Enneagram Types at their very best (plus how their vice still comes out to play)
Have you heard that term before? “Vice?”
In the Enneagram it’s basically the pattern that has a grip on our heart - distorting our perception, choices, and emotions.
There IS another side to this, don’t worry!
We also have a virtue. A point we can strive for no matter where we are in life.
Striving for your virtue helps bring you up the levels!
But, let’s get back to the vice.
How we experience it depends on the Levels of Development.
The Levels of Development were contributed to the Enneagram by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. In this post I’ll be referencing their work while adding my perspective for flavour. 🌶️
Okay will do 😂
Maybe not like you’re 5.. but, here we go.
Within every enneagram type there are 9 levels.
These levels represent how clear our self perception is (or isn’t) and how it’s reflected in our patterns + choices.
Levels 1-3 represent our clearest or ‘healthiest’ state. I call it ‘The Connected Zone’ because at these levels we are most connected to who we are and by extension, life and others. Our choices feel in line with our souls purpose, our patterns reflect our intentions, we feel liberated, capable, and fully ourselves.
Levels 4-6 represent our average state. I call it ‘The Coping Zone’ because in these levels life feels like something we can (and do) cope with, while slowly losing connection to our complete self in the process. Our choices feel difficult, our patterns are on autopilot, we feel misunderstood, confused, and stuck between growing and evolving.
Levels 7-9 represent our cloudiest or ‘unhealthiest’ state. I call it ‘The Collapse Zone’ because at these levels we are no longer coping - we’re collapsing under the weight of life. Our choices feel made for us, our patterns feel unchangeable, we feel judged, we feel attacked, and we’re fully out of character.
Knowing this gives you a pivot point - somewhere to refocus your energy to get back to YOU!
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.
Bookmark this to come back to when you are sure of your type, and that vague sense of ‘wait is that me?’ will start feeling like ‘oh….. OH……😳"‘
**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. 🩵**
Enneagram 1 -
Enneagram 1s are motivated by being good, moral, ethical people.
Their vice is anger. Not that they’re angry all the time, it’s more of a righteous anger simmering (or boiling) under the surface.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 1’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 1s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and their drive to be good has softer edges. There’s less ego. There’s less judgment. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They shift from their rigid ideal of a “good person” to a broader, more accepting view that includes shades of grey. Plus, they inspire us to be better - without even trying. Level 1 Enneagram 1s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they know they’re not as impartial as they’ve always believed. This helps them see multiple versions of ‘right’ which eases the anger overall.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 1s motivation is in control: this pattern guides them towards what’s right, what’s wrong, and who to be to exemplify it. They believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to being a good, moral, ethical person. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their flaws or missteps here, but they get less attention. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing themselves with the not so good ones. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m a good person and my actions are a reflection of that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re showing up with integrity - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 1s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can make a positive impact, support others in their growth, and be the one you look to for the morally right thing to do. They don’t need accolades, or recognition per se (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, , and others will recognize it they’ve shown their motivations through integrity filled action. Their self images mostly relies on their inner drive to be good being noticeable to others. “I will show I’m a good person, consistently. I want you to know that’s who I am.”
Enneagram 2 -
Enneagram 2s are motivated by being liked, loved, wanted, and necessary in the lives of others.
Their vice is pride. It’s not just being too proud to have needs, it’s also excess pride. Like needing to be the one you go to for advice, or your favourite friend/colleague/cousin etc.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 2’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 2s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and their drive to be loved is for who they are, not what they give. There’s less ego. There’s less pride. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They’re shifting from the belief that loveable people have to behave a certain way, and they can be themselves. Level 1 Enneagram 2s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they know they can’t pour from an empty cup AND feel good filling theirs up first. This is humbling - putting their pride to the side.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 2s motivation is in control: this pattern guides them towards what’s kind, supportive, and lovable. They believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to being a generous, loving person. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their flaws or missteps here, but they get less attention. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing themselves with the not so good ones. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m a loving person and my actions are a reflection of that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re showing up lovingly - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 2s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can make a positive impact, support others in their growth, and be the one you can go to for help with anything. They don’t need accolades, or recognition per se (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize they’ve shown their motivations through generous, loving action. Their self images mostly relies on their inner drive to be good being noticeable to others. Think: “I will show up as a loving person consistently and you’ll know what kind of friend I am.”
Enneagram 3 -
Enneagram 3s are motivated by achievements, success, and recognition.
Their vice is deceit. Often labelled ‘self-deceit’, but in my experience it’s both.
