Episode summary:​ 

In this episode, we talk to enneagram enthusiast, Jill Johnson, about how to zero-in on our Enneagram numbers, and then how to put that information to work on our quest for self-knowledge and growth.

Some of the Topics we covered this week:

Enneagram Institute and tests [TS 3:50] 

You have to be ready for some self-reflection and reading to fully know your number.

Our guesses on numbers [TS 4:45] 

Susanne thought she was a 9, and now thinks maybe she is a 6. Missy initially thought she was a 6 and now believes she’s a 9. 

On getting confused and how to narrow it down [TS 5:18] 

A lot of numbers are easily confused, so you have to look at motivation.

Growth/Stress [TS 5:45] 

How different numbers move around the enneagram, and why we shouldn’t focus on our wings just yet.

Using your approach to conflict to narrow down your number [TS 6:25]

Are you Complimentary? (1, 2, 6) – Tend to work together with others to find a solution.

Are you Withdrawing? (4, 5, 9) – Tend to be in their own world, and avoid talking to people about problems.

Are you Aggressive? (7, 8, 3) – Tend to charge ahead and  move on, whether people are with them or not.

Knowing your stance helps eliminate six other numbers pretty quickly.

Why we relate to certain numbers. [TS 8:38]

We start breaking down the things about us that help us relate to the numbers we think we are.

Relationship to time [TS 13:30]

What does “relationship to time” even mean?

Sixes are present-focused, nines are past-focused

How to zero in on motivation [TS 16:30]

Nines have a hard time naming what they need. 

Jill laments the sheer number of resources out there, but recommends Beth McCord on instagram with great graphics.

Can your number change? [TS 18:39]

In a word: No. Your number is your lens, and you were born with it.

Typing people you know [TS 19:30] 

You might think you know someone well enough to type them, but you have to understand motivation to really know. Sidebar: Missy hates the sloth part of nine, but she gets it. 

Getting a spouse on board [TS 23:00]

We discuss ideas for bringing up the enneagram and incorporating it into life, like taking a road trip and playing an enneagram audio book, or playing a podcast with the person’s favorite celebrity talking about the enneagram. Sidebars about dry January (what a joke this year) and how nines (Missy) can often express their needs when they feel safe.

Resources That Came Up

People/Books/Etc. we mentioned:

• The Enneagram Institute
• The Road Back to You, book and podcast
• Stephanie Barron Hall
• Am Writing Podcast
• Bewitched and The Dick VanDyke Show
• NYC during Covid
• Atomic Habits
• Beth McCord: Your Enneagram Coach on  instagram

Look, Listen, Learn [TS 29:17]

Jill:

• Schitt’s Creek binge
• WandaVision
• Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
• Circe by Madeline Miller

Susanne:

• Ted Lasso rewatch (Sidebar: Jill thinks Ted is an Enneagram 7)
• The Road Back to You audiobook
• Focusing on learning about herself: “I am excited about the scariness of it.”

Missy:

• Pretend It’s a City
• Pantsuit Politics podcast
• Wants to learn how to build better habits

Want to connect with Jill?

Reach out to Missy for her contact info!

How to chat with us, or follow us, and support us!

We want to hear from you (and we are excited about talking to someone other than ourselves.)

• Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. And who couldn’t use a little extra love?
• Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes.
• Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things!
• Follow our Facebook Page
• Follow us on Instagram

Like Our Theme Music? So do we!

It’s “We Will Get Through This” by Young Presidents, used under license from Shutterstock. Find more of their music here.