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Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist



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Definitions used in describing each type

“Lost” essential quality: An experience of the essential truth that all people are fundamentally one with each other and everything is perfect as it is.

Compensating belief: Because the world judges and punishes “bad” behavior, you must gain worthiness and love by being as good and perfect as possible.

Attention/coping strategy: Comparing self to others. Noticing error and correcting it. Suppressing anger and impulses. Being as responsible and right as you can be.

Trap: Endlessly trying to gain worthiness by being correct.

Driving energy: Anger, resentment and guilt at whatever appears wrong or doesn’t meet high standards.

Avoidance: Making mistakes, losing self-control, being so wrong that you are unworthy.

Strengths: High integrity, concern for improvement, industrious, responsible.

Paradox: Although it seems like there is one right, best way to be, there are multiple right answers; what is right is not necessarily what is best.

Path of development:

  • Understand that correctness and rightness are not part of natural order
  • Compassion for the self
  • Recognize and minimize the internal critical voice
  • Allow time to relax, play and accept yourself as you are
Ultimate task: Reclaiming the sense of perfection in all things and everyone, which includes accepting differences, mistakes, natural desires and the “dark side.”

More on Enneagram Type 1:
Enneagram Type One Practices for Growth | Enneagram Type 1 Key Themes

Next: Enneagram Type 2
Tour the types: Type 1  Type 2  Type 3  Type 4  Type 5  Type 6  Type 7  Type 8  Type 9

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The video clips of the types speaking for themselves are brief excerpts from these outstanding DVD and video collections by Dr. David Daniels and Helen Palmer.

 

 

 

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