Enneagram Type 1 -
The Reformer -
On the path towards becoming the highest version of themselves, Enneagram type Ones tend to be practical and strong people who take the time to analyze and discern what’s best. By being consistent with their ideals, they expect to reform the world and strive to reach that goal.
The Reformer: Overview
Like an eagle that flies up high, Enneagram 1s can see the bigger picture. This ability triggers in them an unstoppable sense of justice. Ideals are important to Enneagram ones as they determine their upcoming decisions. As the Reformer feels fearless to step up and change what’s wrong, sometimes they become very self-demanding. Their bird-eye view gives them the power to measure themselves within the immensity that feeds this fire. Admirably, these traits lift Enneagram type ones up and cause them to transcend towards something bigger.
What Motivates Enneagram Type 1?
History is nothing more or less than “The story of human passions”: strong people doing big things, moved by their passions, their ideals, and trust in themselves. In the same way, intuition tells Enneagram 1s what’s best, but it’s not a leap of faith. They know that they’ll accomplish their mission after going a long way. When Enneagram ones find out something that’s important to them, it becomes their purpose, the very thing that moves their life forward and measures reality. They can transform things and make the world a better place. That’s really hard work on Enneagram 1s’ shoulders, but it’s also what guides them to the highest level of feeling and brings them to their best version. Just like wildly running horses with blinders trust their legs, an Enneagram type one runs across the field relying on their ideals.
How Does Enneagram Type One Think?
The Reformer’s principles are like law to them, so they feel the need to follow them strictly. Knowing what is right and wrong makes Enneagram type ones very practical people who easily know what to do. They are focused on the right/wrong side of things and there is no middle ground. However, this could also drive them to self-repression; in an effort please others yet not appear “needy,” they may end up doing things themselves rather communicate to others how things should be done. It doesn’t feel bad at that moment since Enneagram 1s believe their worth depends on doing what’s right. That’s how they end up transferring their self value over to their other values. With a high sense of justice and responsibility, Enneagram type ones stand up for their convictions. Their self-awareness allows them to be reflective and honest with themselves, even though they tend to review and judge their behavior instead of having a compassionate look towards themselves. Somebody has to do it to keep order.
How's Enneagram Type 1 In Love?
Love must be the most unbalancing experience we all go through. The Reformer knows that better than anyone. Not because it actually imbalances them, but because Enneagram Ones are aware of the risk and keep a sharp eye on their significant other’s values too. It’s important to share principles and perspectives since they are the foundation and the solid base upon which you can build anything. So when it comes to love, Type Ones are very concerned about the other’s ideals, and they have their red flags very clearly established. However, problems arise when they try to conform that other person to their ideals; this can often bring disagreements and disappointments. Here is where Enneagram 1s learn to be more flexible and open-minded towards other ways of life while still living theirs. Although they tend to gravitate towards “My way or the highway” type of thinking, Ones need to learn that it is sometimes better to gaze at people without judgement for a while to discover the beauty and ideals inside.
The Best & The Worst Of The 1s. The Light And The Darkness
Saying that Enneagram 1s have a best or a worst part will help please that inner self that is always judging them. But ok, let’s play that game for a while and watch an Enneagram Type One close their window and look at other people between the sun-blind spaces, growling softly like Gollum. Let’s say they are always following the “Precious.” That’s great. It could make Enneagram 1 unwavering, but if they obsess over it they can run into unhealthy behaviors that make them very self-demanding and disconnected from other people. Then Enneagram Ones run into the risk of missing the beauty of diversity and alternate paths.
Average Enneagram Type 1
On a common day, Type Ones are energetic and purposeful, always trying to take meaningful actions with an organized schedule. It’s not difficult for them to focus and determine what is right from what is not. So there Enneagram 1s go, walking through life with their ideal bars, measuring everything that comes across them (If Type ones wonder why raccoons and squirrels run from them, here’s why).
Enneagram 1s have wonderful ideas on how to change things for the better. They also have stubborn convictions, which is fundamental to materialize projects and makes a Type One a natural leader most of the time. However, without kindness and patience they can also be their own tyrant. Sometimes Type Ones can worry about being inconsistent or about people noticing that they are not adjusted perfectly to their own ideals, which can make them feel constantly seen or tense.
Unhealthy Enneagram Type 1
When The Reformer is in an unhealthy state of mind, nothing is ever enough for them, especially themselves (they should avoid getting into mirror labyrinths during these periods). Type Ones are like dogs that try to bite their own tail or a kid scared of its own shadow. As you can see, if Enneagram 1s stick to their commitment to their ideals or thoughts, it will be difficult for them to deal with unexpected situations or disruptions, or even take advantage of them.They can’t tolerate things they can’t control, and if Type Ones just push themselves out of the line for even a moment they feel betrayed. They need to learn to forgive themselves.
Healthy Enneagram Type 1
In a healthy state, The Reformer feels calm, pleased with themselves and their environment. They achieve an emotional independence, free of external acceptance or third-party approval because Type Ones are aligned with their own very intimate purpose. It’s ok to be them. They are on the “correct” path. Constantly learning and becoming more comprehensive with their own pace makes it easier for Type Ones to understand the rhythm of others too. They feel inspired by their own dreams. Doing what they have to do in order to achieve bigger goals is what makes Enneagram 1s feel comfortable and vibrant.
The Reformer Type are now wise, keeping both feet on the ground and their heart up in the sky. They know and accept reality, and they don’t fight it anymore because they’ve discovered that this is where the power of transformation lies.
As Eckhart Tolle says: “Whatever you fight, you strengthen, and what you resist, persists.”
Enneagram Types
Explore The 9 Personality Types
Enneagram 1
The Reformer is the idealist and principled. The one who, self-convinced and justice-oriented, raises things up to their highest version.
Enneagram 2
In love of the love. The Helper is the one who loves to please and irradiate kindness by delivering themselves to others.
Enneagram 3
The Achiever is an Energic type with a lot of self-awareness that could turn into someone empowered. They are pure potential and determination.
Enneagram 4
The Individualist, Eternal Walker Of The Inward Halls, Who Can Create A Masterpiece And Has To Trespass Inner Currents To Reach The Natural Self.
Enneagram 5
The Investigator Of The Golden Source, The Tenacious Explorer Of The Human Mind That Grabs In His Hand Secretive Brilliance.
Enneagram 6
The Loyalist, Tenacious Guardians Of Their Values, Will Fight For Safety And Consistency. Friendly And Earnest. They Embody The Contradictions.
Enneagram 7
The Enthusiast, the Multitasker & Cheerful. The One Who Thinks Is Getting Late For Somewhere Or That Is Missing Something Important.
Enneagram 8
The Challenger, The Rampaging Spirit That Wants To Eat The World. Powerful & Self-Confident And Is Always On The Defense.
Enneagram 9
The Peacemaker The Reassuring Ones, Who Try To Keep Peace Of Mind And Serenity Whether Inside And Outside Of Them.
