“I mean, it’s sort of exciting, isn’t it? Breaking the rules.” –Hermione Granger from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
In-depth Description of the Enneagram Type 1
Enneagram type one usually stands out for their seemingly high standards. To other types, they are probably seen as being traditional, responsible, and perfectionistic.
Type ones have dreams of changing the world in their own way. Whether it’s through teaching, volunteering, or their religion, they strive to make a difference.
Type ones also have streaks of impatience and often see others as incompetent or irresponsible. This is especially true if these types do not share the same viewpoint in life.
Type ones are often quiet and very organized. They also have a morally imposed duty to be as perfect as they can be. This means that they often feel disappointment and resentment if their work doesn’t measure up to their required standards.
Their perfectionistic standards would often see them create detailed schedules about how they intend to go about their day. These schedules can also include what and when to cook as well.
Because they are very opinionated about what they believe in, they struggle to see other people’s perspectives. This might lead to clashes or even attempts by the type one to make people accept their own perspective.
They have a strong inclination towards morals and religion. This means that type one ultimately wants to be seen as good or contributing to a good cause. They will often neglect their own needs if they feel it doesn’t serve their goals. This can easily lead to accumulated resentment and anger.
Enneagram Type 1 in Stress
The enneagram types are always moving fluidly in several directions depending on situations and circumstances. When it comes to stress, the enneagram type 1 also follows this trend.
When facing a lot of stress, type 1 will share similar traits with an unhealthy type 4. This means that they will look at people as being against them or being incompetent. They will also feel that people’s expectations about them are too much for them to handle.
This can easily put a strain on their relationship with others.
Enneagram Type 1 When Healthy
When healthy, type 1 will share some similar traits with type 7. They will want to wander the world and have fun. This will significantly reduce the rigid and perfectionistic nature that comes with being a type 1.
It is often said that this is the only time that type 1 allows them to actually enjoy life.
Strengths of the Enneagram Type 1
1. Honesty
Types ones have a very high moral compass. This means that they struggle to do what is right. One of their biggest fears is to be seen as evil, corrupt, or not up to scratch morally. So, honesty is one of the ways they satisfy their burning need to be perfect.
2. Constant Improvement
Types 1s are often looking for ways to improve their lives. This improvement is often narrowed down to their viewpoint on life and how things work. They will look for ways to keep improving and changing the world in their own little way.
3. Reliable
Type 1s are very hardworking people. This is down to their need to be a game-changer in what they feel is important. Type ones are often the ones saving their homes from chaos. This is because they are very reliable. This is down to their need to be perfect. You can expect type ones to show up every day.
4. Financial Prowess
Enneagram 1s are probably the best at financial management. This is driven by their high standards and need to be perfect. Thus, they will have a perfect understanding of their cash outflows and inflows.
Financial management also includes long-term planning. This comes with some advantages. They are more likely to avoid debts and have enough money to meet their goals. It also reduces impulse buying
5. Strong Values
Enneagram 1s have strong beliefs or values. In a way, this makes them idealists. These values shape their approach to life and personal relationships.
It also makes them more rigid to change. An enneagram type 1 will not change their opinions or views except it’s obviously wrong. Even then, it can be difficult.
Type 1s will fiercely defend these values to the end. Their integrity knows no bounds.
6. Natural Activists
Type 1s are lovers of justice. They want to ensure that the right thing is done regardless of the consequences. Thus, they are natural activists of justice. This makes them great attorneys.
It also means that, just like type 8s, they are a protector of the underdog. The difference is that they often go about it differently.
7. High Work Ethic
Because of their high standards and perfectionistic tendencies, Type 1s have a naturally high work ethic. Simply put, they won’t stop until the work is done.
This has its advantages. First, it makes them more efficient and reliable. It also gives them better opportunities in their careers. Finally, it’s a boost to their reputation. People know they give every job their best.
8. Naturally Assertive
As mentioned earlier, type 1s are bullish with their beliefs. There’s more. There’s a confidence about them in everything they do. This makes them naturally assertive.
They know their abilities and what they want. So, when they say or do something, it’s admirable or even intimidating. Yet, type 1s might not know they come across this way. This further adds to their aura.
Weaknesses of the Enneagram 1
1. Critical
Type ones usually believe that only one perspective is right. Thus, it is a struggle for them when others seem to make decisions that do not tally with theirs. This can easily lead to them being critical or judgmental about others.
2. Rigid or Uptight
Type ones have a hard time having fun. They are often regarded as uptight as they find it hard to change their views on even the tiniest of things. Their difficulty in adapting can lead to them being unnecessarily rigid.
3. Perfectionistic
Type ones want to offer the best in terms of their abilities. This often translates to perfectionistic tendencies. These tendencies may see them struggle to see their work as complete or a worthy achievement. It can also translate into criticism or negative feedback on other people’s efforts.
4. Resentment
Type ones are known to hold a lot of resentment. Most times, this can be down to the perceived incompetence of other people. Their rigidness, combined with perfectionistic tendencies, makes it very hard for them to let go of resentment.
