Can’t Find Your Enneagram Type? Why It Happens & What to Do

There are several reasons why some people can’t find their Enneagram type, including the influence of stress, social conditioning, and life transitions. While some people find the personality type assigned to them on the Enneagram test hardly relatable, others struggle to determine their true type because they recognize aspects of themselves in all nine descriptions.

If you’re unsure about your Enneagram type, keep reading. This article will discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon, explore common mistypes, and provide strategies for identifying the type that fits your authentic self to a T.

Are Some People Really “Untypable”?

Everyone has a core personality type. However, it’s completely natural to wonder whether some are untypable when you can’t find your Enneagram type. While some people immediately resonate with their Enneagram test results, others spend months learning about this system and still can’t figure out their Enneagram type.

If you can’t find your Enneagram type, you’ll likely relate to one or more of the following scenarios:

#1. You Could Be Mistyped Due to Surface Behavior

If you feel like you’re “untypable,” chances are you’re simply mistyped. Enneagram mistypes are relatively common, especially in people who focus on surface behaviors rather than core motivations. Since different types may share similar behaviors, it’s crucial to focus on the deeper motives behind your actions to avoid being mistyped on the Enneagram test.

For example, both Type Two and Type Nine tend to avoid conflict. However, their motivations differ; Twos long to be loved and accepted, whereas Nines strive to maintain peace and harmony.

Besides Nines, Twos are often mistaken for Sixes due to their susceptibility to codependency; however, Twos are driven by a desire to feel needed, while Sixes want to feel safe and secure.

The table below depicts the most common Enneagram mistypes for each personality type:

#2. You Might Be Very Self-Aware and Complex

If you can’t find your Enneagram type, it may be because you are highly self-aware. Although developing self-awareness is critical for determining your personality type, it can also make it harder for you to identify with a single one.

After all, the more aware you are of your thought and behavioral patterns, the easier it may be for you to relate to different Enneatypes. Similarly, you may notice that certain parts of their descriptions don’t represent you fully. This is also why people with complex personalities may find it more challenging to determine their Enneagram type.

But even if you notice that you tend to be nurturing and supportive like a Two in relationships, yet your ambition at work resembles that of a Three, it doesn’t mean that you’re untypable. You might simply have a multifaceted personality, making it trickier to pinpoint your core type.

#3. You Might Be Affected By Cultural or Environmental Factors

Another scenario in which you may realize that you can’t find your Enneagram type is related to the influence of cultural and environmental factors that may shape your personality.

A study by Jiatong Yu from the University of Toronto suggests that culture plays a pivotal role in shaping people’s personality and behavior. The study found that individuals from cultural backgrounds that value individualism tend to be more independent and extroverted.

Ultimately, social norms, family dynamics, cultural expectations, and other environmental factors may influence your Enneagram test results. For instance, if you were raised in a culture that values community over individualism, you may pick answers that align with the self-sacrificing Type Two due to social conditioning, even if you belong to a different type.

#4. You May Identify With All or Several Types

It’s very common for people to initially identify with several (or even all) personality types upon reading their descriptions. In fact, this is among the most common scenarios in which the thought, “I can’t find my Enneagram type!” crosses people’s minds.

The truth is that most people relate to certain characteristics of each type. However, unlike other personality tests, the Enneagram is a self-discovery tool that focuses on core motivations rather than personality traits. As such, it isn’t about checking off how many traits of each type you relate to; the key to identifying your primary type lies in exploring your underlying motivations.

Why Might You Struggle to Discover Your Enneagram Type?

The key reasons why you might struggle to discover your Enneagram type include overlapping traits, stressful circumstances or traumatic experiences, life transitions, and confusing personality tests.

Let’s explore these reasons in greater detail:

#1. Overlapping Traits From Multiple Types

One of the main reasons why you might find it tricky to pin down your Enneagram type is that some types have overlapping traits. For example, both Threes and Eights enjoy being in charge and have strong leadership skills. However, if you’re someone who likes to take the lead, it doesn’t mean you’re both a Three and an Eight; you can only have one core Enneatype.

It’s also important to note that virtually all types can exhibit certain traits and behaviors. For instance, Threes are often described as hard workers because they’re driven to be successful. However, Ones can also be hardworking and have a strong work ethic because they strive to do the right thing, Fives tend to be diligent because they value competence, and so forth.

#2. Influence of Stress or Trauma

Stress and trauma can affect our personality, leading us to adopt coping mechanisms that may differ from our usual traits or even mask our core motivations.

If you take the Enneagram test while under severe stress or after a traumatic event, you may get a result that doesn’t reflect who you truly are. This happens due to Enneagram arrows, which define the growth and stress paths for each Enneatype.

Sevens, for example, are naturally enthusiastic, laid-back individuals. Under extreme stress, however, they tend to borrow qualities from Ones, becoming more perfectionistic and critical. As such, challenging life experiences can cause you to be mistyped as a completely different type.

#3. Life Transitions

It’s natural to feel like you can’t find your Enneagram type when you’re in the middle of a major life transition. Moving to a different country, making a career change, or going through a breakup can shift your self-perception, values, and motivations.

