Your Core Motivations, Based On Your Enneagram Type

I don’t know about you, but a lot of us go through life assuming that everyone has the same major motivations. If we crave success, we’re baffled by people who don’t. When we primarily seek out love and connection, we shake our heads at people who are more reserved and autonomy-seeking. When we’re cautious and reserved, we are confounded by people who are impulsive and risk-taking.

Motivations form the foundation of so much of what we do, say, and seek in life. But we all have different primary motivations. While most of us want success, love, integrity, and support, we all tend to fixate on one thing over all others. We tend to go in auto-pilot, moving ourselves towards this elusive thing we want to have.

When we understand our motivations, and the motivations of others, we can better make sense of choices that we or others make. We can also have more understanding and empathy, which helps when someone we love is going through a hard time or needs support.

Today let’s dive into the core motivations of each of the nine Enneagram types. We’ll find out what really drives each type and how this shows up in everyday life.

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Your Core Motivations, Based On Your Enneagram Type

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Enneagram 1 Core Motivation – The Desire for Integrity

Core Desire: To be good, virtuous, and to have integrity.

Core Fear: Being evil, corrupt, or defective.

Enneagram Ones are perfectionists who work tirelessly to live a life of purpose and principle. They hold themselves to high standards and often become their own harshest critics. Their motivation is to be good. Not in the sense of being “the best” or even being the world’s idea of “successful.” Being good is about something more important to them: living in a way that is consistent with their inner values and beliefs.

This motivation can manifest in different ways for Enneagram Ones. Some may become workaholics, constantly pushing themselves towards perfection in their career or personal lives. Others focus on being moral and ethical in all aspects of life, often judging themselves harshly if they feel they have fallen short.

“I’m always concerned with being correct. I hate when anyone points out a flaw in anything I’ve done because I fixate so much on every single thing I touch being pristine after I’ve touched it. When I make mistakes I own up to them fast, so that no one can accuse me of being blind to my own imperfections. I’m my worst critic. But I sometimes feel like other people should assess themselves more critically than they do.” – Erin, an Enneagram 1

Find Out More About Ones: Help For the Stressed Out Enneagram 1

Enneagram 2 Core Motivation – The Desire for Love and Connection

Core Desire: To feel loved, wanted, and appreciated.

Core Fear: Being unwanted, unworthy of love, or unappreciated.

Enneagram Twos are often referred to as “The Helpers” because they get their truest satisfaction and purpose from serving others. Their primary motivation is to form deep and meaningful bondswith the people around them. They want to be indispensable, “the one” that people turn to when life feels overwhelming. Being in a positive rapport with someone or being the confidante brings them intense meaning and satisfaction.

This motivation can manifest in various ways for Enneagram Twos. Some might become caregivers, always putting others’ needs before their own and offering support whenever possible. Others might focus on creating harmony and being the leader in communities, guiding people to work together and create an atmosphere of mutual support and respect.

“I find my greatest joy in making others happy. Sometimes, this means putting aside my own needs or desires, but seeing the positive impact I have on others’ lives makes it all worthwhile. I sometimes worry that if I stop giving, people will stop caring.” – Seth, an Enneagram 2

Discover More About Twos: Here’s What You Notice Right Away, Based On Your Enneagram Type

Enneagram 3 Core Motivation – The Desire for Success and Recognition

Core Desire: To feel valuable, accomplished, and admired.

Core Fear: Being viewed as worthless, insignificant, or a failure.

Enneagram Threes are known as “The Achievers” because they are driven to excel and be recognized for their successes. Their primary motivation revolves around achieving their goals and being seen as remarkable. They are highly focused on tasks and purposes that allow them to shine, often setting ambitious benchmarks for themselves.

This motivation can manifest in various ways for Enneagram Threes. Some dive into their careers, pushing themselves hard for promotions, awards, and accolades. Others excel in personal projects and hobbies, pushing themselves to always be on top. The need for recognition and validation drives them to perform at their highest potential, but it can also lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy if they feel they are not meeting their own high standards.

