I’m an Enneagram type 8. The Challenger. That means I’m determined, stubborn, straightforward, enjoy a challenge, and hate being told what to do.
If you aren’t familiar with the Enneagram, it’s basically a test you take that tells you which of the 9 specific types you are. Then you can read about your type, and it explains things like how you percieve the world, how you react to certain situations, and what you strive for in life.
When I first took it, I was surprised by my results: 8 with a 7 wing. BUT, then I listened to a podcast and did some reading about the type 8, and it all made SO MUCH SENSE! Almost everything I read or listened to lined up with how I view the world, how I react to certain situations, and what makes me feel uneasy.
I had my family and some of my friends take the test, and the results were super accurate for each of them as well. Then I read about each of their types and realized how I was so similar to some people, yet so different from others. For example, my friend Hannah is a type 2, so she and I actually see the world a lot differently than we thought. And that isn’t a bad thing, we just have to have more conversations to understand how the other’s mind works.
By understanding my type, and the types of the people in my life, it makes conflicts seem so much easier. If I’ve hurt someone unintentionally, instead of thinking I didn’t think that would hurt their feelings, I can say, that wouldn’t have hurt my feelings, but they see the world differently than me, therefore, they’re more sensitive about this topic.
But it hasn’t just helped me to understand more about my relationships and what I will need in a spouse someday, but it has helped me learn so much more about the way I think, and the way I was raised and how that plays into who I am today. For example, the worst feelings in the world for me are the feelings of being disrespected, or being controlled. I don’t care too much what other people think about me – but I would rather be respected than liked. And when I don’t feel like I have options, or freedom, I feel suffocated.
I have no problem expressing anger, or happiness, or most emotions, but I hate feeling weak. Because of my 7 wing, I’m prone to being outgoing, spontanous, and basically just wanting to have a good time.
I even started taking the test but acting as though I was my different book characters, to nail down their personalities and help me write them more accurately. It’s so interesting! *Scarlett is an 8, but a much more intense 8 than me (;
If you’re intersted in learning your enneagram type (which I totally think you should!) I recommend downloading the Enneapp and taking the short quiz. If you post your results, pleeeaassee tag me @gabriellacatherineauthor, because I would love to see which type you all are!
I hope this was helpful, and that through learning your enneagram type, you’ll be able to learn more about yourself and the people in your life, like I have.
Love,
Gabriella
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