What Your Enneagram Type Should Let Go of in 2025

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what’s holding us back and make space for growth. Each Enneagram type has its own unique tendencies—strengths that can also become limitations if left unchecked. In my years as an Enneagram coach, I’ve seen how a single mindset shift can unlock powerful transformations. Let’s dive into what your type might need to release this year to truly feel empowered and thrive.

Type 1: The Perfectionist

What to Let Go of: The need to always “get it right.”

You carry so much on your shoulders, feeling like everything depends on you—as if the world might crumble if you don’t hold it together. This year, it’s time to challenge that belief. I worked with a Type 1 who resented her family for all the obligations she took on. But she never asked for help! She wanted them to “mind-read,” which only deepened her frustration. On top of that, she held herself to impossible standards, making relaxation or self-care feel out of reach because there was always more to do. The moment she sat down she was flooded with things she felt she needed to “fix.”

Her breakthrough came when she began seeing “accepting the mess” as a way of leveling up rather than leveling down. She started praising herself for allowing small imperfections in pursuit of higher goals—like being honest about needing help rather than silently resenting others and doing it all herself. Serenity doesn’t come from everything being perfect; it comes from knowing you don’t have to do it all alone. Imagine what could shift if you gave yourself permission to ask for help and let others see your humanity.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi

You might also enjoy: Escaping the Trap of Resentment for Enneagram Ones

Type 2: The Helper

What to Let Go of: The fear of being unloved if you set boundaries.

You’ve spent so much energy giving to others, often at the expense of your own well-being. I worked with a Type 2 who couldn’t say no when people asked for help. She’d take on everyone’s emotional burdens, spreading herself so thin that she was too drained to support the people she loved most. She wanted to be everything for everyone, but it left her angry, tired, and deeply unhappy because her own needs were always last on the list.

Her growth started when she realized that saying no wasn’t selfish—it was loving. By setting boundaries, she could focus on the relationships that truly mattered and show up more fully for the people she cared about most. This year, try asking yourself: “Is this truly mine to carry?” Protecting your energy doesn’t make you less kind or loving; it allows you to give from a place of abundance.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” – Unknown

Find out more about Twos: The Enneagram 2 and Stress

Type 3: The Achiever

What to Let Go of: The constant need to prove your value.

You’re incredible at achieving, but does it ever feel like your accomplishments define you? A friend of mine was once a workaholic who fixated on how other people interpreted her or how “successful” she was. Her days were packed with work and to-do lists, and there was always a higher rung on the ladder to reach for. All this work got her an amazing career and professional accolades, but she often felt that there was a meaningless to it all. Beneath her success, she felt lonely and unloved.

Her turning point came when she started embracing vulnerability. I know it sounds scary and honestly cringey. When I share my vulnerabilities I tend to feel like I’m getting undressed in front of someone, only emotionally. For my friend it felt strange at first to share her struggles with others, but it opened the door to deeper, more meaningful connections. Instead of feeling like all her relationships were shallow, everything started to feel more meaningful. She felt less alone and more authentic. She learned to choose people who value realness—those who had already shown they could share their own vulnerabilities. This year, remember: your worth doesn’t come from your trophies or titles. It’s okay to slow down and let people see the real you. You are already enough.

“We often block our own blessings because we don’t feel inherently good enough or smart enough or pretty enough or worthy enough… You’re worthy because you are born and because you are here. Your being here, your being alive makes worthiness your birthright. You alone are enough.” — Oprah Winfrey

Type 4: The Individualist

What to Let Go of: The belief that you’re fundamentally flawed.

You often feel like no one really gets you—like you’re too different, too complicated, or just too much. That feeling can be isolating, but it doesn’t mean you’re flawed. A Type 4 I worked with used to say, “I don’t think I’ll ever belong anywhere.” But the more they leaned into their uniqueness, the more they discovered how valuable it was.

This year, challenge yourself to stop focusing on what’s missing and start celebrating what’s already here. It’s not about fitting in; it’s about showing up as yourself and trusting that the right people will connect with you. Let yourself be seen, even if it feels uncomfortable. You don’t need to have all the answers or fix every perceived imperfection to be worthy of love and belonging. You already are.

