Running a business isn’t easy. If you’re an entrepreneur I know I don’t need to tell you that. I used to let the knowledge of knowing business was hard to limit my beliefs of what I thought I was capable of. And as crazy as it sounds, the more I learned about my personality, the more I was able to overcome those limiting beliefs. I soon discovered that using the Enneagram to manage your mindset was the biggest game changer of all. 

But I have to let you in on a little secret in case you’re like I once was.

 

I used to be an Enneagram skeptic. 

 

Eek! I know! That sounds strange coming from an Enneagram coach, right? But it’s the truth. I was introduced to the Enneagram a few years ago and it just seemed like yet another personality test. There are so many personal development tools out there and I wondered how in the world this one could be any different than the ones I have spent years researching. I was so skeptical that I almost blew it off.

I’m not kidding. This certified Enneagram coach nearly dismissed the entire thing she has helped many people use to build strong businesses. Regardless of what you believe about the Enneagram, I have found it to be an incredible tool to overcome the challenges we face as entrepreneurs. 

I like to say now that I didn’t go looking for the Enneagram, it simply found me. That may sound weird or unconventional but I truly believe that it did. I had no idea how much I needed it, how much my businesses needed it, and how much my relationships with others needed it. Thank goodness I didn’t blow it off when I had the chance. I truly don’t know where I would be today with the things it has taught me. 

When you discover your Enneagram number, if you’re like me, you wonder who has been stalking your life. How could one simple test explain so much of who you are? But I think that’s the secret to what makes it so impactful. It’s one of the first personality typings to truly unlock every aspect of who you are at your core. 

However, the Enneagram is not the end all, be all. It’s simply a tool to help us recognize how we view the world. You always want to be sure to use it as a tool and not the “ absolute truth” or excuse. 

But when you know our type it can help you in so many ways. 

Let me use myself as an example.

I am a type 9, wing 1. 

When I am stressed I go to type 6. 

 

So what does this mean?

 

For me, I am usually a very laid-back, “easygoing” gal. But, when my mind starts to race, I go through all the “what ifs” and stress about things that may or may not happen. Insert all the limiting beliefs. I used to think there was something wrong with me. But then I learned about the Enneagram and that the racing thoughts mean I am stressed about something. So now, I take notice of what’s happening and take a step back to ask myself what’s going on and why. 

This has been a huge help in helping me manage my mindset. 

This has been so helpful in all areas of my life because if you aren’t aware that you are stressed, you can push emotions down and not deal with them. Maybe you snap at your kids for no reason? Or you become overwhelmed by people? Or you avoid people altogether? All things that aren’t productive. But, when you are aware of what’s going on you can have grace with yourself and take your thoughts captive.

 

 So how can you apply this to your thought life? 

 

USING THE ENNEAGRAM TO MANAGE YOUR MINDSET

 

1. Learn who you are and what makes you tick. When are you most overwhelmed? What do you need to help you become more productive? Discover these things and implement them into your daily routines. When you know the things you need to be successful you automatically free your mind up to think on what is positive and true. 

 

2. Use the Enneagram to determine the best time of day to accomplish tasks. Are you a morning person or do you thrive in the evening? Being your own boss means you get to work when you want. You don’t have to follow a traditional 9-5 schedule, work when it best suits your needs. Knowing your best time to work is key to helping you overcome limiting beliefs. If you are a night owl trying to do all your work in the morning after you’ve been up all night, you likely aren’t in the right headspace to operate in reality. Work when your mind is at ease and your soul is at rest. 

 

3. Allow the Enneagram to show you how much you can handle. Are you putting too much on your plate? Not enough? Truly learning who you are will unlock the truth of how much you can manage at one time. When we have too much to manage our mindset becomes something we can’t control. Free your mind by freeing up your workload. 

 

4. Let the Enneagram organize your thoughts to become more productive. Knowing who you are and how you work is crucial to understanding how your mind works in times of joy and stress. Keeping your mind organized is key to sticking to overcoming limiting beliefs.

 

5. Understand what you need to be successful. Use your specific type to help set you up for success. What do you need to have in place to be your healthiest self? Allow the Enneagram to help guide you in the right direction.

 

Using the Enneagram to manage your mindset makes all the difference when it comes to overcoming limiting beliefs.

 

If learning more about yourself and how you work is something you’ve been interested in, let’s work together! I would love to sit down with you and help you sort through it all in my one-on-one coaching sessions! 

 

My type 9, wing 1 comes out in my business with how I do things. I like structure and for things to be “just so.” When I am honoring those desires, it’s so much easier to hear the truth and shut out the lies my mind likes to tell. 

Look at your number and see how that fits into your own life. It’s pretty fascinating how we are all wired so differently. When we know that and can recognize what growth and stress look like for us, we can be the best versions of ourselves, for our families and our businesses. 

As you dive deeper into your own Enneagram journey and any questions arise, make sure that you connect with me over on IG at @mkoehler. I would love to chat with you more over there! 

Now get out there and explore all there is to know about yourself and how you can be using the Enneagram to manage your mindset.