In The Thick Of It

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Getting to Know Yourself with Enneagram Testing

Sharon

To grow and evolve it is important to have insight into yourself. After my 21 year relationship ended in divorce, I struggled with my identity. My ex and I grew up together, it was tough to see who I was solo. When my son started his junior year (Fall 2017), he took this Enneagram test, www.16personalities.com as an assignment, he shared his results with me, then I became curious so I took the test.

My Results:  

I’m a Type 2 Consul (Helper). Consuls enjoy supporting their friends and loved ones, organizing social gatherings and doing their best to make sure everyone is happy. 

Consul Strenghths

  • Strong Practical Skills – Consuls are excellent managers of day-to-day tasks and routine maintenance, enjoying making sure that those who are close to them are well cared for. Very true in my personal and professional life.

  • Strong Sense of Duty – People with the Consul personality type have a strong sense of responsibility and strive to meet their obligations, though this may sometimes be more from a sense of social expectations than intrinsic drive. 110% accurate

  • Very Loyal – Valuing stability and security very highly. Consuls are true pillars of any groups they belong to – whether it is their family or a community club, people with this personality type can always be relied upon. I will forever be the "go-to girl".

  • Sensitive and Warm – Consul personalities seek harmony and care deeply about other people’s feelings, being careful not to offend or hurt anybody (Not always) . Consuls are strong team players, and win-win situations are the stuff smiles are made of.

  • Good at Connecting with Others – These qualities come together to make Consuls social, comfortable and well-liked. Consul personalities have a strong need to “belong”, and have no problem with small talk or following social cues in order to help them take an active role in their communities. I will forever be labeled a “people person”.

Consul Weaknesses

  • Worried about Their Social Status– These Strengths are related to a chief Weakness: Consuls’ preoccupation with social status and influence, which affects many decisions they make, potentially limiting their creativity and open-mindedness. Certainly at times, I feel first impressions are important and I am a hopeless designer handbag collector.

  • Vulnerable to Criticism – Consul personalities can become very defensive and hurt if someone, especially a person close to them, criticizes their habits, beliefs or traditions. Yes, I am very sensitive and generally take things personally. My teenager son brings this out in me BIG-TIME. I work hard at developing a thick second skin.

  • Often Too Needy – Consuls need to hear and see a great deal of appreciation. If their efforts go unnoticed, people with the Consul personality type likes compliments, in an attempt to get reassurance of how much they are valued. 110% true. I have wanted to end friendships due to this, then I learned it was my issue.

  • Too Selfless – The other side of this is that Consuls sometimes try to establish their value with doting attention, something that can quickly overwhelm those who don’t need it, making it ultimately unwelcome. Furthermore, Consuls often neglect their own needs in the process. I do shower people with attention, however when they are invested in me as well. Thank goodness the "only-child" in me would never let me neglect my own needs.

9 Enneagram Types

  1. THE REFORMER | A Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled and Perfectionist

  2. THE HELPER | A Caring, Interpersonal Type: Generous, People-Pleasing and Possessive

  3. THE ACHIEVER | A Success-Oriented Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven and Image-Conscious

  4. THE INDIVIDUALIST | A Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed and Temperamental

  5. THE INVESTIGATOR | A Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive and Isolated

  6. THE LOYALIST | A Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious and Suspicious

  7. THE ENTHUSIAST | A Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile and Scattered

  8. THE CHALLENGER | A Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Willful and Confrontational

  9. THE PEACEMAKER | A Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Reassuring, Agreeable and Complacent

Credit: www.integrative9.com

Embrace and reflect on the knowledge you gain about yourself. The more you know about yourself, the more you understand the "Why's" behind your thoughts and actions. Evolving is a courageous journey! Share below your thoughts and perhaps if you took the test.

 (Source: www.16personalities.com )