I’m joining my Five Minute Friday community of writers from all over the world. This week our prompt is Perform.
A few months ago I did a series on my blog about the nine Enneagram types. All of the research and work was based on Ian Morgan Cron’s insights in his book, The Road Back to You.
In this series, I discussed each of the personality types through infographics and affirmations. Check out each of the nine numbers on the Enneagram:
While I am a One (The Improver) myself, I know many Threes (The Performer). These are the people who find identity in their successes and achievements. Of all the numbers, this is the one that western culture values most because these are the people who get things done efficiently. At times, we can all relate to a Three’s drive for recognition and status, but for a Three the performance is everything. I would go so far as to say that most Threes feel as though life is their stage and they are expected to give a flawless performance every night.
There are so many positives to being a Three.
When a Three is healthy they are great employers and leaders. They take pride in a job well done and so their performances are standout. Threes also encourage others to perform stronger in the workplace and in life. However, when stress and life complicate a Three’s ability to perform to their usual caliber, a great sense of fraud or fear can replace the confidence that was once the heartbeat of a Three. Because their performance is so closely tied to their identity, a Three is crisis is oftentimes unable to cope.
If you are a Three here’s a quick reminder today: You are not your latest performance.
Some of you are fortunate enough to be living in the healthy space. Life is good and you are rocking and rolling and slaying any giants that stand in your way to success. But if you are one of the Threes finding it difficult to keep your head above water today, remember that your identity is not in the performance–it’s in the journey.
You have permission to embrace every turn in the journey without fear or guilt. If you aren’t feeling your usual gusto that is okay. Welcome each day and what it holds for you and remind yourself that yesterday is over and tomorrow is yet to come. Stand in this moment in the most authentic way possible without guilt or shame of a poor performance.
The Ameri Brit Mom
The Ameri Brit Mom 
So I never knew what number I was…I haven’t dived into the Ennegarm world…but I know thanks to you that I am a Performer! Thanks for the cliff notes version! I’ll read more soon!
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I recommend reading The Road Back to You by Ian
Morgan Cron with an open mind! You may be surprised with your results.
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I really need to know my enneagram number! I might have to do this later x
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I highly recommend doing so. It is such a huge help in developing your emotional intelligence and putting language to your ways of thinking.
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Very true, our identity isn’t in our performance, it’s in our journey
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Just stopped by from FMF#5
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Thanks for stopping by
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Never did me an enneagram,
and it may not be quite fair,
but I don’t doubt just who I am,
and do not have a care
for any kind of category;
I think myself unique.
If you listened to my story,
you very well might shriek,
for I love guns and I love pink,
and dance to “I Feel Pretty”
while cleaning pistons in the sink,
as my little itty-bitty
kitten watches from my shoulder,
big and hard as granite boulder.
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I think my favorite part of the Enneagram is that I don’t feel trapped in to some personality type, but I’ve been armed with tools and language to help me communicate deeper needs and thoughts.
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Well, you’ve convinced me to look into it.
Kind of a scary journey!
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Well, for what it’s worth… getting an enneagram number would have cost money I don’t have, but I got a thumbnail analysis:
There aren’t many folks in the world who can boast a humble, hard-working and helpful nature such as yours. You’re optimistic, like things to be done perfectly, and you’re motivated to live the ‘right’ way, even during difficult times. This is probably why you have such immense self-control. You believe in a life lived to help and protect others. It’s certainly a rare quality, and one that earns you plaudits for your morals and unrivaled dependability wherever you go.
I’ll take it.
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I keep thinking I need to read that book! This solidifies it!
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Yes! I highly recommend. It changed my life!
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Thanks you for your encouragement to embrace the journey.
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Absolutely! It is a necessary step in your emotional intelligence journey to find your spot on the enneagram.
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