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Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist

Enneagram Type 1s are characterized by their strong sense of right and wrong, responsibility, and commitment to improvement. They are driven by a desire to improve the world and hold themselves and others to high standards. Enneagram Type one is part of the gut triad, which also includes types 8 and type 9. A strong focus on instinct, physicality, and control characterizes the gut triad.

Type Ones have a well-defined sense of ethics and integrity. They often see the world through a lens of moral judgment. They catagorize things as either right or wrong based on their internal criteria. This strong moral compass is driven by their inner critic, which is a relentless and dominating force in their psyche constantly pushing them to improve and avoid fault.

This lean towards perfectionism can lead Type Ones to think in black-and-white terms. For Ones, nuances and middle grounds can be unsettling because they blur the clear lines of what they see as correct or incorrect behavior. This can make them appear a bit rigid or overly strict, as they are less likely to compromise on issues they perceive as matters of principle.

When Type Ones have decided that something is ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ it can be particularly challenging to sway their opinion. They tend to be less receptive to views that conflict with their own because such views can be seen as threats to their sense of order and correctness. This can lead to difficulties in situations where flexibility or openness to new ideas is required. They often require substantial evidence or moral reasoning to consider altering their views, and even then, the process can be slow and reluctant.

Enneagram Type Ones are pragmatic—they aim to be useful and feel compelled to fulfill a mission. They strive to reduce the chaos they perceive around them. Although driven by a strong sense of purpose, they often feel the need to justify their actions, both to themselves and others. This introspection leads them to consider the consequences of their actions deeply. So they can align their deeds with their convictions.

Despite their rational exterior, Ones are fundamentally activists guided by passion and instinct. They seeking justification for actions they feel compelled to undertake. They strive to control these impulses to remain true to their principles. This often resulting in repression which is why they can seem very rigid and controlled to others. Internally, though, Ones feel they are managing a bubbling pot of intense emotions and desires.

Growth and Stress Arrows

When in periods of growth, Ones become more spontaneous and joyful, embracing more of life’s possibilities like healthy Sevens. Under stress, Ones become overly emotional and self-critical, reflecting negative traits of Fours.

Enneagram Type 1 Growth and Stress Arrows

Key Characteristics

  • Responsibility
  • High standards
  • Attention to detail
  • Discipline
  • Principled
  • Moral integrity

The Core Motivations and Fears of Type 1

Enneagram Type 1’s basic desire is to be good, moral, and ethical, striving for integrity in all aspects of their lives. This strong desire is fueled by their deepest fear of being corrupt, evil, or defective. Their basic fear also manifests in perfectionistic tendencies, as they may have difficulty accepting flaws or imperfections in themselves and others

Type 1s’ core desires drive their focus of attention toward self-improvement and the betterment of the world around them. They are motivated by a sense of purpose and are dedicated to upholding their principles and values.

Core Motivations

  • To be a good person, ethical, and morally upright
  • To improve themselves and the world around them
  • To uphold their principles and values
  • To maintain a sense of integrity and responsibility

Core Fears

  • Being corrupt, evil, or defective
  • Making mistakes or being imperfect
  • Losing their sense of purpose or direction
  • Experiencing criticism or judgment

The Three Instinctual Variants of Enneagram Type 1

The instinctual variants are an important aspect of the Enneagram system, providing additional insight into how individuals of the same type express their core motivations and fears.

The three instinctual variants for Enneagram Type 1 are Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual (also called One-to-One). Each variant manifests differently in Type 1 individuals, shaping their behaviors and relationships.

Self-Preservation Type 1 (1sp)

These Type 1s may appear more cautious and risk-averse as they seek to create a sense of control and predictability in their lives. Their high standards may be particularly evident in their self-care, health, and financial management

Self-Preservation Ones prioritize maintaining control over their environment and personal habits to ensure a sense of security and order. They are often highly disciplined in managing their personal health, routines, and immediate surroundings. This subtype may manifest an intense focus on details and minutiae, striving for perfection in personal organization and physical wellness.

These Ones are particularly concerned with physical safety and may have strict routines around health, diet, and exercise. Their anxiety often centers on maintaining personal integrity and autonomy through these routines.

Social Type 1 (1so)

Social Ones are deeply concerned with upholding and enforcing societal standards and morals. They are often involved in community or group activities where they can promote and reinforce what they believe to be correct behaviors and systems.

