Fear can hold us back from reaching our goals or discovering our purpose. It can show up in unexpected ways, leading us to dodge challenges, overlook opportunities, or react impulsively. The good news is that the Enneagram, a valuable personality framework, provides insights that can assist us in tackling these fears.
In this post, we will discuss five little-known ways the Enneagram can help you conquer fear and connect with your true purpose. Let's get started!
1. Understanding Your Core Motivations to Find Your Purpose
To overcome fear, begin by understanding your core motivations. The Enneagram outlines nine distinct personality types, each with unique motivations and corresponding fears.
What are Core Motivations?
Core motivations are the driving forces behind each Enneagram type's behavior. They are broken into two main components: core desires (what we deeply want to be or have) and core fears (what we are most afraid of not being). These motivations help guide our decisions, values, and actions, shaping how we respond to life's challenges.
Examples of Core Motivations by Type:
Type 1:
Core Desire: To be good, virtuous, ethical.
Core Fear: Fear of being bad, corrupt, or wrong.
Type 4:
Core Desire: To be unique and authentically themselves.
Core Fear: Fear of being mundane or insignificant.
Type 6:
Core Desire: To be secure and supported.
Core Fear: Fear of being left unsupported or unsafe.
Understanding these core desires helps you take meaningful steps toward finding your purpose. Research shows that individuals who align their actions with their motivations experience up to a 30% increase in satisfaction and reduced anxiety (Sutin, 2023).
2. Recognizing Your Triggers
Fear often stems from specific triggers tied to our personality types. The Enneagram not only uncovers your core motivations but also helps identify triggers—situations that provoke fear or insecurity.
For instance, a Type 6 may feel anxious in uncertain environments. By recognizing this specific trigger, you can prepare to face these situations with confidence. A study found that when people acknowledged their triggers, they reported a significant reduction in anxiety levels (Ostafin, 2020). By planning your responses, you can transform daunting moments into opportunities for growth.
3. Harnessing Your Strengths
Each Enneagram type has unique strengths. When you leverage these strengths, the fears that previously held you back can fade away.
Take Type 3, for example. Known for their drive and ambition, they can direct their desire for success to take bold actions toward their purpose. Studies indicate that using personal strengths can improve workplace engagement , making it easier to face fears and find fulfillment in your work (Ilies, 2024).
4. Aligning Values, Strengths, and Motivations
The final way the Enneagram can aid in conquering fear is by aligning what I call the "Power Trio": your values, strengths, and motivations.
When these elements are in sync, you gain clarity about what you stand for and what drives you. This alignment simplifies decision-making and diminishes that nasty little voice in your ear telling so that you can hear your authentic voice guiding your decisions. As we begin to operate in alignment with our power trio we increase our overall life satisfaction and begin to live and lead with purpose.
Fear is not an option
Fear is a part of life, but it does not have to control us. By utilizing the insights from the Enneagram, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and the motivations that direct your actions.
Understanding your core motivations, recognizing your triggers, harnessing your strengths, building empathy, and aligning your values are essential steps in conquering fear and embracing your purpose.
Are you ready to take action?
Join the Live and Lead with Purpose Masterclass starting this January. Over six weeks, we will explore the Enneagram to uncover your unique motivations, identify triggers, and create a roadmap to a life aligned with your true purpose. With only 24 spots available, this intimate small-group experience is designed to help you confidently navigate your path toward clarity and fulfillment.
Step into a life that feels true to you!
References:
Ilies, R., Liu, Y., Aw, S., Las Heras, M., & Rofcanin, Y. (2024). Why does using personal strengths at work increase employee engagement, who makes the most out of it, and how?. Journal of occupational health psychology, 29(2), 113–129. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000374
Ostafin, B. D., & Proulx, T. (2020). Meaning in life and resilience to stressors. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 33(6), 603–622. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615806.2020.1800655
Sutin, A.R., et al. 2023. Purpose in life and stress: An individual-participant meta-analysis of 16 samples. Journal of Affective Disorders, 345, 378-385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.149.
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