Discover everything you should know about the Enneagram 1 personality type, also known as the Reformer or Perfectionist by reading this blog!
What Does It Mean To Be An Enneagram 1?
To be an enneagram 1 means that you were raised to have the core desire for perfection and order. You struggle the most with your inner critic and feelings of resentment. Your core desire for perfection leads you to take on more responsibilities than you should.
If you are an enneagram one, you are known as The Perfectionist or The Reformer. You are critical, moral, and orderly. As a 1, your core desire is for things to be perfect because, in childhood, they were taught that they had to be perfect and in control to be enough.
Enneagram 1 Description
If you are an enneagram one, you are known as The Perfectionist or The Reformer. You are critical, moral, and orderly. As a 1, your core desire is for things to be perfect because, in childhood, they were taught that they had to be perfect and in control to be enough.
Traits of an Enneagram 1
What are the traits of an Enneagram 1? The enneagram 1 personality commonly appears organized, practical, hard-working, and responsible. These are highly moral people. Given their core desire, these people try to right every wrong to the point where they can be considered hypercritical or idealistic.
A type 1 person will follow instructions to the tee and not jerry-rig anything (good luck putting together Ikea furniture with them.)
However, type 1s will also fully disregard the rules if they are inefficient. They’ll instead, create new systems of their own.
Enneagram 1 In Stress
A stressed enneagram 1 is hyper-critical, resentful, and controlling. They take on the negative traits of the Enneagram 4 and see themselves as “different.” This is expressed as martyrdom where they think to themselves “I am the only one keeping things organized/perfect.”
Each enneagram type has specific signs that they are under stress! They take on the negative traits of a different number in stress.
The perfectionist type 1 becomes hyper-critical, resentful, and controlling when they are stressed.
They also take on the negative traits of a type 4 in stress. They perceive themselves as “different.” This is expressed as martyrdom where they think to themselves “I am the only one keeping things organized/perfect.”
A stressed 1 will control everything, act bitter, and be judging towards loved ones.
Read our blog on the 1 in stress and growth.
Enneagram 1 In Growth
The Enneagram 1 in growth incorporates warmth, playfulness, and joy into their being. They take on the healthy traits of the Enneagram 7 and allow themselves to have fun instead of handling responsibilities all the time.
Each enneagram type has specific signs that they are in a healthy state of growth! They take on the positive traits of a different number in growth.
When the Enneagram 1 steps into their growth, they learn how to love themselves, let loose, and release any unnecessary responsibilities.
The type 1 embraces the healthy parts of a type 7. They see that they don’t have to be the only ones who uphold perfection. They become less hypercritical and hold no resentment because they only do the things that bring them happiness.
Get my top self-care tips for the Enneagram 1!
Enneagram 1 Common Mistypes
Some of the Enneagram types are very similar to one another. This is why it’s important to take your time and learn about each type before you type yourself!
The Enneagram 1, for example, is very similar to the type 3, type 5, and type 6. Often times the type 1 can see themselves as a 3, The Achiever, or the 5, The Investigator.
Enneagram 6s will also perceive themselves as 1s commonly.
Find out more about the Enneagram 1’s common mistypes in this blog
Enneagram 1 Subtypes
In the enneagram, there are three variations of each type called Instinctual Subtypes.
These 3 subtypes are determined by the 3 major survival instincts we operate on.
The SX Enneagram 1 (Sexual 1)
The SX 1 seeks a one-on-one connection and perfection in their partner. This subtype struggles less with their inner critic than the other two subtypes. Instead of repressing their anger, this subtype expresses it. At their best, the SX type 1 is loyal and seeks deep connections with their partner and loved ones. At their worst, they are hypercritical toward others.
The SP Enneagram 1 (Self-Preserving 1)
The SP 1 is the most like the enneagram 6 or 5. They seek to preserve their resources for survival. This subtype makes the 1 more introverted than the other 2 subtypes. The SP 1 represses their anger the most and is always looking for how they can make things run smoother. This subtype also struggles with their inner critic the most, they struggle to allow themselves to be or do anything that isn’t deemed “perfect” to society’s standards.
The SO Enneagram 1 (Social 1)
The SO subtype seeks a tribe to feel a sense of security. This is the most outgoing of the enneagram 1 subtypes. These people are extremely attentive to others as they want to serve a community and use their skills of perfection to help a group. This is the most likely subtype to mistype as the 3. Their SO subtype makes them image conscious. The SO 1 wants to be seen as an authority or teacher.
What An Enneagram 1 Needs To Hear
Dear enneagram 1s, we are sorry that you felt like you had to be perfect in order to be loved. You deserve to let loose, be happy, and be free. We appreciate all the effort you put into making things perfect, we see your efforts, and we see you.
Enneagram 1 Romantic Compatibility
The Enneagram 1 will get along the most with enneagram 5s, 3s, and 6s when it comes to relationships. These types have similar qualities to the enneagram 1 and are independent like the 1. These 3 enneagram types can meet type 1 on the common value of order and perfection to some degree.
The enneagram type 1 will be drawn towards other types that hold similar values to them without trying to change their values.
Commonly, the enneagram 1 will seek out type 3s who also want to achieve great things or 5s who value resources and logic. The type 1 finds it easy to get along with these two types.
The enneagram 1 could also potentially be drawn to enneagram 6s because both these types are very moral and value justice. They both look out for the little guy, so to say.
Find out more about the Enneagram 1 Compatibility (coming soon)
Best Careers For An Enneagram 1
Because the enneagram 1 is naturally organized, the type 1 does great in executive roles or organizational roles.
Potentially fulfilling careers for the 1 would be…
- Executive
- Director
- Manager
- Event Organizer
- Group Leadership Roles
The Enneagram 1 seeks out a career that values their organizational skills and can find fulfillment in executive roles or organizational roles. They make great Executives, Directors, Managers, Event Organizers, and Group Leaders.
What questions do you still have about the Enneagram 1? Let me know in the comments below!
Related Blogs
- Enneagram 1 In Stress & Growth
- The Nine Enneagram Types: Which Type Are You?
- Most Common Enneagram Mistypes
- Enneagram 1w2 VS 1w9 Comparison: Which Wing Are You?
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