Online Anxiety Therapy for High Achievers

18 Key Characteristics of the Conscientious but Critical Personality Type | Hayden Finch, PhD | Paradocs Psychological Services | Hayden Finch, PhD | Paradocs Psychological Services

18 Key Characteristics of the Conscientious but Critical Personality Type

18 Key Characteristics of the Conscientious but Critical Personality Type
(Enneagram 1)

Have you heard of the enneagram?  It’s got somewhat of a cult following on social media these days, so you may have come across it.  In this blog I’ll tell you what the enneagram and 18 key characteristics of one of the personality types that I see most in my office.  Stay tuned to see if you relate.

The Enneagram

The enneagram is a nine-sided figure that describes nine personality types.  

Enneagram

The nine personality types are more based in spirituality and anecdote than science, which is probably the reason I didn’t learn about it in school.  And because there is very little research basis for the enneagram, it’s worth taking it with a grain of salt in general.  

But there’s something about the enneagram that captures attention.  Our brains like categories, and when we see ourselves in a category, our brains light up like it’s Christmas.  

In reality, we probably all have a bit of each of the nine personality types, but one or two might be stronger.  The personality types tend to reflect how we think about the world, the choices we tend to make, our personal values, how we interact with people, and how we respond to stress.  

 

Enneagram 1: The Perfectionist

 

Obviously each of the personality types is a little different, but let’s chat about personality type 1 because a lot of the articles I write are geared toward folks who are type 1.  

In part, this is because type 1s tend to think nothing is ever quite good enough so they’re always on a personal improvement quest. They love a good self-help book and are addicted to researching how to do things.  But there’s also a downside.  Here are 18 key characteristics of enneagram 1s — do you see yourself here??

18 Key Characteristics of Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist

Strengths

Challenges

 

Detail-oriented

 

Constantly see flaws in themselves, others, and the world 

 

Follow rules

 

Expect others to follow rules as well and can become angry and resentful if they do not

 

Driven and ambitious

 

Workaholics

 

Listmakers who actually finish everything on their lists

 

Have a hard time relaxing

 

Disciplined

 

Have difficulty being spontaneous 

 

Self-controlled

 

Uncomfortable with expressing tender feelings

 

Great at organizing and planning

 

Rigid with plans and decisions, have difficulty adapting to change

 

High standards

 

Fixate on perceived inadequacies

 

Focused on practical action

 

Feel they have to justify their actions, so they spend a lot of time thinking about the consequences of their actions

 

Strong personal convictions & moral compass

 

Highly critical of perceived failings

 

Strong sense of right and wrong

 

Only believe they are “good” if they are doing “good” things

 

Strong conscience

 

Difficulty accepting people who have different, yet valid, perspectives

 

Core Fears

Core Desires

 

Making mistakes

 

Improve the world, others, and themselves

 

Being morally unsound or unethical

 

Be beyond criticism

 

Being bad, corrupt, defective

 

Be right and good, have integrity

 

When Stressed

 

Feel guilty about not being able to achieve their idea of perfection

 

Prone to worry, anxiety, and irrational moodiness

 

Seek Love & Approval

 

By being good and right

 

The Good & The Bad of Enneagram 1

In general, enneagram 1s are focused on being useful, and they like taking practical action.  Others see them as highly self-controlled and disciplined, but this isn’t how they experience themselves.  To themselves, they feel like they have too many unbridled passions and desires that need to be kept repressed.  They dedicate a lot of energy to repressing feelings (like anger and insecurity) and urges (like to relax or take a break).  They want to be loved, but they feel like they have to be “good” to be loved, so they focus their effort on constantly improving themselves, often to their detriment.  

 

How to Keep the Strengths & Address the Weaknesses of Enneagram 1 Perfectionistic Anxiety

If you relate to these characteristics, make sure you check out my previous articles geared toward this personality type, with lots of handouts and resources for moving from the “challenges” column in the table above to the “strengths” column.  Definitely check out 6 Proven Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic — that one’s a game-changer.  And join my free course, where I’ll teach you exactly what causes the unhealthy thoughts and feelings we have and how to change the pattern.  Join here.

Next week, you’ve been waiting for it and it’s finally here.  Imposter syndrome. You’ve heard rumblings about it online, but I’m gonna give you the scoop on what science says about it.  Don’t miss it.  

Dr. Finch

P.S. for you skimmers.  The enneagram is a personality test (with almost no scientific support but lots of cultural interest).  I outlined the characteristics of enneagram 1, which is highly conscientious but also highly critical. If you relate to these characteristics, check out my previous articles geared toward conscientious criticizers and join my free course to undo the bad characteristics.  

P.P.S.  Remember, this is education, not treatment.  Always consult with a psychologist or therapist about your mental health to determine what information and interventions are best for you.  See the disclaimer for more details. 

Headshot | Paradocs Psychological Services | Hayden Finch, PhD

Hayden C. Finch, PhD, is a practicing psychologist in Des Moines, Iowa, dedicated to helping you master your mental health.