How do you choose your goals for the new year? I know that now that Christmas is over, many of you may begin to think about the new year, goals and dreams often become the focus. A couple of years ago as Hope and Growth Center began to grow, we as a group read Brene’ Brown’s book Dare to Lead https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations Just a side note: If you haven’t read Dare to Lead, and you are in any type of leadership role, I would highly suggest reading the book and using the resources. As we began to work through the workbook Brene’ provided for the book, there were many nuggets that we were collecting. One nugget in particular that spurred me to challenge what I knew about myself was when Brene’ Brown states that: “who we are is how we lead.” Now I know for some of you, you are thinking, well of course, that’s not news. I would agree with you however, the question I kept asking myself was: Who am I? I could give you my titles: Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Business Owner, Counselor, etc. I could tell you some of the things I like and dislike. I really love coffee and do not like coconut, not even a little bit. But my core fears, where I struggle in relationships, my style of leadership, and many more intimate details of my life, I had not explored. The thought that I was trying to learn to be a better leader and in order to do that I needed to know myself better is what prompted me to go on a hunt to find out and confirm just who I am.
That desire led me to the Enneagram. My daughter had told me about the Enneagram and how it was opening her eyes about herself and she had been encouraging me to look into it. I of course said I would do that but I was trying to finish certification in EMDR and just didn’t think I could add anymore to my plate. Part of the workbook that goes along with the Dare to Lead book, has worksheets helping you figure out more about yourself, which were very helpful. I kept telling myself it was enough. My words to myself were not convincing even myself, so I decided to take an Enneagram assessment to determine my personality type. I began with the free one you can get online (which I do not recommend). I then was directed to an assessment through the Enneagram Institute (http://www.enneagraminstitute.com). The assessment takes about 45 minutes. After completing the questions, the Institute provides a report that gives all the information about your top three numbers or personalities. It is an excellent way to begin the journey. It is just the beginning of the journey, however. Enneagram Specialists encourage individuals to explore and study all Nine of the personality types before deciding which number fits you best. The assessment gives you a place to start but it is not necessarily the final discovery.
The Enneagram is made up of 9 personality types. After taking the assessments and studying the different types of personalities, I had a name for my style of life: Peacemaker. For the first time in my life, I saw myself on paper, not just bits of me, like I had experienced when taking other personality assessments. I had tears in my eyes as I read all about me and my personality type. It was like someone for the first time really knew me. Of course, the report that gave both the best parts of my personality and the worst parts. I love that in the report, there is a section that lists what each personality will look like when they are unhealthy, average and in growth. It is an excellent gage.
I could go on and on about the Enneagram. Since, taking that first assessment, we as a group also did a year long study using Suzanne Stabile’s Curriculum (www.SuzanneStabile.com). Some of the counselors participated in a day long study this past October, as well. We also have read books and other resources. You may be familiar with the Enneagram because your counselor may have mentioned it to you as a tool.
I would like to encourage you to consider adding the study of the Enneagram on your list of goals this coming year. We will have two special sets of books on the Enneagram, in the waiting room, each book is just one of the Enneagram Numbers. The books are designed for all to read, but especially the individuals with that number. Please feel free to look through the books to see if you would be interested in purchasing the books. There will be a few other books on the Enneagram as well for you to look through. All the books can be ordered on Amazon.
Hope you enjoyed the Holidays! And begin your New Year with choosing to learn more about yourself.
Resources:
- Read books about the Enneagram:
- The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
- The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile
- Becoming Us by Beth and Jeff McCord
- The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher L. Heuertz
- Listen to Podcasts on the Enneagram:
- “Typology” by Ian Morgan Cron
- “The Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
- “The Enneagram Journey” by Suzanne Stabile
- “That Sounds Fun: Enneasummer Series” by Annie F. Downs
hopeandgrowthcenter.com 