In this fiery and no-nonsense episode of The Enneagram Edge, Tracy O’Malley calls out the sneaky ways resistance shows up in our lives, shapeshifting into something we trust—intuition, strategy, even our Enneagram type. But here’s the truth: resistance hijacks your survival patterns, flatters your strengths, and keeps you stuck in a loop of productivity, perfection, and fear. This episode is about naming resistance, cutting through the bullshit, and reclaiming your edge by using the Enneagram as a weapon for transformation, not an excuse for stagnation.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How resistance cloaks itself in your Enneagram type’s survival patterns and sabotages your growth.
- Why resistance isn’t always fear or procrastination—it can look like over-functioning, perfectionism, or even kindness.
- The difference between resistance that grows you and resistance that keeps you stuck.
- A breakdown of how resistance shows up for each Enneagram type—and actionable steps to overcome it.
- Why compassion, curiosity, and consistency are the keys to breaking free from resistance.
Key Takeaways:
- Resistance Wears Many Masks: It flatters your strengths, feeds off your virtues, and keeps you busy, admired, and stuck. Recognizing it is the first step to reclaiming your power.
- The Enneagram is Not an Excuse: It’s a weapon for transformation. Stop using your type to justify your patterns and start using it to break free.
- Compassion is Non-Negotiable: Beating yourself up won’t help. Meet resistance with curiosity and kindness to turn it into a tool for growth.
How Resistance Shows Up for Each Enneagram Type:
- Type 1 (The Virtuous Overachiever): Resistance looks like endless tweaking and polishing. Action step: Move anyway. Let it be imperfect.
- Type 2 (The Helpful Hustler): Resistance shows up as putting everyone else first. Action step: Prioritize yourself unapologetically—now, not later.
- Type 3 (The Strategic Chameleon): Resistance hides in optimization and performance. Action step: Choose what’s true, even if it doesn’t impress.
- Type 4 (The Depth Dweller): Resistance convinces you to wait for inspiration. Action step: Create anyway. Your truth is bigger than your pain.
- Type 5 (The Knowledge Collector): Resistance keeps you hoarding information. Action step: Speak, share, and trust your voice.
- Type 6 (The Devoted Doubter): Resistance demands guarantees. Action step: Leap without certainty. Leadership is courage, not preparation.
- Type 7 (The Optimistic Escapist): Resistance pivots you away from discomfort. Action step: Stay. Freedom is found in follow-through.
- Type 8 (The Armored Commander): Resistance tells you to push harder and armor up. Action step: Soften, surrender, and let support in.
- Type 9 (The Peaceful Producer): Resistance numbs your edge with comfort and distraction. Action step: Speak up, show up, and lead.
Reflection Questions for Listeners:
- Where are you calling resistance wisdom?
- Where are you confusing sabotage with service?
- What are you afraid will happen if you actually move?
Resources Mentioned:
- Do the Work by Steven Pressfield (a must-read for understanding resistance)
- Tracy’s Enneagram Blueprint: Get your accurate type and fast-track your transformation at TracyO'Malley.com.
Connect with Tracy:
Final Thoughts: Resistance is loudest right before your breakthrough. It’s not here to break you—it’s here to build you. But you have to lean in, meet yourself with compassion, and take ac