To learn more about this series, as well as how the survey was conducted, please read this post. 

Type Nine

Commonly known as The Peacemaker, The Healer, The Optimist, The Comforter

The Need to Avoid

 Basic Fear: Of loss and separation

Basic Desire: To have inner stability "peace of mind"

Key Motivations: Want to create harmony in their environment, to avoid conflicts and tension, to preserve things as they are, to resist whatever would upset or disturb them.

Nines want to keep the peace, get along with others, and avoid conflict. They tend to take on qualities of the other 8 types, which accounts for the variety within personalities of this type, ranging from gentle to forceful. Nines are accepting, trusting, creative, optimistic, and stable. They are amazing supporters and do a great job of truly seeing and hearing another person. They can be overly willing to go along with others to keep the peace and want everything to go smoothly. They are able to bring people together and heal conflicts. They can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness.

At their best: pleasant, peaceful, generous, patient, receptive, diplomatic, open-minded, empathic

At their worst: spaced-out, forgetful, subborn, obsessive, apathetic, passive-aggressive, judgmental, unassertive

Read this profile for a complete description of Type Nine.

Type Nine Bloggers*

Lore Ferguson, Failing Joyfully, Austin Channing Brown, Megan Tietz, Sarah Bessey, Anne Bogel, Brenna D'Ambrosio, Kelly Youngblood, Farm to Table, The Whole Dang Thing

*these are bloggers who identify as type nine; it does not indicate they have participated in the Enneagram and Blogging survey

Typical Topics:

• Faith 

• Theology and the Church

• Unity

• Relationships (parenting, marriage, dating, friendship, etc.)

• General life

• Style and beauty

• Books

• Feminism

• "Green" living

• Food

Why did you start blogging?

While reasons for starting a blog ranged from building a platform to sharing stories with family, many Type Nines reported starting their blog because they:

• were told to (generally, by a loved one)

• needed to feel connected to something

• view themselves as writers and thought it would be a good way to practice their craft and receive feedback

• wanted to build relationships with readers and other bloggers in a way that was comfortable to them

Our Nine respondents generally fell in to two camps. Some feel they are writers, first and foremost. They tend to blog more often as they feel compelled to write regularly. The others did not blog regularly, most of whom did not appear bothered by this.

Do you have any goals related to blogging?

Besides building a platform or working toward publication, Nines want to encourage others. Those who are Christian may want to specifically encourage people in their faith.

Several respondents reported a desire to be more consistent and blog more regularly. Nines tend to do their own thing, regardless of the "rules." As mentioned above, bloggers who identify primarily as writers tend to write more consistently; they just might not do many of the Serious Blogger Recommendations.

Having no blog-related goals was the other popular response, with respondents stating they struggle with goal-setting and follow through. This is a typical struggle for Nines. They can be efficient when they want to be or when they learn the First Things First rule: make a short list of what needs to be accomplished that day and stick to it.

What do you like about blogging?

• Creative outlet

• Writing = peace in their soul

• Friendships/community

• Thoughtful, helpful discussion

• Processing what they think/feel/believe

• Broadended horizons

• Being able to write in their own way and time

• Opportunity to write about and discuss whatever they want, instead of according to others
  

What do you not like about blogging?

Peace-loving Nines especially dislike the divisiveness accompanying the blogosphere. A mean comment can keep them down for days or forever. Fighting makes them squirm. You're unlikely to see Nines leading the pack when it comes to writing about today's controversy. They might have opinions but a harmonious environment is more important to them. They also don't like how many different tribes there are. Why can't we all be one big happy family blogosphere? They want to avoid conflicts and tension.

Speaking of tension, please don't pressure a Nine to build a platform or talk to them about the necessity of competing. This taps in to their need to avoid. Nines often believe their participation isn't necessary or important. Even though they've chosen to blog, they're more comfortable with doing their own thing and not questioning their "brand" or what the point of it all is. Any sort of pressure makes them more likely to go in the opposite direction and they might decide to stop blogging altogether. They desire peace of mind just as much as they want peace in their (blogging) environment.

A few respondents expressed feeling guilty about not being able to respond to comments fast enough or at all. Nines would hate for a reader to be upset if their comment didn't receive a response. At the same time, Nines can't always dedicate more time to their blogs because of other responsibilities. They might turn off comments from time to time in order to save face or avoid wading in to the comment section altogether.

What are your strengths as a blogger?

