How Each Enneagram Type Inspires Us to Make a Difference
There are a lot of problems in the world: poverty, war, mental health struggles, hunger, climate change… Often, these problems can feel overwhelming. Even the most hopeful among us can lose faith when taking stock of just how much work needs to be done. That’s when it’s helpful to look at others for inspiration. Each Enneagram type has unique strengths when it comes to making a difference in the world and recognizing the strengths in others can remind us of the strength within ourselves.
Read on to find out how each Enneagram type inspires us to do good in the world—and then go out and make a difference yourself!
Truity Gives Back
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, we’re taking a minute to reflect on how we can all do our part to give back and create a better world. As part of Truity's mission to ensure that scientifically validated personality tests are accessible to everyone who needs them, the company is donating 10% of sales on Monday, January 15, to nonprofits working to help underserved youth and incarcerated people find their paths in life. Our nonprofit partners are:
- The Last Mile, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for personal and professional growth for justice-impacted individuals through technical training and education.
- 916 Ink, a Sacramento-based nonprofit focused on youth empowerment, offering creative writing, art exploration, and other free classes for underserved youth.
Truity offers discounted personality assessments for charities, non-profits and schools year-round. If you need to provide reliable career or personal guidance to disadvantaged students or adults, we are here to help.
How Each Enneagram Type Inspires Us to Make a Difference
Enneagram Type 1: Their Integrity
The old adage “practice what you preach” could have been written by an Enneagram One. Ones remind us that you can’t create change with words and thoughts alone, but by acting as an example of the change you want to see in the world. Their moral integrity inspires us to be the best version of ourselves, every day.
Motivational quote for Type Ones: “It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Enneagram Type 2: Their Generosity
Making a difference means being willing to be of service to others whenever it’s needed, and not only when it’s convenient. Type Twos inspire us by their willingness to always give a helping hand, stepping up to do their part even when it’s not fun or convenient for them. They remind us that, sometimes, we need to put those in need ahead of our own wants and desires.
Motivational quote for Type Twos: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” ― Muhammad Ali
Enneagram Type 3: Their Energy
Whether it's volunteering, phone banking or simply taking the donations that have been sitting in your trunk to Goodwill, giving back takes time and energy—something that deters many people from getting involved to begin with. Threes remind us of our ability to not only set goals when it comes to the things that matter, but to follow through until we achieve them.
Motivational quote for Type Threes: “No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There is too much work to do.” — Dorothy Day
Enneagram Type 4: Their Idealism
Many passionate people find themselves quickly burnt out when it feels like nothing they do makes a real difference. Fours remind us that even when reality is not ideal, we don’t have to give up our ideals. They inspire us to think creatively, recognize the depth of humanity in every person, and always hold out hope in a better tomorrow.
Motivational quote for Type Fours: “There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman
Enneagram Type 5: Their Understanding
Many of the issues that society faces are extremely complex, even if the solutions seem simple. Fives, with their depth of knowledge, understand this complexity better than anyone. They inspire us to slow down before jumping into action—or an argument at the dinner table—and instead spend time educating ourselves and developing a more nuanced understanding of important issues.
Motivational quote for Type Fives: "Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." — Albert Einstein
Enneagram Type 6: Their Loyalty
The constant stream of crises we see in the news and on social media can make it feel like we have to give all of our attention to every problem, all of the time. Type Sixes inspire us to assess our values and stay loyal to the people and causes that matter most to us. They remind us that thinking “small” (helping our family and community members, for example) can often be even more effective than trying to solve the big-picture issues.
Motivational quote for Type Sixes: “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.” — Mother Teresa
Enneagram Type 7: Their Positive Outlook
It’s hard to see the injustices in the world and not become cynical. But Type Sevens inspire us to look for the positive, acknowledge the progress that’s already been made and appreciate the joys in life. They also remind us that making a difference doesn’t always have to be such a serious venture—it can be fun, too!
Motivational quote for Type Sevens: “We can't just hope for a brighter day, we have to work for a brighter day. Love too often gets buried in a world of hurt and fear. And we have to work to dig it out so we can share it with our family, our friends, and our neighbors.” — Dolly Parton
Enneagram Type 8: Their Courage
Making a difference in the world takes courage and the ability to stand up for what matters to you despite the risks. Eights inspire all of us to find courage within ourselves, speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves and stand firm in what we believe in. They also inspire the fighter within us—the part of ourselves that’s willing to go into battle for what’s important.
Motivational quote for Type Eights: “When you see something that is not just, not fair, or not right, you have to do something. You have to say something. Make a little noise.” — John Lewis
Enneagram Type 9: Their Patience
Change is often a slow and steady process, and no one understands that better than the Type Nine. It’s easy to get frustrated when your efforts to create change seem to have minimal effect. Nines remind us that change takes time and making a real difference isn’t about quick wins, but continuing to take small steps toward the outcome you seek.
Motivational quote for Type Nines: “Peace is the opposite of dreaming. It’s built slowly and surely through brutal compromises and tiny victories that you don’t even see.” — Bono
