Find Your Point of Release with The Enneagram | Sibylle

Am I the only one feeling distressed at the beginning of a new year?  

All the good intentions, goals and New Year’s resolutions are causing internal havoc. My inner critic is at full force. My mind is telling me that I should be doing this, or I should be doing that. And I definitely should be so much further at this point in my career. 

Does it sound familiar? 

What if I tell you that by nature, we all have a point of release to tap into during times of strain and distress. 

According to the ancient Enneagram assessment there are 9 types of personality in humankind. Your type is the core lens through which you interpret reality. Each core type has a Release and Growth Line. 

Your points of release can literally become your best friends when you consciously access healthy parts of your Release Line in times of distress. 

Get to know yourself well and start using your psychology in your favour. The Enneagram assessment is a great starting point for self-development and could be the best self-help book you’ll ever get. 

Check out the Release Lines for each Enneagram type and observe the calming effect on your nervous system as you start tapping into healthy aspects of your release line. 

The affirmational quote resonating the most may even give you an indication as to what your Enneagram type is. 

1. Strict Perfectionist → Release Line 7: Enthusiastic Visionary or Joyful Person
Take yourself and the situation less seriously. “Take a break before you break,” says Jerome Wagner, author of The Enneagram Spectrum. Be spontaneous, explore possibilities and integrate work and fun.

2. Considerate Helper → Release Line 4: Intense Creative or Original Person
You are just as special and important as anyone else. “Find the difference between me and we,” recommends Dirk Cloete, author of Integrative Enneagram for Practitioners. Express your needs, follow your own dreams, and tap into your creativity.

3. Competitive Achiever → Release Line 6: Loyal Sceptic or Effective Person
Be loyal to yourself by honouring and expressing your feelings. You do not need to be competent in everything! “Collaborating with others brings the support and resources you need to achieve success,” says Dirk Cloete and when cooperating, trust others to get things done as well.

4. Intense Creative → Release Line 1: Strict Perfectionist or The Good Person
Trust that you ARE good enough. “Put your show on the road instead of over rehearsing,” says Jerome Wagner. Anchor yourself with healthy personal rituals and routines that work for you.  There is freedom in ordinary structure.

5. Quiet Specialist → Release Line 8: Active Controller
Get in touch with your personal power and authority. “Take up more space, be forthright and forthcoming,” says Dirk Cloete. Trust that you are powerful and able to change and influence any situation. When moving from thinking into action you will gain more confidence and others will trust you too.

6. Loyal Sceptic → Release Line 9: Adaptive Peacemaker
“Instead of making mountains out of molehills, make molehills out of mountains,” recommends Jerome Wagner. Relax and go with the flow. Believe it or not, less structure can be good for you. Start to engage in activities that YOU choose, independent of what others expect or want from you.

7. Enthusiastic Visionary → Release Line 5: Quiet Specialist
Stay focused and stay with what you are doing. ”Chew and digest instead of gulping down indiscriminately,” recommends Jerome Wagner. Slow down when considering options. Be still and deepen your knowledge. Practice positive discipline when distractions arise.

8. Active Controller → Release Line 2: Considerate Helper
“Use your power to build others up and empower them versus tearing them down,” invites Jerome Wagner. Get in touch with your gentle side, practice (self) compassion, move towards and give yourself permission to share your heart in times of distress.

9. Adaptive Peacemaker → Release Line 3: Competitive Achiever
You matter! Your personal and professional goals and needs are important too! Focus on what YOU want. “Stay awake to your goals and make things happen,” recommends Dirk Cloete. Spend some time to gain clarity on what it is that you want. Clarity gets you moving forward. One step at a time.

To find out your Enneagram type and point of release, email enneagram@sibylle.co.za for an assessment link or visit my website. I facilitate the iEQ9 Enneagram assessment and I offer Enneagram workshops, team-building sessions, Enneagram debriefs and 1:1 coaching. Follow me on Instagram for Enneagram posts and the full series.