One of the greatest gifts Nines give us is a peaceful and safe place. They are gifted mediators and peacemakers, which translates well to the blogging medium. They're able to understand every side and don't believe there isn't room for common ground. Healthy Nines aren't afraid to weigh in on potentially controversial matters and they do it in a gracious way that invites civil discussion and thoughtful dialogue. In fact, a balanced Nine who has tapped in to the strengths of their Eight and One wings, can say things in such a way that much good results because we are able to hear it, which is not always the case when an Eight or a One takes charge.

Nines often call us toward a better way. They are gentle prophets. They are great at coming alongside us and helping us see another point of view but also showing us what could be. They are often transparent, which helps readers feel comfortable no matter the topic.

Nines are great people to spend time with, whether in person or across a screen. Their warmth and caring translates well. They are talented at forging community with their readers and with other bloggers. A great example of this comes courtesy of Megan Tietz's blog tagline: "let's pretend we're neighbors."

What are your greatest struggles/temptations as a blogger?

One of the Nine's greatest temptation is to quit blogging. They tend to be non-committal and would rather not be tied down to anything. They might struggle with how often or little they blog. Respondents who feel driven to write reported the blogging medium isn't their best or only outlet. Some of these respondents felt they were great writers but lousy bloggers. Still others press on and continue to blog but often fight against the impulse to throw in the towel or burn down the internet. When stressed, Nines are especially tempted to withdraw, perhaps as a way of preservation.

Nines don't often have a clear sense of themselves and this can filter in to their blog as well. They often seem particularly surprised by how beloved they are or by the opportunities that come their way. They may not be able to define their niche or understand what they contribute to their readers or the blog world at large. Nines need to figure out what they actually want- this is true of their personal life and their blogs. They also need to decide it's worth the effort. Nines can accomplish great things when they decide to be engaged and take action.

The other struggle for Nines is numbing. This won't necessarily be evident in their blogs but in how they consume social media and other blogs. As a way to avoid stress/pain/circumstances, they'll read page after page of blog archives and scroll through Facebook and Pinterest and Instagram. Not bad things in and of themselves but Nines must be mindful of what they are doing and why, especially if this prevents them from working on their own blog posts.

Resources: The Enneagram Institute, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective (Rohr), Enneagram Made Easy (Baron and Wagele), The Wisdom of the Enneagram (Riso and Hudson)

To learn more about this series, as well as how the survey was conducted, please read this post.

 Type Eight

 Commonly known as The Asserter, The Challenger, The Protector, The Leader

The Need to Be Against

Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others

Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life and destiny)

Key Motivations: Want to be self-reliant, to prove their strength and resist weakness, to be important in their world, to dominate the environment, and to stay in control of their situation.

Eights want to be self-reliant and strong. They hate feeling weak or dependent and avoid it at all costs. They are self-confident, resourceful, and assertive. They like to test boundaries and often believe rules were made to be broken. They are passionate about justice and truth. Eights are able to use their strengths to improve others' lives. They can be heroic, empowering, and inspiring. Straight-talking and decisive, they can also be egocentric and domineering. Because of their need to control their environment, especially people, they can become confrontational and intimidating. They can have difficulty admitting mistakes. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable.

At their best: direct, authoritative, loyal, energetic, confident, protective, self-confident

At their worst: controlling, rebellious, insensitive, domineering, self-centered, skeptical, aggressive

Read this profile for a complete description of Type Eight.

Type Eight Bloggers*^

Jes Kast-Keat, Dianna Anderson, Margaret Felice, Krista Dalton, Kamille Scellick, Christena Cleveland, The Blah Blah Blahger, Suzannah Paul

*these are bloggers who identify as type eight; it does not indicate they have participated in the Enneagram and Blogging survey

^Most analysis of Eights centers on their love of pushback and sticking it to the man; most of the responses from survey participants aligned with this view. However, there's much diversity within this type, according to their more dominant wing. Though I tried to accommodate for some of this, 8w9s might not relate as well to profile.

Typical Topics:

• Justice

• Feminism

• Intersection of faith and culture

• Faith and spirituality

• Church and theology

• Relationships (parenting, marriage, friendship, dating, etc.)

• Identity

• General life

• Fashion

• Ethics

• Food and hospitality

• Reconciliation

• Media and cultural criticism

• Books

Why did you start blogging?

