Enneagram One: The Perfectionist
The Enneagram is a fascinating personality system that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It's a complex tool that categorizes individuals into nine different Points, with each Point having a unique set of characteristics, motivations, fears, and desires. The Enneagram is more than just a personality test; it's a comprehensive framework that helps individuals understand themselves and others in a deep and meaningful way.
In this blog post, we'll be diving into Enneagram Type 1, also known as the Perfectionist.
What is a Point 1 Enneagram?
Enneagram ones are often driven by their need to improve themselves, others, and the world around them. They believe in doing things the right way and hold themselves and others to high standards. They can be critical of themselves and others and have an inner critic that is constantly evaluating their actions and thoughts. Point 1 individuals often have a strong sense of morality and ethics and believe that there is a right and wrong way to do things. They have a desire to make the world a better place and often take on roles of responsibility and leadership. They strive for excellence in everything they do and can be very hardworking and disciplined.
Enneagram 1 Wings (Enneagram 1w9 & Enneagram 1w2)
Enneagram ones can have a wing of either Point 9 or Point 2. These wings can give some additional nuance to the core characteristics of Enneagram One, which include a strong desire for improvement and high standards.
Those with a 9 wing, also known as the "Perfectionist/Reformer," may be more calm, easygoing, and accepting of others. They share the Point 1's desire for improvement, but may be more likely to approach it in a gentle and patient way, like the peacemaking Enneagram Nine. They may prioritize harmony and balance in their lives, and may be more willing to compromise or let go of their need for control in order to maintain peace.
On the other hand, those with a Point 2 wing, also known as the "Perfectionist/Helper," may be more warm, supportive, and helpful. They share the Point 1's desire for improvement, but may be more likely to focus on improving relationships with others rather than just themselves similar to an Enneagram two. They may prioritize compassion and empathy in their lives, and may be more willing to put the needs of others before their own.
It's important to note that regardless of the wing, the core characteristics of Enneagram Point One remain the same. Point 1 individuals are driven by their need to improve themselves, others, and the world around them. They believe in doing things the right way and hold themselves and others to high standards. They can be critical of themselves and others and have an inner critic that is constantly evaluating their actions and thoughts. They often have a strong sense of morality and ethics and believe that there is a right and wrong way to do things. They have a desire to make the world a better place and often take on roles of responsibility and leadership. They strive for excellence in everything they do and can be very hardworking and disciplined.
What do Enneagram Ones struggle with?
Enneagram Point One individuals often struggle with feelings of anger and frustration, especially when things don’t go according to plan or when people fail to meet their expectations. They have a constant desire to improve themselves and can be self-critical, leading to feelings of guilt and shame. At their best, Point 1 individuals are principled and wise, striving for excellence while maintaining a sense of balance and flexibility. They are able to let go of their need for control and perfection and embrace the imperfections of themselves and others.
Enneagram Ones in Relationships
In relationships, Enneagram ones may struggle with accepting their partners' flaws and may become critical or judgmental. It's important for them to learn to communicate their needs and desires in a constructive way and to let go of their need for perfection in their relationships. In order to grow and develop, Ones should focus on accepting imperfection and letting go of their need for control. Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion can be helpful in achieving this.
Enneagram Ones at Work
At work, Point 1 individuals may excel in roles that require attention to detail, responsibility, and leadership. However, they may struggle with delegating tasks and trusting others to do things the "right" way. They can benefit from developing their communication and collaboration skills and learning to let go of their need for control in order to work effectively with others. Becoming open to putting trust in and delegating tasks to trusted members of their team could go a long way for Enneagram ones.
Awakening the Enneagram One
For Point 1 individuals, growth and development involve learning to accept imperfection and let go of their need for control. They can benefit from practices such as mindfulness and meditation, which help them to be present in the moment and let go of their critical inner voice. They can also benefit from developing self-compassion and learning to be kind to themselves, even when they make mistakes. This can help them to let go of feelings of guilt and shame and embrace their imperfections.
Enneagram Point 1 individuals have a strong desire to improve themselves, others, and the world around them. They hold themselves and others to high standards and can be critical and self-critical. However, with growth and development, they can learn to let go of their need for control and perfection and embrace the imperfections of themselves and others.
As with all Enneagram Points, the key is to awaken the healthy aspects of your point and all points of the Enneagram. The Enneagram is indeed a roadmap to presence.
Are you an Enneagram One who wants to learn how to use the enneagram to grow and awaken your inner muse?
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