The Mindsets and Motivations of each Enneagram Type
Jen P Higgins 
Below is a scandalously brief introduction to the nine stereotypes of the Enneagram. It might feel like an exceptionally formulaic system to squeeze the infinite number of personalities of the Personality Spectrum into a list of just nine profiles. And it is. That’s why viewing your personality only at this level is NOT or EVER an accurate way to type yourself.
I am only highlighting each type's core motivations and average stereotypical behaviors in the spirit of not overcomplicating things. I also include a core strength and mindset for each type. In Part III of this book, we’ll explore the types deeper at the unconscious “nature” perspective when you learn about the 9 Acknowledgment Languages™.
Type 8’s want to be strong, so they are aggressive and strong-willed but fear being controlled. They have a natural strength of “willpower.” And they have a mindset to “overpower.”
Type 9’s want to be at ease, so they are “chill” and self-effacing but fear being disconnected. They have a natural ability to bring “harmony” or “togetherness.” And they have a mindset of “inertia.”
Type 1’s want to be proper, so they are principled and idealistic but fear being corrupted. They have a natural strength of “integrity.” And they have a mindset of “restraint.”
Type 2’s want to be appreciated, so they are generous and seductive but fear being seen as needy. They have a natural ability to “nurture.” And they have a mindset of “flattery.”
Type 3’s want to be admired, so they are ambitious and status-conscious but fear being seen as an imposter. They have a natural strength for “self-assurance.” And they have a mindset to “compete.”
Type 4’s want to be different, so they are mysterious and emotionally authentic but fear not being seen as original. They have a natural ability to “endure.” And they have a mindset of “melancholy.”
Type 5’s want to be factual, so they observe and collect data but fear being depleted. They have the natural strength of “honesty.” And they have a mindset to “detach.”
Type 6’s want to be supported, so they advocate and make systems but fear being unprepared. They have a natural strength of “dependability.” And they have a mindset of “doubt.”
Type 7’s want to be content, so they are indulgent and optimistic but fear being deprived. They have a natural ability for “immersion.” And they have a mindset to “explore.”
Again, these alone are NOT sufficient descriptions to use for typing yourself (and especially not others!).
You probably see yourself in more than one description. That’s normal because, as part of the human species, you have the capacity to want, fear, do, and think all nine of them. And the more self-aware you become, you’ll be able to access these different parts of yourself more easily so you can better connect with people of other Enneagram Types.
The description representing the nature of your personality will be your core Enneagram Type, the one you were born with and still have, regardless of how much you have matured or adapted your behaviors to your environment.
👉🏻 If you don’t know your Enneagram Type yet, I "virtually" walk you through the process of elimination in the free mini-course "6 Things to Focus on First."
Click on the image and Access it Now!
Categories: Enneagram