How to Coach Yourself and Others Popular Models for Coaching | Page 166

Let’s have another look at the Enneagram symbol:

Notice the arrows that have been drawn on the diagram - these
indicate the ‘path of least resistance’ in the face of the difficulties
of life. So for a point One Reformer, the path of least resistance
leads to point Four - whenever he is overwhelmed by the
difficulties of achieving his goals, he is tempted to retreat to
Four and take on the less desirable qualities of that type, by
getting depressed and lamenting the state of the world.
If he moves in the other direction however, against the direction
of the arrows, then he arrives at point Seven, which is when he
lighten up and starts to embrace the positive side of life.
Challenges for each type
Each Enneagram type faces a similar challenge in moving
‘against the arrows’ in order to overcome the limitations of their
type:
168