What Each Enneagram Type Avoids (and the Powerful Growth That Happens When They Don’t)
Discover the core fear each Enneagram type tries to escape—and how real transformation begins when we finally face it.
What Are You Avoiding?
Every Enneagram type has something they’ll go out of their way to avoid—a feeling, truth, or experience that feels deeply uncomfortable. Yet, in most cases, real growth happens the moment we stop avoiding and start leaning in. Not easy—but it’s often the turning point in a healing journey.
Curious about your type or want to confirm it? Michael Shahan’s guide, How to Find Your Enneagram Number, is a great place to begin.
Growth Paths by Type (Facing What We Avoid)
Enneagram 1 – The Reformer
Ones avoid making mistakes or being "bad." They chase perfection to avoid guilt. Growth begins when they embrace humanity over perfection and realize grace trumps guilt.
Enneagram 2 – The Helper
Twos avoid meeting their own needs, preferring to give endlessly. Growth begins when they name their desires, ask directly, and accept that they are lovable—even when they aren’t serving.
Enneagram 3 – The Achiever
Threes avoid failure or being seen as unsuccessful. Growth begins when they drop the mask and let others value them for who they are, not what they do.
Enneagram 4 – The Individualist
Fours avoid feeling ordinary or emotionally flat. Growth begins when they discover beauty in the mundane and learn that uniqueness doesn’t need drama.
Enneagram 5 – The Investigator
Fives avoid overwhelm and emotional exposure. Growth begins when they stay present in the messiness and see vulnerability as a bridge, not a threat.
Enneagram 6 – The Loyalist
Sixes avoid uncertainty and doubt. Growth begins when they trust their inner wisdom—even when the path isn’t 100% clear.
Enneagram 7 – The Enthusiast
Sevens avoid pain or limitation. Growth begins when they slow down, face discomfort, and find it meaningful and survivable.
Enneagram 8 – The Challenger
Eights avoid vulnerability and appearing weak. Growth begins when they open up and see that softness builds deeper connection.
Enneagram 9 – The Peacemaker
Nines avoid conflict and self-prioritization. Growth begins when they speak up, take space, and realize harmony doesn’t require invisibility.
Why Facing Avoidance Matters
Avoidance may feel protective, but ultimately it keeps us stuck. When we recognize what we avoid, we identify the doorway to growth. Leaning into discomfort with compassion unlocks healing, and that’s where transformation begins.
If you’d like to explore the dynamics of growth and stress in more depth, check out my post on Enneagram Shadow Lines, which offers insightful strategies for integrating those hidden parts of ourselves.
Ready to Grow?
Which avoidance pattern hit you hardest? Growth isn’t about fixing, it’s about meeting yourself honestly and choosing courage over comfort.
To continue your journey, subscribe to my free “Same Time Next Week” newsletter, where I share more in-depth Enneagram insights, reflection questions and therapy prompts, and self-compassion tools each week. Interested in diving deeper with one-on-one Enneagram coaching? Contact me to see what availability I have in my schedule for new clients. I would love to meet with you and explore further avenues of growth through the Enneagram!