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In this post we examine some ways to support Enneagram TYPE 3: The Achiever and why Prehnite is an ideal supportive gemstone.
If you need a quick recap on The Enneagram, you can learn more HERE. In this age of technology that keeps most of us at an arm's length hungry for connection, it's a beautifully reassuring tool we can use to know ourselves and each other better.
We hope to be in service with the Enneagram Collection by helping you get to know more deeply your own type, what nurtures you, how to help others by seeing them more clearly through knowing their type, and how to utilize the amazing power of gemstones to lean into and support each type.
And did you know each of us have ALL the Types in us. One or two are likely more dominant, but no matter your Type, understanding them all helps you better understand and have compassion for others.
See our other posts on Type 1, Type 2, Type 4, Type 5, Type 6, Type 7, Type 8, & Type 9.
According to our Enneagram expert Sarajane Case, Type Threes can be described as the following:
Type Threes are driven, motivated, and goal-oriented. They learned somewhere along the way that their worth is determined by what they can achieve. They tend to orient in the world with an awareness of where they stand in comparison to other people. Focusing on always doing better, achieving more, and being generally enjoyed by others. Type threes are skilled at engaging with others. They can read body language, take the temperature of a room, and get a general feeling for how they can show up to be both liked and impressive. Type Threes have very high standards for themselves and what they must accomplish, although it is often not their own ideals that drive this. Many Threes adopt their desires from society, their immediate family, or even their close friends. The focus becomes less on their personal agenda and more on what is viewed as the most successful thing to be based off of the culture they are most entrenched in.
Type Threes are inspiring, accomplished, capable, productive, efficient, and likely the person who makes you want to do more, be more, and dream bigger!
How Can I Support Myself As An Enneagram Type Three?
(I happen to be a Type Three and can speak from my own experience.) First, you should not turn your healing into a moment for overachieving. (Whew that's a hard one!) I remind myself (often) that I am enough. I work with the idea that being born was enough for me to deserve love and have value. I remind myself I don't need to change or perform to be loved. I forgive myself for my mistakes, and I don't hide those mistakes from others. I try to lessen the times when I compare myself to others, and I examine goals I set for myself. Setting ridiculous, unachievable goals was a method I used to prove my self worthlessness to myself. Now I take things much more day by day and do my best.
How Can I Support Someone I Love Who Is An Enneagram Type Three?
Assure them they are valuable and worthy just by being. Let them be their authentic self around you. Allow them to process all kinds of emotions (not just the happy acceptable ones). Praise their truthfulness about their own process and help them to see that even in so called "failure" they are loveable. Overachievers have a hard time prioritizing fun, just for fun sake, so help them by bringing the fun and encouraging them to participate in it. True vulnerability is a tough one for Threes because it shows who they really are and that even they have needs. Treat their vulnerability as the sacred gift.
Gemstone To Support Enneagram Type Threes
Prehnite helps to provide protection and support during times of vulnerability. It encourages a deeper dive into what's truly going on. And it can act as a catalyst when touching center to recognize a Type Threes own intrinsic value.
