Have you ever wondered what drives the world's most successful people? The ones who seem to effortlessly climb to the top of their chosen fields, constantly striving for new achievements?
Truthfully, we can all live our dream life with proper planning and discipline. However, Type 3 Enneagram individuals often go the extra mile to achieve their goals in the face of challenges.
The Enneagram Type 3 personality, also known as "The Achiever," is marked by a core desire to be admired, valued, and seen as successful. They are the competitive overachievers who set lofty goals and don't rest until they're attained.
The good thing about the Type 3 personality? Their natural winning spirit lets them blaze through life, racking up one accomplishment after another. From entertainment icons to business moguls, this insatiable need for achievement has propelled numerous Type 3s into the spotlight.
In this article, we will explore some Enneagram 3 famous people we think you will recognize.
Get ready to discover your favorite celebrities who exhibit the trademark traits of this “go-getter” personality and learn through their experiences how to become your best self.
Enneagram 3 Famous People Who Achieved Success in Their Careers
While their thirst for success is undeniably impressive, Enneagram Type 3 personalities are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they have the natural drive to achieve goals no matter how lofty. However, this same drive can become an unhealthy obsession with status, image, and unhealthy competition.
The goal-oriented nature of Enneagram 3 is fantastic for getting things done, but when their high standards are coupled with Type A personality traits, it can throw a wrench in work-life balance. This is not necessarily a bad thing because it does take effort and determination to achieve great things; it’s just a word of caution for people with Enneagram 3 traits to take care of their well-being.
Of course, these are general tendencies— every person expresses their personality type uniquely.
When Enneagram typing historical figures and superstars, it is important to note that we can only judge based on public behavior and professional accomplishments. A proper Enneagram personality assessment is the only way to definitively determine someone's Enneagram type.
That said, countless famous personalities seem to exhibit core Type 3 traits through their drive for success, need for admiration, and ambitious pursuit of goals.
Our famous Enneagram 3 list is based on extensive research, observed behaviors and traits, and some educated "guesses;" we have selected award winners and big names like Taylor Swift, Will Smith, Michael Jordan, Tony Robbins, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Oprah Winfrey, and Angelina Jolie.
Let’s look at these nine famous Type 3s and see how their Achiever mentality influences their work ethics and boundary-pushing achievements.
Taylor Swift, The Record-Shattering Achiever, Focused on Conquering New Heights
From country music darling to global pop icon, Taylor Swift's career trajectory is a testament to her unwavering focus and ambition. Having started out writing songs in a tiny bedroom in Pennsylvania, her “go-getter” personality propelled her to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
As a true Type 3, Swift meticulously crafts her music, weaving personal experiences into relatable narratives that resonate with millions. Her constant reinvention and genre-bending showcase her drive to stay ahead of the curve.
While most of Taylor’s career exemplifies her type 3 traits, we can’t look past her lyrics' emotional depth and complexities that hint at her type 4 side (The Romantic). Her ever-changing music shows how our personalities aren't fixed. We can share qualities across different Enneagram types, and life experiences can influence how those qualities manifest.
Will Smith, The Showman Who Achieved Rap, Sitcom and Movie Stardom
When it comes to famous Enneagram Type 3 personalities, few celebrities exemplify the ambitious, charismatic Achiever quite like Will Smith. The award-winning actor's career shows his goal-focused nature and unquenchable thirst for success.
From his early days as a rapper, Smith set his sights on global fame and didn't stop achieving one impressive goal after another— conquering TV, movies, and pretty much every entertainment arena.
His self-assured personality and infectious drive propel him to reinvent himself seamlessly while staying laser-focused on accomplishing the next big thing, which is pure Type 3 energy. These qualities have cemented his status as a box office titan and fan favorite.
Michael Jordan, The Ultimate Competitor Whose Drive for Success Was Unmatched
Michael Jordan's dominance on the basketball court is a prime example of a Type 3 in action. His competitive spirit and relentless work ethic propelled him to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Rising to superstardom at a young age, Jordan's core values revolved around achievement and exceeding expectations. He wasn't just satisfied with winning; he craved dominance, constantly pushing himself and his teammates to be the best.
In true Type 3 spirit, Jordan's influence stretched far beyond the sport. He leveraged his fame into a successful business empire, proving his desire to excel in new arenas.
Tony Robbins, Motivating the Masses Through One Man's Relentless Drive
Tony Robbins, the world-renowned public speaker and self-help guru, is a prime example of a high-functioning Enneagram Type 3. His relentless drive and infectious enthusiasm are hallmarks of his personality.
Robbins has built a multi-million dollar empire by empowering others to "accomplish goals" (a core Type 3 desire) and achieve their full potential. He is also known for organizing high-energy workshops and motivational speeches that resonate with millions seeking to unlock their inner Achiever.
While some Enneagram 3s might struggle with workaholism or a fear of failure, Robbins channels this drive for a positive impact. He uses his platform to inspire and motivate others, demonstrating how Type 3 ambition can be harnessed to create positive change personally and for others.
Tom Cruise, The Action Star Always Chasing the Next Daring Feat
Tom Cruise embodies the classic Enneagram 3 character. With a career spanning over four decades, the American actor is a household name synonymous with action and adventure and a peculiar type of success that defines this personality type.
From an early age, Cruise was focused on achieving fame, which led him to drop out of Seminary School to pursue his dreams. Looking at his achievements as one of the most recognized celebs, you can see that this determination paid off in spades.
With three Golden Globes and daring stunt performances, Cruise exudes Type 3's energetic drive and intense competitiveness. For this Type 3, being admired as a talented acting powerhouse matters as much as achieving commercial success.
George Clooney, The Charismatic Star Mastering Every Role
George Clooney is the epitome of an Enneagram Type 3, seamlessly blending charm and ambition in his multifaceted career. Rising from television roles to become an Oscar-winning actor and acclaimed director, Clooney’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence that typifies Type 3s.
His early shift from broadcast journalism studies to pursuing acting full-time reflects a classic Type 3 move toward visible success and recognition. Clooney's achievements in both acting and directing, along with his ability to remain a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond, demonstrate his adeptness at maintaining a polished, admirable image—key for a Type 3.
With his dashing looks and suave demeanor, Clooney not only garners critical acclaim but also embodies the Type 3 desire to be seen as successful and appealing in the public eye.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Tortured Literary Genius Obsessed with Fame
F. Scott Fitzgerald, the literary mind behind "The Great Gatsby," embodies the complex nature of Enneagram Type 3. His competitive nature and thirst for fame were evident from the start, with his determination to make it as a writer fueling an intense work ethic.
His novels are now beloved classics. However, during his life, the American author desperately craved the admiration and status he felt his artistic accomplishments deserved.
Fitzgerald was painfully self-conscious about his work, deriving his self-worth from the praise and success it received. This insecurity and his constant pursuit of the next literary achievement align with Type Three's fear of being a failure or underachiever. For this tortured creative genius, recognition as one of the greatest novelists was both an obsession and a badge of honor.
Oprah Winfrey, The Cultural Icon Who Willed Her Dreams Into Reality
Oprah Winfrey is an inspirational Enneagram Type 3s who has achieved staggering success against all odds. From enduring an abusive childhood to becoming one of the most influential and admired public figures on earth, Oprah's trailblazing journey is a testament to Type 3’s relentless determination.
The media mogul's ability to overcome adversity and work hard towards ambitious goals is a classic Enneagram 3 behavior. With her talk show empire, book club, acting roles, and numerous accolades, including the “Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Oprah continuously seeks out new avenues to cement her legacy as an accomplished cultural icon worthy of reverence.
Oprah's story proves that Type 3s, in a healthy state, can harness their drive for good and become powerful motivational role models.
Angelina Jolie, Displays a Relentless Pursuit of Success on Every Stage
Angelina Jolie is one celebrity with the chameleon-like ability of Enneagram Type 3s to constantly reinvent themselves. The acclaimed actress has seamlessly shape-shifted through varied, accomplished personas— from a wild child to a prestigious actress/ filmmaker to a respected humanitarian and, finally, a doting mother.
While her on-screen presence and dedication to her craft are undeniable hallmarks of Type 3, Jolie's passion for humanitarian work adds another dimension to her personality. Her advocacy for refugees and commitment to global causes demonstrate a potential "four-wing" influence, where a desire to make a meaningful contribution complements the core Type 3 drive.
Jolie's story showcases how Type 3s can excel in various fields while using their success to create positive change in the world.
Finding Yourself Through the Enneagram Personality Types
Whether trailblazing entertainers, elite athletes, business tycoons, entrepreneurs, or charismatic public figures, Enneagram Type 3s share the same core driving motivations of leaving a mark on the world through their accomplishments.
Aside from these real-life celebs, fictional characters also left a mark in our hearts for their Achiever spirit. There’s Rachel Berry from “Glee,” Mad Men’s Don Draper, and even the charismatic Gaston from “The Beauty and the Beast.”
If you find yourself nodding along with the experiences and traits of Taylor Swift, Will Smith, Michael Jordan, Tony Robbins, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Oprah Winfrey, and Angelina Jolie, chances are you've got a bit of that Type 3 sparkle yourself!
Whether it's Taylor Swift's relentless pursuit of her dreams, Will Smith's infectious charisma, Michael Jordan's legendary drive for excellence, Tony Robbins' boundless energy, Tom Cruise's unstoppable determination, George Clooney's charisma and talent, F. Scott Fitzgerald's creative ambition, Oprah Winfrey's unstoppable spirit, or Angelina Jolie's fierce advocacy, there's a little something for every Type 3 to relate to.
But hey, if the Enneagram 3 vibes aren't quite your jam, don't fret! These folks serve as beacons of inspiration for everyone. Maybe you're more of a laid-back Type 9 or an introspective Type 5. Regardless, there are plenty of lessons to learn from their journeys.
So, whether you're channeling your inner Taylor, Will, Michael, Tony, Tom, George, F. Scott, Oprah, or Angelina, or simply admiring from afar, remember this: your path is unique, and greatness comes in all shapes and sizes.
Keep shining, keep striving, and most importantly, keep being authentically you!
We hope these famous type 3s inspire you to appreciate your unique traits and dive deeper into your Enneagram personality. Whether you are just getting started with the Enneagram or have already taken a personality test, remember that understanding who you are is the first step to a more fulfilling life journey.
