The Self-Preservation One has the primary instinct of worry and anger. If you are a SP1, then this article is for you.
The Self-Preservation instinctual subtype explains the enneagram a little deeper. The self-preservation instinct focuses more on their essentials and those around them. They aren’t the most social nor sexual except stacked but this function lets an individual focus on food, shelter, clothing, vacations, finances etc. but there’s more to them.
Who Is The Self-Preservation One
The SP1 is someone who has constant fear and worry. They tend to have a compulsive need for perfection and anything short could be a stressor. Due to their assertive nature, they like being in control of their surroundings and meeting up to standards they assume has been set for them.
They base their survival on their intelligence and therefore this causes anxiety and worry. Basing off their self worth to what they can or cannot provide. They also worry something is bound to go wrong and affect their survival. Making it hard to think about anything else.
The self preservation one feels stressed if they feel their survival is under attack and eventually turn this on their inadequacies which eventually leads to anger.
Although the anger is repressed, it is present and mostly turned inwards. The SP1 would transform this anger into warmth and decide on dissociation to appear more gentle and supportive. It is a constant battle between their anger and the need for perfectionism.
Here are a few characteristics of a Self Preservation One
Undeniable Signs of A Self Preservation One
1. They Suppress Their Anger To Seem Perfect
Being the hero and perfectionism can be the driving force to self preservation one. They make up for their anger with good intentions, keeping to the rules and constantly striving for perfection. Although they tend to be riddled by anger, they consider this emotion to be bad and will do anything to suppress and mask it. It is safe to say they control their emotions better than most.
However, the thing about anger is that it can manifest in other ways. This can be between resentment, frustration or even irritation which just builds up.
2. They Worry A Lot
The Self-Preservation One tends to worry a lot. They are planners who have to be in absolute control of everything. When this seems impossible, they panic. This also makes them great planners and the one who provides stability in a home.
It also manifests as self doubt. Constantly worrying and believing if something can go wrong, then it will. Therefore have very little confidence no matter how prepared they try to be. This happens even when things are going well.
3. They Are Riddled With Pessimism
It is safe to say they can be quite the pessimists from everything listed above. This One feels if something can go wrong, then it would. Which eventually makes them worry and this is a continuous loop. They fear failure even when they should understand things are out of their control.
Due to this, they are always on-guard and easily triggered. This One becomes a lot more obsessed with their actions and their thoughts. Always chasing perfectionism while thinking they won’t catch it. Always fearing for their safety even when there isn’t a sign that they should.
How To Manage This As A Self-Preservation One
Of the three ones, this subtype is considered the true perfectionist. They let their anger manifest into productivity with hope it fuels them and masks how they feel. Here are ways to help.
- Understand that things are out of your control and constantly worrying about them only affects you and not the situation.
- Anger is your most repressed emotion. Letting it out every now and then can help you understand yourself and a situation better.
- Constantly churning anger into warmth isn’t sustainable and can lead to a burnout. Engaging in more relaxing activities like meditation or even exercising can help occupy the mind.
- Understand no one is perfect and although it seems everyone has their lives figured out, they don’t.
The Self-Preservation One In Relationships
These Ones are extremely sensitive in relationships. When they are confronted or criticized, they tend to worry, get angry and feel like a victim. Due to their self righteousness, it can be hard for them to take criticism.
They also easily own up to their shortcomings and apologize. They are also forgiving when their partner does the same. These ones are trustworthy and very reliable partners too.
These are some characteristics of a Self-Preservation One. Do you think this relates to you?
