How our Enneagram subtype steals our attention, and what probably needs it đ
We ALL do it.
We get zoned in on something while other parts of our lives beg for attention.
Itâs true đ
I see it with clients (and myself) and I KNOW itâs frustrating the hell out of all of us.
How do we know what it is?!
Where can we focus instead?!
What will that even do!?
Using Enneagram terms: our default emotional state (our vice) pairs with basic survival instincts to make a dominant subtype thatâs LASER focused on something specific to survive.
OKAY fair đ đ
Dial it back and keep it simple.
You have an Enneagram Type.
Your Enneagram Type has a vice that guides their emotional state.
Your Enneagram Typeâs vice plays out in real life through 3 survival instincts - self preservation, social belonging, sexual or 1:1 connections.
Youâll lean on one the most (dominant), one secondary (support), and one rarely (repressed).
This explains why youâre so focused on something, while something else gets ignored.
Knowing this gives you a pivot point - somewhere to refocus your energy when itâs being drained.
NOTE: This blog post should not be used to help you figure out your Enneagram Type. In reality, you might relate to all of them. These patterns are autopilot for each type, but it doesnât mean they wonât ever show up in you. While it may help you decide your subtype, remember this is the tip of the iceberg.
These also arenât the only ways this overfocusing could show up - thatâs for you to uncover about yourself! (or maybe with a coach wink wink wink, but it doesnât have to be me!)
Bookmark this to come back to when you are sure of your type, and that vague sense of âwait is that me?â will start feeling like âohâŠ.. OHâŠâŠđł"â
**I am not a doctor. None of this is meant to diagnose or treat mental health concerns.
Please reach out to a medical professional for help if needed. You are not alone. đ©”**
Enneagram 1 - Refocus Anger
Enneagram 1s are motivated by being good, moral, ethical people.
Their vice is anger.
Theyâre not angry all the time or anything.
But, they might have some righteous frustration simmering under their skin.
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 1s by subtype!
(These arenât BAD or WRONG! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 1s: get laser focused on themselves. They get REAL frustrated with themselves for doing something wrong, thinking something bad, etc etc. So? Theyâre gonna do better, be better, and theyâre FOCUSED on it.
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: So focused on their own flaws, they miss how much they pull away from the larger group. Refocus by connecting with your community - let people be inspired by your strong core values.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on critiquing themselves, they miss how distant they can be in relationships. Refocus by connecting with someone you love. Youâll be reminded of the good in people (and yourself) - serene.
Social Dominant 1s: get laser focused on the community/society. They get REAL frustrated with the general public for not trying to be decent. So? Theyâre gonna double down on being the beacon of good influence, and theyâre FOCUSED on it.
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on how badly society behaves, they forget to look within. Refocus by connecting with yourself - flaws and all. The more you accept them in yourself, the less frustrated youâll be with others, and the closer to serenity youâll be.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: So focused on societyâs failures, they miss how distant they become in close relationships. Refocus by connecting with someone you love. Youâll be reminded of the good in people (and yourself) - serene.
Sexual Dominant 1s: get laser focused on specific people. They get REAL frustrated when their better half, best friend, etc isnât being responsible. So? Theyâre gonna keep challenging their person to better themselves, and theyâre FOCUSED on it.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on everything their person is doing wrong, they forget to look within. Refocus by connecting with yourself - flaws and all. The more you accept them in yourself, the less frustrated youâll be with others, the closer to serenity youâll be.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on helping their person do better, they miss how much theyâve pulled back their influence from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - let people be inspired by your strong core values.
** use of HP images is not support of the author who shall not be named **
Enneagram 2 - Refocus Pride
Enneagram 2s are motivated by being liked, loved, wanted, and needed by people.
Their vice is pride.
Sometimes, itâs being too proud to have needs.
Other times itâs excess pride - âIâm the only one who can helpâ or âI have to be the favouriteâ
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 2s by subtype!
(These arenât UNLIKEABLE! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 2s: get laser focused on themselves. Are they feeling loved? Cared for? Protected? If not, their pride takes a hit. But, being too proud to admit they need care/attention, they turn on an adorable charm to earn it - kinda like they did as a kid.
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on the attention they lack, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community. Itâll be humbling (in the best way) to see your impact in real time.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on feeling unappreciated, they miss how much theyâve pulled away from their favourite people. Refocus by reaching out to someone you love. Not to earn love back - to admit (humbly) exactly what youâre needing from them.
Social Dominant 2s: get laser focused on the community/society. Are they important? Influential? Well liked by the right people? If not, their pride takes that hit. Too proud to have needs, they focus on being the go-to for the group, earning influence + connection through service.
