What we want the most, we often behave in ways that make it harder to achieve.
A counterintuitive truth is something that is the opposite of what is intuitive or is a common-sense expectation, but is nonetheless true.
The Enneagram system of conscious development displays beautifully how any strength in excess can become a weakness, and how what you think you’re doing to achieve more success may actually create the opposite effect.
Consisting of 9 types that each have a unique core motivation that helps you understand deeper why you do what you do and why others do what they do, the Enneagram framework has been instrumental in my coaching of top leaders and executives in the last decade.
The Enneagram allows us to explore the polarity that exists within all of us. It shows us how doing the opposite of what our core type’s natural instinct or intuition is can be the key to unlock higher levels of success.
Whether you know your core Enneagram type or not, I’m sure that some of these counterintuitive truths by Enneagram type will resonate.
Here are the counterintuitive truths of three of the types. The rest will come in an upcoming post.
Type 1 nicknamed the Strict Perfectionist has the core motivation to be good and to do the right thing. While Type 1 leaders are gifted with a high attention to detail and can remind teammates to stay on track with a clear idea of right and wrong, it is learning to let go of striving for perfection which can lead to more success.
Instead of doubling down on more discipline and being even harder on themselves, it is leaning into spontaneity, and playfulness that can be the most helpful. Moving from black or white thinking to playing in the “gray area” is what will help 1s embrace the beauty that life is perfectly imperfect.
Type 3 nicknamed the Competitive Achiever has the core motivation to outshine others and be the best. While Type 3 leaders are gifted at accomplishing goals, looking confident, being ambitious, and highly driven to succeed, it is learning to slow down, relax more, and connect deeper with people vulnerably that will lead to more success.
Instead of focusing more on what tasks need to be done to win, doing less and focusing on teamwork and collaboration are key.
Type 7 nicknamed the Enthusiastic Visionary has the core motivation to experience life fully and to avoid pain. While Type 7 leaders are positive visionaries whose minds move fast thinking about the future and enjoy doing many projects at the same time, it is learning to be more present, slowing down, and focusing on one thing at a time that will help them achieve the freedom that they seek.
Instead of focusing on starting new projects or new experiences, creating structure and discipline is what will truly help them experience life fully.
So, what about you?
Do any of these Enneagram counterintuitive truths resonate with you? I’ll cover the other types in a future post.
What is the opposite of your default or instinctive behavior that you can lean into that will help you have more success?
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