Personality experiment journal
A test result is a hypothesis about you. This journal turns it into a small experiment: make predictions based on your type, observe what actually happens and weigh the evidence.
How the experiment works
Choose your likely type and one alternative. Each week, write down a few predictions based on each type's description, such as how you'll react to criticism or a deadline. Over the week, record what actually happened. At the end of four weeks, count which type's predictions matched your behavior more often.
Weekly prediction log
| Day | Situation expected | Prediction if Type A | Prediction if Type B | What happened | Better match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) |
| Wednesday | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) |
| Friday | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) |
| Weekend | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) | (write here) |
Example entry
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Situation | Manager gives critical feedback on a report |
| Prediction if Type 1 | Feel irritated at the error and fix it immediately |
| Prediction if Type 6 | Worry about what the feedback means for my position |
| What happened | Spent the evening wondering if my job was at risk |
| Better match | Type 6 |
Four-week summary
| Measure | Type A | Type B |
|---|---|---|
| Predictions matched | (write here) | (write here) |
| Strongest evidence for | (write here) | (write here) |
| Strongest evidence against | (write here) | (write here) |
| Outside feedback | (write here) | (write here) |
Why this approach helps
Reading a description invites confirmation bias: you notice what fits. Making predictions before events, and recording outcomes honestly, forces a fairer comparison. Adding a friend's view helps too, because personality research shows that others notice behavior we may overlook in ourselves.
Tips for a fair experiment
- Write predictions before situations happen.
- Record surprising behavior, not only matches.
- Keep the alternative type genuinely in play.
- Ask someone close to you to review your summary.
Journal questions
How can I test whether my Enneagram type is right?+−
Make predictions based on your type and an alternative, then record what actually happens.
How long should I keep the journal?+−
Four weeks usually provides enough situations to compare.
What if both types match equally?+−
Look at core fears and ask for outside feedback, or consider a wing connection.
Can I use this journal for other personality models?+−
Yes, the prediction method works for any framework.
Continue exploring
Explore The Enneagram explained: types, thinking and evidence
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