How to Make Life Feel Lighter: Harnessing Daily Habits and the Enneagram
The little things you do every day are adding up—are they working for you?
Introduction
Have you ever noticed how the little things you do every day add up? Whether it's rushing through your morning or hitting snooze one too many times (this time change is killing me 😴), these small actions shape how your day unfolds. That's why I've become a little obsessed with daily habits lately—and how they're the key to creating more freedom, happiness, and success in your life.
Building good daily habits isn't just about routines and schedules (though that helps!). It's about creating a life that feels lighter, more intentional, and totally manageable—even when life gets crazy. Imagine feeling more in control of your time and energy because your habits are working for you, not against you.
But here's the thing: One size doesn't fit all. Your unique Enneagram type plays a big role in how you approach habits. That’s why it’s important to tailor your routines to your core self. Let’s dive into how understanding your Enneagram can help you craft habits that actually work for you.
The Importance of Daily Habits
We all know that habits are the building blocks of our day-to-day lives. But what if your morning routine, exercise habits, and evening rituals could be the key to creating more happiness, success, and freedom? Imagine waking up feeling in control of your day because your habits are aligned with your values.
Habits are more than just actions—they shape how we show up in the world. They can either feel like a burden or a blessing. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and be intentional about the habits you create.
The Enneagram and Habit Formation
Ever feel like building habits just doesn't come naturally to you? That might be because your Enneagram type has its own way of approaching routines and consistency!
Here’s how each Enneagram type approaches habit formation and what habits work best for you:
Type 1:
Characteristics: Principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic.
Habit Insight: You thrive on structure but can get stuck in perfectionism. Try focusing on progress over perfection with your habits. Small wins every day add up!
Type 2:
Characteristics: Caring, interpersonal, demonstrative, generous, people-pleasing, and possessive.
Habit Insight: Your habits often revolve around helping others. Don't forget to build routines that fill your cup too! Self-care should be a priority in your routine.
Type 3:
Characteristics: Success-oriented, pragmatic, adaptive, excelling, driven, and image-conscious.
Habit Insight: You're all about efficiency and results. Make sure your habits align with your long-term goals, not just quick wins. Keep a goal-setting habit that reflects your true aspirations.
Type 4:
Characteristics: Sensitive, withdrawn, expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental.
Habit Insight: Your routines need a personal touch. Try adding a creative or reflective habit to feel more connected.
Type 5:
Characteristics: Intense, cerebral, perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated.
Habit Insight: You love knowledge and introspection. Use that curiosity to research and build habits that really resonate. Set aside time for learning or quiet reflection every day.
Type 6:
Characteristics: Committed, security-oriented, engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious.
Habit Insight: Security and consistency matter to you. Create small, steady habits that build confidence over time. A solid planning routine could help reduce anxiety.
Type 7:
Characteristics: Busy, fun-loving, spontaneous, versatile, distractible, and scattered.
Habit Insight: You crave variety and fun. Keep habits light and flexible so they don't feel too restrictive. Mix in something playful to keep things exciting.
Type 8:
Characteristics: Powerful, dominating, self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational.
Habit Insight: You like to feel in control. Pick habits that make you feel powerful and empowered in your day-to-day. Add an empowering habit like daily affirmations or exercise to start your day strong.
Type 9:
Characteristics: Easygoing, self-effacing, receptive, reassuring, agreeable, and complacent.
Habit Insight: Routines help you feel grounded. Start with just one habit that feels calming and manageable. Consider incorporating meditation or journaling to center your thoughts.
No matter your type, building habits is a journey. Give yourself grace and keep moving forward! Building habits that support your well-being and personal growth is how we bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be. It's how we stop feeling overwhelmed and start showing up as the person we want to be—at work, at home, and in everything in between.
I'll be sharing more about the 7 Daily Habits That Can Change Your Life over on my Instagram soon, especially in my Close Friends stories. If you're not following along yet, now's a great time to join me there!
Until then, think about this: What's one small habit you could start today that would make life just a little bit easier or more enjoyable? DM me on Instagram and let me know.
