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Enneagram types in growth will look differently as we all grow in different ways. The great thing about the enneagram is it can point us in the direction that we need to head towards in order to grow.
If you’ve ever wondered what those lines connecting the numbers on the enneagram symbol mean… this is it! (well part of it anyway… more on that in another post!)
Each enneagram type goes towards and takes on some of the healthy traits of another type when they are growing.
Each number on the enneagram symbol has two lines attached to it. One of those lines shows where you are prone to go when growing (the other for when in stress). This growth line is often called a “growth line” or “line of integration”.
For a quick example, you can see that type 1 has lines connecting to types 4 and 7. Type 1s go towards 7 in growth.
You can’t “fake it till you make it” when it comes to your growth number. That said, knowing where you are headed and what you need to work on is a great way to use your growth number and then you can naturally begin growing.
Note: you can use your growth number in average or unhealthy ways in which case you are using it as your security number.
Not sure which enneagram type you are? You can check out my posts on how to find your enneagram type and how to confirm your enneagram type to help figure things out.
Enneagram Types In Growth
Type 1 in Growth
When type 1s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 7.
This means that when 1s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 7.
This can mean acting more spontaneously, becoming more self-accepting, and more optimistic.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 1 will never look just like a 7. Healthy 1s will use the healthy traits of 7 but in their 1ish way.
1s can use the growth traits of type 7 to help re-establish a healthy balance between their usual responsible type 1 mode and relaxation.
Type 2 in Growth
When type 2s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 4.
This means that when 2s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 4.
This can mean being more aware and more accepting of painful feelings and becoming more self-nurturing.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 2 will never look just like a 4. Healthy 2s will use the healthy traits of 4 but in their 2ish way.
2s can use the growth traits of type 4 to help re-establish a healthy balance between their usual self-denying type 2 mode and focus a bit more on their own needs.
Type 3 in Growth
When type 3s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 6.
This means that when 3s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 6.
This can mean being more cooperative and more committed to others, as well as being more aware of their feelings and dropping their masks.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 3 will never look just like a 6. Healthy 3s will use the healthy traits of 6 but in their 3ish way.
3s can use the growth traits of type 6 to help re-establish a healthy balance between their usual fast-paced type 3 mode and reflection.
Type 4 in Growth
When type 4s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 1.
This means that when 4s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 1.
This can mean being more objective, more principled, more disciplined, and more grounded.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 4 will never look just like a 1. Healthy 4s will use the healthy traits of 1 but in their 4ish way.
4s can use the growth traits of type 1 to help re-establish a healthy balance between their authentic idealism 4 mode and structure.
Type 5 in Growth
When type 5s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 8.
This means that when 5s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 8.
This can mean being more assertive, more self-confident, and more decisive. As well as more in touch with their bodies.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 5 will never look just like a 8. Healthy 5s will use the healthy traits of 8 but in their 5ish way.
5s can use the growth traits of type 8 to help re-establish a healthy balance between their researching 5 mode and assertiveness.
Type 6 in Growth
When type 6s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 9.
This means that when 6s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 9.
This can mean being more relaxed, more calm, and less anxious.
You’ll notice that the word “more” (or less) is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 6 will never look just like a 9. Healthy 6s will use the healthy traits of 9 but in their 6ish way.
6s can use the growth traits of type 9 to help re-establish a healthy balance between their cautious 6 mode and being at ease.
Type 7 in Growth
When type 7s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 5.
This means that when 7s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 5.
This can mean being more focused, more restrained, more objective, and more okay with painful things.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 7 will never look just like a 5. Healthy 7s will use the healthy traits of 5 but in their 7ish way.
7s can use the growth traits of type 5 to help re-establish a healthy balance between their joy seeking 7 mode and restraint.
Type 8 in Growth
When type 8s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 2.
This means that when 8s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 2.
This can mean being more compassionate, more vulnerable, more thoughtful, and more open-hearted.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 8 will never look just like a 2. Healthy 8s will use the healthy traits of 2 but in their 8ish way.
8s can use the growth traits of type 2 to help re-establish a healthy balance between asserting their own needs 8 mode and attuning to the needs of others.
Type 9 in Growth
When type 9s are moving towards growth they go towards their growth number which is type 3.
This means that when 9s are healthy and growing they start taking on some of the healthy traits of type 3.
This can mean being more assertive, more present, and more energetic.
You’ll notice that the word “more” is included in all the growth actions/adjectives. This is because a healthy 9 will never look just like a 3. Healthy 9s will use the healthy traits of 3 but in their 9ish way.
9s can use the growth traits of type 3 to help re-establish a healthy balance between supportive 9 mode and self-value.
This is so interesting! I’m a type 2 who used to think I was a type 4, so it’s cool to know that that’s my growth number 🙂
i had a bit of problems exploring my 1 (4w5 so/sx) as i was not so healthy, but as im becoming more and more healthier it’s getting easier! i love it, also people often say that you can have a problem with people of your growth/stress number, but i have a really good friend 1 and i am trying to learn from her a lot, so that is also helping me with it ^^✨
I’m a 3 and reading this helps me understand that characteristics of others are good to grow into. I fully respect those that are 6’s and I’m proud to say I take on their traits when in a growth period.
I love your posts !!!
I think I am a 2 and I choose an artistic career which makes me super happy and maybe it’s because I’m going to 4 !
I’m a 2 and I have noticed the truth of the enneagram in my growth.