A Few Things That Make Life Feel Meaningful by Enneagram Type
When I asked in my Instagram stories about what makes life feel meaningful, EVERY type said something along the lines of “time with friends,” “being with people I love,” “close family connections,” and other similar responses. The more I work with people, the more I’ve found that human connection is essential to our sense of well-being. It’s not necessarily about Enneagram type!
In general, you might find some threads of similarity between the types here! And I think that’s because when we get down to it, most of us find meaning in the little things: being with others, being a part of something bigger than ourselves, doing things we’re passionate about, and an overall sense of belonging and acceptance.
These “little” things can all contribute to feeling healthy, connected, and hopeful in life.
These are based on responses from the types, but that doesn’t mean you MUST agree with everything on your list! Get curious about yourself! Take what fits, leave what doesn’t ❤️
If you’d like to see what others of your type have to say about this post, you can find it on Instagram right here, and join the conversation!
Type Nine
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Standing up for others
Knowing that what I do contributes to something bigger than myself
Helping people feel heard and understood
A gut instinct that I'm doing what is right for me
Knowing that I can help in a way that is needed and appreciated
Providing a new and helpful perspective
Doing what I love
The right balance of clarity & independence in my life
Knowing I'm someone others can trust
Type Eight
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Knowing that at the end of the day, I'm on good terms with myself
Making a big impact
Knowing that my loved ones can rely on me
Helping others
Having a clear trajectory & striving toward my goal
Quality time with loved ones
Helping people set good boundaries & make themselves heard
Doing something that alleviates pain in the world on a small or large scale
Collaborating with others to bring justice in the world
Type Seven
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Dreaming big & making plans
Encouraging others to see how awesome they are
Seeing what others are passionate about & helping them get there!
Doing what I'm genuinely passionate about
Completing projects I've invested time, energy, and brain power into
Getting involved with a team, group, or cause I believe in
Flexing my creative muscles
Slowing down & looking inward
Feeling like others trust me and ask for my opinion
Type Six
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Helping someone else find their purpose
Work that is meaningful to me & aligns with my values
Fighting for something bigger than myself
Accomplishing important things
Feeling confident in my decisions and my process
Finding my voice & learning to be my own champion
Being a confidant for others
Knowing I have others' backs & they have mine
Solving "impossible" problems
Type Five
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Having conversations that allow me to really get to know someone
Thinking through problems and creating solutions
Knowing I'm knowledgeable & using my knowledge well
Being connected with friends & family
Feeling like what I do matters toward a greater cause or purpose
Finding solutions that help my community
Helping others work through issues in a rational way
Aligning with something bigger than myself
Seeing the long-term value of my work
Type Four
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Taking good care of myself
When someone tells me my story has inspired them
Making a positive impact on those around me
Seeing the improvement in a project I've worked on
Feeling settled in my identity
Having a clear sense of the next step to take
Knowing what I'm striving for & doing something to get there
Feeling deeply aligned with my purpose in everything I do
Doing something extraordinary that can help a lot of people
Type Three
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Supporting others and helping them live into their gifts!
Giving 110% effort to things that are important to me
Inspiring & encouraging others
Putting in effort and seeing it pay off
Knowing & being my true self
Spending time relaxing with people I love
The excitement I feel when starting a new project
Seeing a tangible difference from my efforts
Getting to live into my calling
Type Two
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Feeling like my presence lightens someone's emotional load
Doing something for the greater good
Helping people learn
Getting to do things that spark joy!
Using my work & my voice to help others
Knowing that my extra attentiveness is making a difference
Leaning into my creative side
Working in a field I'm passionate about & applying myself
Using my leadership skills for good
Type One
A few things that make life feel meaningful:
Goals with an ethical or moral compass
Offering up a perspective & finding a solution
Knowing I'll see the results of my efforts
Having a clear understanding of what's worth fighting for in the world
Helping others improve, change, or grow
Pairing logic & action
Striving to make a difference
Being asked to do something because they know I'll do it well & correctly
Improving something
What about you? What makes life feel meaningful to you? The first point on my list (Type 3) is HUGE for me! Join the conversation here and tell me in the comments!
Want to explore more about your Enneagram type to foster a deeper understanding of yourself and others? My book, Enneagram in Real Life, provides the tools you need.
