3 Ways My Life Changed After Discovering My Enneagram Type

3 Ways My Life Changed After Discovering My Enneagram Type

The Enneagram transformed the way I live, work and connect with others

When I first came across the Enneagram, I had no idea how much it would transform the way I live, work, and connect with others. As a certified Enneagram teacher and leadership coach, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this personality framework can have — not just for me, but for so many others.

Here are three specific ways my life changed after discovering I was an Enneagram Type 1.

1. I Learned to Manage My Stress by Understanding My Triggers

Before the Enneagram, stress and burnout felt like an unavoidable part of everyday life. But once I discovered my type and the lens through which I view the world, I realized that my stress was often rooted in my deep desire for things to be done the right way.

This pursuit of perfection frequently left me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and self-critical for not being able to “handle it.” Now, instead of spiraling, I can recognize when my inner critic is taking over, take a step back, and practice self-compassion. I’ve learned that it’s okay to move forward even when I don’t have all the answers — or when something isn’t perfect.

2. I Gained the Language to Communicate My Needs Clearly

The Enneagram didn’t just change how I understood myself — it also gave me a powerful language to communicate with others. Understanding my type helped me recognize the emotional needs that drive my actions, which in turn improved the way I express myself.

For example, as a Type 1, I have a natural desire for improvement, but I’ve learned to communicate this without sounding critical. Instead of pointing out what’s wrong, I now say things like, “Let’s brainstorm some new ideas to see how we can make this even better.” This small shift in language fosters collaboration and mutual support, allowing teams to focus on solutions rather than placing blame.

3. I Developed Greater Understanding and Empathy for Others

Finally, the Enneagram has deepened my empathy for others. Understanding that everyone operates from different core motivations and fears has helped me approach situations with curiosity instead of judgment.

Rather than reacting to behaviors I don’t understand, I now pause and consider what might be driving someone’s actions. Knowing a person’s Enneagram type allows me to look beyond the surface and connect with what truly motivates them. This has strengthened my relationships, allowing me to respond with compassion and build deeper, more meaningful connections.

Discovering my Enneagram type was a life-changing experience — one that helped me manage stress, improve communication, and foster more empathetic relationships. As a certified Enneagram coach, I’ve seen countless others experience similar transformations.

When you discover your Enneagram type, you’ll unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth — and build deeper connections with the people around you.

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Want to confirm or discover your Enneagram type? Check out all of our free resource guides here.

Ready to bring the Enneagram to your team? Book a leadership or team training and discover how the ARC Method and the Enneagram can transform your organization. Learn more about our training services here.

Let’s connect!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaschwaller/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_enneagram/