About the Author
Julianne Ishler is a writer, Enneagram coach, and creative mentor. Obsessed with all things personality and storytelling, she helps creatives and entrepreneurs define their voice and feel empowered to follow their own path to live a life of fulfillment. She is based in Chicago and enjoys travel, rainy days, and deep conversations over hot tea.
In part one yesterday, we covered everything you’ve wanted to know about Enneagram subtypes. You learned what the instincts mean, how they stack up, what countertypes are, and how to use your subtype to understand where your emotional energy goes.
Now that you know how to use your subtype for deeper awareness of your patterns, we’ve provided a general overview of what each Enneagram subtype may look like. Keep in mind that “general” is the key word here—you may not fit the bill completely, but this can provide some insight into exploring your subtype further.
Have you ever met two people of the same Enneagram type and wondered how they’re so different? While the Enneagram describes nine types of motivation, there are way more layers to take into consideration when it comes to your type. One of the most highly influential factors? Enneagram subtypes.
So, you’ve taken the Enneagram test. You feel seen, validated, and maybe a little attacked (in a good way, of course). You begin to have a much clearer picture of yourself and what motivates your actions. As you continue to put the pieces of your type together, there’s a major part of the puzzle you stumble upon: Enneagram wings.
When you’re in an uncertain or less-than-ideal situation, how do you react? Do you become frustrated and defensive or withdrawn and isolated? Maybe you deny your emotions altogether and make excuses for your behavior. Or, perhaps you’re not quite sure of your reaction, which you wouldn’t be alone with—most of these defense mechanisms live deep within our subconscious.
You’ve seen it before and perhaps been guilty of it yourself:
A Type Four who is convinced they’re a Type Six because they struggle with anxiety.
Or, a Type Seven who thinks they’re a Type Three because they’re always hustling.
Perhaps you know a Type Nine who resonates with all the types and confuses themselves with another number.
Given the stress and uncertainty 2020 has brought, the idea of setting goals for the new year might make you want to burrow into a hole.
When you’re taught to set and pursue goals just one way, instead of what’s best for your personality type, it’s easy to feel anxious, apathetic, or discouraged. It’s no wonder why 92% of people who set New Year’s goals end up abandoning them—they’re working against their unique personality type, not with it.
The Enneagram is an invaluable system of self-awareness, helping you understand your motivation— why you do what you do. With nine different types come nine different perspectives of filtering the world, bringing insight into your strengths, blindspots, thinking and feeling patterns, and so much more.
Whether you’ve explored the depths of your type or still can’t put your finger on which one you are, a common question that comes up is: what do I do once I know my type?
THE FINE PRINT:
Myers-Briggs® and MBTI® are registered trademarks of the MBTI Trust, Inc., which has no affiliation with this site. Truity offers a free personality test based on Myers and Briggs' types, but does not offer the official MBTI® assessment. For more information on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® assessment, please go here.
The Five Love Languages® is a registered trademark of The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, which has no affiliation with this site. You can find more information about the five love languages here.
