Practice Simplifying Your Life Based on Your Enneagram Type
I have always loved stuff that told me more about me. Haha. Personality tests are my favorite. They help me think about my own strengths and weaknesses on a deeper level and allow me to better understand those around me. That’s why I wanted to make this simplicity thing a little more…simple based on your specific enneagram type. Scroll down to find your enneagram and read a little about yourself and get a few ideas about how you can practice minimalism and simplicity for your enneagram.
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What is the enneagram?
Ok so first of all, maybe you’re not even sure what your enneagram type is! It’s all good, you can take a test to find out! Then head to the Enneagram Institute to read more about your enneagram.
What you can learn from your enneagram
Knowing your enneagram type can help you see different stages of your life when you’re at your worst or when you’re at your best.
During times of stress or success you may take on traits of different enneagrams and you can read all about how to better mange yourself during those more stressful times.
Another cool feature at the Enneagram Institute is that you can even read more in depth about your enneagram type’s compatibility with other types!
Warning
Some people may test wrong for the enneagram and there are a few reasons why.
I personally tested wrong the first time I took the enneagram because I took it during a time of high stress. As a type 4 (The Individualist) I was spending a lot of time doing everything for everyone else around me. Type 4s really enjoy their quiet, alone time and I wasn’t getting much.
When I had originally read the enneagrams I felt instantly like a Type 4 was a perfect fit for me and was shocked to see myself labeled as a 2. Later I laughed when I noticed that in times of high stress a type 4 will often revert to a negative type 2 enneagram personality. What do ya know?
So I say if you don’t feel like your enneagram fits, check out the “Misidentification With Other Types” section to see why you might be off.
Type 1
“The Reformer”
If you are an enneagram type 1 you are most likely that typical type-A perfectionist. Sometimes types ones can strive so hard for perfectionism that they become crippled by it.
They may find that no one lives up to their idea of how you should act or behave, even themselves. While striving to be better is a great thing, type ones might continue striving for more without really appreciating where they are at already.
Simplifying your enneagram:
Pick your perfection: It’s important to keep in mind that reaching perfection is not possible. However, when it comes to wanting to be your best at something, try simplifying by choosing one thing.
Instead of trying to be great at everything (and always falling short — because it’s not possible), choose one area of your life that you really want to put all of your effort toward.
Find perfection in others: When you struggle to see how another enneagram type works or operates because it’s different from you, give yourself a small challenge to find something great and admirable about this person rather than focusing on their shortcomings.
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: How To Be An Imperfectionist
- BOOK: Get Out of Your Own Way
- POST: Rachel Hollis Goal Setting Quotes (She’s a Type 1)
Type 2
“The Helper”
The type two enneagram is called the helper because one of their main forces is working to be there for others. At their best they can be selfless, love filled people. However, often times the type 2 works to be there for others because they really have a longing for love and appreciation.
In other words, they often find themselves showing up for others because they want that kind of love reciprocated.
Here’s a great excerpt from the Enneagram Institute:
“Average to unhealthy Twos seek validation of their worth by obeying their superego’s demands to sacrifice themselves for others. They believe they must always put others first and be loving and unselfish if they want to get love. The problem is that “putting others first” makes Twos secretly angry and resentful, feelings they work hard to repress or deny. Nevertheless, they eventually erupt in various ways, disrupting Twos’ relationships and revealing the inauthenticity of many of the averages to unhealthy Two’s claims about themselves and the depth of their “love.”
Simplifying your enneagram:
Practice self-less giving: Instead of hoping for validation or a reward for your kindness, practice giving without telling anyone or expecting validation. This could be handing out gift cards to homeless people or anonymously giving to a Go Fund Me Page.
Learn love languages: One of the biggest human struggles, especially for a type 2 on the enneagram, is not noticing when others are showing us
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: The 5 Love Languages
- BOOK: How Full is Your Bucket?
- POST: Enneagram Type 2
Type 3
“The Achiever”
Being an achiever can definitely be an amazing thing. You are more than likely a natural born leader, even if you aren’t aware of it. Naturally charismatic, people tend to look up to you.
One of your main driving forces is a strive for success in hopes of gaining praise and
However, you can sometimes work so hard for the praise and approval of others that you lose tough with yourself and who you are. As a natural leader, it’s so important to know who you are so that you can better lead those who are looking up to you.
Simplifying your enneagram:
Make goal-setting a daily habit: Keeping a daily goal setting journal for your OWN personal thoughts and goals can be a great way to touch base with yourself each day.
Make time for vacations: You tend to be a go, go, go type of person who doesn’t always take time for breaks. Make vacations a priority and when you go on them, leave the screens at home and allow yourself time to just relax and be present in the moment.
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: The Courage to Be Disliked
- BOOK: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do
- POST: Crazy Ways to Figure Out Your Life Goals and Start Planning for Them
Type 4
“The Individualist”
Individualists are strongly centered on their emotional needs. When they are feeling down or sad, they can become completely crippled by their thoughts and feelings. When in a state of growth, type 4s can have a great grasp on who they are as individuals and have learned not to dwell too long on their emotions.
A strong feeling they tend to always possess is that they are fundamentally different from everyone else which can cause either a false sense of grandeur or cause them to withdraw completely.
Because they tend to live so much in their minds fantasizing it’s often a harsh reality when they don’t live up to their dream-like self. This is why most 4s suffer from chronically low self esteem.
Simplify your enneagram:
Do one thing every day: Type 4s can easily spend all day in their own thoughts. Thinking about doing amazing things but never actually accomplishing them. Taking the time each day to write down just one positive helpful thing to do is a great place to start.
