We’re kicking off the Core Motivations series with the Core Fear of each Enneagram Type.
“Fear has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar
Remember, within the Enneagram, our core motivations are a deep, often unconscious driving force behind why we do what we do.
The Core Fear of each Enneagram type is what you move away from, try to prevent, or intentionally work to avoid at all costs.
Here are the core fear for each type and examples of how it might show up in life’s circumstances:
Type 1 – The Reformer
Core Fear: Being wrong, bad, or corrupt.
Example: A Type 1 may obsess over small mistakes in an email they sent, worrying that even minor imperfections reflect poorly on their character.
Type 2 – The Helper
Core Fear: Being unwanted, unloved, or unneeded.
Example: A Type 2 might feel anxious when a friend doesn’t respond to their messages, fearing they are no longer valued or needed in the relationship.
Type 3 – The Achiever
Core Fear: Being worthless, failing, or seen as unsuccessful.
Example: A Type 3 may avoid situations where they might fail publicly, like trying a new
hobby in front of others, because they fear looking incompetent.
Type 4 – The Individualist
Core Fear: Being insignificant, unseen, or without identity.
Example: A Type 4 may feel deeply hurt when someone compares them to others, fearing that they are not unique or special enough.
Type 5 – The Investigator
Core Fear: Being helpless, incapable, or dependent on others.
Example: A Type 5 might refuse to ask for help, even when overwhelmed, because they fear being seen as needy or unprepared.
Type 6 – The Loyalist
Core Fear: Being unsafe, abandoned, or without support.
Example: A Type 6 may overanalyze every possible risk before making a decision, fearing
that they’ll be left vulnerable if they choose wrong.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
Core Fear: Feeling trapped in pain, boredom, or deprivation.
Example: A Type 7 might overbook their schedule with fun activities to avoid sitting alone with difficult emotions or boredom.
Type 8 – The Challenger
Core Fear: Being weak, powerless, or controlled.
Example: A Type 8 may resist following strict rules at work because they fear losing their independence or being under someone else’s control.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
Core Fear: Conflict, disconnection, or being overlooked.
Example: A Type 9 may stay silent in a heated discussion, even if they disagree, because they fear rocking the boat or causing tension.
Please know, the examples might not resonate exactly with you, but your true type’s Core Fear will at some level strike a cord or show up in a pattern.
Understanding your Core Fear can help you:
✅ Recognize when you’re reacting out of fear instead of truth
✅ Break free from automatic, fear-based patterns
✅ Feel more in control of your emotions and choices
Fear doesn’t have the final say - God does.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Are one of these fears quietly influencing your choices?
Take a deep breath, get curious, and give a few minutes to reflect on how your type’s core fear might be present in your life.
What if facing your fear could lead to your biggest breakthrough?
We believe in you - you can break free from previous patterns and respond from a place of strength and peace.
Standing courageously with you,
Katie and Kristan