While reasons for starting a blog ranged from building a platform to sharing stories with family, many Type Eights reported starting their blog because they:

• felt compelled to write- blogging gives them an outlet and pushes them to create content

• noticed people positively responded to their critiques of culture/media/the church

• enjoyed the process of written storytelling

Respondents had mixed reactions about blogging. For some, it's been a valuable outlet, allowing them to express themselves and explore new content. It may have opened up the door toward publishing or channeled their activism toward positive change. However, some respondents question whether blogging is the best medium for justice and reconciliation work. The posts closest to their heart and work may not get much blog traffic, which makes them wonder whether their time would be better spent elsewhere.

Do you have any goals related to blogging?

Besides building a platform or working toward publication, Eights want to help those who are marginalized. They love to use their voice and power on behalf of those who are weak and marginalized; they view their blogs as a tool to empower, open eyes, and raise awareness. They want to be truth-tellers in any number of contexts and also be true to themselves. They want their work to challenge and inspire. They want to help people ask difficult questions.

They want to build up the community around them, as it is, not as it may be ideally. Those who are Christian reported wanting to expand the Kingdom of God. Some Eights reported wanting to use their blogs as launching pad toward other opportunities, including monetizing their sites, speaking, teaching classes, and writing ebooks or books.

What do you like about blogging?

• Immediacy

• Discussions with readers- learning from and sharing with them

• Provides space to work out their views in a public, extroverted way

• Attention

• People seeking their opinion and listening to what they have to say

• Ability to advocate for others

• Creative outlet

• Intellectual engagement

• Allows them to hone their craft as writers, especially in learning how to effectively spark conversation

• Helping people think about situations/positions/beliefs from another angle

• Encouraging others

• Friendships/community but...

• Eights also want to empower readers to spend less time on their blogs and more time actively engaged in their real life communities

• Breaking down stereotypes and getting to the core of the matter

What do you not like about blogging?

Respondents didn't like how sensitive people can be and reported some people take blog posts too seriously, as it's a short-form medium, not a dissertation. They don't like when readers misinterpret their words or misunderstand their hearts.  The discipline of critique can be demonized within the blog world, to which Eights take offense. Eights love what Richard Rohr calls "confrontational intimacy." Eights push back as a way of making contact but they don't always understand that their delight in verbal sparring may be received as aggressive, mean, or below the belt. They want to advocate for others but may step on others or be closed off to other arguments in their quest to do so.

Because Eights want to prove their strength and not be controlled by others, they might have a hard time identifying their brand. They don't want to be boxed in, even by themselves. They don't like the inherent social ladder or the middle school dramas that seem to accompany the blog community. One respondent reported she didn't like the "hidden factor of blogging- how we truly only know a certain part of someone, not the whole."  She wanted to be able to look in to her readers' eyes and know their stories. For an Eight, this might be a way of knowing where they stand and gauging whether they have the power in the situation.

Eights don't like how certain voices are prized above others based on their privilege, such as when a male blogger writes something women have been saying for years and the post goes viral or people can't praise it enough. This may make them feel weak or remind them of how much justice work still needs to be done and how they do not have the desired control/power they seek. (Reminder: Eights don't want power to rule, necessarily. They don't want to someone else to dominate them or those who are marginalized.)

What are your strengths as a blogger?

Many of the respondents noted their posts are direct and concise. They tend to write quickly and are able to connect different ideas that people wouldn't normally think to connect. They are able to be discreet. They write tight analysis. Several respondents were proud of their discipline to the craft of writing and noted how this has helped them grow.

Eights don't write for the crowd and this frees them up to say the things others won't. They'll stick it to the Man and do what they can to set captives free. They'll do anything to help those who are weak and marginalized. Eights are passionate about their causes, beliefs, and the people for whom they feel responsible and this definitely comes out in their writing. They're typically not afraid of radio silence or negative feedback. In fact, some Eights relish the opportunity to respond to negative feedback. (See "confrontational intimacy" above.) They know their voice and what they have to offer. They are true to themselves.

What are your greatest struggles/temptations as a blogger?

The Eight's greatest struggle is their shamelessness. Out of their fear of being controlled, some Eights are no holds barred when it comes to how they react. They can easily become mean and dismissive. They may not realize or care if their directness intimidates others. They might have difficulty paying attention to other writers. Eights want to protect themselves and be in control of their destiny at all times, which can make attention in the blog world a difficult beast. They might love the attention when their posts are read but get thrown off by having "fans," as fans can be fickle or can tap in to their difficulty with vulnerability.

