Self-confidence looks different for everyone. For some, it is simply feeling more comfortable with decision-making while for others, it means finally getting rid of anxiety and self-doubt. The benefits of self-confidence are enormous. They range from increased resilience to better interpersonal relationships and better performance at work. 

Whatever your Enneagram type, there’s a good chance that you can benefit from working on your inner and outer self-confidence. Here are some tips to help.  

Type One: Be more forgiving

As the Perfectionist personality type, Type Ones can sometimes be extremely self-critical and strict. Usually, their harshest judge is themselves. While this critical eye can push them towards incredible achievements, many Type Ones struggle with self-confidence as they feel like they’re never doing enough. To work on being your most confident self as a Type One, try to be more forgiving. Being imperfect is just part of being human.

Tips for Type Ones to be more confident:

  • Remind yourself that it’s ok to make mistakes.
  • Practice letting go of control and letting someone else take the lead every once in a while.
  • Avoid social media and other sources that give you unattainable images of perfection.

Type Two: Develop healthy boundaries

If you’re a Type Two who’s lacking self-confidence, start by acknowledging your own needs and desires. Write them down, say them out loud, and then express them to the people around you. If you can work on developing healthy boundaries with the people in your life, you can start to prioritize your own needs and make more space for building your self-confidence step-by-step. 

Tips for Type Twos to be more confident:

  • Get clear on your own needs and desires rather than prioritizing everyone else’s.
  • Work on setting boundaries calmly, clearly and firmly.
  • Remember that ‘no’ is a complete sentence.

Type Three: Focus on your inherent worth

One of the biggest challenges for Type Threes is developing inner confidence rather than relying on external validation. Type Threes want to be admired and this means they can struggle with confidence if they feel like this need isn’t being met. To improve your self-confidence, work on recognizing that your worth isn’t tied to your income, relationship status, career, or possessions. You are uniquely you and that’s enough.

Tips for Type Threes to be more confident:

  • Surround yourself with positive, supportive people.
  • Cut ties with people who make you question your worth.
  • Take time to practice gratitude for the non-material things in your life.

Type Four: Drop the comparisons

On the surface Type Fours appear confident – they wear what they want, express themselves how they want and surround themselves with challenging, dynamic people. But like every type, Fours can struggle with self-confidence. The root of this comes down to Fours constantly comparing themselves to others, which can make them feel like they’re not unique or special enough. For you to become your most confident self, it’s time to celebrate your strengths and forgive your weaknesses.

Tips for Type Fours to be more confident:

  • Practice positive self-talk to focus on your strengths and abilities.
  • Make time for self-care activities to boost your self-esteem. 
  • Spend more time with people who are comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Type Five: Break out of your comfort zone

Type Fives have a deep fear of being overwhelmed by the outside world. As such, they often take an overly cautious approach to life that helps them feel protected, but also means they miss out on opportunities to increase their inner confidence. If you want to work on being your most confident self, try to break out of your comfort zone. Take risks, try new things and get comfortable with not always knowing what to expect. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and your abilities.

Tips for Type Fives to be more confident:

  • Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone once a week.
  • Try to take up a new hobby or activity.
  • Find someone you trust to share experiences with and lean on them for support.

Type Six: Name your strengths

Preoccupied with safety and security, Type Sixes lack confidence when it comes to facing new environments and unforeseen challenges. They fear being unprepared above all else. But to build confidence, Sixes need to work on being comfortable with not having total control. If you can work on cultivating a sense of inner trust and learn that you can rely on your own instincts and judgment, you can reduce your reliance on other people and become more confident in the process.

Tips for Type Sixes to be more confident:

  • Practice mindfulness for grounding and releasing pent-up anxiety.
  • Try journaling to get to the root of your insecurities.
  • Work on developing a sense of self-assurance and trust.

Type Seven: Live in the moment

Always looking for the next fun adventure, Type Sevens can often rush through life without taking a breath. Sevens often try to avoid painful or difficult emotions – but it’s hard to outrun those feelings forever. For Type Sevens to increase their self-confidence and become the best version of themselves, it’s time to learn how to live in the present moment and take life as it comes. That might mean sitting with uncomfortable emotions and processing them, rather than constantly seeking out new experiences.

Tips for Type Sevens to be more confident:

  • Don’t run away from difficult emotions - face them and overcome them.
  • Recognize the value of introspection.
  • Remember you’re stronger than you think you are.

Type Eight: Let your emotions in

Outwardly confident and self-assured, it can be hard for Type Eights to recognize when they’re low in confidence and what they can do about it. For Eights, lack of confidence often stems from the fear of being emotionally vulnerable, especially when it comes to relationships. To be your most confident self, you need to open yourself up to the idea that you could get hurt in order to develop deeper, stronger and more rewarding relationships.

Tips for Type Eights to be more confident:

  • Practice expressing your feelings and emotions out loud.
  • Remember that you can’t avoid getting hurt; life is full of ups and downs.
  • Find people who make you feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable around them.

Type Nine: Assert your needs

Type Nines are characterized by their fear of pushing people away, especially when they express and prioritize their needs. For Type Nines to be more confident, the journey starts with learning to assert their needs in a healthy way. There is value in conflict when it leads to healthier relationships that let you connect with people who love and support you, even when you put yourself first for a change.

Tips for Type Nines to be more confident:

  • Set aside time each week to do something that’s only for you.
  • Say ‘no’ to activities that diminish your self-confidence.
  • Learn to be ok with losing people who don’t value your needs as much as their own.

Finding your personal route to more self-confidence

Every Enneagram type – and every individual – will need to find their own unique path to developing more self-confidence. While it can feel daunting at first to face up to your fears and insecurities, with attention, focus and a step-by-step approach to self-development, you can become your most confident and thriving self.

Elizabeth Harris
Elizabeth is a freelance writer and ghostwriter. She’s an anthropologist at heart and loves using social theory to get deeper into the topics she writes about. Born in the UK, Elizabeth has lived in Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Dubai before moving most recently to Budapest, Hungary. She’s an ENTJ with ENFJ leanings. Find out more about her work at bethharris.com