Enneagram Types as Writers
Have you thought about how your Enneagram Type impacts your writing process?
It’s so interesting to see where my clients struggle, because they 100% follow a pattern.
My Type One clients want to do it exactly the right way.
They aren’t put off by spending tons of time and effort on making their book perfect. Their high standards demand perfection.
Type Threes want to make their book the best it can be…
Not for themselves, but for others. They want the acclaim and fame of writing a bestseller. Unlike Ones, they need to move quickly or they feel like they’re failing.
And my good old Type Fours. (That would be me.)
It can be hard to write a book when you’re hoping it will show you who you are in the process. It’s not too much to ask a novel to answer all your deepest, darkest questions, is it?
You are the most important part of your novel, because your whole story grows from you—your passions, struggles, even your limitations.
Each Type comes to writing in their own way, with profound strengths, and particular struggles.
When you can embrace how and why you write, you can silence imposter syndrome, stop comparing yourself to others, and use your gifts on purpose.
How does your Type show up in your writing?
1. The Principled Reformer
Process: Utilizing routines, plans, and proven processes
Goal: Influencing their readers, excellent storytelling, exploring their ideals
Obstacle: Not starting because they might not get it right, never finishing because it’s not good enough
2. The Interpersonal Helper
Process: Incorporating outside affirmation and connection
Goal: To connect with, encourage, and help their readers
Obstacle: Receiving negative feedback, not being honest because they might make others uncomfortable
3. The Adaptive Achiever
Process: Setting high goals and working quickly to reach them
Goal: To be admired, gain notoriety, and be successful
Obstacle: Presenting their “successful” self rather than what is vulnerable and authentic, valuing the outcome over the process, being perceived as less of an artist because of their drive
4. The Introspective Individualist
Process: Digging into the emotional current of a piece, following the muse
Goal: To explore and express their own experiences, to impact the reader on an emotional level
Obstacle: Not finishing because their emotions get in the way, feeling misunderstood when someone doesn’t like their work
5. The Observing Investigator
Process: Researching, planning, and worldbuilding
Goal: To bring insight to their reader, to reveal the truth about something, to teach
Obstacle: Getting lost in the details, difficulty revealing themselves and their emotions in their writing
6. The The Forecasting Loyalist
Process: Using reliable systems, troubleshooting problems, seeking outside input
Goal: To bring readers in, especially the outcast, to help others address problems, to find support
Obstacle: Trusting their own intuition and choices, taking risks, abandoning projects because of anticipated problems
7. The Forward-thinking Optimist
Process: Idea generation, following the spark of new idea and what feels fun
Goal: To excite and entertain, to help others find the joy in life
Obstacle: Making time to write, finishing projects when the fun has worn off, not chasing the new idea
8. The Powerful Protector
Process: Fully forming concepts before getting feedback, making progress and moving forward
Goal: To tell the truth about issues they are passionate about, to go where others are afraid to go
Obstacle: Knowing when to stop, admitting they need help, expressing vulnerability
9. The Adaptive Peacemaker
Process: Idea generation and daydreaming, big picture thinking
Goal: To explore their true emotions, desires, and identity, to create a world where everything works as it should
Obstacle: Honoring their own desire to write, following through on goals, putting characters in difficult situations
What do you think, ? Do you see yourself in this list?