you can take which will tell you your "number." I have probably done like 8-10 of them, but didn't always get the same results. At the Ascend Retreat, a book was recommended to us that is a more accurate way to determine your Enneagram number. The book, "The Road Back to You." by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, is really great for learning more about the Enneagram. Check it out. I think it's much more reliable than the online quizzes.

For those that don't know, the Enneagram is a personality typing system that identifies nine distinct types, each with its own unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By understanding your Enneagram type, you can gain insights into your (and others') motivations, fears, and core beliefs, which helps you to develop strategies for personal growth and fulfillment.

I am an Enneagram 5. Enneagram type 5 is often referred to as "The Investigator" or "The Observer." Fives are analytical, curious, and value knowledge and understanding above all else. They are often introverts and prefer to spend time alone, developing a greater understanding of their own thoughts and feelings, and the everything around them.

Here are some key characteristics of Enneagram type 5 (info from Dr. Google):

1. Intense focus on intellectual pursuits: Fives are driven by a deep need to understand the world around them. They often have a strong interest in science, philosophy, and other intellectual pursuits.

2. A desire for privacy and solitude: Fives often prefer to work alone and need a lot of time to process their thoughts and feelings. They can become overwhelmed by social situations and may retreat into their own world.

3. An inclination towards minimalism: Fives often value simplicity and minimalism in their lives. They may have few possessions and prefer to live in a clutter-free environment.

4. A tendency towards detachment: Fives can become detached from their emotions and may struggle with expressing them. They may also struggle with forming close relationships.

5. Fear of being overwhelmed: Fives fear being overwhelmed by their emotions or by too much external stimulation. They may avoid situations that they perceive as overwhelming, and may struggle with anxiety.

6. Strengths: Fives are highly analytical, intelligent, and have a strong ability to focus deeply on a particular subject. They can be innovative and creative problem-solvers, and are often able to see connections between seemingly disparate ideas.

7. Growth areas: Fives may struggle with opening up emotionally, forming close relationships, and trusting others. They may also benefit from developing skills in self-care and self-compassion.

Anyone else an E-5? If you identify as an Enneagram type 5, it can be helpful to cultivate a greater awareness of your strengths and growth areas. You may benefit from finding ways to balance your intellectual pursuits with emotional ones, and to develop strategies for managing anxiety and overwhelm. With self-awareness and intentional growth, you can find fulfillment and meaning in your life as an E-5.

Learning my Enneagram number has really helped me understand myself better. It has given me permission to be myself and accept who I am, while seeing my personality traits as neither "good" or "bad." Another thing it has done for me is inspired me to learn more (hahaha- spot on definition of an E-5!) about how I can improve myself. I love to learn what my family members' and friends' Enneagram numbers are.... it's even kinda fun to try to guess based on how well you know them.

Remember that the Enneagram is an evolving system that can be used in many different ways. Whether you use it for personal growth, relationship building, or team development, the Enneagram has the potential to bring greater self-awareness and understanding to your life. I'd love to hear from anyone that reads this what their Enneagram type is and how learning about it helps to better their lives. Or if you don't know your Enneagram number, work on figuring it out. And as always, make yourself proud!