Enneagram and Health
The Enneagram is a typology system that describes human personality as a number on a diagram of interconnected personality types. Each point represents a personality type. Using the Enneagram, you can learn about yourself and figure out how to tranform your health!
Type 1
The type 1 can be called the reformer, idealist, or perfectionist. 1s are ethical and conscientious, and have strong morals. They are on a conquest quest to improve themselves and the people around them. 1s have the compassion of a 4 and the lighthearted nature of a 7.
A type 1 has the gifts of goodness and energy to bring order to the world. Fastidious, well-organized, and trying to maintain high standards, a 1 can be discerning, productive, and wise. However, they can slip into perfectionism and criticism.
1s can be critical of themselves and others, and can have a hard time accepting being less than perfect. Since 1’s are in the anger triad, they can be critical of themselves and others. Their inner critic is continually striving for perfection. 1s deal with resentment and impatience, and need to learn to recognize when these feelings arise.
If you are a 1, strive for goodness and excellence, rather than perfection. Remember to set boundaries on work to avoid burnout, take time to rest, and go outdoors for fresh air. Don’t forget to have fun and play. You don’t always have to be productive!
Type 2
The type 2 is called the helper and is sincere, empathetic, considerate, and caring. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing. 2s go out of their way to help others and value love, being close to family and friends, and sharing. Being around a 2 is uplifting and enlivening, as they encourage, listen, and understand the feelings of others.
Since 2s want to feel loved and appreciated, they can overextend their help and become burnt out. They can be flattering and people-pleasing, leading to relationship problems. They like to feel needed and close to others, and may strive to help others in an attempt to gain worth.
A healthy 2 needs to know they are worthy, even when they are not helping others. They need to put their self-care ahead of others, and know they cannot take care of others if they are not taking care of themselves. 2s need to learn to say no and to set healthy boundaries. When they give or help, they need to remember not to expect anything in return to avoid disappointment. A 2 at their best is humble, altruistic, and gives unconditional love to themselves and others.
Type 3
The type 3 is called the achiever because they are very success oriented. They are pragmatic, driven, and self-assured. 3s want to feel valuable, worthwhile, and to distinguish themselves from others. In the workplace, 3s are leaders and perform well. A healthy 3 believes in themselves and inspires others to do great things.
3s can be image conscious and overly concerned about what others think of me. They can fall into workaholism and competitiveness. In their effort to achieve success, 3s can become too materialistic or overly focused on becoming noteworthy. This can lead to a loss of self as 3 may forget about who they truly are or what they want. At their worst, 3s struggle to believe others truly love them for who they are and not what they achieve.
At their best, 3s are self-accepting and authentic. They can be a voice of reason and speak up for truth and do what is right. When a 3 feels safe and finds connection, they can truly shine and find the worth they have been looking for.
3s would benefit from embracing vulnerability and getting in touch with their feelings. Finding self-care and non-addictive practices will help a 3 to slow down and take the focus off of achievement. They may also enjoy finding less stressful, non-competitive ways to achieve something like volunteering and helping others.
Type 4
Type 4s are called the Individualists or the Romantics, and find pleasure in the beauty of the world. They are reserved, self-aware, and sensitive. 4s are emotionally honest and in touch with their feelings. Their desire is to find themselves and their significance in the world. They want to express their individuality and themselves in creative ways, while also taking care of their emotional needs.
4s are very aware of their differences and deficiencies, which can create body image issues.
They can be temperamental, self-absorbed, and dramatic. They can also have problems with sadness, self-pity, and self-indulgence. 4s can be moody and sensitive, making others walk on eggshells around them.
At their best, 4s are very creative and inspired. Healthy 4s are willing to see themselves for who they really are and deal with their emotions, both good and bad. They are able to process negative feelings easier than other types who may become overwhelmed with these deep feelings. 4s need to realize they are loved, regardless of how unique they are.
Type 5
Type 5s are called the Investigators because they are curious, alert, and insightful. They have the ability to concentrate and develop complex ideas and skills. These independent, inventive, and innovative people are usually ahead of their time and able to see the world differently. 5s want to possess knowledge and understand the world and why things are the way they are. They are always searching and asking questions, spending a lot of time in contemplation.
Although 5s are perceptive and imaginary, they can become too preoccupied with their thoughts and isolate themselves. 5s struggle with eccentricity, nihilism, and can be high-strung and intense. Although 5s are not always introverts, many are because of their limited energy and interest in conversations. 5s can struggle with arrogance and a know-it-all attitude, and need to remember to be humble and listen to others.