Just like life transitions, these shifts are temporary but may cause you to adopt behaviors and priorities that don’t align with your authentic self. Because of this, you should always reflect on your typical behavior, drive, and thought patterns, rather than your current actions, when trying to determine your Enneagram type.

#4. Confusing Personality Tests

Not all Enneagram tests are equally accurate; their questions, scoring methods, and interpretations can differ significantly, leading to more confusion than clarity. For this reason, it’s not unusual for people to get different results depending on the test they’re taking. You may be a Two on one test and a Seven on another, for example.

At EnneagramTest.com, we’re committed to making personality testing as clear and precise as possible. As such, our free Enneagram test consists of 100 questions, each designed to reveal your personality type with maximum accuracy.

How to Figure Out Your True Enneagram Type

The key to figuring out your true Enneagram type lies in focusing on your core motivations. Reflecting on childhood patterns, seeking professional help, and breaking free from social conditioning can also help you uncover your authentic self if you can’t find your Enneagram type.

Let’s explore these tips for identifying your Enneatype:

#1. Focus on Core Motivations, Not Just Behaviors

Instead of reflecting on how you behave, focus on why you behave the way you do to identify your core motivations. While your actions may change based on the situation, your deepest motivations remain the same; understanding them can help you look past surface behavior, enabling you to accurately determine your personality type.

#2. Reflect on Childhood Patterns and Fears

As adults, we often become disconnected from our inner selves, allowing life and social conditioning to mold our personalities. This is precisely why reflecting on your childhood can help you reconnect with your authentic self. Focusing on childhood fears and patterns can be particularly helpful in identifying your true Enneagram type.

#3. Work With a Coach or Therapist

Discovering your true personality type can be significantly easier with the guidance of a professional. If you can’t find your Enneagram type, consider reaching out to a coach or a therapist who’s familiar with this framework. This can be especially beneficial if you think you’re untypable or have experienced difficulties in life that might’ve affected your personality.

#4. Try Journaling

It may be a good idea to keep a journal for a few weeks if you’re struggling to find your Enneagram type. This is because journaling can help you identify recurring themes in your daily life, providing you with greater insight into your core motivations and fears. It can also help you distinguish your authentic self from external influences, such as societal expectations.

What to Do If You’re Still Unsure

Here’s what you can do if you’re still unsure about your Enneagram type:

• Be patient. Self-discovery can be a lengthy journey, so try not to panic if you can’t find your Enneagram type. Give yourself time to self-reflect, observe your fears, desires, and behavioral patterns over time, and you’ll eventually figure out which of the nine types fits you best.
• Focus on personal growth. The Enneagram isn’t a label or a definition for your entire personality; it’s a tool for self-discovery and personal development, so it’s best to use it as such. Instead of trying to find the perfect fit, use this framework to analyze yourself and identify areas for growth.
• Learn more about the Enneagram. There’s more to the Enneagram framework than the nine personality types; it also covers triads, arrows, instinctual variants, and other elements that may shape how you express your core type. Learning about them can point you in the right direction and give you a more comprehensive understanding of who you truly are.

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Key Takeaways

The bottom line is that feeling like you can’t find your Enneagram type is completely normal, especially for those early in their self-discovery journey. Exploring all elements of the Enneagram, from wings to arrows and beyond, can help you identify where you fit within the framework.

Lastly, let’s go over the key points we covered today:

• You might struggle to identify your Enneagram type due to overlapping traits, stress or trauma, major life transitions, and the confusing nature of some personality tests.
• To figure out your true Enneagram type, focus on your core motivations, reflect on your childhood, keep a journal, and, if needed, work with a professional.
• If you still can’t figure out your Enneagram type, be patient, learn more about this personality typing system, and treat it as a tool for personal growth rather than a label.

Can’t Find Enneagram Type FAQ

#1. Can I be more than one Enneagram type?

No, you can’t be more than one Enneagram type. Even if you relate to several personality types, you can only have one core Enneatype that reflects your primary motivations, fears, and desires in life. Still, it’s possible to have a strong Enneagram wing, which can influence how you express your core type.

#2. Is it normal to feel “untypable” on the Enneagram?

Yes, it is normal to feel “untypable” on the Enneagram. Many people feel that their Enneagram test result doesn’t match who they are, or that no single Enneagram type truly reflects them. The more you learn about this framework and the more time you dedicate to self-reflection, however, the closer you’ll get to finding your Enneagram type.

#3. What should I do if I keep getting different Enneagram test results?

If you keep getting different Enneagram test results, focus on learning more about each of the nine personality types. Exploring the fears, desires, and core motivations of Enneagram types and assessing how much you relate to them can be a highly effective way to determine your personality type if your Enneagram test results keep changing.

#4. Can your Enneagram type change?

No, your Enneagram type can’t change. The main reason why Enneagram test results may change is that you’re developing different aspects of your personality; you may develop a stronger wing, lean into your dominant instinct, or function at a different developmental level, which can alter the test result. In reality, though, your core type doesn’t truly ever change.