Enneagram Type 6: Typical Stressors & Strengths

The Enneagram Type 6 personality (The Loyalist) marches to its own drum beat, i.e. a different set of motivations, desires and fears from the other eight EnneaTypes. Let’s decode the typical factors – both Stressors & Strengths – that can impact the Enneagram Type 6’s health and well-being. 

Important caveat: The insights provided here are noticeable patterns drawn from many years of studying thousands of people around the world. They are indicative only, and not predictive or judgmental. Also, not all of these observations may apply to you. The aim is to prompt reflection and inspiration, rather than put you into a box. 

Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist

enneagram type 7 strengths and stressors

  • The committed, security-oriented type.
  • Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy.
  • Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it.
  • They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious.
  • Besides, they typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion.
  • At their Best: they are internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

Strengths & Stressors

People with the Enneagram Type 6 personality display certain traits, which can influence their health and well-being at multiple levels.

Typical Stressors Typical Strengths

Physical

 They tend to overvalue structure, order and routine. They may develop fixed (even rigid) habits, becoming finicky and fastidious. As a result, they are likely to work excessively. Also, they may minimise sleeping hours to complete their long task-list. Caution: Risk of addiction to stimulants: caffeine, amphetamines, anti-depressants. They cultivate flexibility and experimentation to balance their vigilant and disciplined approach. Hence, they can be be energised and nourished by a stable and relaxed lifestyle.

Emotional

 They experience negative emotions like self-doubt, suspicion and worry/anxiety. Given their over-cautious and hyper-vigilant nature, they may also be prone to Paranoia or co-dependence. They can display passive-aggressive tendencies. They can let go anxiety about how things “may turn out” and trust things “as they unfold”. As a result, they acquire security, courage, and boldness. Their essential “dependability” shines through.

Mental

 The Enneagram Type 6 views the world as uncertain and risky, even dangerous. So, they find it hard to see and trust the upsides of life. Particularly, they fear being lost, insecure and inferior. Might use phrases like “I do what I am supposed to do, others don’t” or “It isn’t OK to trust yourself or others” or “I will fail if I don’t take every precaution”. They live by their values of loyalty, commitment and responsibility. Hence, they use their ability to sense and monitor that things are going as per plan, and trouble-shoot/ take early corrective actions.

Relational

 They can get disturbed by change, unpredictability, disorganized systems and lack of structure. Also, they an become defensive, evasive and anxious, constantly complaining and testing others commitment. They inspire others to demonstrate faith and trust in themselves and others.

Spiritual

 Losing contact with the innate grounding and imperishability of Presence makes them feel lost and insecure. Their ego copes by worrying about a dangerous world and avoiding risk. It is also how Fear (“Bhaya” in the Indian tradition) … arises. Staying ‘Present’ helps them rediscover the ‘Courage’ they have lost. Instead of looking outwards for support, they can take charge of securing their existence and growth.

Further Exploration

If these insights regarding the Enneagram Type 6 don’t resonate with you, please review the typical Stressors & Strengths of the other EnneaTypes, below. If you wish, you can learn more about your Personality type and also take a more detailed (paid) test at www.enneagraminstitute.com.

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