Tired of the Myers-Briggs test? Need another trivial, yet somehow valid way to define your personality in your Instagram bio? Fear not, because the Enneagram system is here to aid you on your journey of self-discovery, and there are plenty of facets of psychology to spend aimless hours researching.

The Enneagram’s composition looks complicated at first. It is a circle with nine equidistant points on its circumference, with each number designating a personality type, nine at the top. Each point has a line drawn to another, and points Three, Six, and Nine form an equilateral triangle. Then, One connects with Four, Four with Two, Two with Eight, Eight with Five, Five with Seven, and Seven with One.  

The Enneagram theory states that every person is born with a dominant type. Because every person is unique and complex, it is a given that personality traits will overlap, but one type should feel kindred to one’s inborn temperament. Type is determined regardless of gender, and a higher numerical ranking has no superior influence.

Taken verbatim from the Enneagram Institute, each type can be defined by four words.

Type One is principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic.

The Reformer will seek to impact change, but is critical in the process.
Type Two is generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing, and possessive.

The Helper is warm and nurturing, but needs to feel appreciated.
Type Three is adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious.

The Achiever thrives off success and charisma, but is prone to too much ambition.
Type Four is expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental.

The Individualist finds pride in their authenticity, but is susceptible to moodiness and insecurity.
Type Five is perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated.

The Investigator is pensive and oftentimes inventive, but can be perceived as aloof or intense.
Type Six is engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious.

The Loyalist crusades for stability and community, unwittingly falling into paranoid behavior.
Type Seven is spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, and scattered.

The Enthusiast embodies extroversion, their openness to adventure making them sometimes impulsive and impatient.
Type Eight is self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational.

The Challenger is bold and self-assured, however their assertiveness treads close to volatile.
Type Nine is receptive, reassuring, complacent, and resigned.

The Peacemaker wholeheartedly accepts and supports others, which can give way to overly submissive behavior.

The circle is divided into three distinct Centers: the Instinctive Center, the Feeling Center, and the Thinking Center. Each center carries three personality types with similar strengths and weaknesses. Types 8, 9, and 1 fall into the Instinctive Center; 7, 6, and 5 in the Thinking Center; and 2, 3, and 4 in the Feeling Center respectively.

There are many versions of the test available online for free, and it will take an average of ten minutes. Check out Enneagram if you’re looking for introspection and self-improvement!