What Each Enneagram Type Needs to Leave Behind This Year
The end of a year is always a period of reflection. It prompts us to think about what we’ve accomplished, what we’ve lost, and, most importantly, what we should leave behind as we enter a new year. Everyone carries some form of emotional baggage. But the dysfunctional pattern we hold onto—and how ready we are to release it—depends a lot on our Enneagram type.
One: The Shame of Falling Short
Ones often carry the burden of “should-haves.” Instead of celebrating successes, they replay moments where they could have done better or should have pushed themselves harder. As their archive of self-criticism grows, they can start overworking themselves and beating themselves up for even the smallest slip-ups.
If you’re a One, let the New Year serve as a symbolic turning point. It’s the start of a new chapter where you allow yourself to move forward having forgiven yourself for all those past missteps. Take some time to reappraise those situations and recognize that you did your best given the circumstances, and the real “should have” is that you should have treated yourself with more compassion.
Two: Hidden Resentments
Twos often carry quiet resentments from the times when they gave endlessly—helping out, doing favors, stepping in when no one even asked—only to receive little in return. Though they genuinely enjoy being of service, a part of them still wishes their efforts were noticed and appreciated more. However, Twos often find it hard to say anything, fearing that voicing these feelings might make them seem selfish or unkind.
As you step into 2026, it’s time to release those old resentments and make a promise to yourself not to let new ones pile up. If someone consistently makes you feel underappreciated, speak up instead of expecting them to read your mind. And if it keeps happening, don’t hesitate to draw boundaries.
Three: The Pressure to Perform
Threes carry a lot of “highlight reel stress,” meaning they’re always doing things to look good rather than feel good. This can be as trivial as going to a fancy restaurant just to snap a photo for social media, or as major as staying in a high-powered job that doesn’t fulfill them but earns admiration from others. There’s nothing wrong with seeking a bit of social validation, but for some Threes, it can become almost a full-time job. As a result, they may end up feeling disconnected from themselves and push themselves to burnout as they try harder and harder to impress.
As 2026 rolls in, it’s a good moment to challenge yourself to release your dependence on external validation and instead focus on what brings you genuine joy and satisfaction. Try setting one goal purely for yourself—like learning a new skill, picking up a hobby, or finishing a personal project that you keep to yourself (or just share with close friends). Also, consider limiting your time on social media so you’re less tempted to chase the dopamine hits from likes and comments.
Four: The Ghosts of Unfinished Love Stories
Fours often carry the baggage of old heartbreaks and get caught in lingering infatuation for someone with whom things never quite worked out romantically. Even though it’s painful to keep longing for what was lost or never began, Fours tend to romanticize their heartache, seeing it as proof of their emotional depth and sensitivity.
But over time, this attachment to the past keeps you stuck, making you replay the same emotional story instead of allowing new ones to unfold. With the New Year ahead, it's a good moment to make room for new beginnings by releasing the playlists, the unread messages, and the “what ifs” that keep you tied to memories of what might have been.
Five: The Delusion of “I Don’t Need Anyone”
Fives often cling to the comfort zone of solitude and self-sufficiency they’ve built around themselves by limiting their involvement with others out of fear of emotional demands. This may look like turning down invitations, keeping conversations short and superficial, and generally avoiding relationships that involve complex emotional dynamics.
While this detached stance makes Five feel safe and in control, it also shrinks their world, leaving them feeling apathetic and lonely. The New Year is a great opportunity to turn the page and let go of the mindset that letting people in will cost you more than it gives. In practice, that could mean giving people a chance by replying to messages, accepting invitations, and letting interactions go deeper instead of keeping them surface-level.
Six: The Weight of “What If”
The Six’s baggage is their extreme cautiousness, which often keeps them stuck in situations that no longer serve them. Even when they have all the resources to make a change, their fear of risk and uncertainty can hold them back.
As you head into 2026, challenge yourself to move past the “what ifs” and start stepping out of situations where you’ve been settling for less because you’re scared. Whether it’s speaking up in a relationship, asking for a pay raise, or making a bold move like initiating a breakup or quitting an unfulfilling job, focus on what could go right and take the first steps to make it happen.
Seven: The FOMO Chase
Sevens tend to carry the baggage of half-finished projects, unfinished plans, and commitments left hanging. Sevens carry a lot of FOMO, and it drives them to plunge into all the fun experiences that come their way, making it hard to see any single project through to completion. Even when they return to something they started, the pull of a new idea often wins, and the cycle repeats.
While this keeps boredom at bay, it can also leave Sevens scattered and unfulfilled. They then enter a perpetual cycle where feeling dissatisfied pushes them to chase new distractions, which only intensifies the restlessness. To break free from this cycle in 2026, challenge yourself to pick one or two projects that truly matter to you and commit to finishing them. Set manageable time blocks you can realistically follow, and when new ideas or opportunities arise, set them aside for later instead of diving in immediately.
Eight: The Vulnerability Armor
Eights often carry the baggage of bottled-up emotions, especially those that involve vulnerability like hurt, neediness, jealousy, and even romantic affection for someone. They keep it all inside because they want to appear strong, but it often backfires, showing up as overworking to avoid facing those feelings or lying awake at night, consumed by them.
2026 can be the year you start loosening your vulnerability armor. You don’t have to spill everything at once, but small steps can make a big difference. Maybe vent to a friend about how hard it has been keeping it all together, finally admit to your partner that their cute colleague has you feeling crazy-jealous, or ask for help when you need it instead of stretching yourself to handle everything on your own.
Nine: The Regret of Inaction
The baggage Nines should let go of in the coming year is their tendency to drift through life. Nines approach the world passively, doing whatever feels comfortable or convenient at the time, which adds up to years of missed opportunities. This can look like letting a great friendship or romantic connection slip by because they were “waiting for the right moment” or putting off pursuing a goal because it felt easier to do nothing.
Moving forward in 2026 means first making peace with what was lost and giving yourself permission to grieve it. From there, start approaching life with more intentionality. Challenge yourself to step off the path of least resistance and go after things you want, even if the stars don’t align.