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on being important, they neglect their basic needs. Refocus by connecting with yourself - feel sad, mad, whatever it is. Then? Give yourself that love you crave. Itâs humbling to be on the receiving end of your own care.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on feeling universally loved, they forget to water their closest connections. Refocus by reaching out to a loved one. Not to make yourself feel loved, but to humbly show up as the friend you want to be.
Sexual Dominant 2s: get laser focused on specific people. Do they feel wanted? Like all of the love they pour into another is paid back (with interest)? If not, their pride is wounded. Too proud to be needy, they pour even more into their chosen person - hoping to finally earn that love in return.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on not feeling loved by someone specific, they neglect their basic needs. Refocus by connecting with yourself - let yourself feel sad, mad, whatever it is. Then? Give yourself that love. Itâs humbling to be on the receiving end of your own care.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on feeling unloved, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community. Itâll be humbling (in the best way) to see your impact in real time.
Enneagram 3 - Refocus Deceit
Enneagram 3s are motivated by success, achievements, and recognition.
Their vice is deceit.
Sometimes, itâs little white lies to save face.
Other times itâs self deceit - âI donât need a break.â or âI donât care what people think.â
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 3s by subtype!
(These arenât reputation killers! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 3s: get laser focused on themselves. Their to-do lists, their 5 year plan, and doing it with integrity. Theyâll tell themselves (and you) they donât care what people think. Admitting that is not a good look.
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on denying they care about outside opinion, they miss the bigger picture: itâs just vanity in a different font. Refocus by connecting with your community openly and with veracity. Youâll be recognized for your realness, not just what you do. The whole package.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on chasing recognition for each goal they hit, they overlook growing tension in relationships. Refocus by connecting with those you value most - not to check it off a list, but to create space to drop the mask, for both of you.
Social Dominant 3s: get laser focused on the crowd/audience. Howâs their reputation? Are they viewed as the person to watch? Are they on top? Theyâll tell the world theyâre living the dream while fighting to make rent. âItâs not a lie, itâs truth on a deadline.â - Wickie Roy (Leslie Wiggins) Girls5eva
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on the glory, they forget the work it takes to get there. Refocus by connecting with yourself - your real self, not their version of you. Show your value, crush the work, and know every ounce of applause has been earned with integrity.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on feeling universally admired, they forget to water their closest connections. Refocus by reaching out to a loved one. Not for a cheerleader, but to create space for vulnerability in a world that cheers when we push through pain.
Sexual Dominant 3s: get laser focused on specific people. Do they feel important to them? Unforgettable? Are they exceeding your standards for a relationship? Theyâll tell themselves (and others) the connection is the best theyâve ever had, even if theyâre miserable.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on being an admirable partner, they miss the little things day to day that show they care. Refocus by connecting with yourself - then let intentional choices back up your passion, and make those big promises true.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on attracting their person, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community, honestly. Youâll be recognized for your realness while being the partner you say you want to be.
Enneagram 4 - Refocus Envy
Enneagram 4s are motivated by authenticity, and finding significance in life.
Their vice is envy.
Sometimes, itâs jealousy over what others have.
Other times itâs deeper - feeling theyâll never be/have/become what the other person has because the other person has something the 4 is missing.
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 4s by subtype!
(These arenât proof of being less than! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 4s: get laser focused on themselves. Zoned in on their inner world. They see who others are, feel deficient, then turn any envy to fuel. What are they missing? How can they push through? How can they prove they can suffer and survive?
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: So focused on proving themselves to themselves, they overlook how much theyâve disconnected from the group. Refocus by sharing with the community - youâll see: even through the hellfire youâre not alone here.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on their inner world, they miss how much they pull away from close connections. Refocus by reaching out to someone you love deeply - not just to vent, but to share in the good and the bad.
Social Dominant 4s: get laser focused on the group. Do they measure up? Are they behind everyone? Theyâll see who is significant, special, or important, it reminds them of all they lack, and theyâll express their envy openly. (It might sound more like sadness or frustration)
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on feeling like they donât measure up, they miss the tangible steps to live their dream. Refocus by connecting with yourself - remember you have everything you need to be who you want to be, right now.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: So focused on what theyâre lacking, they miss how they withdraw from their favourite people. Refocus by reaching out to a loved one - not just to vent, but to share in the good and the bad.
Sexual Dominant 4s: get laser focused on specific people. Are they feeling understood? Seen? Special? They absorb (and envy) the beauty of connections surrounding them, and itâs usually expressed as anger or frustration.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on feeling special in their connection, they miss doing it for themselves. Refocus by connecting with yourself - take time to remember youâre enough as you are, on your own, right now.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on feeling misunderstood, they miss how theyâve disconnected from the group. Refocus by sharing with the community - youâll see: even through the hellfire youâre not alone here.
Enneagram 5 - Refocus Avarice
Enneagram 5s are motivated by competency, and being useful.
