Getting off the Path of Burnout: How each Enneagram Type can fight the fires of overwhelm.
“According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome resulting from workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It’s characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.” - Ashley Abramson, in the article Burnout and Stress Are Everywhere on apa.org
Are you feeling that way these days? Many of us are.
When struggle is present, our Enneagram Type patterns jump into action. Our Type patterns exist because they have “worked.” Our experience knows how they have helped us survive our lives to this point. In certain kinds of stress, we move with the arrows of the symbol, and away from the behaviors of our Type. Burnout and overwhelm are different.
We move towards burnout when we are doubling down on our Type patterns, even when they aren’t serving us well.
We get stuck inside that definition of insanity that names it as doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. What if instead of doubling down, we used the wisdom of the Enneagram to choose something different? What if we opened to the energy of the arrow pointing towards our Types?
Here’s how each Enneagram Type can use the Enneagram as a tool to fight the fires of overwhelm before they become burnout.
When things are on fire, Type 1s will tend to double down on making things better.
You will work harder to fix processes, criticize those doing things wrong, or find a way to improve yourself. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 7, receiving the possibilities of spontaneity and fun? Make time for something you truly enjoy, and notice how good it feels (and how different enjoyment is from numbing out). What if there are potential for goodness right here and now, even if things don’t improve?
When things are on fire, Type 2s will tend to double down on doing what makes you feel essential.
You will notice the ways others depend on you, and feel compelled to keep doing what they “need” you to do. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 4, receiving the wisdom of your own feelings? Set aside space for therapy, creativity, or journalling, and notice how it feels to dive into your own inner world (maybe ask what changes are needed based on that reflection). What if people will be more okay than you think they will if you say no to them and yes to yourself?
When things are on fire, Type 3s will tend to double down on getting things done.
You will push away feelings of tiredness, drive towards goals, and worry about how others will perceive you if you do less. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 6, receiving the support of planning and cooperation? Lean into data about what is actually your job, and follow the guidelines that role provides (perhaps even trust others to play their roles). What if you found the courage to slow down and be vulnerable?
When things are on fire, Type 4s will tend to double down on absorbing the feelings of difficulty.
You will focus on how you are at fault, and get overwhelmed by questions about whether you are doing what you should be doing with your life. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 1, receiving the objectivity of responsible action? Set boundaries around getting the work done that is overwhelming you (and then celebrate the progress you make). What if organized practicality is no less meaningful than feelings of struggle?
When things are on fire, Type 5s will tend to double down on detaching to seek more information.
You will think you need to know more, be more resourced, or be more thorough before you can move forward, which only makes things pile up more. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 8, receiving the confidence of decisive clarity? Simplify your task lists and processes, focusing more on the progress than precision (perhaps restraining yourself from gathering data). What if what what feels like a risk is actually the wisest path forward?
When things are on fire, Type 6s will tend to double down on domino effect thinking patterns.
You will process all the things that could go wrong, and work hard to contingency plan for all those scenarios. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 9, receiving the groundedness of contentment and connection? Spend time, maybe even waste time, relaxing on the couch or hanging out with friends (maybe even do what they want without thinking it all through). What if things will actually work out okay?
When things are on fire, Type 7s will tend to double down on not being restricted.
You will react against boundaries, try to keep your options open, and struggle to be decisive since a decision is inherently limiting. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 5, receiving the wisdom of conservation and restraint? Open to what there is to understand in the present moment, and slow down enough to integrate it (perhaps deciding to not move forward yet). What if limiting outer choices could give you the gift of inner spaciousness?
When things are on fire, Type 8s will tend to double down on pushing past barriers.
You might not even feel tired or burned out, as you tap into your capacity to put out those fires and get stuff done. In fact, the adrenaline of these times might tempt you to start new fires when these go out. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 2, receiving the gentleness of the heart? Relax your pace enough to find out how others are feeling and tap into your compassionate core (using that tenderness towards yourself, too). What if your heart can show a new way forward?
When things are on fire, Type 9s will tend to double down on maintaining peace and stability.
You might default into comfortable routines, do what’s asked of you, and hold back anything that might upset others. What if instead you let in the energy of Type 3, receiving the energy of achievement and goal-setting? Sit down to get in touch with what you want and need, then make a plan to accomplish that (even if that plan might be disruptive). What if the world needs more of your voice, not less?
Like all things Enneagram, this is all easier said than done.
Old habits are hard to break, especially when they are wired so deeply as our survival mechanisms. Begin by asking yourself the question, is there another way? Then, try a few things and see what happens!
💛 Stephanie