At their best, 5s share their thirst for knowledge and excitement for learning. Since 5s can be very self-reliant and emotionally distant, they must remember to ration their energy for social situations. 5s need to take social breaks to replenish their energy. Instead of isolating themselves, 5s need to establish healthy boundaries and become more accepting of others. Being open minded and insightful, 5s can be true visionaries and discover new ways of perceiving and doing things.
Type 6
Type 6s are called the Loyalists because they are committed and security oriented. As they guard and nurture their closest relationships, they build trust, loyalty, and love with others. They are generous, helpful, and hard working.
6s love to prepare for anything and everything. Although this can be a blessing, it is also a curse as they may create and dwell on emergency plans or scenarios, even when they are not necessary. They can be cautious, indecisive, and constantly question their own thoughts and actions.
Although 6s are very loyal, they can also be doubtful and suspicious of others. The anxious nature of 6s can make them insecure and reliant on authority figures to provide security. This can lead to an over-reliance on certain people or figures, and can even make the 6 counterphobic. A counterphobic 6 may look for a false sense of security in unhealthy places like substances, affairs, or dangerous groups.
A healthy 6 needs to process their fears safely and find healthy emotional outlets. 6’s need to clear their thoughts of worry to be able to access their true thoughts and feelings. At their best, 6s are stable, self-reliant, and cooperative. They can be strong leaders with true courage, positive thinking, and trusting connections. 6s will thrive if they can let go of their worry and doubts, and learn to trust in themselves and others.
Type 7
Type 7s are known as the enthusiasts with spontaneous and playful natures. Their joyful and energetic nature attracts people and brings optimism to the world. They have vivid imaginations and love new ideas and experiences.
Although the spontaneity of a 7 can be a joy, it can also make them scattered, unfocused, and frazzled. They may move from one thing to another, without completing projects or accessing deep feelings. Anxiety is at the root of this constant need to be stimulated, along with a fear of being alone or overwhelmed. 7s can avoid feelings and pain, which leads to exhaustion and even more pain. 7s also struggle with gluttony and overdoing, whether it be exercise, food, or commitments.
Healthy 7s are focused on finishing projects with joy and encouraging others to do the same with their positive attitudes. With compassionate and stable people by their side, 7s learn to deal with their emotions, process their anxiety, and remember their worth. Using rest to recharge, 7s can slow down and refocus. At their best, 7s find the joy and wonders in life, while sharing this enthusiasm with others and staying focused on their accomplishments.
Type 8
8s are called the Challengers because they enjoy taking on challenges and helping others do the same. They are self-confident, assertive, and strong. They are strong leaders and wonderful at protecting themselves and others. These decisive and resourceful 8s challenge others to do and be their best. With their intense energy, 8s live life to the fullest and effect change in the environment. With charisma and persuasion, 8s push others to achieve, while also protecting them from hurt and pain.
Since 8s can be very strong and assertive, they can also be domineering and ego-centric. They do not want to be controlled or allow others to have power over them. Maintaining control and being independent is vastly important to an 8. However, they can have trouble trusting others and forgiving those that have let them down in the past. 8s fear vulnerability and can struggle to feel misunderstood.
8s can access growth by dealing with difficult emotions and being vulnerable. By releasing unforgiveness, 8s can remove heavy burdens and learn to trust others more. They must deal with their anger and their tempers to get along better with others. At their best, 8s are courageous, self-confident, and assertive, while dealing with their emotions and sharing power with others.
Type 9
9s are called the Peacemakers who bring their complacent and easy going nature to the world. They are gentle, unobtrusive, and complacent. 9s are accepting and trusting, going along with others to keep the peace and avoid conflict. They work hard to maintain their inner peace, while also fighting for peace and harmony in the world.
Since 9s often defer to others, they may not voice their own opinions or needs. This can cause them to become like a doormat and be walked all over. 9s may slide into the background and go unnoticed, not allowing their gifts of peace and honesty to be seen. When putting others first, they deprioritize themselves and may lack their own goals and visions. When they are not being heard, 9s can become lazy, sleepy, and lackadaisical. 9s need to seek out people who not only value them, but also listen to them. In doing so, a 9 can gain respect and be seen by others.
A healthy 9 has great empathy and makes others feel included. At their best, 9s create harmony, solve conflicts, and bring people together. Self-care for a 9 looks like being centered in their bodies, building healthy routines, and releasing their anger through bodywork. This can help them to feel more connected to themselves and others, while establishing a strong identity and autonomy.