Once you know your type and understand the basics of the Enneagram, you can start to understand your motives and fears and they apply to both your personal and professional life. For entrepreneurs, pursuing health can be particularly challenging. While this guide is far from comprehensive, here is a piece of advice for each type of entrepreneur.
Type 1 – Done is better than perfect.
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s not your job to fix it all. And you can’t force others to work and think like you.
Type 2 – Don’t be a martyr.
Your selflessness is appreciated, but it can also be self-sabotage. You have to learn to say no so you can prioritize your responsibilities and personal goals to ensure you reach your potential.
Type 3 – Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.
Gaining the approval of others will not help you achieve fulfillment in work or in life. Be honest with yourself about what success looks like to you, and adjust your goals accordingly.
Type 4 – You are enough.
Your worth is not defined by your last performance review. Moreover, everything you do doesn’t have to be critically acclaimed to be worthwhile. Do your best, enjoy yourself, and know that you are enough.
Type 5 – Ask for help.
You can’t do it all alone. Your strengths are many, and you are fiercely independent. But there will be times when you need someone with a different skill set and perspective to help you take the next step.
Type 6 – Anxiety can be fuel.
Analysis paralysis is real, but your anxiety doesn’t have to stop you from doing the next right thing. When a worst-case scenario comes up, take time to plan out your response so you can move on instead of getting stuck.
Type 7 – Curb your enthusiasm.
Try starting your day with a checklist! Channeling your energy into measurable tasks can help prevent you from moving between ideas, allowing you to accomplish more in less time.
Type 8 – Look before you leap.
For an entrepreneur, assertiveness and decisiveness is a plus. Just make sure you aren’t discounting the input of key players in your business. They may know something you don’t.
Type 9 – Peace isn’t always possible.
In business, you sometimes have to ruffle some feathers. Hard decisions, big feelings, and disagreements are all part of being an entrepreneur. You have to figure out how to deal with them so you can keep moving forward.