Make a Choice. Take a Chance. Create a Change.
Advance helps us determine how to become who we were created to be using the MBTI personality assessment, Gallup’s StrengthsFinder, the Enneagram, and the Character Matrix.
Discovering your uniqueness can help you discover your purpose.
- What are areas of need you see around you that you sense need to be met?
- How can you meet those needs?
- What does God want you to do for the world?
- How did God create you to love Him and love people?
The Enneagram
Assessments are a very helpful tool in discovering more about who we are. They reveal patterns, blind spots, and even “superhero” powers – things we do which are beyond the ordinary.
Consider this thought from Thomas Merton:
“Sooner or later we must distinguish between what we are not and what we are….
We must find our real self… created to be the child of God.”
Typically, I point people towards the MBTI, Gallup’s Strengths Finder, and the Enneagram.
I find these to be more accurate than spiritual gifts assessments. In fact, I recommend to discover your spiritual gifts, start serving and let others tell you the gifts they say in you.
With origins in the 7 Deadly Sins, the Enneagram helps us discover who we are when stressed and in a great place and everywhere in between.
The Enneagram is based on the 7 deadly sins (plus fear and deceit). This fascinating assessment reveals your deepest needs and areas for growth. You will discover insights about when you are stressed and when you are in a good place.
This one takes a bit more effort. Ask others who know you well. Do the work to discern which of the 9 best describes you.
Determine Your Enneagram Number
Take two or three versions of the test
Enneagram Paragraph Test – use the code at the bottom to determine which one(s) you might be.
Enneagram Assessment– free
Enneagram Assessment with a Wing – free
- Dive deeper into the top 2 or 3 that may be you.
Enneagram – Vices, Virtues, Childhood Messages, and More
- Still unsure, consider the following
Check out the Enneagram Type Combinations with your spouse
Enneagram Podcast
The 9 Types
TYPE 1 – The Reformer
Vices and Virtues – Anger / Perfection
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to make mistakes.” vs. “You are good.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being bad, corrupt, evil, or defective.
- The desire to have integrity (deteriorates into critical perfection).
- Value-judging, condemning yourself and others.
TYPE 2 – THE GIVER
Vices and Virtues – Pride / Help
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to have your own needs.” vs. “You are wanted.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being unworthy or unloved.
- The desire to be loved (deteriorates into the need to be needed).
- Giving your value away to others.
TYPE 3 – THE ACHIEVER
Vices and Virtues – Deceit / Efficiency
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to have your own feelings and identity.” vs. “You are loved for yourself.
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being worthless or without inherent value.
- The desire to be valuable (deteriorates into chasing after success).
- Trying to be other than you authentically are.
TYPE 4 – THE ROMANTIC
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to be too functional or too happy.” vs. “You are seen for who you are.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being without identity or personal significance.
- The desire to be oneself (deteriorates into self-indulgence).
- Making negative comparisons.
TYPE 5 – THE OBSERVER
Vices and Virtues – Avarice / Knowledge
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to be comfortable in the world.” vs. “Your needs are not a problem.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being useless, incapable, or incompetent.
- The desire to be competent (deteriorates into useless specialization).
- Over interpreting your experience.
TYPE 6 – THE LOYALIST
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to trust yourself.” vs. “You are safe.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being without support or guidance.
- The desire to be secure (deteriorates into attachment to beliefs).
- Becoming dependent on something outside yourself for support.
TYPE 7 – THE ENTHUSIAST
Vices and Virtues – Gluttony / Joy
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to depend on anyone for anything.” vs. “You will be taken care of.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being deprived or trapped in pain.
- The desire to be happy (deteriorates into frenetic escapism).
- Anticipating what you are going to do next.
TYPE 8 – THE CHALLENGER
Vices and Virtues – Lust / Strength
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to be vulnerable or to trust anyone.” vs. “You will not be betrayed.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of being harmed or controlled by others.
- The desire to protect oneself (deteriorates into constant fighting).
- Trying to force or control your life.
TYPE 9 – THE PEACEMAKER
Vices and Virtues – Sloth / Peace
Unconscious childhood message vs message you wanted to hear:
“It’s not okay to assert yourself.” vs. “Your presence matters.”
Basic fears and distortions and patterns to be aware of:
- Fear of loss of connection, of fragmentation.
- The desire to be at peace (deteriorates into stubborn neglectfulness).
- Resisting being affected by your experiences.
Application Questions:
- What insights have you drawn from the enneagram?
- How can you apply what you are learning about when you are stressed vs. when you are in a good place to where you work?
- To your relationships?
[…] Advance – Enneagram (Find Your Purpose) by Eric Bryant. If you’ve been following along, you’ve seen my wonderings about the Enneagram. This fills in another gap or two. […]