Eights might not always know when their voice is not needed in the conversation. They might be tempted to write something just to get attention. They are quick to jump in, to advocate, to opine on whatever today's problem might be. When anger drives their response, they may regret it. Healthy Eights understand they don't need to weigh in on every conversation, nor does anger need to drive them.

A few respondents reported their biggest temptation is not to blog at all. They feel it might not be the best use of their time, as they'd prefer to be out in the field, getting their hands "dirty," so to speak. Less talk, more action. Other Eights reported difficulty in making and keeping boundaries as a chief struggle, as well as spending too much time online.

Resources: The Enneagram Institute, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective (Rohr), Enneagram Made Easy (Baron and Wagele), The Wisdom of the Enneagram (Riso and Hudson)

To learn more about this series, as well as how the survey was conducted, please read this post. 

Type Seven

Commonly known as The Enthusiast, The Adventurer, The Generalist, The Multi-tasker

The Need to Avoid Pain

Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain

Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled

Key Motivations: Want to maintain their freedom and happiness, to avoid missing out on worthwhile experiences, to keep themselves excited and occupied, to avoid and discharge pain.

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. They're motivated by the need to be happy and contribute to the world. What with their playful, energetic ways, Sevens can be a ton of fun! In fact, you might find yourself feeling happier and more inspired after spending time with them. High-spirited and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over- extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They might be fully enthusiastic about one idea for as long as it holds their attention and then it's off to the next idea. When they focus on worthwhile goals, much good results. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness.

At their best: fun-loving, spontaneous, imaginative, productive, enthusastic, quick, confident, charming, curious

At their worst: narcissistic, impulsive, unfocused, rebellious, undisciplined, possessive, manic, self-destructive, restless

Read this profile for a complete description of Type Seven.

Type Seven Bloggers*

Grace Biskie, Truly, Tricia, Jamie's Rabbits, Shauna Niequist, Kelly@Love Well, Leanne Penny, Cara Meredith, Jim Kast-Keat, Idelette McVicker, Annie Downs

*these are bloggers who identify as type seven; it does not indicate they have participated in the Enneagram and Blogging survey

Typical Topics:

• Relationships (parenting, friendship, marriage, dating, etc.)

• Faith/spirituality

• Humor

• General life

• DIY

• Finding beauty and hope

• Wherever the wind blows them

Why did you start blogging?

While reasons for starting a blog ranged from building a platform to sharing stories with family, many Type Sevens reported starting their blog because they:

• thought it would be fun

• needed a place to share all their ideas

• are writers and wanted to work on consistency, work toward publication, or enjoyed having a creative outlet

• wanted to explore the lies in their head and grow toward healing

Sevens might not always be the most consistent bloggers (squirrel!) but their versatility keeps people engaged. They can hold court on any number of topics. Their desire to make the world a better place is often reflected in their writing, whether bringing sunshine and laughter to their readers or raising awareness about causes and organizations close to their hearts. Don't be surprised to find Sevens engaged in multiple endeavors: blogging, writing books, recording podcasts, speaking...all this in addition to the general activity of their lives.

Do you have any goals related to blogging?

Besides building a platform or working toward publication, most Sevens seemed to want to blog more consistently but weren't sure if they'd follow through. Because of their penchant for working on whatever's currently on their mind, blogging can get lost in the wayside. Except for when it doesn't. A Seven might post once a month, if that, for a while and then offer a spate of posts in the span of a week. It all depends. Those who expressed desire to be published reported wanting to build their platform and appeared more likely to follow through on this goal.

For those Sevens who blog because they think it's fun or because they want a place to share their ideas, goals may be more theoretical. As one respondent said, "Did you mean attainable goals?" They have goals or even great ideas on how to improve but not necessarily the attention span or desire to work toward them. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It may be more important for the Seven to devote their focus toward non-blogging related endeavors. The blog will always be there, if and when they have something to share.

What do you like about blogging?

• Friendship/community

• How their stories can encourage others and offer solidarity

• Ability to shine light on important issues

• The way other blogs/posts have changed them for the better

• Creative outlet

• Helped them improve and hone their skills as writers

• Helped them process situations

• Great way to test ideas

What do you not like about blogging?

While Sevens generally enjoy learning and are curious souls, they prefer to do it on their own pace, wherever the wind blows them. To that end, they expressed not liking the detailed side of blogging: such as coding and organization. Unless Sevens are particularly interested in these things (and some are!), it will feel like one big long To Do list filled with things they hope will magically get done on their own. They can follow through, if they want, but it can be a frustrating experience. They would rather do something fun.

