Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist

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Someone with the Enneagram type 1 personality is typically motivated by what is right and what is wrong. This type is sometimes referred to as the Perfectionist, and he or she tends to adhere to strong moral principles in both his or her personal and external lives.

Both rational and idealistic, the Enneagram type 1 personality wants to improve people the way that things are. However, at the same time, this person may fear making a mistake. Someone of this type will hold himself or herself to high standards and use this same measure to judge others.

Basic Desire

Being virtuous and maintaining integrity are the basic desires of someone who is a type 1 personality. This individual has a strong aspiration to be righteous and will use this value to try to make the world a better place through improvements in self and others.

Basic Fear

Corruption and condemnation are the true basic fears of the Perfectionist. Someone who is this type will dread the possibility that he or she may make a mistake and of being criticized for such. Because this person is a perfectionist, the thought of being somehow defective may tear this person apart.

Personality Traits of the Enneagram Type 1

The idealism of this type provides the passion necessary to pursue justice and advocate positive change while the rationality of the individual gives the opportunity to make wise choices on how to proceed. Someone with the Enneagram type 1 personality craves approval, wanting to be accepted and loved.

Highly organized, someone who is a type 1 will work hard to get things done. This person may wonder why those around him or her aren’t as motivated and is prone to viewing others as being lazy. This can make a perfectionist critical, resentful, and quite judgmental of others.

How the Perfectionist Gets Along with Others

Open and honest communication is a must for anyone who wants to be in a close relationship with someone who is an Enneagram type 1 personality. Additionally, someone of this type has an innate passion for personal growth and often expects others to desire this as well.

Following rules is important to this type, and he or she will work hard to ensure that those around them do the same. Often seen as uncompromising, this person simply has his or her own core values that must be upheld at all costs.

Others should understand that the Perfectionist doesn’t mean to be overbearing or critical; he or she sees flaws and has a need to improve them whether in himself or herself, others, or situations that should arise. However, it is important to note that the Enneagram type 1 has a hard time accepting criticism even though he or she can dish it out.

Careers and Hobbies

The conscientious work patterns of the Enneagram type 1 allow this person to bring a lot to the table when it comes to choosing a career. Because the Perfectionist values upholding justice and helping others to improve themselves, there are some jobs that would be a great fit for this personality type.

• Police officer
• Judge
• Religious worker
• Attorney
• Life Coach
• Educator
• School principal

Since improving the world is such a big job, it’s not surprising to find someone who is an Enneagram type 1 doing good during his or her free time. This could involve raising money for a cause, tutoring kids in need, or volunteering in a hands-on capacity.

Health and the Enneagram Type 1 Personality

Personality can vary based on the level of health of the individual, and the Perfectionist is no different. Whether the type 1 is healthy, average, or unhealthy can have a great impact on what others see in the type 1 personality.

Healthy

When the Enneagram type 1 personality is at a healthy level, he or she does not hold onto perfectionist tendencies; rather, this individual will be able to accept self and others. Highly focused and patient, the person will be extremely motivated to make a difference in the lives of those around him or her.

The individual will be able to accept that he or she has flaws, and this is okay. It is during this phase that he or she will be best at helping others and will often have a higher purpose. Wisdom and discernment can best lead the way when the Perfectionist is mentally healthy.

Average

In average levels of health, someone of this type is aware of how his or her actions align with self-imposed beliefs and standards. The individual is likely to be more of a perfectionist during this phase and may become overworked trying to make things right.

It is during this phase that the Enneagram type 1 personality will hear his or her own inner critic that is likely to identify flaws. This person may become dissatisfied with reality and point out the way things or people should be. The Perfectionist will dread making mistakes.

Unhealthy

When the Enneagram type 1 is in an unhealthy state of mind, this person can feel that he or she is right and that everyone else is wrong. The individual can become very critical of others while this person still rationalizes his or her own behavior.

Because the Perfectionist can be so intolerant of others at this point, the person may become highly controlling and argumentative in an effort to quiet the tyrant within. Someone of this type can become depressed or may give in to obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Prolonged pessimistic views may lead to thoughts of or attempts at suicide.

Enneagram Type 1 Celebrities

There are many Enneagram type 1 personalities, both famous and infamous. These include Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt, Pope John Paul II, Hilary Clinton, Henry David Thoreau, Confucius, Joan of Arc, Jimmy Carter, Michelle Obama, and Osama bin Laden.