Enneagram 1 and 6 are commonly mistyped when identifying someone else’s Enneagram type. Leave it to me to find a way to mistype myself! My personal journey with the Enneagram began with a free online assessment that labeled me as an Enneagram Type 1. This initial result didn’t surprise me much. I’ve always had perfectionist tendencies, striving to get everything just right, doing my best to avoid criticism, and possessing a strong sense of right and wrong. Accepting my Enneagram 1 designation felt natural, and I embraced it without question.
Discovering Enneagram 6
However, my Enneagram journey took an unexpected turn when I decided to take the RHETI test from the Enneagram Institute. To my surprise, this time my top result was Enneagram 6. Interestingly, my Enneagram 1 score was only one point lower than my 6 score. This suggested a significant overlap between these two types in my personality. As I delved deeper into the characteristics of both types, I began to resonate more with the traits of Enneagram 6. This led me to believe that this result was more accurate. Unlike my experience with the Myers-Briggs, I don’t think my initial test result was just plain wrong.
Enneagram 1 and 6 Learning and Exploration
Over the past few years, I’ve immersed myself in learning about the Enneagram. This has proven to be a transformative experience. One crucial insight I gained is that identifying your Enneagram type should not rely solely on test results. Instead, the most effective approach involves exploring and learning about all the types to see which one resonates most deeply with your experiences and triggers. This method helped me tremendously as I navigated the confusion between my initial Enneagram 1 result and the subsequent Enneagram 6 identification.
Identifying Triggers
A particularly useful tip I came across was to pay close attention to what triggers you when reading about different Enneagram types. I found myself reacting strongly to descriptions of Enneagram 6 traits, especially their reactivity. My initial response to being labeled as reactive was one of denial—“I’M NOT REACTIVE”—which, in hindsight, was a pretty reactive stance to take! This realization was both amusing and enlightening, as it highlighted my tendency to seize up and feel tension in my throat and chest when faced with uncertainty or new situations.
Constant Vigilance
One defining characteristic of Enneagram 6 that resonated with me is the constant vigilance trait. I am always highly aware of my surroundings. On airplanes, I listen attentively to safety demonstrations and study the emergency procedure card in the seatback pocket. In theaters, I always note the nearest exits. This level of alertness and preparedness is a hallmark of the Enneagram 6 personality.
Struggling with Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is another significant trait that helped me distinguish between Enneagram 1 and 6. Unlike Enneagram 1s, who are typically decisive and sure of their choices, I often find myself vacillating between options. Decisions are challenging for me as I weigh multiple outcomes and struggle to feel confident that my choice will lead to the desired result. This indecisiveness extends to simple decisions, such as whether to get ice cream, which often leads to a convoluted internal dialogue seeking external validation.
Seeking External Guidance
My tendency to seek external guidance is another clear indicator of my Enneagram 6 nature. When faced with decisions, I frequently consult others to gain reassurance and clarity, sometimes driving my husband a bit crazy. We have an understanding that when I ask him if he wants to do something, it’s often my roundabout way of expressing my own desire but needing his agreement to feel comfortable proceeding.
Fierce Loyalty
Loyalty is another core trait of Enneagram 6 that I deeply resonate with. I am fiercely loyal to the people and things I care about, often to a fault. This loyalty persists even in situations where it might be more prudent to let go. This steadfastness is a double-edged sword, providing a sense of security and continuity but also occasionally leading to stubbornness and an inability to move on from unfulfilling situations.
A Need for Security
Speaking of security, my need for it is particularly pronounced in financial matters. I frequently worry about scarcity, even in trivial situations. For instance, at meetings with snacks, my first thought is often concern that the items I like will run out before I get a chance to have them. This worry is a manifestation of my deep-seated need for security and assurance, hallmarks of the Enneagram 6 personality.
Reaching a Conclusion on Enneagram 1 and 6
My journey through the Enneagram has been one of self-discovery and acceptance. Initially identifying as an Enneagram 1, I later found that the characteristics of Enneagram 6 resonated more profoundly with my experiences and personality. This exploration has underscored the importance of not relying solely on test results to identify one’s Enneagram type. Instead, it’s crucial to engage deeply with the descriptions and traits of each type. Pay attention to what triggers and resonates with you. For me, the traits of vigilance, indecisiveness, the need for external guidance, loyalty, and a strong desire for security have all pointed towards a more accurate identification as an Enneagram 6. This journey has been both enlightening and empowering, providing valuable insights into my behavior and motivations.