Move every day: Type 4s are natural thinkers but if they don’t balance their thoughts with movement, their thoughts can quickly consume them. Make a habit of moving your body each day in a way that boosts your energy and mood levels whether that’s yoga, running, boxing or just walking your dogs.
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: The Subtle Art of Not Giving
a F *ck - BOOK: Girl, Wash Your Face
- POST: Enneagram Type 4: The Romantic (Psychology Today)
Type 5
“The Investigator”
You know those mad scientists who are crazy smart but clearly haven’t left their lab in weeks? That’s who I think of when I think of type 5s.
It is said that they are ahead of their time and often see things in new ways that others can’t quite see which naturally makes them feel alienated.
More than anything type fives want to know why things are the way they are. They want to learn as much as they can about the world around them but may get too caught up in learning about life that they never actually live it.
Often times, in pursuit of knowledge they may even neglect their health (physically and mentally).
Simplifying Your Enneagram:
Learn Biofeedback: Because Type fives already like to learn, learning about biofeedback can be helpful in teaching you how to better manage your anxieties and be more aware of yourself and your feelings especially when in social situations.
Consult a friend: You may feel pulled in many directions with a desire to learn or pursue many things. Consult weekly with a trusted friend who can help you steer toward a path that is best for you which will
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: Blink
- BOOK: The Clinical Handbook of Biofeedback
- POST: How a Minimalist Lifestyle Can Ease Anxiety and Depression
Type 6
“The Loyalist”
Loyalists are exactly that…loyal. They often stick to what they know or believe and rarely sway from it.
Type sixes are secure oriented and fear being abandoned or left without
The hot and cold of the enneagram, type sixes can be both optimistic and moody, cranky and funny.
More than any other enneagram type, sixes struggle to understand themselves and who they are which causes them to struggle with confidence when it comes to facing life’s challenges.
Simplifying your enneagram:
Tune in: As a 6, you tend to struggle with anxiety every single day with no apparent reason. When you begin to feel anxiety creep up or worsen, pay attention to what events may have recently occurred to trigger your stress.
Do scary things: Any new thing can send a type six into a panic because they embrace the familiar. Maybe once a month, make a plan to push your comfort zone in a healthy way. Try a new food at a restaurant, visit with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Even if the experience isn’t phenomenal, it will help show you that you can survive change.
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: Mind Hacking
- BOOK: Anxious for Nothing
- POST: Why Fear is my Word of the Year
Type 7
“The Enthusiast”
Type sevens on the enneagram are the “FOMOs” of the group. They are constantly seeking experiences and fear missing out or not making the right choices in life.
Being very fast learners and always on the go means they can really be greatly skilled at many things. However, because of their fast ability to adapt to these things they may not truly appreciate their skills.
When type sevens are so intrigued by new things, they can often struggle with impulse issues and are quick to give into new desires and experiences.
Simplifying your enneagram:
Slow your role: Lay out a designated thinking time limit before making any major purchases or life changes. If something is still valuable to you after a week or a month, then you’ll know it’s truly of value and not just a temporary thrill.
Get quiet: Because most type sevens are extroverted and love being around people, it’s important to also find solitude for even just 10 minutes a day. Allow yourself to listen to your inner compass to help guide you.
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: Girl, Stop Apologizing
- BOOK: The Joy of Missing Out
- POST: How to Save for the Future and Still Live That YOLO Life
Type 8
“The Challenger”
Challengers are natural born leaders and are great at gathering others to work with them toward a cause they feel passionately about.
Type eights greatest fear is being controlled whether it’s physically or mentally. They want to believe they don’t have limitations and can take on anything themselves without being stopped.
In fact, type eights can take on a great deal of
Simplifying your Enneagram:
Lead with love: When you are someone people tend to follow, make sure you are choosing wise paths to lead people down. Appreciate them for what they help you accomplish.
Let someone else lead: One of the best ways we all grow is to accept other people’s way of doing things and humbling ourselves by allowing ourselves to be lead. This might be as simple as letting your spouse do the dishes without reloading the dishwasher!
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: Good to Great
- BOOK: Leaders Eat Last
- POST: 1o Ways You Can Act Like a Billionaire and Change Your Life
Type 9
“The Peacemaker”
The enneagram type nines can actually have a little bit of all the other enneagrams because they work hard to keep the peace. While being a peace keeper is amazing and seemingly what our world needs more of, type nines can also lose sight of themselves and their beliefs when trying to keep everyone around them happy.
Type nines are the most grounded of all other types although they may lack a sense of their own identity.
Sometimes, in order to maintain a state of peace, type nines might avoid living altogether. To avoid any unpleasant thoughts or feelings they may end up avoiding experiences and gatherings altogether.
Simplifying your enneagram
Listen to unpleasantries: Peacekeepers may want to avoid unpleasant or angry conversations because it disturbs the calm they crave. However, a small step you can do is to try to listen to the words of the person who is talking to find a way to relate to them
Daily exercise: Making a habit of moving and exercising in a way that you like can help you tune into yourself and your body so you don’t lose yourself in the other enneagram types. Yoga, running, and swimming are all exercises that force you to quiet down and tune into your body and what it’s saying.
Reading recommendations:
- BOOK: Do It Scared
- BOOK: Everybody, Always.
- POST: The Minimalist Diet
What next?
Do you really want to dive into your enneagram to learn more about yourself or the people in your life? There are individual books for each enneagram type! Check it out!
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