Their vice is avarice.
Sometimes, itâs saving for a rainy day.
Other times itâs hoarding their knowledge, their time, or their energy for fear of running out.
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 5s by subtype!
(These arenât proof of being useless! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 5s: get laser focused on themselves. Is their fridge full? Howâs that savings account looking? Do I have my private fortress stocked and set up? They take their avarice, and turn it into survival - needing less, and less, and less.
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: So focused on reserving their resources, they miss how much they isolate from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - share ideas, share knowledge, and remember: wisdom shared is wisdom grown.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on not running out, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from their closest relationships. Refocus by reaching out to someone you love - the right connections refill the tank, rather than drain it.
Social Dominant 5s: get laser focused on the group. Whatâs expected of them? Do they know enough to contribute? Do they have the time? Their avarice is played through social dynamics - noting how much time/energy/personality points they have available to participate, and dipping out early just to be safe.
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on knowing enough to contribute, they can forget their basic human needs. Refocus by connecting with yourself - recharge your batteries, take care of YOU, and remember you have more in the tank than you think.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: So focused on building a knowledge base, they miss how much they pull back from close relationships. Refocus by reaching out to someone you love - the right connections fill the reserves rather than drain them.
Sexual Dominant 5s: get laser focused on specific people. Howâs their person? How can they hold tight (avarice) to the one that unlocks their mind? How can they keep the one who feels like endless fuel for love and understanding?
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on maintaining their connection, they miss taking care of their needs. Refocus by connecting with yourself - recharge your batteries, take care of yourself, and remember you have more in the tank than you think.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused protecting their connection, they miss how much theyâve held back from the group. Refocus by connecting with community - share ideas, share knowledge, and remember: wisdom shared is wisdom grown (and you never know who youâll meet)
Enneagram 6 - Refocus Fear
Enneagram 6s are motivated by stability and security.
Their vice is fear.
Sometimes, itâs worrying about the worst case scenario.
Other times itâs questioning themselves, their friends, and everything they know.
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 6s by subtype!
(These arenât proof of being unstable! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 6s: get laser focused on themselves via their friends. Their fear comes out as a need for reassurance. Do they feel supported? Is their friend group strong? Will they have their back? Are they trustworthy? Do they still care? Their sense of stability depends on it.
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: So focused on survival via friend group, they miss the bigger picture. Refocus by connecting with community - a likeminded group with similar goals can spark your confidence, give you a solid foundation, and open doors youâve been afraid to open.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on their duty to their friends, they miss their responsibility to themselves. Refocus by reminding yourself: youâve survived everything life has thrown at you. You might bend, but you donât break. Youâve got your own back, and always have.
Social Dominant 6s: get laser focused on the community. Their chosen church, organization, company, etc has laid out clear guidelines and they loving knowing what to expect, and whatâs expected of them. When worry pops up? They know exactly where to turn.
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on staying in line with whatâs right, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from their closest connections. Refocus by reaching out to your favourite people. They want to support you - let them in.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: So focused on doing right by the group, they miss how theyâve distanced from close relationships. Refocus by reminding yourself: youâve survived everything life has thrown at you. You might bend, but you donât break. Youâve got your own back, and always have.
Sexual Dominant 6s: get laser focused on themselves. Any fear, worry, or concern is fought head on - they know theyâve done the prep work, so their questioning is turned outwards. Can they trust you? Are you ready for anything? Theyâre not so sure.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on keeping themselves ahead of risk, they miss how much theyâve stepped back from their connections. Refocus by reaching out to your favourite people. They want to support you - let them in.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on fighting through fears, they miss the way theyâve held back from their community. Refocus by connecting with a likeminded group with similar goals. Use your confidence, maintain your solid foundation, and open doors you havenât been able to open.
Enneagram 7 - Refocus Gluttony
Enneagram 7s are motivated by feeling content, free, and satisfied.
Their vice is gluttony.
Sometimes, itâs eating all the food.
Other times itâs excess drinks, excess spending, excess vacations - etc.
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 7s by subtype!
(These arenât proof of being stuck! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 7s: get laser focused on themselves - eyes peeled for more and more opportunities (no matter how small) to feel good every day. How can they make work less boring? What do they have to look forward to at work, or after? How can they take the edge off? Basically, how can I distract myself from being stuck in regular life?
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on their mood day to day, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - share your joy and positivity, and see how quickly it multiplies.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on their day to day fulfillment, they miss how much theyâve pulled away from close connections. Refocus by reaching out to your favourite people - not to distract you, but to connect freely and joyfully.
