The 9 Personality Types of the Enneagram and How Each Can Make or Break Your Health

Becoming your healthiest self isn’t about being given a magical unicorn diet and fitness plan. It’s about knowing the motivations behind your behaviors.

That’s why I’m so obsessed with the Enneagram—an ancient personality type system with uncanny accuracy in describing how humans are wired.

Sure, go commit to another September Whole30 or 21 Day Fix, but when you only last 10 days (or shucks, even just 4 hours) you need to understand what stopped you and why you started in the first place.

For anyone looking to finally stick to a food, focus or fitness routine, read the 9 health-focused Enneagram insights below—and feel out which one you are so you can start understanding why you do what you do in health.

Type 1: The Perfectionist

Also known as The Reformer, your persistent judgement of yourself makes it hard to continue programs if you’re not following them to a T.

Type 2: The Helper

Putting others priorities before yours because of your desire to be loved puts your health on the back burner.

Type 3: The Achiever

Also known as The Performer, you want to be the fittest but tend to cut corners so you can fit in all of your other goals.

Type 4: The Individualist

Also known as The Romantic, you want to do things your way and don’t want to confirm to society’s definitions of health.

Type 5: The Investigator

No amount of research is enough for you before starting a health program. And you also have a finite amount of energy.

Type 6: The Skeptic

Also known as The Loyalist, it can take weeks for you to select a health method, but once you find “the one,” you’re locked in.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

You’re the fun one 🙂 But be careful to not use adventure as an escape from your health goals.

Type 8: The Challenger

You’re motivated by the need to feel strong, but don’t let that make you think you have to live like a caveman.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

You’d rather avoid conflict than cooking what you want, but respectfully speaking up for yourself and getting away for long runs is a healthy recipe for you.

If you’re like most Enneagram newbs, you likely want more information on how to determine your number. Check back tomorrow when I list out the top resources to determine your type (like this book).

You can also listen to these Enneagram-based Wellness tips and more on The Inside Out Wellness Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Amazon.

In the meantime, start considering the why’s behind your health actions—and inactions. Once you connect these health habits to your inherent personality, empowered wellness begins to flourish.

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