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Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness– Oprah Winfrey

Do you have an intense desire to succeed at all costs? Do you handle all your affairs with such diligence and are very mindful of competition? Are you always looking to be at the helm of affairs?

Then, you’re most likely a type three.

In-depth description of the Enneagram Type 3

Enneagram type three stands for those who are ambitious, self-assured, confident of their abilities, and charming.

They are highly motivated by achievements. They care a lot about what people think of them, especially their loved ones. They carry themselves with such elegance and poise. Type threes are very diplomatic when dealing with people.

Type threes believe that they can do great things in this world, and in most cases, they do. People aspire to be like them because of their accomplishments and the manner they carry themselves. To other types, type threes are natural leaders. They aim to be role models to inspire others.

They have this intense desire to make their lives a success, and this is determined by culture, social status, or family. To some, it may mean being very wealthy, having a grand home, buying expensive cars and luxury items, or doing things that elevate their social status. To some, it may mean distinguishing themselves in scientific or academic spaces.

To others, it may mean becoming popular, whether as an actor, writer, speaker, politician, or any other public figure.  If they are religiously inclined, the family would most likely train the child to become a priest or rabbi to give themselves some importance in society.

Either way, threes don’t become nobodies. They love to stand out. Because of this, they always do things that will attract positive attention and praise. Acceptance is a universal human need, and threes exemplify it as much as possible.

However, it’s very easy for threes to become self-absorbed trying to do things to please other people that they forgot who they are. They are in a rush to find out what is acceptable in society that they forget to foster and cultivate their interests.

It’s very rare to find threes doing what they love in a quiet and serene environment. They feel that not doing these things will make them obsolete and give their lives less meaning.

Strengths

Energetic

Type threes are very energetic and hardworking people. They are the best people to complete any job. They will do the job perfectly because they crave attention and praise.

If you have an urgent job to deliver, a type three should be your go-to

Charismatic

Type threes are very charismatic people. They can captivate, fascinate, and charm anybody they come across, so it’s super easy for them to form strong relationships or have deep conversations with people they just met.

This is why type threes thrive in public spaces and climb career ladders fast

Put-together

Type threes aim for success, so they have their lives put together. They know what to do at every point. They know the right persons to call. Type threes are at the right places when the time comes. They form the necessary relationships when they need to. They also stick to the routines flawlessly.

Also, physical appearance matters a lot to them. Type threes love looking the part to impress others.

Driven

They are very driven and motivated people. Their goals for the year are outlined and followed through strategically.

Weaknesses

Fear of failure

They love attention and constant praise. So, they do all they can to get that attention and stay relevant in social circles because they hate failing. Living quiet and unpopular lives makes their lives less meaningful and empty.

Fear of obsoletion

Type threes know the latest trends. They hate to be behind on certain things because it strips them of their relevance and accolades. Once they start losing touch with current happenings or are no longer at the top of their game, they feel worthless.

This is why type threes thrive in the entertainment and news industries.

Easily deceived

Type threes want to please people so bad that they’re easily manipulated and used. Others can guilt-trip them into carrying out activities against their will because they won’t say no.

They barely ask themselves what they want out of life because they want to fan other people’s flames. Type threes barely know and foster their interests. So, when they’ve spent their entire lives dependent on praise and attention, they lose touch with themselves.

It’s easy for them to become jealous and envious of other people’s success. They might even go as far as ruining their work.

Enneagram Type 3 and Wings

Just like other Enneagrams, type three has 2 and four as its wings.

3w2– it’s easy to confuse a 3w2 type with a type 2 because they act so similar. They are very friendly, outgoing, and enjoy jobs that involve serving people. They also love serving other people and are experts at building relationships.

The best careers for these people are event planning, marketing, broadcasting, advertising, etc.

3w4– These people act similarly to type 4. They’re introverted and tend to be more focused on work instead of relationships and social engagements. They are often geared for professional success and personal advancement.

The best careers for these people are marketing, finance, business, politics, law, etc. You can learn more about 3w4 here.

How to Communicate With Type Threes

• Develop a good rapport with them. They are very easy going people once you meet them.
• Encourage them to talk about themselves and their accomplishments. It leaves a good impression
• Do things that support their growth. Encourage them to be the best version of themselves
• Have a great fashion sense. Don’t talk to a type three looking shabby.

 

Enneagram Type 3 and Possible Job interests

As mentioned earlier, type three people enjoy jobs that bring them to the limelight and make them famous or important. They enjoy jobs that allow their ideas, innovations, and creativity to thrive.

• Acting
• Public speaking
• Broadcasting
• Advertising
• Event planning
• Law
• Politics
• Finance
• Marketing

 

Enneagram Type 3 and Jobs to Avoid

Any career that is less sociable and/or non-competitive is a no-no for type threes. If they work in the wrong environment, they may overwork themselves trying to feel important and will end up becoming resentful and overly critical.

• Police
• Accountancy
• Childcare
• Nurses
• Safety officers

Famous People/Characters who are Enneagram Type 3

• Oprah Winfrey
• Tony Robbins
• Lady Gaga
• Muhammad Ali
• Tom Cruise
• Will Smith
• Meghan Markle
• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Rachel Berry (Glee)
• Don Draper (Mad Men)

How Enneagram Type 3 people can stay healthy

Slow the pace

It’s super easy for type threes to get so busy and forget what life is about. They are too focused on pleasing and looking good for people that they forget to take care of themselves.

You need to calm down. Do things at your pace, even if it means disappointing people. Don’t take the present moment for granted because you’ll never get it back. Hang out with friends. Spend time with your loved ones and family.

Be vulnerable

Type threes are scared of feeling vulnerable. This is because it lets other people see their true selves rather than the one they portray to the world. You can only grow and evolve when you’re vulnerable to people.

People appreciate those who are their true, authentic selves rather than those who portray behaviors solely for public approval.

Observe your thoughts and feelings

Don’t get caught up in your self-imposed image and supposed achievements that you forget to observe yourself. Are you happy? Do these things interest you? Are you living the life you want or simply fanning someone else’s dream?

This helps you to place your life in a better perspective.