Type 1s want to improve the world, others, and/or themselves. They are ethical and conscientious with high standards. They can easily slip into perfectionism and criticism. They are willing to strive after high values, even at a sacrifice of themselves.
At their best, type 1s want to change and mold the world into what they dream can be a better place. But at their worst, they are the rigid high-minded individuals who leave little room for imperfection and mistakes.
Rational, Idealistic, Principled, Perfectionistic
Key Desire: To be virtuous, balanced, accurate, and right
Key Fear: To be bad, wrong, corrupt, and unredeemable
Key Longing: You are good
Strengths:
- Truthful
- Ethical
- Responsible
- Purposeful
- Organized
- Hardworking
- Practical
Challenges:
- Inflexible
- Perfectionist
- Overly critical
- Represses anger
- Impatient
- Resentful
- Doesn’t want to accept own flaws
Type 1 Wings
Each type is influenced by its nearest “wing.” We usually lean on one wing more than the other. These wings give more intricacy to who we are.
1w9 “The Idealist”
If you lean more on your 9 wing, you tend to be calm and have a strong sense of right and wrong. You to be more open-minded about different ideas and perspectives. Along with your other attributes, you’re more withdrawn, seek peace, and want to avoid conflict.
- Philosophical
- Emotionally reserved
- Calm
- Idealistic
- Passive
- Withdrawn
- Composed
1w2 “The Advocate”
If you lean more on your 2 wing, you focus more on causes that meet people’s needs. You come off as overly critical and controlling in your efforts to help others be the best version of themselves. Along with your other attributes, you want to be of service and feel appreciated.
- Empathetic
- Image-conscious
- Helpful
- Generous
- Tolerant
- Extroverted
- Makes connections with others
Growth & Stress
Every Enneagram has stress and growth paths. These are the directions we go toward as we grow or become more secure, and when we’re stressed and disintegrating.
Security
Move toward healthy 7s
- Relaxed
- Spontaneous and playful
- Less critical of themselves and others
Stress
Move toward unhealthy 4s
- Irrational
- Moody
- Depressed
Levels of Development
Healthy Levels
Level 1:
At their best, Type 1s are wise and insightful. They are realistic and accepting, thus able to take the best course of action. They are humane, inspiring, and truthful.
Level 2:
They have strong beliefs and an intense sense of right and wrong. They strive to be rational, self-disciplined, and mature.
Level 3:
They always want to be fair, objective, and ethical. They value truth and justice, and have a lot of personal integrity. They feel they have a higher purpose they are striving for.
Average Levels
Level 4:
They are dissatisfied with reality and become idealistic. They believe it’s their job to improve what is, so that they can make it what they think it should be.
Level 5:
They are afraid of making mistakes. They are orderly, but impersonal and too strict with their morals. Emotionally constricted, they keep their feelings and impulses in check.
Level 6:
They are highly critical of themselves and others. Judgmental and perfectionistic. They constantly want to correct people to do what they think is right. Impatient and difficult to satisfy.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7:
Self-righteous, intolerant, and inflexible. Only they know what is true, while everyone else is wrong. They severely judge others, while rationalizing their own actions.
Level 8:
They become obsessive about imperfection and the wrongdoing of others. They may hypocritically do the opposite of what they preach.
Level 9:
They condemn others and want to inflict cruel punishments. Severe depressions, nervous breakdowns, and suicide attempts are likely.
Posts About Type 1
How to Approach Type 1s When They’re Criticizing You
Have you ever dealt with someone who criticizes you a lot? Is this a relationship you’d rather work on than let go of? Read more to see if you have a Type 1 in your life and how to navigate their criticism.
The Human Connection 