It’s not as simple as lying, it’s a consistent pattern of making things look better than they are - including lying to themselves about their feelings.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 3’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 3s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and their drive to win has softer edges. There’s less ego. There’s less self-deceit. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They’re shifting from the belief that successful people have to fit a certain mold, and into the belief that being true to themselves is more valuable overall. Level 1 Enneagram 3s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they know they’re valuable without needing outside validation. By validating themselves there’s less need for deceit leading 3s to true veracity.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 3s motivation is in control guiding them towards effort, goals, and pragmatism. Believing as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to their ambitions, and their ability to be valuable in any situation. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their flaws or missteps here, but they get less attention. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing themselves with the not so good ones. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m driven and hardworking and my actions reflect that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re showing up, working hard, and succeeding - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 3s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can inspire your work ethic, support support goal setting, and be the one who shows you hard work pays off. They don’t need accolades, or recognition (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize it because they’ve shown their motivations through effective, valuable action. Their self images starts to rely on it. “I consistently show I’m an ambitious, hardworking person who’s worthy of success and you’ll know how valuable I am.”
Enneagram 4 -
Enneagram 4s are motivated by being true to themselves and finding meaning in life.
Their vice is envy. Not simple jealousy, but a deep ache that someone else has what they’re lacking.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 4’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 4s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and their quest for self turns into simple, authentic being. There’s less ego. There’s less envy. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They’re shifting from the belief that meaning has to be found rather than something they can create. Level 1 Enneagram 4s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they know they’ve always been (and had) everything they’ve ever needed. That feeling of completeness brings far less envy because why look elsewhere?
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 4s motivation is in control - guiding them towards introspection, compassion, and feeling everything deeply (and equally). 4s at this level believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to their emotions and sensitivity. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their flaws or missteps here, but they fade into the background. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing themselves with the not so good ones. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m emotionally deep and true to myself and actions reflect that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re deep and layered - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 4s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can inspire your creativity, connection to your heart, and be the one who shows you how beautiful it is to be yourself. They don’t need accolades, or recognition (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize it because they’ve shown their motivations through authentic, heartfelt action. Their self images starts to rely on it. “If I show up as my layered, authentic self consistently - you’ll know who I am.”
Enneagram 5 -
Enneagram 5s are motivated by being competent and useful.
Their vice is avarice. Not just greed for money, but holding onto their time, energy, etc.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 5’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 5s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and they stop holding onto what they have while trusting they have enough. There’s less ego. There’s less avarice. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They’re shifting from believing they’re running out, and realize most resources are renewable. Level 1 Enneagram 5s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they recognize they’re living life, not just observing it. Their energy reserves seem to expand, but really they realize they’ve had enough this whole time.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 5s motivation is in control - guiding them towards observation, curiosity, and insight. 5s at this level believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to their competency and usefulness. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their flaws or missteps here, but they are on the back burner. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing themselves with the not so good ones. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m perceptive and insightful and my actions are a reflection of that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re knowledgable and useful - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 5s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can inspire critical thinking and mastering your craft. They don’t need accolades, or recognition (or at least they say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize it because they’ve shown their motivations through research based action. Their self images starts to rely on it. “If I show up with curiosity and insight consistently, who I am won’t be questioned.”
Enneagram 6 -
Enneagram 6s are motivated by being true to themselves and finding meaning in life.
Their vice is fear. Not constant panic, but generally needing reassurance and outside support.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 6’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 6s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and they find stability through trust - in themselves, others, and in lifes unfolding. There’s less ego. There’s less fear. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They’re shifting from “If I’m not prepared something will go wrong” to realizing they can handle whatever comes their way. Level 1 Enneagram 6s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they know they’ve survived everything life has thrown at them and because of that, they can trust themselves without over-preparing. This confidence only grows as they realize they don’t need outside support to feel stable.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 6s motivation is in control - guiding them towards caution, reliability, and being a stable source of support for their loved ones. 6s at this level believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to being trustworthy and dependable. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their anxieties or flaws, but they fade into the background. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing themselves with the not so good ones. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m supportive, reliable, and trustworthy and my actions reflect that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re loyal and dependable - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 6s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can inspire cooperation, teamwork, and mutual trust. They don’t need accolades, or recognition (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize it because they’ve shown their motivations through reliable, supportive action. Their self images starts to rely on it. “If I show up, support, and do my part consistently you’ll see what a great team player I am.”
Enneagram 7 -
Enneagram 7s are motivated by feeling free, content, and satisfied down to their soul.
