Best Goals To Set, Based On Your Enneagram Type

When it comes to setting goals, it looks different for us all based on what we want in life and our version of what success looks like to us.

The enneagram is based on our core motivations, fears, and desires. If you don’t know your type yet and want a detailed assessment, you can get that at Truity.*

These goals and action steps are based on what each type typically needs more help working on, based on those fears and desires.

Any desire, goal, or dream you have for your life is possible, no matter what enneagram type you are. These are just some small goals and habits each type could benefit from exploring deeper and having more awareness around, so you can become the best version of yourself.

More Enneagram Blogs:

Enneagram Type 1: The Reformer

The 1s core motivation is to be good and have integrity.

Ones are committed to their values, can be practical, and have a fear around not doing things correctly.

As a one, it’s hard for you to get out of perfectionism mode. It’s important to practice not taking life so seriously! Ones go to type 7 when they’re healthy, which are the fun-loving enthusiasts.

Try to take some time to play – and remember that there is no right or wrong way to play. The point is simply to be present and to bring out that inner child in you that wants to feel carefree. This feeling might be something you haven’t experienced in a while.

Try out something from this list of play ideas.

Recognize how unsolicited advice can feel. Sometimes what we think is helpful advice isn’t going to be perceived that way, especially when someone is excited about what they’re working on. You don’t always need to give input.

There’s that saying that when you point a finger at someone else, there are four more pointing back at you. Reflect on the ways in which we’re all imperfect.

Enneagram Type 2: The Helper

The two’s core motivation is to be needed and appreciated.

Because as a two you love to be needed, you often bite off more than you can chew – and end up feeling resentful when you’re giving too much.

And while you have no problem taking time for other people, doing the same for yourself can be more of a struggle.

Start practicing saying no when you’re at capacity or don’t want to do something. Saying yes to something means you’re saying no to something else that you actually want to do. And even when you want to say yes, recognize when you’re already at capacity. Because ignoring your own needs won’t allow you to show up as your best self for the yeses you do give.

Take yourself out on a date. Treat yourself the way that you treat others, and spend extra time romanticizing yourself – even if it feels totally unnatural and weird at first.

Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever

Our three’s core motivation is to be valued and affirmed.

Good goals for 3s are based on figuring out what they truly want.

3s are already so achievement-oriented, but they spend less time reflecting on who they really are, and what will bring true fulfillment.

Your self-worth does not come from what you do and what you achieve – do some reflecting on the things you’re doing just to prove yourself, that you don’t actually enjoy.

Do less of what you don’t genuinely enjoy, and spend your time doing what brings you true fulfillment and joy. Even though you can get a lot done in your day, you should still prioritize based on what actually lights you up, and not just what looks impressive to others.

Instead of the typical, “relax” advice that 3s always receive, I’ll give you this: Try out more active relaxation practices to start dabbling in more relaxation. These are activities that still feel like you’re doing something. This could look like doing a body scan, going to a yoga class, or doing a walking meditation.

Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist

A four’s core motivation is to be deeply understood.

Fours can be very creative, unique, authentic, and emotional. Focus isn’t the strongest quality of a 4, and it can be hard to ride the emotional wave of accomplishing a goal.

Practice sticking with commitments, and see them through. You don’t need to know where it’s going; you simply need to just keep taking the next steps. Make those steps fun and enjoyable, make your space feel aesthetic, and just focus on the process step-by-step so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Take a break from social media. Staying in your creative power means you need to be creating more than you are consuming – and if you’re feeling uninspired, you can probably see a correlating high screen time to account for that!

Practice awareness around how it feels to be reactive vs responsive. As a four, you can feel the need to let it all out, but sometimes the person you’re letting it out to isn’t used to emotions being expressed in the way you are. It doesn’t mean it’s wrong, but take the time you need to process emotions first, so you can decipher how you really feel.

Create a “time out” plan in your relationship, so you know you’ll get back to the topic while allowing each other to think things through before saying things you don’t mean.

Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator

A fives motivation is to be knowledgable and competent.

Communicate your need to recalibrate. It’s okay that you need alone time, but other people might take that personally if they don’t know why you always decline invites or want to leave the party early.

Notice when you’re getting involved deeply in tasks as a way of avoiding.

You can have a tendency toward not wanting to need anything from anyone else or to not want other people’s opinions involved too heavily in your life, but that can lead to isolation. Invite someone into an area of your life that you have previously kept private.

You are a thinker, which is awesome, but feeling emotions is important too. And sometimes you just need to practice following your intuition, even if it’s not entirely logical.

As a five, you can have a tendency to become disconnected from your body. Get back into your body, by finding a movement practice that you enjoy, even if it’s just taking walks. Or as an alternative or addition to physical exercise, do a breathing exercise regularly.

Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist

Sixes are motivated by feeling safe and secure in community.

Your anxieties can prevent you from feeling confident in yourself, and your ability to make things happen on your own. It’s important to step into uncertainty as a regular practice so that you can build trust in yourself, one step at a time.

Notice when you’re in an overthinking spiral. Don’t judge it, just simply recognize that it’s happening.

You will never be 100% ready, and you can never compile enough information to prevent you from getting hurt or rejected. You have to practice taking the risk, and trust that if it doesn’t go the way you want, you will be okay.

If you’re doubting your skills as you go after your goals, remember the things you have already accomplished. Write a list of things you have done successfully. And if you’re doubting in other people, it’s okay to create boundaries with them. But also recognize the awesome things people have done in your life too. There are lots of people worthy of your trust.

Compile an evidence bank – a box or digital folder filled with positive notes from people in your life, so you can have reminders that you are capable when you need them.

Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast

A seven’s core motivation is to be free to explore possibilities, without limits.

You’re all about the experiences and living life to the fullest, but you can also be keeping busy to avoid dealing with painful emotions. It’s important to process your emotions, and running from one thing to another can only help you avoid dealing with them for so long.

Make room for stillness and reflection. I know your preference is to be on the go, but there are a lot of benefits to staying in one place for a little while. Start with going on long walks, without using a podcast as a distraction.

Add a journaling practice into your routine – maybe a journal that allows you a new prompt for each day to keep it interesting. Or, start a bullet journal that gives you the flexibility to design it however you want. But be sure to actually write out your feelings.

And while making new friends is always super fun, prioritize building deeper relationships with your existing community!

Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger

Eights’ core motivation is being self-reliant.

As an eight, you feel like you are the one who can take care of you. And you often feel like your vulnerability can be exploited.

Notice when you’re overcommitting, and realize that you don’t always have to try so hard. Resentment can build when you feel like you put in a lot of effort when other people aren’t doing the same level of output as you. But just because you decide to put in a lot of work (and get results) doesn’t always mean that other people are taking advantage of you.

Find a person you trust to open up with about something. Being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak. This person can be a therapist and remember that you’re not likely to find the right therapist for you on the first try. It’ll be a little like dating before you find the right person to open up with.

Tap into your altruistic trait (and get into healthy enneagram 2 mode) and make it a regular practice to do an act of kindness. Whether it’s volunteering somewhere or making it a priority to help others when you spot a need.

Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker

Our nines are motivated to be at peace – on an inner and outer level.

It’s helpful for 9s to set goals with the mindset of focusing on one core area at a time and making a habit-based plan that fits within your lifestyle. Remember that one power habit, like working out or cooking healthy dinners, can have a ripple effect across several areas of your life.

Explore the things you’re curious about, and try not to get too wrapped up in all the aspects involved in it. Once you find something you enjoy, lean into your growth side (the enneagram 3 achiever) and allow yourself to take it one step at a time.

Write down positive affirmations or aspects that you love about yourself, and remember that you are worthy of taking up space and going after your dreams. A regular worthiness practice is helpful for you to keep reminding yourself of this fact.

Which enneagram type are you and will you set any of these goals this week?

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