Trusting yourself isn’t always easy. We second-guess decisions, seek external validation, and sometimes silence our inner voice out of fear of being wrong. But self-trust is the foundation of a confident, fulfilling life.
The Enneagram is a powerful tool to help us understand why we doubt ourselves—and how to start trusting our instincts. Each type has its own struggles with self-trust, but also a unique path to reclaiming confidence.
Let’s explore how each Enneagram type can strengthen self-trust and step fully into their power.
Type 1: The Perfectionist – Trust Yourself Beyond Perfection
Your challenge: Relying on rules and high standards instead of trusting your own judgment.
How to build self-trust: Accept that "good enough" is still good. Not every decision needs to be perfect.
Practice telling yourself, "I can trust myself, even when things aren’t flawless."
Type 2: The Helper – Trust That You Are Enough Without Overgiving
Your challenge: Looking to others for approval and validation.
How to build self-trust: Pause before saying "yes" and check in with yourself.
Ask, "Am I doing this because I want to, or because I feel I have to?"
Learn to trust that your worth isn’t tied to how much you do for others.
Type 3: The Achiever – Trust That You Are Valuable Without External Success
Your challenge: Seeking validation through accomplishments.
How to build self-trust: Take time to slow down and listen to what you actually want—not just what will make you look successful.
Remind yourself, "I trust that I am worthy, even when I’m not achieving."
Type 4: The Individualist – Trust That Your Emotions Don’t Define You
Your challenge: Getting lost in emotions and questioning your place in the world.
How to build self-trust: Emotions are real, but they aren’t always true. When self-doubt creeps in, ground yourself in facts:
"I trust that I am not my feelings—I am deeper and stronger than any passing emotion."
Type 5: The Investigator – Trust That You Know Enough to Take Action
Your challenge: Over-researching and hesitating to act.
How to build self-trust: You don’t need to have all the answers before making a move.
Start small: take a risk, speak up, try something new. Tell yourself, "I trust myself to learn as I go."
Type 6: The Loyalist – Trust Yourself More Than Your Fears
Your challenge: Overanalyzing and seeking reassurance from others.
How to build self-trust: Instead of asking others for advice, pause and ask yourself,
"What do I already know?" Build confidence by making small, independent decisions.
Type 7: The Enthusiast – Trust That You Can Handle Difficult Moments
Your challenge: Avoiding discomfort by staying busy or distracted.
How to build self-trust: Slow down. Sit with discomfort instead of running from it.
Remind yourself, "I trust that I can handle any emotion that arises."
Type 8: The Challenger – Trust That Vulnerability is Strength
How to build self-trust: Let people in. Trust that you don’t have to be the strongest person in the room to be respected.
Affirm: "I trust myself enough to be seen as I truly am."
Type 9: The Peacemaker – Trust That Your Voice Matters
Your challenge: Avoiding conflict by staying silent.
How to build self-trust: Speak up, even if it feels uncomfortable. Trust that your thoughts and opinions are worth sharing.
Tell yourself, "I trust that what I say and want is important."
Final Thoughts: You Already Have the Answers
Self-trust isn’t about never making mistakes—it’s about believing that whatever happens, you can handle it.
The Enneagram helps us see where we doubt ourselves, but it also shows us our inner wisdom.
You already have everything you need inside you.
It’s time to start believing in yourself.
Which Enneagram type are you? How do you build self-trust in your life?
Comments