I want to challenge you to consider forgoing the trendy fitness goals or at least putting them off until Spring.  Instead, consider a goal that will help make the world a better place.  Not that your fitness goal will make the world a better place, but you know…

The world can be a scary place these days.  There is war, violence, shootings, natural disasters, injustice, and much more.  What are we going to do about all this?  What can we do about all this?  Just because we can’t do everything doesn’t mean we do nothing.  I am a firm believer that we all can do something.  Each Enneagram number brings a unique gift to the world.  I challenge you to consider using this gift to make the world a better place.  If you need to become more familiar with Enneagram, I recommend reading The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile.  Your Enneagram type is another way of describing your personality type.  There are 9 Enneagram types, and each one sees the world through a different lens.      

Enneagram 1 – The Perfectionist:

I am an Enneagram 1, so I will start with 1s.  Enneagram 1s are motivated by a desire to improve the world around them and to do good.  They can walk into a room or observe a situation and quickly discern what is wrong.  It may be something as simple as a crooked photo frame on the wall or something more significant, such as where a strategy is going astray.  When an Enneagram 1 gets the courage to share what is wrong, it is often met with resistance and defensiveness because the receiver does not want to hear what the Enneagram 1 is saying.  Enneagram 1s must be careful how they communicate this message and do so only when necessary.  Over the past few years, Enneagram 1s have lost the courage to share and use their voice for good.  We need 1s to leverage their courage to share when something is wrong.  And from the other 8 personality types, we need grace and a willingness to listen.

Enneagram 2 – The Helper:

There are several significant people in my life who are Enneagram 2s.  They are motivated by a desire to be loved.  Enneagram 2s are helpful, loving, and willing to share their time and talents.  Enneagrams have a gift of knowing what other people are feeling before the other person even knows they are feeling it.  Because of this 2s can carry a lot of hurt with them.  You can count on Enneagram 2s to volunteer when something needs to be done.  The problem I frequently see is that 2s are not doing what they need to be doing.  Sometimes, letting someone else do the thing would be more productive because it will allow the other person to use their talents or grow.  Going into the new year, we need Enneagram 2s to focus on the things that are theirs to do, and when they do help, do so without expectation of reciprocity.  Give without expecting anything in return.

Enneagram 3 – The Achiever:

Enneagram 3s are motivated by a need to achieve and portray the right image.  Enneagram 3s drive progress, innovation, and success.  The United States is a very 3 country.  Enneagram 3s are naturally optimistic and competent.  Since the world is pushing us to change faster and faster, it can be challenging for Enneagram 3s to know where the goal line is.  When that happens, they don’t know how to measure success for themselves and others.  We need Enneagram 3s to learn how to measure their success and let go of comparison.  For the 3s who are leaders in their personal and professional lives, ask yourself if the goal you are chasing is reasonable; otherwise, you risk demotivating the people around you with unrealistic goals.

Enneagram 4 – The Romantic:

Enneagram 4s are motivated by a desire to be unique and to feel understood.  They tend to be compassionate and creative and can be easily affected by sad stories.  4s have a unique ability to bear witness to pain without the need to fix it.  With all the negativity, war, violence, etc, in the world today, there is a lot of pain we are all witnessing.  Enneagram 4s need productive ways to deal with the pain they will see and experience by caring for themselves.  We need 4s to care for themselves so they can care for others through compassion and creative expression. 

Enneagram 5 – The Investigator:

Enneagram 5s have a deep desire to gain knowledge and understanding.  Knowledge brings 5s a sense of power.  5s are very interesting to speak to at a party because they have such depth of knowledge about topics they care about.  5s enjoy time alone but are actually better served by activity and connection with others.  The world needs the Enneagram 5s to participate, to share their knowledge humbly, and to connect.

Enneagram 6 – The Loyalist:

One of my dear friends is an Enneagram 6.  It is tough to be a 6 because they live with deep fear and need security.  6s are very loyal and usually are incredibly prepared.  The world events of the past 4 years have pushed us all into a nearly perpetual state of fear.  Since 6s can help us prepare for unforeseen events, we would all be well served by respecting 6s and learning from them.  For all the other numbers, let’s not judge 6s because of their fear.  We need 6s to help us prepare for the unexpected without letting fear overtake them.

Enneagram 7 – The Enthusiast:

Enneagram 7s love to have fun and be spontaneous.  We often count on 7s to entertain us.  7s need freedom, companionship, and acceptance.  7s have difficulty with sad and dark emotions; it is uncomfortable for them.  Given the recent past, 7s are either worn out.  We need Enneagram 7s to take care of themselves so they can bring the fun to lighten the mood for the rest of us.  We need the light-heartedness that 7s brings. 

Enneagram 8 – The Challenger:

Enneagram 8s deeply desire to be self-reliant and not to be controlled.  8s are confident, have abundant energy, enjoy intensity, and value justice.  With these traits, 8s can be great leaders and influencers.  As the world worsens, many 8s have become numb to the injustice surrounding them unless it personally affects them.  We need 8s to pause and spend at least 5 minutes each day in stillness and silence, and then once that is done, stand up for justice.  Since 8s tend to be direct, a gentle approach may be more effective.

Enneagram 9 – The Peacemaker:

My partner is an Enneagram 9, so I have first-hand experience with this number.  9s are motivated by a need to maintain peace within themselves and others.  Enneagram 9s also have a unique ability to see two sides to everything, and this skill is crucial for building bridges between people.  They are easy to be around, open-minded, and generous.  With all the division in the world, we need 9s to be willing to risk disrupting their peace to help build bridges even though it may disturb their peace.  All the other numbers need to give 9s a safe space to speak and listen.

Conclusion:

The world needs each personality type and the unique gifts and talents they bring.  If we learn to listen to each other, develop humility, have more grace, and try to understand each other, we will have a chance to improve the world around us.  It just takes one person modifying their behavior to change the system.

New Year’s Resolution Recap:

Enneagram 1 – The Perfectionist:  I will courageously and kindly share when something that needs to be pointed out is wrong.

Enneagram 2 – The Helper: I will focus on the things that are mine to do without expectation of anything in return.

Enneagram 3 – The Achiever: I will learn how to measure success and establish reasonable goals.

Enneagram 4 – The Romantic: I will make time daily to care for myself then I will care for others using my talents.

Enneagram 5 – The Investigator: I will participate, share my knowledge humbly, and connect with others.

 Enneagram 6 – The Loyalist: I will use my talents to help us prepare for the unexpected without letting fear overtake me.

Enneagram 7 – The Enthusiast: I will take care of myself so I can help bring fun to lighten the mood.

Enneagram 8 – The Challenger: I will spend at least 5 minutes each day in stillness and silence, then I will stand up for justice.

Enneagram 9 – The Peacemaker: I will risk disrupting my peace to help build bridges between people.

Self-Coaching:

Now, you can try some self-coaching by answering the questions below.  Going into the new year or season of your life, what expectations of yourself or others do you need to let go of?

What change am I willing to make to improve the world around me?

How will I make that change?

When will I start?

What challenges might I face as I try to make this change?

How will I overcome that?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you have trouble answering the questions above and want to join me for coaching, don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address listed below.  Navigating the complexities of your personal and professional life can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone.  As a seasoned professional coach, I am here to offer you a personalized coaching journey that goes beyond generic advice.  I am dedicated to helping individuals like you unlock their full potential, overcome obstacles, and thrive in their chosen fields.  I would love to help you and guide you on your path to success.  Together, we can turn your personal and professional aspirations into a reality.

I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey.

Kindest Regards,

Stephanie

Founder & Chief Growth Office

stephanie@growgoodcoaching.com