Five Reasons to Learn About the Enneagram.

It is important that we all understand ourselves – why we do what we do.

When you know your motivations that lead to your behaviours, you can then decide if you want to change the way you are. When you understand how you’re different to other people, you are in a better position to do something differently. This knowledge can also help you feel happier and more confident in interactions with others. The Enneagram is a tool you can use to help you get to know yourself better.

Here are my top five reasons to learn more about the Enneagram and how you can use it.

1. You’ll Be Able to Let Yourself Off the Hook

A surprising amount of what we perceive as our own individual quirks, flaws and shortcomings are not the result of our upbringing or personal experiences. Nor the fact that we’re stubborn, wrongheaded, or lack willpower. It’s just the way we’re wired. That means we don’t need to continue using up time and energy trying to figure out why we’re that way, or attempting to fix ourselves. The Enneagram offers a short-cut to self-awareness and self-acceptance, which is very powerful ground to stand on.

2. Other People Will Make You Less Crazy!

There are nine types in the Enneagram. Even when you don’t know what someone else’s type is, just being aware of the fundamentally different perspectives and attitudes of each type can be eye-opening. That awareness makes it a lot easier to stop expecting the other people in your life to be who they’re not and cut them some slack. It also makes it less likely they’ll be able to push your buttons as often and as easily. Our differences don’t always have to be frustrating or divisive. They can be a source of humour and even a way to connect.

3. You Can Stop Banging Your Head Against the Wall

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? Some people say this is the definition of insanity! The Enneagram explains how you get into your particular ruts of behaving, thinking and feeling. It then offers a range of alternatives to try out from among the other types. Knowing your type is extremely helpful—maybe even essential—if you are in the process of attempting to change your behaviour.

4. It’ll Make You Smarter, Improve Your Memory and Mood and Keep Your Brain Healthy

Learning about the Enneagram may not add measurable points to your IQ, but brains crave challenge and stimulation in order to maintain their plasticity. Learning something new actually changes your brain physically by not only increasing synaptic connections, but also growing new neurons—no matter how old you are. That’s one of the main ways to keep your mind sharp and flexible and your memory intact. These neuronal interconnections in your brain affect your behaviour, thoughts and feelings on a daily basis. You can nurture your neurons by learning about the Enneagram.

5. It Has What You’re Looking For

On the psychological level, the Enneagram is a great tool if you’re on a journey of personal exploration, or you want to change outmoded or unhelpful patterns of behaviour. On the interpersonal level, it can help you deepen your relationship with your partner, or develop clearer communication with friends and family members. At work, it can help you get along better with your co-workers, understand your boss and become more effective. What you take from it depends on how you come at it and what it is you’re looking for.