Respondents said they felt pressured to "play the blogging game." They didn't like having to strategize their every move or consider whether a post will go viral. They might Tweet out a post but it's more likely to be according to their dictates instead of what the experts say. They would rather write and play with their blog friends.

Sevens reporting have a love/hate relationship with vulnerability. They like sharing their story and can in fact be excellent storytellers but it can be hard for Sevens to talk about difficult circumstances, as it goes against their basic fear of experiencing pain. Healthy Sevens are able to embrace vulnerability and recognize positive thinking won't, in fact, solve every problem. When Sevens are able to open up and explore the darker side, they can become more accepting of the dualities of life: the good and the bad, happy and sad. Their blogs can be a great place to process the slings and arrows of life but it can be difficult to put it out there.

What are your strengths as a blogger?

Sevens' greatest strengths include their versatility and willingness to try anything. They typically have a fast pace, which enables them to try ever more things. They want to explore it all. They're great at brainstorming and learning new things, ever energized by this process. When they direct this energy toward their blog, good things happen for them, as they see their efforts pay off and learn they can finish what they start. Their enthusiasm for a topic inspires us to be interested in it as well.

Respondents reported their authenticity and direct yet genuine style as strengths. When they decide to share about the hard parts of their lives, they hope someone else will be encouraged and feel less alone as a result. Sevens want to be fully present in their lives and get the most out of each day, which often includes making the world a brighter place, thanks to their optimism. They report blogging has helped them figure out who they're supposed to be.

One respondent reported her greatest strength was engagement, noting every comment and tweet is worthy of a reply. She reports enjoying the resulting conversation and looks for opportunities to create more of it. It's healthy for Sevens to learn to listen and see things from another point of view.

What are your greatest struggles/temptations as a blogger?

Sevens reported their greatest temptation was to wander. They don't want to miss out on anything and tend to work on multiple projects in order to have lots of options for their flitting attention span. They believe "more is better," no matter what that might be. More projects, more food, more cat videos. This can be a way to avoid reality, however. Whatever their goals may be, blogging or otherwise, Sevens need to learn to discipline their appetites so they can work toward that which will satisfy them. 

Sevens reported a lack of focus when it comes to their writing. They don't want to be limited to one genre or niche. But healthy Sevens recognize being overly broad or unfocused hurts their writing, too. They're not quite sure what they want or what their brand should be.

It's worth noting, respondents gave minimal responses to this section, proving their basic need of avoiding pain. It can be hard for Sevens to own up to their problems. They know they're not perfect but they'd rather not think about it and head to a party instead.

Resources: The Enneagram Institute, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective (Rohr), Enneagram Made Easy (Baron and Wagele), The Wisdom of the Enneagram (Riso and Hudson)

To learn more about this series, as well as how the survey was conducted, please read this post.

Type Six

 Commonly known as The Loyalist, The Guardian, The Questioner, The Traditionalist

The Need for Security

Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance

Basic Desire: To have security and support

Key Motivations: Want to have security, to feel supported by others, to have certitude and reassurance, to test the attitudes of others toward them, to fight against anxiety and insecurity.

Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. When they are internally stable and self-reliant, they are able to champion themselves and others. Sixes make for amazing friends. Excellent "troubleshooters," they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They are outwardly fearful. This type is most likely to look for and respond well to authority figures. They tend to be great rule-followers and look for black and white answers. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically struggle with self-doubt and suspicion.

At their best: loyal, likable, caring, warm, compassionate, witty, practical, helpful, responsible

At their worst: hypervigilant, controlling, unpredictable, judgmental, paranoid, defensive, rigid, self-defeating, testy

*Note: This type actually has two facets, phobic and counter-phobic, with the majority of people falling into the former category. For ease of understanding, this analysis is centered around the phobic Six.

Read this profile for a complete description of Type Six.

Type Six Bloggers*^

Don't Stop Believing, Building Ebeneezers, Upside Down Grace, Carlee Lane, Jennifer Bryant, Fork & Beans, Sarah Torna Roberts

*these are bloggers who identify as type six; it does not indicate they have participated in the Enneagram and Blogging survey

^Type Six is believed to be the most common type, with researchers theorizing half of the population identifying as such. However, finding Type Six Bloggers proved difficult, which will become clear as you read on. A few respondents even emailed me after the series began stating they now doubted they were Type Six and asked not to be included. I agreed to do so. It must be said, however, this confusion is classic Six behavior. Sixes and Nines have the hardest time discerning their type.

