Why does self-awareness around personality matter for growth?

I’m a personality theory and typology nerd. I find it all so interesting, but also incredibly helpful. In learning about my personality type, I have been able to better understand where I keep feeling stuck and why I get stuck there. 

BUT what is personality, and why does it matter in the first place?

When we talk about personality we are referring to patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that make someone unique.  Many personality theorists believe some level of personality to be hardwired into our DNA. But there are also events in life that shape our responses, how we learn to meet our needs and interact with the world around us. There are personality theories and typologies that aim to categorize patterns of personality across the population.

Self-awareness around our personality/personality type helps us grow in understanding around not only what we do, but why we do what we do, why we think what we think, and why we act the way we act. When we learn more about our personality, or personality type, we can gain awareness around both our strengths and our areas for growth.

It’s like receiving a road map - you are able to see where you are and find the destination where you want to go. The map (or Apple Maps) gives you directions on how to get there. This is particularly true when working with a tool like The Enneagram. 

If you are ready to grow in awareness around your personality, identify your blind spots and create pathways for growth, contact me to chat further. We can figure out if counseling is your right next step!