Their vice is gluttony. Not just for food or pleasure, but for more - more fun, more experiences, more of everything good.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 7’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 7s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and they find freedom in slowing down to savour life. There’s less ego. There’s less gluttony. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They’re shifting from FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (joy of missing out) seeking quality over quantity. Level 1 Enneagram 7s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they’ve stopped chasing highs for self fulfillment, and find it in the here and now. By focusing on the present, there’s far less gluttony and more focus on true satisfaction.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 7s motivation is in control - guiding them towards spontaneity, opportunity, and optimism. At this level, 7s believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to being upbeat and inspiring. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their discomfort or flaws, but they sit on the back burner. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to subtly overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing from the rest. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m a bright, positive light and my actions reflect that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re enthusiastic and happy - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 7s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can spark possibility and optimism in others. They don’t need accolades, or recognition (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize it because they’ve shown their motivations through dynamic action and a positive mindset. Their self images starts to rely on it. “If I show up with enthusiasm and a good attitude, people will see how willing I am to try new things. ”
Enneagram 8 -
Enneagram 8s are motivated by independence, and being in control of their lives.
Their vice is lust. Not just sexual intensity, but an overall craving for more. More energy, more impact, just more life packed into every moment.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 8’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 8s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and their drive to remain in control has softer edges. There’s less ego. There’s less lust. (Both still exist, we’re all human after all) They’re shifting from pure intensity to grounded strength - power balanced with self restraint. Level 1 Enneagram 8 have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they recognize the strongest people are also the softest. Instead of assuming people will betray them, or attempt to control them - they see people (and themselves) almost as their inner child. Innocent.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 8s motivation is in control - guiding them towards resourcefulness, self control, and confident action. At this level, 8s believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to being strong and independent. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their impact or flaws, but they sit on the back burner. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to subtly overidentify with it’s best qualities while distancing from the rest. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m passionate and strong and my actions reflect that.”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re self reliant and in control - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 8s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can inspire others to find their voice and strength. They don’t need accolades, or recognition (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize it because they’ve shown their motivations through self reliance and a commanding presence. Their self images starts to rely on it. “If I show up consistently with self-assured passion, people will see that I remain in control of me. ”
Enneagram 9 -
Enneagram 9s are motivated by inner peace and harmony.
Their vice is sloth. Not just physical slowness (though it can be), but a tendency to keep their peace by avoiding disruption, discomfort, or conflict.
Click to read how that plays out for all 27 subtypes in last weeks blog 👀
What about how they play out when 9’s are at their best and absolute lowest?
LET’S SEE! Well, your best anyway. We’ll save the lowest for another day.
Remember: High levels/Connected Zones aren’t morally ‘better’ than the lower levels.
They just tell us something different.
Level 1 (The Level of Liberation): At the highest level, Enneagram 9s see themselves clearly. They’re accepting of their highs, their lows, and their drive to feel at peace is balanced with presence. There’s less ego, less sloth, and a lot more engagement. (They can all exist together, we’re are human after all) They’re shifting from getting their sense of peace from checking out of life, to feeling at peace being fully in it. Level 1 Enneagram 9s have a certain self awareness the other levels miss. Here, they know they have something to contribute to the world and they do it. Instead of taking a backseat in life, they start driving - using their preferences, needs, and feelings as their guide.
Level 2 (The Level of Psychological Capacity): Here at Level 2, Enneagram 9s motivation is in control - guiding them towards being laid back, and easy going. At this level, 9s believe as long they show up in line with that, they’re fulfilling their motivation. They strongly tie their identity to being agreeable and accepting. That’s who they are, period. It’s not that they ignore their preferences or flaws, but they sit on the back burner. Level 2 is where each Enneagram type tends to subtly overidentify with their best qualities while distancing from the rest. It’s slight, it’s subtle, but it’s there. They’re reinforcing their own self image. Think: “I already know I’m good natured and easy to get along with and my actions reflect that. ”
Level 3 (The Level of Social Value): Level 3 is where Level 2 isn’t enough anymore. It’s not enough to know they’re the glue keeping things harmonious - they need to know others see it, too. At Level 3 Enneagram 9s are driven to share and influence. (Although, the intensity will vary by subtype). This is where they know they can bring people together and inspire harmony even when opinions wildly differ. They don’t need accolades, or recognition (or at least they’ll say they don’t). It’s about knowing they’ve done their part, and others will recognize it because they’ve shown their motivations through their gentle support and calm demeanor. Their self images starts to rely on it. “If I show up consistently with patience and understanding, people will see how I help keep us all together.”
What do we think of the highest levels? Have you been there?
Remember: These levels aren’t set in stone! They DO exist within you though, how incredible is that to know????
Stay tuned to the blog for the rest of them!
Be kind to yourself today. Think of self-compassion like the fertilizer to grow to these levels, whereas self-loathing is like forgetting to water for a month.
WATER YOURSELF!