Social Dominant 7s: get laser focused on the community. They sense bad vibes and want to turn them around. Theyâll do more and more to brighten spirits, lift the mood, but underneath itâs âI canât be stuck in this negativity. How can I get us out of this?â
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on keeping spirits high, they miss checking in with themselves. Refocus by slowing down to focus on you - be honest with yourself about how youâre feeling, and youâll see that negativity doesnât last forever.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: So focused on the vibe of the crowd, they forget to water their closest connections. Refocus by reaching out to a loved one - youâll remember conversations donât need a positive twist, and youâre both free to be yourselves.
Sexual Dominant 7s: get laser focused on themselves. Can they squeeze every last drop from life? Seize every opportunity? Their glasses get rosier, their stories get wilder, and theyâre on an endless quest for satisfaction.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on living their fantasy life, they miss the tangible steps to support it. Refocus by slowing down enough to notice the moments of joy every day - maybe the âboring stuffâ doesnât have to be boring.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on chasing joy, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - share your joy and positivity, and see how quickly it multiplies.
Enneagram 8 - Refocus Lust
Enneagram 8s are motivated by independence, and being in control of their lives.
Their vice is lust.
Sometimes itâs for sex, sure.
Other times itâs needing things to be bigger - their personality, conversations, passion, etc.
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 8s by subtype!
(These arenât proof of weakness! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 8s: get laser focused on themselves. They want more self protection, stronger boundaries, and higher walls. Itâs about staying in control when it feels like itâs being ripped away - which can not stand.
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on protecting themselves, they miss how much theyâve pulled back from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - theyâll remind you how strength isnât measured by carrying it alone.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on keeping to themselves, they miss the strain it puts on their personal relationships. Refocus by reaching out to your favourite people. Let them in, and remember the right ones will handle your heart with care.
Social Dominant 8s: get laser focused on the community. Who needs their protection? Whoâs in charge, and how are they handling it? They want more group strength, less blind trust in authority, and more impact as the shield for the underdogs.
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on looking out for the group, they forget to look out for themselves. Refocus by slowing down to focus on you - more time with yourself, more time to feel, and less responsibility on your shoulders.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: So focused on the strength of the community, they forget to strengthen their closest relationships. Refocus by reaching out to a loved one -Let them in, and remember the right ones will handle your heart with care.
Sexual Dominant 8s: get laser focused on impact. Are they making one? How can it be bigger? Can they leave a bolder mark? Itâs about showing more power, more strength, and letting you know - they canât be f*cked with.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on being powerful, they forget to protect themselves. Refocus by slowing down to focus on yourself - strength is built from the bottom up.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on taking up space solo, they miss how theyâve pulled back from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - theyâll remind you how strength isnât measured by carrying it alone.
Enneagram 9 - Refocus Sloth
Enneagram 9s are motivated by inner peace and harmony.
Their vice is sloth.
Sometimes itâs literally moving slowly.
Other times itâs taking a backseat in their life - staying asleep to themselves as people.
Hereâs 3 ways it can play out for 9s by subtype!
(These arenât bad! Theyâre just good to notice)
(Some refocuses are the same - the difference lies in where the focus goes first)
Self Preservation Dominant 9s: get laser focused on themselves. Their sloth is more literal - slow living, comfort shows, comfort foods, etc. They check out of discomfort, and check into their comfort hotel.
Self Preservation Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on personal comfort, they miss how far theyâve pulled away from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - theyâll remind you your presence matters more than you think.
Self Preservation Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on avoiding discomfort, they forget to water their closest relationships. Refocus by reaching out to your favourite people - theyâre here for you, however you feel.
Social Dominant 9s: get laser focused on the community. Their sloth doesnât look like slowing down, it looks like being fully engaged with everyone, and everything. They connect with the world around them while disconnecting from themselves.
Social Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on being involved, they forget to check in with themselves. Refocus by slowing down to focus on yourself - your peace matters, just like everyone elseâs.
Social Dominant/Sexual Repressed: so focused on community involvement, they miss how much theyâve withdrawn from their favourite people. Refocus by reaching out to a loved one - theyâre here for you, however you feel.
Sexual Dominant 9s: get laser focused on someone specific. Are they comfortable? How are they feeling? Basically, if their person is good - theyâre good. đ€·ââïž Simple as that.
Sexual Dominant/Self Preservation Repressed: so focused on other people, they forget to check in with themselves. Refocus by slowing down to focus on you - your peace matters, just like everyone elseâs.
Sexual Dominant/Social Repressed: so focused on the comfort of their connection, they miss how much theyâve pulled away from the group. Refocus by connecting with your community - theyâll remind you your presence matters more than you think.
NONE OF THESE ARE BAD - theyâre just good to know.
Let this remind you - we all have our đ©. What matters is how we handle it.
You can call yourself out AND give yourself grace.
Itâs a balancing act, but you can do it!
Have you noticed any of these patterns of focus in yourself?
Tell me about it!