“I’m a go-getter. I never stop. I know how to make any idea or project succeed. Sometimes I don’t know how to slow down, and I get frustrated when I feel like people want to fixate on my personal flaws, because sometimes getting to know myself is the hardest thing to prioritize. It just doesn’t seem like something anyone would really care about.” – Jennifer, an Enneagram 3

More About Threes: The Biggest Relationship Turn-Offs of Every Enneagram Type

Enneagram 4 Core Motivation – The Desire for Individuality and Authenticity

Core Desire: To find themselves and their unique significance.

Core Fear: Having no identity or personal significance.

Enneagram Fours are called “The Individualists” because their drive is to figure out who they are, what makes them “them”, and how to do something of significance in the world. More than anything, they want to be true to their own identity and authentic self-expression. They are deeply introspective and are constantly exploring their emotions and inner experiences to find their distinct place in the world. Unlike many types, Fours face their shame and darkness head-on, trying to understand not only the acceptable parts of themselves, but the “unacceptable” parts. Everyone has these odd, unusual, or darker aspects of themselves, but many hide away from them or ignore them. Fours, instead, try to face them directly, seeing who they really are, flaws and all.

This motivation can manifest in various ways for Enneagram Fours. Some immerse themselves in artistic endeavors, using creativity to express their inner world and emotions. Others pursue a distinct personal style or engage in deep, one-on-one relationships where they can reveal their true selves. The longing to be unique and understood drives them to continually seek out what makes them different from others, but it can also lead to feelings of melancholy and envy if they feel misunderstood or overlooked.

“I always feel hungry to express something deeper, something that makes me who I am. Sometimes I feel like my emotions are too intense or too unique for others to understand, but I can’t ignore them. They are what define me. I’m always searching for something that feels true to who I am.” – Oliver, an Enneagram 4

More About Fours: What Makes Each Enneagram Type Lash Out

Enneagram 5 Core Motivation – The Desire for Knowledge and Understanding

Core Desire: To be capable and competent.

Core Fear: Being helpless, useless, or overwhelmed.

Enneagram Fives are known as “The Investigators” because they are driven by a deep need to understand the world and their place in it. They look for knowledge, clarity, and insight more than anything else, often immersing themselves in learning and research. Their primary motivation is to feel capable and self-sufficient, gathering vast amounts of information to ensure they can navigate life’s challenges effectively without relying too much on others.

This motivation can manifest in various ways for Enneagram Fives. Some may become experts in their chosen fields, dedicating massive amounts of time and effort to mastering complex subjects. Others focus on developing a broad range of skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for any situation. While their pursuit of knowledge can lead to great intellectual achievements, Fives may also struggle with social interactions and emotional expression, preferring the solace of their thoughts over the unpredictability of human relations. And many fixate so much on gathering knowledge that they hold back from putting their knowledge to the test in the real world. No knowledge is ever “enough” for many of this type.

“My life is about knowing. I love to retreat into books, articles, and courses, trying to gain as much information as possible. I’m not anti-social; I just value my inner world more than most people. Sometimes I feel like an outsider, but I take pride in my depth, awareness, and knowledge.” – Alex, an Enneagram 5

Discover more about Fives: Here’s the Movie Action Hero You’d Be, Based On Your Enneagram Type

Enneagram 6 Core Motivation – The Desire for Security and Belonging

Core Desire: To feel secure and supported.

Core Fear: Being without support or guidance.

Enneagram Sixes are called “The Loyalists” because their drive centers on finding safety, support, and a sense of belonging. Once they commit to a person, institution, or belief system, they are often loyal to the bitter end. Their primary motivation involves feeling secure and backed by a network of reliable people or systems, constantly on the lookout for potential threats or uncertainties that might disrupt their peace. This motivation can manifest in various ways for Enneagram Sixes. Some immerse themselves in enhancing their skills and knowledge to preemptively address potential problems, taking great pains to make sure they are always well-prepared. Others invest deeply in relationships, trying to create a solid support system that will protect them when all else fails. The need for security can lead them to be exceptionally responsible and cautious, but it may also make them prone to anxiety and self-doubt if they feel unsupported or uncertain about the future.

