5 Signs of Perfectionism for Each Enneagram Type

There is a stereotype that Type 1s are the perfectionists of the Enneagram. But, in reality, any Type can struggle with perfectionism.

Striving for your best and working hard can be healthy. That’s not the same as perfectionism, though. Perfectionism is when you are striving for flawlessness. Although perfectionists might think that it’s a helpful trait, it can actually work to cause you to achieve less. Striving for perfectionism can actually keep you from achieving your best because you are too focused on an unattainable goal instead of doing your best.

Perfectionism can also lead to unhealthy mental states and higher levels of stress.  As explained by VeryWell Mind:

The stress caused by this level of perfectionism can lead to feelings of anxiety and has been linked to outcomes such as low self-esteem, eating disorders, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress

If you think you might be a perfectionist, take a look at the following lists for each Enneagram Type. These traits might be displayed by any type, the ones listed for each Type are particularly applicable to that Type.

Enneagram Type 1

Here are 5 signs of perfectionism for Enneagram Type 1s:

• You have unrealistic standards
• You are obsessed with lists and rules
• You expect perfection from not only yourself, but also from others
• You have a very specific manner in which you believe things should be done
• You struggle to relax and share you feelings.

Enneagram Type 2

Here are 5 signs of perfectionism for Enneagram Type 2s:

• You are unusually hard on yourself
• You can’t celebrate your successes
• You can only concentrate if everything is in its proper spot
• You struggle with low self-esteem
• You regularly procrastinate on projects

 

Enneagram Type 3

Here are 5 signs of perfectionism for Enneagram Type 3s:

• You are singularly focused on results
• You really hate waste and inefficiency
• You avoid doing things because you are afraid that you might fail
• Success is never enough; you always want more
• You always insist on looking put together

 

Enneagram Type 4

Here are a few signs of perfectionism for Enneagram Type 4s:

• You may become depressed when your goals aren’t met
• You think you mistakes are proof that you are inadequate
• You become defensive if approached with constructive criticism
• You procrastinate on tasks
• You become apathetic about your work

 

Enneagram Type 5

Here are 5 signs of perfectionism for Enneagram Type 5s:

• You are pushed toward your goals because you fear not reaching them
• You don’t share any of your ideas until you believe that they are ready
• You invest energy into masking your flaws
• You spend long amount of time just to perfect something
• You are dependent on lists

 

Enneagram Type 6

Here are a few signs of perfectionism for Enneagram Type 6s:

• You set very high standards for yourself
• Your quest for perfection leads to a decline in your mental health
• It’s really hard for you to truly relax
• You engage in a all-or-nothing thinking
• You struggle to make decisions on your own because you worry they will be wrong

 

Enneagram Type 7

Here are 5 signs of perfectionism for Enneagram Type 7s:

• You set unrealistic standards for your happiness
• You struggle with decision making because you worry it won’t be right
• You aren’t satisfied with your current life
• You are not happy with the successes you do achieve
• You feel like you fail at everything

 

Enneagram Type 8

Here are a few signs of perfectionism for Type 8s:

• You expect others to meet your standards
• You are very confident that you know the “right” way
• You spot mistakes that others do not see
• You set unreasonably high standards for yourself
• You are controlling in your personal and professional relationships

 

Enneagram Type 9

Here are a few signs of perfectionism for Type 9s:

• You often wait for the “right” moment to start something
• You struggle to complete tasks on time
• You can’t concentrate if your environment isn’t just right
• You worry so much about doing something right that you don’t do it at all
• You fells like your “failures” worse than other people’s failures