If you’re familiar with the Enneagram, then you know how enlightening it can be to discover your type. And using Enneagram journal prompts can help you dive even deeper.
Journaling for self-care is a topic we talk about a lot. And for many of us, the self-discovery that comes with taking time to journal, process, reflect and write is invaluable. The Enneagram offers guiding principles and insights that pair nicely with self-care journaling and self-reflection.
Nine Types Co is a great Instagram and blog resource for all things Enneagram!
The Enneagram is a deep well of mystical and practical knowledge that can help us in our daily lives. It’s another tool in the toolbox of self-discovery. And it’s a great addition to our self-care rituals. Especially when we use Enneagram journaling prompts—which can be used in your bullet journal or elsewhere—to help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.
Enneagram Journaling Prompts by Type
Type 1 - The Reformer
- Write about a time when you were genuinely happy, excited and/or carefree.
- Write about a time when you were really proud of yourself.
- What would you like your greatest accomplishment to be in life?
Type 2 - The Helper
- Write about a time when you felt completely relaxed and rested.
- Describe what it means to have unconditional love for someone.
- What is something that you wish you could do for yourself but won’t allow it to happen? Why?
Type 3 - The Achiever
- Write about a time when you were fulfilled and at peace.
- What motivates you to keep going every day?
- What does the word “rest” mean to you?
Type 4 - Individualist
- Write about a time when you felt completely understood and accepted.
- Describe your perfect day using as many sensory details as possible.
- When do you feel the most true to yourself?
Type 5 - Investigator
- What is something you are thinking about that you can’t get off your mind right now?
- Describe what it would look like if you could take a break from all your daily activities and responsibilities.
- What feeling(s) do you resist, avoid or confuses you the most?
Type 6 - Loyalist
- What is something you would do if you knew it wouldn’t affect anyone else or let anyone down?
- Describe a memory that was a lifechanging milestone in your life.
- Who is someone you look up to and why?
Type 7 - Enthusiast
- Describe your greatest fear and how you would deal with it happening.
- What is something you wish you could change about yourself?
- Write about a time when you felt on top of the world.
Type 8 - Challenger
- What is something people always say about you that you don’t agree with.
- What do you wish you could achieve in your life but fear you never will?
- Write about a place you’ve visited that made you feel relaxed and free.
Type 9 - Peacemaker
- What is something you believe or think that you haven’t shared with anyone?
- List the relationships you have in which you feel you can be yourself.
- Describe a time when you stood up for something/someone/yourself and it felt risky.
Understanding the Enneagram and Finding Your Type
If you’re new to the Enneagram, you may have questions. Keep reading!
The Enneagram is a typology system that has roots in ancient traditions. There are nine types, and we each fit (for the most part) into one of those types. Different from many personality type tests (like Myers Briggs, StrengthsFinder, DISC, etc.), the Enneagram offers a more holistic view of self. This is great for those of us that are on personal growth journeys.
Our type is an adaptive strategy - it’s the way we have determined is best to navigate the world. Developed over time, through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, our type is the way we interact with the world around us.
The Enneagram diagram showing the names and connections between all nine types.
It’s different from some single-dimensional personality traits because the Enneagram suggests that we can operate healthily (at a place of integration when we’re feeling stable and safe) or unhealthily (at a place of disintegration when we’re feeling unstable and threatened). Plus, if you’re really into the Enneagram, you know there are lots of overlap between types, called wings and triads and centers.
How do you figure out your type?
There are lots of different tests you can take for free to figure it out. But to make sure you’ve really discovered your type is to go on a longer journey - listen to a podcast, follow an Enneagram influencer or read a book.
For more resources on self-care journaling, check out the Silk+Sonder blog!