“I always know when the worst could happen, and what the “worst” is in detail. It might sound exhausting, but knowing I’ve done everything to look out for myself and my family gives me peace of mind. Certainty is happiness.” – Grace, an Enneagram 6

Find out more about Sixes: The Top Love Language of Each Enneagram Type

Enneagram 7 Core Motivation – The Desire to Be Happy and Free

Core Desire: To be satisfied, content, and free from constraints.

Core Fear: Being trapped in pain or deprivation.

Enneagram Sevens are called “The Enthusiasts” because of their intense energy and desire to seize the day and maximize the moment. They want to feel free, excited, boundless, unconstrained. Rather than seeking a steady routine and safety, they are driven by a need to feel stimulated, satisfied, and free from constraints. Sevens thrive on the idea of possibilities and options, often juggling multiple interests and activities simultaneously. This motivation can manifest in various ways for Enneagram Sevens. Some dive into travel and exploration, constantly exploring new places and cultures. Others engage in a variety of social activities, immersing themselves in dynamic environments that offer constant novelty. While their zest for life can be infectious and lead to a wealth of joyous experiences, Sevens may also struggle with commitment and follow-through, fearing that settling down in one area might limit their freedom and happiness.

“I have this hunger for life and everything it has to offer. I’m constantly looking for the next thrill, the next new thing to try. It’s what keeps me going, but sometimes I worry that I’m just running from one excitement to another, never truly settling or diving deep into anything.” – Jamie, an Enneagram 7

More about Sevens: 7 Struggles of the Enneagram Seven Type

Enneagram 8 Core Motivation – The Desire to Be in Control

Core Desire: To protect themselves and remain in control of their destiny.

Core Fear: Being controlled, harmed, or violated by others.

Enneagram Eights are called “The Challengers” because of their need to assert control and protect themselves from vulnerability. They come across as strong, decisive, and at times confrontational, driven by their core desire to take charge of their own lives and avoid being controlled or harmed by others. Eights crave independence and authority in all areas, whether it’s their professional life, personal relationships, or even their recreational pursuits. No one is going to get the upper hand on them! It’s a dog eat dog world to the Eight, and the only way to be happy is to be in charge of one’s own life totally. This motivation can manifest in various ways for Enneagram Eights. Some may rise to leadership positions, relishing the responsibility and influence that comes with being in charge. Others become fiercely protective of the underdogs, often standing up for the marginalized and disadvantaged. While their determination and strength can be admirable, Eights may struggle with vulnerability and trusting others due to their fear of being dominated or taken advantage of.

“I don’t like feeling like I’m not in control. Whether it’s my job, my relationships, or my personal goals, I need to know that I’m the one calling the shots. It’s not that I’m trying to be bossy, I just believe that to protect myself and those I care about, I need to be strong and in command.” – Sam, an Enneagram 8

Discover more about Eights: 10 Things Enneagram 8s Need in Relationships

Enneagram 9 Core Motivation – The Desire for Inner Peace

Core Desire: To have inner stability and peace of mind.

Core Fear: Being fragmented, in conflict, or at loss with themselves.

Enneagram Nines are called “The Peacemakers” because their primary motivation revolves around creating and maintaining inner and outer peace. They long for harmony in their environment and within themselves, trying to avoid conflict and tension at all costs. For Nines, the ultimate goal is to achieve a sense of inner stability and serenity. This can manifest through accommodating others, going with the flow, and sometimes even merging with the desires and plans of those around them. Nines often have a calm and easy-going demeanor, making them pleasant company and excellent at mediating disputes. However, this desire to keep the peace can sometimes lead to a tendency to avoid personal needs and feelings, resulting in complacency or numbness to self.

“I really just want everyone to get along, including myself. It’s easier for me to go with the flow than to rock the boat. When things are peaceful, I feel happy and settled, but I have to remind myself to stick up for myself sometimes too.” – Taylor, an Enneagram 9

Find out more about Nines: 10 Things Enneagram 9s Need in Relationships

What Do You Think?

Which Enneagram motivations line up with your own? Do you have any stories or experiences that you think would be interesting or helpful to others? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments!