Enneagram Type 3: Unlocking the Secrets of the Driven Achiever

We often hear about how people struggle to remain focused and find their purpose, how determination is crucial to attaining success, and how most find it difficult to maintain or improve their achievements because they rest on their laurels.

For many, success seems like the be-all and end-all, so when you come across Enneagram Type 3s, they seem to have it all. These Achievers are:

• Efficient
• Productive
• Focused
• Motivated
• Success-driven

A typical Type 3 can be heard saying: “If I’m not achieving something, I feel like I’m falling behind—standing still just isn’t an option.” 

Type Threes are not prepared to let their accomplishments alone do the talking. They work hard to attain their goals but also ensure their appearance portrays success to eliminate strangers’ doubts. You could be forgiven for thinking they could do no wrong. But as admirable as they look, everything is not rosy with the Enneagram Threes. Like every personality type, Enneagram 3s have several undesirable qualities that can be improved.

This article hopes to take an in-depth look at Enneagram Three, elaborating on their fears, motivations, desires, strengths, weaknesses, growth opportunities, and work preferences. Let’s get started.

What Is the Enneagram 3 Personality Type?

Within the Enneagram system, the Enneagram 3 personality type is known as the Achiever, Performer, or Go-getter. People with this personality type are charismatic, efficient, pragmatic, and productive.

They are confident, goal-oriented people who can focus during trying circumstances, adapt to different roles and situations, and motivate themselves and those around them to achieve their goals. Success, for them, depends on how others see them, as they usually require external validation to feel successful.

When it comes to the extroversion scale, how an individual Type 3 scores depends upon many factors. For example, one who puts all their energy into the things they want to achieve may score higher in introversion. Others who really tap into the social side of this Enneagram type are likely to be extroverted. Yet other Enneagram 3s may score as ambiverts, depending on where they are in the pursuit of their goals.

Not all Achievers are alike. Each of the nine Enneagram Types can share certain traits with two other adjacent types, known as the Enneagram Wings.

The Enneagram personality types adjacent to Enneagram 3 are Enneagram Two (The Giver) and Enneagram Four (The Individualist). Wing combinations created this way share certain core traits, but they are also subtly different from each other:

• The Charmer—or the Type Three with Two Wing, Enneagram 3w2—combines the relentless pursuit of success to enhance their public image and a personality type that focuses on helping others. 
• The Professional—the Four-Wing variant, Enneagram 3w4s—still want to achieve goals and feel valuable, but they are more in touch with their own feelings and are introspective and self-reflective

What Are Enneagram 3’s Fears?

Achievers’ worst fears are:

• Failure
• Worthlessness
• Incompetence
• Insignificance
• Being perceived as having any of those qualities

They deal with their basic fear of failure by exploring all the means available to succeed, guaranteeing their value to others.

It’s Not Just About Winning (Okay, Maybe a Little)—Enneagram 3s’ Desires

While Achievers do everything to succeed, it may not be their greatest desire. Usually, it is just a means to an end. It explains why being perceived as successful can work as well for them as actually succeeding.

Their basic desire is to:

• Feel valued
• Worthwhile
• Accepted by people

So, they chase success because they believe people are drawn to it and will accept and admire them if they attain it.

What Motivates Enneagram 3s? What Really Fuels Them

Achievers strive to consistently excel at the highest level, sometimes even exploring ways to stand out from the crowd so that people notice their achievements. They are motivated by:

• The need to succeed
• Accomplish goals
• Avoid failure

For Type 3s, success isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. Their drive often stems from a deep need to feel valued and worthy in the eyes of others. As one Achiever might put it, “If I’m not the best at what I do, then what’s the point of doing it at all?”

The Stress Behind Success: What Weighs on Enneagram 3s?

Achievers experience stress when faced with a lack of progress or constant failure, which brings unwanted negative attention. They feel stressed when a problem is too hard to solve. As people who chase success to gain public praise, Type Threes are stressed by being perceived negatively or not being noticed.

They also experience stress when people do not give them credit after a well-done job.

In life’s twists and turns, Enneagram 3s are also influenced by their Arrows. Depending on whether they are on a stress or growth path, they may take on negative traits of Type 9 (becoming disengaged or complacent) or embrace the authentic depth of Type 6, learning to value cooperation and security over image alone.

Enneagram 3 Key Traits: 11 Signs Someone Is an Achiever

Taking an Enneagram test may be the only way to be sure of your Enneagram type, but some signs can get you close enough to know your personality type. The following signs indicate that someone is an Achiever.

1. When They Set a Goal, They Almost Always Accomplish It

When Achievers set a goal, they employ everything they can to accomplish it. They can break them down into smaller goals and focus on achieving them one at a time. Every new opportunity for success excites them.

2. They Are Very Competitive, Sometimes to a Fault

There is no doubt that healthy competition can drive success and improve learning. Achievers are highly competitive. In the absence of fellow competitors, they are eager to compete against themselves to improve on their previous efforts. Because of their strong drive to succeed, many Type 3s also have a Type A personality.

3. Their Image Means Everything to Them

Type 3s constantly avoid anything that can tarnish their image. They recognize the activities and actions that can help them garner praise and positive attention and spare no effort to perform them excellently.

4. Looking Successful Is Just as Important as Being Successful

Achievers rarely dress shabbily to an event. Threes understand that how people dress is how they are addressed, so they try their best to look successful. A stranger can immediately peg them as important by noticing their status symbols.

5. They Do Not Rest on Their Laurels

Achievers place a high value on success, working consistently to meet the ridiculously high standards they set for themselves. Once they achieve the goals they set, they immediately reach for another.

6. They Try to Be the Best in Everything They Do

Type Threes are not there to make up the numbers. When they take on a challenge, they intend to blow it completely out of the water. It’s easier to notice and admire them when they are the best at what they do.

7. They Adapt Easily to Different Situations

While others may struggle to cope with a change in environment, Type Threes blend into different social situations and build connections easily.

8. They Can Hold Their Own in Social Settings

Threes are confident, self-assured, and charismatic. They always make good first impressions, understand others easily, and communicate ideas effectively.

9. They Hardly Ever Have Free Time

Threes are always busy because they set many goals without sparing time to relax and celebrate after achieving them. They move on to the next goal immediately after finishing the previous one. This may make dating an Enneagram 3 challenging, but a compatible partner will understand the Achiever’s ambition.

10. They Can’t Cope With Failure

Threes believe failure is a fast road to worthlessness and insignificance, so they do everything to prevent it. They are hard on themselves when it happens but do not dwell on the failure. They are eager to move on and chase success.

11. They Crave External Validation

Threes chase success because they believe it is the surest way to build their value in public and gain admiration. They want to be praised for being special, accepted for doing wonderful things, admired for standing out, and credited for a well-done job. 

Enneagram Three Strengths

Achievers have several good qualities classified as strengths, forming part of their personality and giving them an advantage over others in specific situations. The following are common strengths of the Type 3 Enneagram.

• They are success-driven.
• They are goal-getters who can influence or encourage others to reach their goals.
• They are efficient, productive, and practical.
• They make friends easily.
• They are charismatic and often make good first impressions.
• They remain focused on their goal despite stress.
• They adapt easily to new situations and roles.
• They are confident and ambitious.
• They motivate others.
• They understand others and build connections easily.
• They are self-assured.

With such core values, Achievers are employers’ dream. The best careers for Type Three should feature opportunities for career growth, recognition for their efforts, and the provision of high-profile projects. Many Type 3s have what it takes to be successful entrepreneurs as long as they stay grounded.

Enneagram Three Weaknesses

Despite all the Achiever’s redeeming qualities that make them seem like the envy of the town, they also have their baggage. The following are common weaknesses of the Type 3 Enneagram.

• They can be too concerned with their image.
• They struggle to cope with failure from themselves or others.
• They require external validation.
• They can be too competitive and sometimes insensitive.
• They neglect their own feelings.
• They are prone to anxiety from fear of failure.
• They always want more and are seldom satisfied.
• They are prone to burnout because they overwork themselves.

Growth Opportunities for Enneagram Type 3

Growth opportunities can come in the form of utilizing your strengths where they can deliver the greatest impact or improving upon your weaknesses to minimize vulnerability. Type Threes, as impressive as they seem from the outside, have several traits they could change for the better. If you’re an Achiever, the following tips can help you grow significantly — spiritually, personally, and professionally — all while taking care of your physical health.

Keep in mind that the direction of your growth may vary depending on your instinctual subtype. Therefore, make these tips your own based on what instinct dominates your relationship with the world.

Take a Break

Achievers struggle to take breaks because they believe it slows them down, makes them lazy, and distracts them from the important things. However, breaks are necessary to prevent your body from stress and burnout. Studies also show that breaks aid performance and productivity, increase focus, replenish energy, and improve mental health and well-being. 

Type 3s can benefit from learning time management techniques that encourage breaks as part of the process, like the Pomodoro Method.

Live in the Moment through Mindfulness Practice

Threes work in a fast-paced environment where their eye is always on the goal, leaving no time to reflect on the job done or enjoy the moment. Practicing mindfulness, like taking deep breaths, can help them reduce stress and anxiety, prevent burnout, focus better, and improve their relationships.

Appreciate the Little Things

Be grateful for the little things in life that bring you joy and happiness. Your actions don’t always have to be a means to achieving your lofty goals. Enjoy the little moments. 

Reduce the Desire for External Validation

Your true value does not depend on how much external praise you get. Be yourself, not who the world wants you to be. Neglecting your real emotions to do what you think people want won’t help you find fulfillment. Practice self-care by putting your feelings first.

Don’t Be Scared of Failure

One of Confucius’ most famous quotes reads, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Failure isn’t the end unless you give up. When you react well to failure, you can learn from your mistakes and try again harder. The fear of failure doesn’t prevent you from failing; it only stops you from trying.

Practice Self-Compassion to Reduce Self-Criticism When You Make Mistakes

Mistakes are inevitable in life, so instead of beating yourself up when you make them, practice self-compassion by forgiving yourself, understanding that it is only a minor setback, retracing your steps, and going at it again with full tilt and lessons learned.

Open Up to The Right Person and Share Your Own Feelings

One of life’s most important lessons is that you can’t please everyone, and it’s pointless to try. It is incredibly tiring to suppress your emotions and always be your best self around people. You desperately need an outlet, someone who understands and supports you even at your worst.

Enneagram 3 Celebrities

Celebrities are famous because they are good at their work. Young children look up to them and choose them as role models. However, it’s important to remember that celebrities share personalities with ordinary people. Type 3 Celebrities are no different from the average Enneagram Type 3 people.

We’ve categorized the following Enneagram 3 celebrities based on their profession. Remember, this Enneagram typing is based upon public perception, not actual Enneagram test results.

• Actors like Tom Cruise,  Will Smith, George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Actresses like Angelina Jolie and Reese Witherspoon
• Singers like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber
• Athletes like Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali, and Andre Agassi
• Politicians like Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi
• Other Entertainers like Oprah Winfrey and David Copperfield.
• Fictional Characters like Marjaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones, Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation, Rachel Berry in Glee, and Don Draper in Mad Men.

Levels of Development of Enneagram Type 3

Different stages of personal development can occur within the same personality. Some people adopt several healthy behaviors at an early age, while some tend to make the right decisions as they grow. When you prioritize personal growth, you tend to adopt more healthy behaviors and eliminate unhealthy ones. Let’s examine the different levels of development for the Enneagram type 3.

Healthy Threes: What Is an Enneagram 3 at Their Best?

Enneagram 3s are at their best when they are healthy. Healthy Threes have high self-esteem and build better relationships. Their personal growth allowed them to lose touch with the things that did not fulfill them. They realized that sacrificing their feelings to do things that make people accept them is a worthless basic desire.

A high-functioning Enneagram Type Three is more self-accepting and can take constructive feedback. These 3s understand their value comes from loving themselves for who they are and not what others expect them to be. They use their strengths to help people and motivate others to achieve their goals.

Average Threes: What is Your Typical Enneagram 3 Like?

Average 3s display average levels of the two extremes. They possess some unhealthy and healthy traits. They are ambitious, success-driven, action-oriented, and confident but rely on public validation.

Unhealthy Threes: What Is an Enneagram 3 at Their Worst?

Unhealthy Enneagram 3s are self-serving and overly competitive, sometimes trying to outdo their colleagues when working cooperatively is required. They suffer from low self-esteem because they place their value and happiness in the hands of others who inevitably disappoint them.

They lie to themselves and others about who they are and project an image of themselves they believe people are more likely to accept. Jealousy, laziness, deceit, anger, and hostility are common traits of unhealthy Type Threes.

Redefine What It Means to You to Achieve Success

It’s one thing for the world to believe the frequently bandied-around mantra “You’re only as good as your last success”; it’s another for you to allow it to define your actions. This mantra explains why Enneagram Type Threes don’t reflect on their current success before they try to achieve another. It’s what happens when your sense of fulfillment and your own emotions depend on how well the public accepts your efforts. 

Take a step back and think about what success means to you, why you set out to accomplish the goals in front of you, and whether those goals align with what you hold dear. Only then can you truly redefine success and live a more fulfilled life.  

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