Defense Mechanism- Reaction Formation
To combat anger or other feelings of resentment, type ones will usually increase their level of kindness. This is in a bid to maintain their self-image when dealing with people who may seem irritating.
Enneagram Type One and Wings
Just like every other enneagram, the type one enneagram will either have 9 or 2 as a wing type.
1w9- When winged by 9, they are often calmer and seek to live in harmony with others. This calm disposition will also make them less rigid and more flexible to new ideas and adventures. Find more about 1w9 here.
1w2- When winged by a 2, they become more interested in the lives of others. The tendencies of a type one still shine through as they are heavily concerned about what is right and wrong. This can lead to an obsession to see others follow these trends. Find more about 1w2 here.
Recommended Read- Enneagram 1 Careers
You Might Like- Enneagram 1 Memes
Enneagram Type 1 in Relationships
If there’s something you’ll get in a relationship with type 1, it’s directness. Enneagram 1s are more likely to be open with their feelings, even their females.
Thus, you are likely to know exactly where you stand with them. If you are dating a type 1, it’s normal to want to know what you’re getting yourself into.
Click this link for a complete breakdown of what to expect from an Enneagram 1 in love.
Enneagram Type 1 and the MBTI
No two type 1s are the same. This is often down to their various backgrounds, beliefs, and MBTI types. Here, we’ll focus on their MBTI types. There are so many combinations with the MBTI.
You can find a majority of them on this website. As more articles are written on each type, the links will be provided below.
Here is a complete database of Enneagram 1 as the dominant type and all possible MBTI combos.
ISTP: ISTP 1w2 | ISTP 1w9
INTP: INTP 1w2 | INTP 1w9
ENTP: ENTP 1w2 | ENTP 1w9
ENFJ: ENFJ 1w2 | ENFJ 1w9
ESTP: ESTP 1w2 | ESTP 1w9
ESFP: ESFP 1w2 | ESFP 1w9
ESFJ: ESFJ 1w2 | ESFJ 1w9
Enneagram 1 As Children
Our enneagram type is often a result of the pressures we face as children. Here are some of the likely things that you’ll notice in an enneagram 1 child.
1. The Model Child
Enneagram 1 children are often labeled the model child. They are often regarded as every parent’s dream. They strive to do the right things and often take up a lot of responsibilities.
People often draw a correlation between type 1 and firstborns. While there is no data to back this up, the sentiment is understandable since firstborns usually take up more responsibilities.
While this might excite parents, it’s important to ensure that your type 1 child knows that it’s okay to express themselves.
2. Overly Neat and Tidy
This follows the last point. One of the first glimpses of high standards is their obsession with neatness. A good case study is my sister. She’d often come back from school and spend hours ironing her uniform when we were younger.
The day she forgot to do that, she wept so much that my parents were in a state of panic. Yes, even at that stage, their self-criticism shows up.
3. Least Likely to Rebel
As model children, they are the least likely to rebel. As a parent, you might hardly believe your luck. They’ll follow instructions and obey most of the set rules.
If they are your first child, you might be shocked when other children challenge you. I know my parents were.
4. Most Likely to Be Academically Smart
One of the only ways to measure their high standards is through school performances. Thus, type 1 children understand the importance of good grades at an early age. If they are 1w2s, they are also aware of the validation they get when they do well.
So, expect type 1s to be brilliant students in their early childhood and teen years.
How to Communicate With Type Ones
- Learn to take their beliefs seriously and see them as an extension of themselves
- Straightforwardly talk to them. Do not beat around the bush
- Challenge them to see different perspectives and viewpoints
- Make sure you adhere to some or all of their ethics when you can
- Help them to see themselves as good people. They are often the worst critics of themselves.
Enneagram Type 1 and possible Job Interests
Type ones like to be in a position where they can impart their knowledge to others. They sincerely and genuinely believe that what they share will be helpful. For that reason, jobs that will fit the enneagram type 1 most are jobs that require some form of teaching.
- Teaching
- Lecturing
- Judges
- Missionaries
- Safety officers
- Nurses
- Police officers
Worst Career Options for Enneagram Type 1
- Administrative Staff
- Stock Brokers
- Accountants
- Sales Representatives
Famous People and Characters Who Are Enneagram Type 1
- Hermione Granger
- Hilary Clinton
- Captain America
- Superman (Clark Kent)
- Nelson Mandela
- Michelle Obama
- Mahatma Gandhi
How Enneagram Type 1 can stay healthy
- Understand that people are different. They will not always agree with how you see things or what you have to say. Worse, most people will withdraw from you when they see your reaction to their different perspectives. Learn to be more accommodating.
- Learn to be patient. While you have all these nice things you have to say to people and your students, it will take time. Instead of losing your patience, focus on showing them what needs to be done by your example.
- Learn to accept the messy things that make us human. It does not mean you are corrupt or evil. It simply means that you are what you are. Simply human.
- Try to relax regularly. Without some time to recharge, you will never be able to reach the productivity levels that you want so badly.
