Shifting Focus by Enneagram Type
Enneagram type is frequently described as a lens through which we see the world. This lens often causes us to overfocus on certain things and completely miss other things!
What if we could shift our focus to see what we’re missing?
This post was inspired by my own thoughts around what I tend to overfocus on and what that causes me to miss, and as I reflected on this idea, I realized that I’d experience more balance, fulfillment, and freedom if I could shift my perspective.
Everything on the list may not resonate with you, and that's okay! As you read this, think about the ways you've found yourself overfocusing and what you might miss.
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 One
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
How you can improve yourself
What others are doing that's not as excellent as it could be
The way the world works and how it seems to be falling apart
YOU MIGHT MISS:
How far you've come since this time last year
Moments to let others know how deeply you appreciate their efforts - it may feel like a given to you, but unless it's verbalized, others might not know
The little things that could inspire awe and wonder
Type Two
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
What others need from you
Emphasizing the positive, happy, connective parts of you
The strategy you need to make sure your needs are met
YOU MIGHT MISS:
What you need from yourself
That others will love you as you are, even when you're not happy and helpful
The natural ebb and flow of relationships & that people will show up for you even when you aren't working for it
Type Three
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
How others perceive you
Getting it all done & making it look effortless
Providing for your loved ones by doing everything you can for them
YOU MIGHT MISS:
What matters more - how you feel about yourself (Most often, no one is paying attention in that way anyway)
That sometimes seeing you sweat helps people connect with you & reminds them you're human
The thing others really want from you is your presence, authenticity, & connection
Type Four
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
Comparing yourself to others
Processing through every little thing going on inside your head and your heart
How others seem to know something you don't about how to live life "well" (whatever that means)
YOU MIGHT MISS:
The beautiful, magical, fascinating human you are - no comparison needed
That you are still authentic, even if you give yourself permission to not feel everything or figure everything out
That we (most humans!) are all just making it up as we go and doing our best
Type Five
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
Getting to the point where everything is clear and calm
Gathering expertise
What's happening inside your brain
YOU MIGHT MISS:
The clarity you're looking for often requires taking the mental model and applying it in real life
That you have all the information you need - you are brilliantly knowledgeable and prepared to take the next step
That you are more than a brain, and your body can offer helpful feedback
Type Six
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
The little signs others might be worthy of suspicion
Finding certainty and clarity by asking others for reassurance
Making sure every detail is in order
YOU MIGHT MISS:
All the reasons they are giving you that they're trustworthy (& you don't have to second-guess yourself if you find someone trustworthy)
That you already know the answer you need - sometimes asking others just muddies the waters
That you're not responsible for everything going well - some things can't be predicted
Type Seven
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
What's happening next
The more enjoyable or idyllic thing you're missing out on by being where you are
All the silver linings
YOU MIGHT MISS:
That your big feelings of joy and happiness and your other feelings of sadness or fear can all coexist - replacing "but at least..." with "and" can be powerful
The beauty and wonder and awe of this moment
The important and helpful lessons you can learn from truly examining failure
Type Eight
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
Powering through and holding it together
Conquering small signs of "weakness," like needing a break, needing help, needing rest, or other physical needs
Being concrete, practical, and grounded
YOU MIGHT MISS:
The people in your life who want to be there for you to help you
The feelings you might be avoiding - they sometimes come out looking like anger, but there's more beneath the surface
That it's not necessarily impractical to be in touch with emotions; it doesn't have to be either/or
Type Nine
WHEN YOU OVERFOCUS ON:
Avoiding taking up too much space and believing you don't matter
Thinking others care more than you do about almost everything
Wanting to get along well with others
YOU MIGHT MISS:
The real impact you have on those around you
That just because you share with different strength/volume/emotion does not make your convictions less important
That your anger is telling you something important, like how you do and don't want to be treated, where to set a boundary, etc.
So what about you? What do you tend to overfocus on? What does that cause you to miss? What would be different if you shifted your focus? Join the conversation here and tell me in the comments!
💡Pssst! If you’re reading this and find yourself wanting tangible guidance on how to use the Enneagram for growth, you can find helpful information and strategies in my book, Enneagram in Real Life!
