Using Your Enneagram Type to Set Your New Year’s Resolution

Hannah Prince · Dec 29 2020

If you aren't familiar with the Enneagram, pause for a moment to take this free personality assessment. The Enneagram is unique and focuses more on motivation, desires, and fears rather than external characteristics, which makes it perfect for self-evaluation and goal-setting. If you're stuck between a couple of types, don't sweat it! As you read through our tips below, choose the type that resonates the truest for you.

Type ONE: The REFORMER

If you're a ONE, you care about right and wrong. You have incredibly high standards, which can pull you into perfectionism. It can be tempting to fall into patterns of criticism and focusing on what needs to be better, rather than celebrating accomplishments. Your core fear is becoming corrupt or having the wrong intentions deep-down. Your core desire is to be good, balanced, and virtuous. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Am I choosing a goal because I haven't perfected it yet, and is that preventing me from a better goal?
  2. Have I set up rewards to celebrate the steps I take towards this goal?
  3. Am I leaving room for myself to make mistakes?

Type TWO: The HELPER

If you are a TWO, you care about loving others well. You are warm and self-sacrificing, which can sometimes lead to manipulating others (with the mindset that it's “for their own good!”). At times, you might be tempted to serve others because you're afraid they won't love you if you don't. Your core fear is being unwanted, rejected, or unworthy. Your core desire is to be loved, unconditionally, and to feel that love. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Am I setting this goal for me, or for someone else?
  2. Have I made this goal measurable and achievable?
  3. Am I ready to love myself, whether I accomplish the goal or not?

Type THREE: The ACHIEVER

If you are a THREE, you want to accomplish the impossible. You are driven, ambitious, and image-conscious, which can tempt you to change yourself into whatever “person” will impress the people around you, rather than investing in the person you actually want to become. Your core fear is being worthless, and your core desire is to feel valuable, regardless of what you accomplish. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Does this goal truly interest me, or am I choosing it to “prove myself” to someone?
  2. Will this goal bring me closer to the person I want to become?
  3. Am I leaving room for myself to fail the first, second, or third time?

Type FOUR: The INDIVIDUALIST

If you are a FOUR, you want to be 100% yourself, no holding back. You are honest, creative, and consumed with maintaining a sense of originality. You have no problem sitting in sadness, but your need to be different can lead you to isolate yourself, and reject things on the basis of “normalcy.” Your core fear is to be insignificant, or “one of many.” Your core desire is to truly understand and cultivate your identity. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Am I setting this goal to avoid something or someone?
  2. Have I made this goal to prove a point, or to explore something new?
  3. Am I leaving room for myself to pursue things I like, even if others like the same thing?

Type FIVE: The INVESTIGATOR

If you are a FIVE, you want to investigate and discover every corner of the universe. You are curious, independent, and focused, which can tempt you to detach from your emotions and avoid intimate relationships. Your core fear is being helpless or useless, and your core desire is to be capable and competent. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Have I chosen this goal as a distraction?
  2. Will this goal actually help me grow, or am I using it as a wall to protect myself?
  3. Am I choosing to engage with life, or observe it?

Type SIX: The LOYALIST

If you are a SIX, you want to create a safe and structured environment. You are reliable, responsible, and trustworthy, but spend so much time looking out for “what could go wrong” that you begin to sit in suspicion, doubting even yourself. Your core fear is being without guidance or support, and your core desire is to be secure and supported by those you love. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Am I making this goal as a reaction against a perceived threat?
  2. Will this goal help me meet my needs?
  3. Is the goal giving me space to rely on myself and my abilities, or is it built off of someone else?

Type SEVEN: The ENTHUSIAST

If you are a SEVEN, you want to live life to the fullest. You are optimistic, spontaneous, and always looking for the next fun thing, which can lead to avoiding things that aren't fun, new, or positive in nature. Your core fear is to be without or in pain. Your core desire is to be satisfied and fulfilled. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Does this goal challenge me?
  2. Is this goal specific enough to accomplish?
  3. Am I leaving room to appreciate what I already have and the life I am living?

Type EIGHT: The CHALLENGER

If you are an EIGHT, you want to be strong and powerful. You are resourceful, direct, and fiercely protective of the people you love. At times, your need to protect or be protected can lead you to be domineering, controlling, or confrontational. Your core fear is to be violated (emotionally, physically) or controlled. Your core desire is to be self-sufficient and to be in control of your life direction. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Is this goal fun?
  2. Is this goal flexible enough to bend under pressure, rather than break?
  3. Am I leaving room for my loved ones to meet my needs?

Type NINE: The PEACEMAKER

If you are a NINE, you want to be in harmony wherever you go. You are slow to speak, easy-going, and great at bringing a group together, which can sometimes lead to allowing others to control certain areas of your life and avoiding conflict/tension at any cost. Your core fear is to be separated, alone, or fragmented, and your core desire is to have internal and external peace. When setting your goals this year, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Does this goal have specific, measurable steps?
  2. Will this goal lead me to what I truly want, or am I avoiding the possibility of disappointment?
  3. Am I ready to speak out and fight for what I want?

Nested Naturals

If you're looking for more information on the Enneagram, follow this link! If you're looking for more articles on seeking a healthier, happier you, check out our blog! We hope to see you soon!

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