Typical Topics:

• Relationships (parenting, dating, friendship, etc.)

• Reading

• Faith

• General life

• Struggles and fears

• Grace vs. legalism

• DIY projects

• How they're processing various situations/struggles

• Recipes

Why did you start blogging?

While reasons for starting a blog ranged from building a platform to sharing stories with family, many Type Sixes reported starting their blog because they:

• wanted to experiment with different topics and writing styles

• wanted a more focused creative outlet than journaling provides

• wanted to connect with others in similar circumstances

• thought they had valuable perspective/information to offer

While most Six respondents reported starting their blogs because they wanted to write or work toward publication, an equal amount of Sixes who are not bloggers reported not wanting to write publicly because they lacked confidence, feared the reactions of others (including hypothetical commenters), or did not feel they were qualified to do so. For these reasons, Sixes appear to be the type least likely to blog.

Do you have any goals related to blogging?

Besides building a platform or working toward publication, Sixes want to make a difference to someone. They want readers to relate to and connect with them and their writing. They want to be a voice for those struggling to break free. They want to strengthen their writing voice and find their tribe. Respondents reported wanted to grow their readership and online presence. More than any other type, Sixes stated they'd like to blog full-time or make more consistent money blogging. It may be Sixes feel an income would legitimize their efforts.

Respondents reported a lot of anxiety and self-doubt related to their blogs and said they'd like to overcome these fears. This plays out in different ways. One respondent bought the domain for her site months ago but has yet to use it or migrate her blog to a new platform. For another respondent, it's increasing traffic, better understanding SEO, and learning marketing.

What do you like about blogging?

• Having a place to process and explore what's on their mind

• Opportunity to encourage others

• Sharing things they're excited about

• Getting to speak their mind and express themselves, something they don't feel as able to do face to face

• Community/friendships

• Receiving positive feedback

• Satisfaction of writing a good post

• Finding other bloggers who help them feel less alone

• Freedom to create

• Knowing they're helping others

What do you not like about blogging?

The most fearful and anxious of the nine types, Sixes expressed worrying over their blogs being read, as well as their blogs not being read. They have an especially hard time pressing "publish." If only they could foresee how a post will be perceived by others and receive a stamp of approval from the blogging gods... Sixes reported writing more freely if their friends and family are unaware of their blog. Those who blog openly report this can keep them from being more vulnerable. They also have a hard time when they receive minimal feedback after publishing a post. This is the conundrum of the Type Six blogger: they believe, on some level, they have something to say (more so than the Type Six who chooses not to blog) but also worry they shouldn't be the one to say it or believe someone else could do it better.

Respondents reported disliking the self-promotion required to succeed, often using the phrase "quality over quantity" as the reason for their dislike. The more pressure they feel, the less likely they are to blog. Sixes can be phenomenal procrastinators, unless they gird their loins, push through, and do the work. Sixes want to survive, not succeed, as success means more pageviews, more social media shares, more eyeballs on them, more unknowns to combat. If they do succeed, it's difficult for them to enjoy the achievement as there is always something new for them to worry about. The core desire for Sixes is security and the support of others, neither of which are givens when it comes to the unpredictable blogging world. Sixes specifically mentioned not liking trolls, those nasty patrollers of the web. Even if they've never experienced a troll, they view it as an ever present and real threat.

Because Sixes desire the approval of others, the blog world may feel like they're at a junior high dance and everyone's out moving and grooving except for them. Social media, for better or worse, tells us what all the cool kids are up to today and Sixes wouldn't mind being a sidekick at the latest conference or at least having the most popular blogger say they like the shoes they're wearing. Although, don't compliment those shoes too much: Sixes have a hard time accepting praise and often think there's a trick behind flattering words.

What are your strengths as a blogger?

This turned out to be a hard question for Sixes to answer; several relied on what others have told them. (Sixes often look to authority figures.) They reported they are good writers and that their honesty is a strength. They do a good job of responding and relating to their readers, as well as having compassion for them. They feel their blogs can be safe spaces. Healthy Sixes are very supportive. Some respondents noted they visit their readers' blogs to further those relationships.

Healthy Sixes also learn to listen to themselves, a huge strength. They sense what's possible and what isn't and are more likely to try new things. They're able to push past their fears and write it anyway, knowing they usually regret not doing so. When a Six is able to share from a place of vulnerability, their courage is inspiring and beautiful to witness. It is a gift to us all. Healthy Sixes can also take ownership of their strengths, whether their creativity or unique content.