“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” – Brené Brown

You might also enjoy: The Leadership Styles of Every Enneagram Type

Type 5: The Investigator

What to Let Go of: The fear that you’ll never have enough knowledge or resources.

You love to learn. There’s nothing wrong with that—it’s your superpower. But sometimes, that thirst for information becomes a safety net, keeping you from taking action. I had a Type 5 client who was endlessly preparing for the “right moment” to start their passion project. They researched everything, every angle, and every possible outcome. But you know what? The “perfect moment” never came.

This year, let’s change that. Trust what you already know and take the next step. It might feel uncomfortable, even risky, but growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. You are capable. You are prepared. Now it’s time to act.

“The only way to do great work is to stop thinking and start doing.” – Unknown

You might also enjoy: The Enneagram 5 Child

Type 6: The Loyalist

What to Let Go of: The need to prepare for every possible disaster.

You have a gift for spotting potential problems. It’s what makes you reliable and trustworthy. But sometimes, that strength turns into overthinking, leaving you stuck in “what if” mode. I have a Type 6 friend who couldn’t relax on a family trip because they were worried about everything that could go wrong—the weather, the car, the reservations. They spent more time planning for disasters than enjoying the moments right in front of them.

This year, lean into trust. Trust that you’ve done enough to prepare, that you’re resilient enough to handle whatever comes, and that not every scenario needs a backup plan. Life is unpredictable, yes, but it’s also full of beauty when you let go of the need to control every detail.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie Ten Boom

You might also like: The Feelings You Run Away From, Based On Your Enneagram Type

Type 7: The Enthusiast

What to Let Go of: The fear of missing out.

You’re always on the move, chasing the next big thing. Your energy is contagious, and it lights up everyone around you. But sometimes, that need to keep moving keeps you from appreciating what’s right in front of you. Look for the little miracles; the smell of the earth after the rain, the rich warmth of a sip of coffee, the glimmer of the stars on a cool winter night. Because here’s the thing: The best moments in life aren’t always the ones you chase—they’re the ones you pause long enough to notice.

This year, try to slow down. Stay present. Instead of thinking about what’s next, savor what’s now. You might be surprised at how much joy you find when you give yourself permission to be still.

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam

Discover more: The Emotional Patterns of Each Enneagram Type

Type 8: The Challenger

What to Let Go of: The belief that vulnerability is weakness.

You’re a powerhouse. People know they can count on you to be strong, to take charge, to protect. But sometimes, that strength becomes a shield, keeping others at a distance (or intimidating them). I worked with a Type 8 who said, “I don’t let people see my weak side—it’s too dangerous.” But over time, they realized that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s courage.

This year, let yourself be seen. Open up to the people you trust. Share a little of your softer side, even if it feels uncomfortable. Ask forgiveness for times your temper has flared up. It might feel gross at first, but power through because you know you’re strong enough for this. Vulnerability creates connection, and connection is what makes us human. You don’t have to do everything alone.

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” – Brené Brown

Type 9: The Peacemaker

What to Let Go of: The tendency to avoid conflict at all costs.

You have a gift for keeping the peace, for making people feel at ease. But sometimes, avoiding conflict means silencing yourself. I personally have an Enneagram 9 family member who puts up with so much discomfort and emotional pain because she doesn’t want to “rock the boat.” But here’s the truth: Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. You matter. Would you like it if someone you deeply loved treated themselves the way you treat yourself?

Think about it.

This year, practice speaking up. Start small—share your opinion, even if it’s different from others’. Advocate for your needs, even if it feels uncomfortable. Conflict doesn’t have to be scary; it can be the doorway to understanding and growth. You are worth being heard.

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.” – Dorothy Thomas

You might also enjoy: The Selfish Versions of Each Enneagram Type

What Do You Think?

As you consider these reflections, remember that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of small, consistent steps. Letting go is almost never easy, but it’s always worth it. If you’re ready to take the first step, consider journaling about what feels impactful to you and what changes you’d like to see by the end of the year.

Retry later