Understanding your Enneagram type’s core fear can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness. By recognizing and addressing our fears, we can break free from limiting patterns of behavior and live more fulfilling lives.
What All Enneagram Types Have in Common With a Stray Kitten
“Sometimes the scariest moments happen right before a major life upgrade.”
This quote was seen in a caption of @flatbushcats’ post (yes, I have an obsession with all rescue kitty content… despite being horribly allergic), and it has stayed with me. When stray kittens are trapped, hissing, biting, and frantic scrambling are exhibited as an escape is sought—one that would lead them back to the only life they have ever known. They can’t fathom that they are trading being cold and hungry in dirty alleyways for being warm and fed in loving homes.
Fear preceded the biggest moments of positive change in my life:
Right before I got married, I felt an influx of fear that things were going to fail. What if moving in together is really difficult? What if our rushed pandemic wedding isn’t perfect?
Similarly, right before I walked into the conference room to teach my first in-person Enneagram workshop to a group of cool, well-dressed professionals, I felt a wave of terror. What if I suck? What if they hate how I teach? Is my outfit appropriate? (Any other Type 3s in the house? 😂 )
All the what ifs!
I know I’m not alone in feeling these fears before big, scary changes. Everyone has a core fear that we are consistently running away from.
Unsure what the Enneagram Core Fears are? Here’s a little reminder.
The Core Fear of Each Enneagram Type
Type 1 – Being wrong, inappropriate, or corruptible
Type 2 – Being rejected and unwanted
Type 3 – Failing at your goals and therefore being seen as worthless or unsuccessful
Type 4 – Dying without having made an impact on the world
Type 5 – Being unable to meet outside expectations because of ignorance
Type 6 – Losing support and stability, whether that be financial, emotional, or relational
Type 7 – Being deprived or not making the most out of your time on earth (the ultimate FOMO!)
Type 8 – Being weak, powerless, or manipulated
Type 9 – Being in conflict; losing connection with others
Enneagram coach Beth McCord says, “Having a Core Fear is an unavoidable part of life, but it’s what we do with this fear that makes the difference between bondage and abundant life!”
How can you overcome your fear to move forward into a major life upgrade? Watch this video to discover the core fears of the 9 Enneagram types and how YOUR core fear affects your daily life.