What are your greatest struggles/temptations as a blogger?

The Six's core struggle is fear. They have a hard time trusting themselves and often look to others for answers. When it comes to blogging, the fear may manifest itself by irregular posts, not posting at all, sticking to safe topics, or worrying over how they'll be perceived. Respondents reported having a hard time hitting "publish," questioning whether it was good enough or worth reading. They wish they had a different writing style or more authoritative voice. They may not tell friends and family about their blog. They worry what they write won't be well received, which taps right back in to their core desires and fears. Blogging can be an act of vulnerability and Sixes face their fears every time they write and share a new post. Commendable, really. But oh how they battle with themselves to get there.

Because Sixes doubt themselves, they also tend to doubt the opportunities that come their way. One respondent wrote, "I was so afraid of failing I never sent any of the posts I wrote for it. I'm afraid that people think I have no business writing. I'm working through it, but it's been a constant battle. I think I've missed out on some amazing opportunities because of fear."

Sixes question how much they should share. What topics are too personal? Is sharing about their life circumstances truly helpful to others? Will they disappoint someone in their life or across the screen? Who are they underneath all the fear? Sixes benefit from the encouragement of others in order to be fully open and honest. However, a healthy Six will learn to trust themselves, overcome their fears, and act of their own volition.

When Sixes do write, their posts may be lengthy as they try to cover all their bases. They don't want to offend anyone and tend to stay away from controversial topics. They're not entirely sure they'll agree with what they wrote 6 months or a year ago. They may feel the urge to delete their archived posts so there won't be any evidence of "what they got wrong." Or, again, they may decide not to risk it at all and stop blogging altogether.

Resources: The Enneagram Institute, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective (Rohr), Enneagram Made Easy (Baron and Wagele), The Wisdom of the Enneagram (Riso and Hudson)

To learn more about this series, as well as how the survey was conducted, please read this post.

Type Five

 Commonly known as The Investigator, The Observer

The Need to Perceive

Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable

Basic Desire: To be capable and competent

Key Motivations: Want to possess knowledge, to understand the environment, to have everything figured out as a way of defending the self from threats from the environment.

Fives want to know and understand everything, in part to be self-sufficient but also to avoid looking foolish. They are often ahead of their time: true visionaries and pioneers in their chosen field. Insightful and curious, they see the world in a new way, one that's filled with possibility. Fives focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Unlike the other 8 types, which are a mix of extroverts and introverts, Fives are predominantly introverted, though there are exceptions to the rule. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They can also become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation.

At their best: analytical, persevering, sensitive, wise, objective, perceptive, self-contained

At their worst: intellectually arrogant, stingy, stubborn, distant, critical of others, unassertive, negative

Read this profile for a complete description of Type Five.

Type Five Bloggers*

Zizzivivizz, Kelley Nikondeha, Danny Webster, CulturalSavage, Make Way For Ducklings, Still Forming, Nester, Rachel Franklin, Kate Schell

*these are bloggers who identify as type five; it does not indicate they have participated in the Enneagram and Blogging survey

Typical Topics:

• Personal stories or essays

• What they're learning ("I feel like I'm always learning and lots of the things I find myself wanting to write about have to do with that." -quintessential type Five response)

• Culture and history

• Faith

• Spiritual formation/spiritual direction

• Healing

• Freedom

• Relationships (parenting, marriage, friendship, etc.)

• Their particular area of expertise, whether academia, home decor, etc.

Why did you start blogging?

While reasons for starting a blog ranged from building a platform to sharing stories with family, many Type Fives reported starting their blog because they:

• were intrigued by the community and conversations occurring on blogs

• wanted a place for personal, reflective writing (especially true for our respondents who were in graduate school when they started or who work in academia)

• wanted the discipline of writing

• wanted to share what they're learning

• wanted to connect with others

Are you picking up on the Five's curiosity and desire to learn yet? Blogs provide a great platform for them to test and develop ideas, develop their strengths, and connect with like-minded people.

Do you have any goals related to blogging?

Besides building a platform or working toward publication, Fives want to offer a safe space for readers to explore and question their experiences. They want to encourage others to be free of what hinders them. Fives who are Christians noted they wanted to help people experience a deeper connection with God, as well as better understand themselves.

