The Enneagram for Teensنموونە

Type One: The Moral Compass

Type Ones are known as the Reformer, the Perfectionist, and the Idealist. They are our moral compass friends who genuinely want to be a good person. They would never steal, cheat, or do something that would make them appear immoral. They’re the type that cannot tell a lie and are usually right in an argument because they’ve gathered all the facts. (Since they want to make sure they are right!)

Typically, Ones are organized and always want to improve things, but these traits can cause them to fall into crippling perfectionism and criticism. Ones have an inner critic that tends to be harsher and louder than other types’.

Ones are extremely good at problem-solving and can jump into that mode very quickly, which makes them great in a crisis. Unless, of course, they hop into that mode when the person talking just wants to express their emotions and feel heard without getting a list of solutions. They may offer advice when it’s not asked or get offended when someone doesn't follow their suggestions. This is a tough hurdle to overcome, but the more growth the One achieves, the more they are able to hold advice loosely and know that it’s still helpful, even if the person doesn’t “obey.”

Their core fear is being corrupt or a bad person. They strive to not only be seen as perfect but be perfect. This is incredibly challenging for type Ones, which is why they can often be plagued by fear and self-doubt. The wounding childhood messages Ones believe are “It’s not okay to make mistakes” or “You have to be perfect.” Both their core fear and core desire stem from this belief.

Their core desire is to have integrity, be balanced, and be a good person. In order to do that, they may have rigid disciplines and be hard on themselves. They desperately want to be morally sound, which is why they are the moral compass friend we can always count on to do what is right. Their desire for things to be fair is why people look to them for guidance and honesty.

An important thing for a One to remember is that no matter what, they can trust the Lord over their inner critic to guide them. He loves his children, and their actions cannot reduce his love for them. If you are a One, please read this closely: Your actions cannot reduce God’s love for you.

It’s also crucial for a One to remember that the Lord is not expecting perfection, just presence. You do not have to be perfect, friend. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–24). Sit with him in his presence, and you will begin to feel a shift of faith.

The harsh ideas you once believed will soften, and you will be able to rest in God’s provision and care. He welcomes us into his presence and allows us to shed the idea of perfection so his strength can be made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).

Are you a type One? Before we move on to the next type, there’s one thing I want you to know. When the Lord sees you, he sees your heart. He knows you long to be good and righteous, and he loves you unconditionally. As soon as you ask for it, you are forgiven. Walk in confidence, dear One, that God made no mistakes when he made you.