Integrity

I am right

Type One

Perfectionist / Reformer

People of Enneatype ONE are conscientious idealists with a strong sense of right and wrong. They have an innate sense of discernment and are motivated to live life “the right way” while striving to improve themselves and others, correct errors, and perfect the world around them.

Ones are natural teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change, frequently taking up a cause with a certain zeal or passion. They are people of action and tend to move forward with structure and discipline while trying to avoid errors and criticism.

Ones have a strong “inner critic” which holds them to high standards but can also feel overwhelming and relentless at times. Since reality will never line up to standards of perfection, Ones can experience the world as essentially flawed and approach it from a standpoint of frustration.

At Their Best

Self-disciplined, hardworking, responsible, honest, conscientious, practical, and self-controlled.

When Struggling

Rigid, judgmental, self-righteous, uptight, and overly critical of themselves and others.

What Type Ones say about themselves:

  • I have higher moral standards than most people.
  • It’s hard for me to change my mind once I’ve determined what’s right.
  • Excellence in the things I do is vital to me.
  • I notice when things are out of place or “not right”, and often feel compelled to point it out or fix it.
  • I have a hard time feeling fully satisfied that things are being done “well enough”, both with myself and others.
  • You can count on me to be reliable and industrious.
  • I care about the big picture AND the nitty-gritty details.
  • I try to bring order out of chaos.
  • I hate making mistakes, so I tend to be extremely thorough and do things properly.
  • I have a personal sense of mission, perhaps even a “calling to some greater purpose.”

We each feel that we must show up in a certain way in the world in order to deserve love.

These are internal messages that resonate with Ones:

BASIC FEAR: Of being corrupt, evil, or defective.

BASIC DESIRE: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced.

BASIC PROPOSITION: “You must be good and right to be worthy.”

AVOIDANCE: Showing anger, losing self-control, or making mistakes.

FOCUS of ATTENTION: What is right or wrong, correct or incorrect.

  • Positive aspect: The ability to quickly discern and fix errors or problems.
  • Negative aspect: The tendency/potential to be overly critical of self or others.

 

Strategies For Growth:

  • Take some time for yourself without feeling that everything depends on you. Remind yourself that the world will keep turning without you, and it’s ok to take time to relax/rest.
  • Beware of constant irritation with your own “shortcomings”. Ask yourself if the sharp self-criticism helps you to improve or if it makes you tense and upset. Take a pause and try to observe your feelings and body with as little judgment as possible. Remember that you deserve compassion and grace as much as anyone.

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