Several Five respondents reported they wanted to blog more consistently. Fives have a tendency to think, more than act and this may be an instance in which they need to be more proactive about putting their insights and knowledge out in to the world. One respondent reported wanting to learn how to code, not just for their blog but because Fives like to learn. They want to be self-sufficient, instead of having to outsource things like coding and design. They are motivated to have everything figured out, as a form of defense and so they don't have to rely on others. Related to this, some Fives are interested in monetizing their blogs and expressed goals of developing a more cohesive structure, whether through weekly topics or participating in link-ups.

What do you like about blogging?

• Friendships/community that has emerged

• Communicating by writing, instead of in person

• Helping people see they're not alone, which helps Fives see they're not alone

• Processing and learning more about their own experiences through the process of writing

• Exploring concepts and ideas more in-depth

• Sharing their perspective of what an honest relationship with God and self can be like

• Reading about the perspectives of other bloggers

• Ability to find and share practical information

What do you not like about blogging?

As much as Fives enjoy reaching readers through blogging, many respondents reported they either 1) found it difficult to connect with people online or 2) felt they didn't quite fit in to the larger blogging community. Let's break this down. Fives generally like people (most of the time) but often find it easier to express themselves in writing and therefore can find it easier to forge connections with readers in this way. However, some Fives find it difficult to build relationships in their day-to-day lives and this same difficulty carries over online. They often feel they're different from most people. Add to this our ability to see who all is connected to who, thanks to social media, and its easy to see why Fives might feel lost. For as many Fives expressed how the Internet helped them find their people, there was an equal amount who were wading through the competitiveness and insider-outsider mentality.

Which brings us to what Fives really don't like about blogging: self-promotion. They hate considering how to get people to read them- there will be no link baiting from them. Fives are proud of what they have to offer (and we would do well to pay attention to them) but they don't want to be a part of Blogging As Industry. Now, this isn't to say they can't or don't want to make a living as bloggers. Most Fives, however, don't want to promote their work, get sponsored (they tend to be very picky if they do go this route), or publish new posts for the sake of generating new content. They may want a bigger audience but they're not overly keen on doing the things the all-knowing They say we should all be doing. They don't want to sacrifice their time or energy to do "what it takes," whatever that might be. Fives don't like to conform.

It's safe to say they analyze their role in this a great deal, as it coincides with their desire to be seen as capable and competent. How do we judge a blogger's capability and competency? It varies according to the blogger (and Enneagram type, as we have seen) and their specific needs or insecurities. Blogging can magnify the things we don't like about ourselves or our struggles. Fives may put off posting when they doubt they have something worth sharing or question whether readers will show up. They may believe it's better not to put anything out there instead of risking it and embarrassing themselves or being seen as incompetent.

What are your strengths as a blogger?

Fives have an objective point of view. They like to thoroughly understand whatever they're contemplating or working through. Fives might be more serious but they're also wonderful at being open, honest, and vulnerable. They love to encourage others. They tend to have a good balance with what they share and what they keep private.

Fives excel in their niches. Fives with academic backgrounds noted their excellence as writers. Fives with unique life stories prized their ability to offer rapport, insights, and valuable information. Whatever the career, hobby, or passion, Fives have a way of helping us see the world through their eyes. Plus, they do enjoy sharing their expertise. They can explore ideas in depth and make them palatable and easily understandable for others. What a benefit to the rest of us!

What are your greatest struggles/temptations as a blogger?

Fives are great Idea People but can struggle when it comes to follow through. Most respondents reported wanting to be more consistent bloggers. Fives tend to put all their energy in to a project until they get worn out and then they'll put it aside for a while. They intend to come back to it but sometimes forget, as they're on to the next project.

Some Fives reported feeling like their blogs were too much about them. They wanted to diversify, either by starting a new blog on a subject close to their hearts or just mixing up the content more. Or maybe they'll stop blogging altogether, as it can be overwhelming to be so objective and they'd rather focus on whatever they'd like. Fives think a lot about their content and can go back and forth about what to share, whether a personal story or pictures of their child(ren). They are caught between their strength of being vulnerable and their desire to protect their privacy and competent image. They don't want to look foolish. In general, they process what they're learning by writing so chances are it will end up in a journal, if not their blog. But then, they might question whether what's in their journal should be blogged or vice versa. Fives can spiral around their heads on any number of things they're wrestling through, most of which we'll never see in print.

Resources: The Enneagram Institute, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective (Rohr), Enneagram Made Easy (Baron and Wagele), The Wisdom of the Enneagram (Riso and Hudson)