“What would it feel like to put this baggage down? If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I’d know how.” – Sleeping at Last, Atlas Six
Welcome to week seven of Enneagram and You with Taylor! It’s the final few weeks of school here at Murray State, aka bring on all the caffeine and crack open the books. I always feel so out of control when these last few weeks approach me, which is usually when I tend to not take care of myself and let myself spiral out of control. One thing that has helped me out majorly is finding out my enneagram type. Knowing this information helps me stay on a healthy track and find ways to better myself in difficult times. This week, I’ll be speaking about Enneagram Type Six, also known as The Loyalist. Therefore, if you’re a Six who feels slightly out of whack, hopefully I can help you out!
Like I stated previously, this week we will be deep diving into Enneagram Type Six, aka The Loyalist. During this article, I’ll cover the basics of a healthy Type Six and unhealthy Type Six without information overload. You’ll find tips to bring out the best of your type, book and song suggestions, along with a few encouraging quotes for everyday life. With that being said, let’s jump right into it!
Type Sixes, The Loyalists, are known for being responsible, hard-working individuals. These people are always reliable and tend to be very trustworthy. Sixes are able to see problems others may not at first and are able to troubleshoot before complete disaster occurs. Though sixes can also be very indecisive about decisions and interactions of any type. Which brings us to something all Sixes struggle with. Worrying. The basic desire of a Six is to have support and security of all things. This goes hand in hand with their fear, being without those things. With this fear, Sixes place their worry not only on them but also on others around them. This struggle can place a strain on relationships with other individuals.
When someone is a Type Six, they can have a Five-Wing or a Seven-Wing. A Six with a Five-Wing shares traits of a Five as well, they’re known as “The Defender”. A Six with a Wing-Seven shares traits with a Type Seven, they’re known as “The Buddy”.
A few examples of well-known Type Sixes are Paul Rudd, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marilyn Monroe, Jennifer Aniston and Ellen DeGeneres.
One thing that I do every week is comparing the heathy, unhealthy and in between levels of each type. This can feel like a personal attack, but in all honesty, it’s just to help you realize where you’re at. If you see yourself as a healthy Type Six, keep doing you! If you’re in the average range, you’re also doing good. If you see yourself as an unhealthy Type Six, don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to help you get back on track. That being said, let’s discuss.
Healthy Type Sixes
When Type Six has most of their ducks in a row, they are trusting in themselves. There isn’t worry about a decision they make, because they’re confident in what they do. This brings out the best of their courageous side. A healthy Six has strong trust and bond with other individuals in their life. Sixes are able to create the security and stability they wish for in life, which lays (most) worries to rest. Nice work if you’re here!
Average Type Sixes
When a Type Six is in the Average Stage, they can either excel towards better themselves, or they can plummet into the lower levels. An average Six takes their energy and time into making sure whatever they do and believe in will instill a sense of safety and stability. They anticipate problems, instead of watching for them. Sixes start to send mix signals to others, as well as their selves. They begin to have an internal confusion, which then begins the habit of blaming others on their problems and insecurities.
Unhealthy Type Sixes
When a Type Six slips into these low levels, they begin to become panicky over everything. The small issues turn into massive ones in their heads, which make their emotions everywhere. They begin to lash out and act irrationally on others, as well as bring some of their greatest fears to life.
So…kind of a self-attack? Rather if you see yourself at the best or the worst, don’t worry. I’m here to offer a few things that help me get back on track when I’m not doing so hot. Maybe they’ll help you succeed too!
Grab Your Readers.
The first thing I turn to when I feel myself not being the best version I can be? Books! Honestly, they help me a ton. I usually start my mornings out with a cup of coffee and a self-help book. Here are a few suggestions for my Type Sixes out there.
- Unf*ck Your Braun by Faith G. Harper
- The Worry Trick by David A Carbonell
- Rewire: Change Your Brain by Richard O’Connor
- How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
- Declutter Your Mind by S.J. Scott
Jam Session.
Music is also a HUGE part of how I better myself. I try waking up each morning with my Alexa playing a playlist of feel-good songs for me. Though you can jam to these tunes at any time of the day. Try listening to some of them while you read!
- Atlas Six by Sleeping at Last
- Rebellion (Lies) by Arcade Fire
- Awake My Soul by Mumford & Sons
- You’ve Got a Friend In Me (Cover) by Sleeping at Last
- Some Nights by fun.
- I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons
- Underdog by Imagine Dragons
- That’s Old Fashioned by The Everly Brothers
- Trust In Me by Etta James
- Brave by Sara Bareilles
- Private Eyes by Daryl Hall & John Oats
- J.O.Y. by Martin Luke Brown
Keep The Positivity Going!
I like small reminders, like lock screens and fun posts. If you like a quote, save it to your phone or write it down on a post-it note. I like to decorate the side of my mirrors with quotes that help me get through the day. Another great way to keep the positivity up is to follow enneagram accounts on social media! A few of my favorites are @theenneagramshop, @enneagramandcoffee, and @enneagramansmemes on Instagram!
Fun Stuff!
Rock your Enneagram Type with fun gear!
Mugs:
Prints:
The More The Merrier:
As usual, I’ll be recommending The Sleeping At Last Podcast for Enneagram Type Six. During this podcast, Ryan O’Neal, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of Sleeping At Last, will breakdown the song he personally wrote for Type Sixes. Not only this, but enneagram master Chris Heuertz will also give you a deep understanding of your type. Will it feel like a personal attack at times? Probably. Though it’s only to show you where you get your mannerisms from. It’s such a fun and interesting listen. Cool bonus fact; all of the instrumentalists are Type Sixes!
With that, I’ll leave you this week. Please continue to dive more and more into your type, as well as spread the word with your friends and family! Learning more about the people in your everyday life really helps build stronger relationships and gives you insight on how to handle situations with others.
Remember, you will achieve when you put your worries to rest! You are not your problems.
Until the next week, go forth and conquer!