What does growth look like for you? In this post, we explore what growth can look like for each Enneagram type. These aren’t the only signs of growth for each type, but these might help you observe what growth looks like for you.

If you notice areas where you’ve grown, take a moment to acknowledge that! Building those habits can take a lot of intentional work. If there are items on this list that aren’t yet available to you, that’s okay, too.

This is not intended to be a report card! Even noting a couple of ways you’ve grown is incredible!

If you’d like to see what others of your type have to say about this post, you can find it on Instagram right here, and join the conversation!

Type Nine

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I'm able to verbally process my thoughts and feelings.
I know that if I speak up, it won't necessarily cause disconnection (and if it does, I'll be okay).
I lean in instead of zoning out.
I'm fully engaged in my life, my relationships, and my decisions.
I advocate for myself and know that I have value to offer.
I give myself the same respect and patience I offer to others.
I take action on the things that need to get done, and I trust myself to show up for myself.

Type Eight

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I approach life with openness and allow myself to be impacted by the world.
I pause and gather all the necessary information before moving forward.
I see my vulnerability and softness as beautiful parts of being human, rather than as weaknesses to hide.
I give of myself gratefully without feeling the need to protect myself.
I ask for help.
I listen in a conversation without feeling the need to insert an opinion.
I allow myself to be moved to joy, tears, or other strong emotions by those around me.

Type Seven

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I can let others see me cry, and I'm okay with talking about negative emotions.
I say no because I need to, and I don't worry about missing out.
I am present in the moment without feeling the need to stir up excitement.
I feel grounded and content in the present.
I strike a balance between what I want to do and what I have to do.
I am patient with others.
I recognize when I'm feeling drained, and I slow down to care for myself.

Type Six

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I trust myself and find freedom in making decisions.
I don't need reassurance to know that my relationships are okay.
I can easily see the best in others and in situations.
I'm able to observe when l'm feeling suspicious of others and get curious about why that might be, rather than jumping to distrust.
I trust that others have also done their homework, so l don't feel like I'm the only one who has thought of everything.
I feel confident in myself and my choices, and I don't need to justify my thought process.
I know I'm going to be okay.

Type Five

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I seek out social interaction rather than running from it, and I seek out people who help me feel energized rather than depleted.
I know I can't always think myself out of anxiety or fear, so l use tools aside from research to manage those feelings.
I invite others to share in my hobbies (or at least partake in the final product).
I express the connective emotions, like empathy, instead of keeping them inside.
I feel my feelings in real-time.
I prioritize my overall well-being, not just my brain.
I remind myself that I don't have to be an expert to begin something new.

Type Four

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I don't ruminate on how everything I do impacts others.
I have cultivated a lifestyle that supports me.
I can be at ease with what l like and dislike, even if it's not special or unique.
I'm able to feel my feelings without letting them overcome me.
I appreciate what is good in life without feeling the need to balance it by focusing on what l'm missing.
I feel all of life as it is, without feeling the need to blow things out of proportion or bury them.
I know I'm not missing anything, there's nothing wrong with me, and I'm enough exactly as l am.

Type Three

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I am aware of my own feelings, and I let them come to the surface.
I don't take myself too seriously.
I feel like I can breathe easily, and my shoulders are relaxed.
I rest when I need to rest.
I stop analyzing how people are perceiving me.
I can be present in the moment without feeling the need to prove myself.
I know deep down that I'm enough as I am: I don't need to perform, achieve, or compete to be worthy.

Type Two

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

I can say "no" without guilt.
I take good care of myself and know that I'm important.
I make decisions out of the core of who I am rather than out of the fear of losing love.
I'm just as curious about myself and my dreams as l am about everyone else's dreams.
I soak up alone time and make space for activities I enjoy.
I'm more in touch with how I'm truly feeling, and I'm able to share with trusted others.
I know that my worth isn't defined by what I do for others.

Type One

I KNOW I'M GROWING WHEN...

My self-talk is kind and compassionate.
I admit when I'm wrong (without letting my inner critic take over).
I am more accepting of myself and others.
I take time to do what I want to do, not only what l "should" do.
I choose to share emotional and even logistical burdens with others, rather than taking everything on alone.
I am playful, carefree, and connected.
I see all the things around me that are already good.

If this post leaves you wondering HOW to actually move toward these signs of growth, I have great news for you! My book, Enneagram in Real Life, provides you with the tools you need to take actionable steps toward change.

Don’t forget, you can also join the conversation here and tell me what stood out to you about this post in the comments!