Informational Obsessions: Why do Enneagram 5s Love to Fall Down Rabbit Holes?

Some rabbit holes are deeper than others, and as Fives we often fall in headfirst.

In this episode, we explore the obsessive way Fives pursue information: how it starts, what fuels it, and what happens when it spirals out of control. We share personal stories of late-night research binges, conspiracy rabbit holes, and the paradox of being both empowered and paralyzed by too much knowledge. We also look at what pulls us out—how connection, embodiment, and purpose help break the loop.

IN THIS EPISODE:

🔹 Obsession as a Coping Mechanism – How fear, curiosity, or meaning-seeking can launch Fives into obsessive research.
🔹 Personal Rabbit Holes – From sharks and UFOs to ancient civilizations and gorilla sexuality, we share some of our most intense information obsessions.
🔹 Productivity vs. Paralysis – When does research become a tool for action—and when is it just a distraction?
🔹 The Cost of Obsession – How our informational fixations can isolate us, disrupt relationships, and interfere with real life.
🔹 Recovery Tactics – What helps us stop the spiral: embodiment, social anchors, and learning to trust gut feelings.
🔹 Using Our Powers for Good – The surprising ways our research has helped others and even landed us jobs.
🔹 Knowing When to Stop – Why learning to pause is just as important as learning to dig deep.

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🗒️ Full transcript and show notes: enneagramfive.com/48

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📢 What’s your favorite informational rabbit hole you’ve gone down? Did it help or hurt? Share your story in the community!

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RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE:

➡️ #27: Subtypes

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