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Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist
 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 One:
Enneagram Type One Practices
for Growth | Enneagram Type One Key Themes
Next: Enneagram Type 2
Tour the types: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Registered? Learn how this type differs from all other Enneagram types
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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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