This variant is more externally focused and cares deeply about their reputation and social image. They strive to be role models and may be particularly vocal and visible in their efforts to improve the social systems they are part of. They believe in leading by example and can be quite influential in their communities.

Sexual Type 1 (1sx)

For Sexual Ones, the drive for perfection is often channeled into their intimate relationships. They seek an ideal partner who shares their values and standards, and they can be intensely focused on maintaining high standards within the relationship.

This subtype is passionate about not only improving themselves but also helping their partners or close friends to grow and improve. Their zeal can make them enthusiastic and intense partners, but it can also lead to conflicts if they perceive their partners as not meeting the ideal standards.

Type 1 Wings

The Enneagram Type 1 individuals can also be influenced by the neighboring types, 9 and 2, resulting in two distinct wing types: 1w9 (Type 1 with a 9 wing) and 1w2 (Type 1 with a 2 wing).

Enneagram 1w9 – The Idealist

Type 1 with a 9 wing combines the strong sense of right and wrong of Type 1 with the peaceful and calming nature of Type 9. This wing type tends to be more introverted, patient, and diplomatic than the core Type 1. 1w9 individuals desire to create a harmonious and ethical environment.

Key Characteristics of 1w9:

  • Patient and diplomatic
  • Principled and introspective
  • Calm and reassuring presence
  • May struggle with indecision and passivity

Enneagram 1w2 – The Advocate

Type 1 with a 2 wing integrates the moral conviction of Type 1 with the nurturing and empathetic nature of Type 2. 1w2 individuals are more people-oriented, compassionate, and supportive than the core Type 1. They possess a strong desire to help others and positively impact the world.

Key Characteristics of 1w2:

  • Compassionate and nurturing
  • Driven to help others and make a difference
  • Strong sense of responsibility and duty
  • May struggle with self-righteousness and burnout

Healthy, Average, and Unhealthy Type 1s

The behavior and overall well-being of Enneagram Type 1s can be understood through three levels: healthy, average, and unhealthy.

Healthy Type 1s

  • Demonstrate integrity and strong moral principles
  • Use their high standards to inspire and encourage others
  • Are self-aware and compassionate
  • Approach challenges with a growth mindset and flexibility
  • Maintain a balance between perfectionism and acceptance

Average Type 1s

  • Struggle with perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
  • They can be critical and judgmental of themselves and others
  • Strive to maintain a positive image and reputation
  • Are prone to repressing negative emotions

Unhealthy Type 1s

  • They can become overly rigid and inflexible in their beliefs
  • Struggle with resentment and suppressed anger
  • May become obsessive or overly controlling
  • Have difficulty accepting their imperfections and those of others

Enneagram Type 1 in Relationships

Enneagram Type 1s can be reliable and dedicated partners in relationships. However, they may also struggle with perfectionism, high expectations, and repressed emotions. They are committed to their relationships and seek to create a strong foundation based on shared values and principles.

Strengths in Relationships

  • Loyal and committed to their partners
  • Strong sense of responsibility and integrity
  • Supportive and encouraging of their partner’s growth and development
  • Honest and direct in communication

Challenges in Relationships

  • Difficulty accepting imperfections in themselves and their partners
  • Tendency to be critical and judgmental
  • Struggles with repressed anger and resentment
  • Difficulty managing conflict and expressing negative emotions

Personal Growth for Enneagram Type 1

For Enneagram Type 1s, personal growth involves cultivating self-awareness, embracing imperfections, and balancing their high standards with compassion and flexibility.

For Type 1s, spiritual growth, and personal development often involve learning to accept imperfections and cultivating compassion for themselves and others.

The first step towards growth is recognizing and acknowledging their core weakness – the fear of imperfection – and working to overcome it. By developing self-compassion, Type 1s can learn to accept their imperfections and the imperfections of others. Embracing flexibility and open-mindedness can also help Type 1s’ relationships and interactions with diverse individuals.

Enneagram expert Beatrice Chestnut, in her book “The Complete Enneagram,” highlights the growth paths of Type 1s, emphasizing the importance of paying close attention to their emotional expression and natural desires.

This self-awareness allows them to break free from the deadly sin of anger, often transformed into righteous indignation through the defense mechanism of reaction formation. By embracing their true selves and acknowledging their feelings, Type 1s can find balance and integrate the wisdom of the Enneagram into their lives.

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