The ten axioms of choice theory is a tool that helps us understand how we make decisions. These axioms relate directly to the Enneagram. Learn how these tools can help you make better choices in life.
The Enneagram has become a popular tool for exploring the psyche. It is a proven system for understanding behavior patterns, motivations, and coping mechanisms. Some call it the Personality Pathway or the Path of the Enneagram.
Choice Theory is a therapeutic model developed by Dr. William Glasser (1). This system explains how humans make choices and how they affect their lives.
We can use the Enneagram and The Ten Axioms of Choice theories together. These tools provide checks and balances to ensure we are basing our development plan on accurate data. The Choice Theory guides our decisions about the data we get from the Enneagram and its complementary tools, like the Repetitive Question Exercise. In this way, you don’t get sidetracked by chasing outliers in the data. We’ll summarize the benefits.
Making Better Choices In Life
Making tough decisions can be a daunting task for anyone. With so many options and limited time and resources, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We will examine the Ten Axioms of Choice Theory and the Personality Path Enneagram (2). We will see how they complement one another and help us make better decisions in life.
Here’s how these two systems help us make better decisions in several ways:
1. They can help us understand our motivations and desires, informing our decision-making process.
2. It helps us take responsibility for our decisions and actions.
3. They can help us identify the factors that are most important to us. This includes what we love and our needs for autonomy, belonging, power, freedom, and fun. It even shows how we prioritize them.
4. Help us make purposeful and intentional decisions rather than random or accidental ones.
5. Identify how we disrespect others or ourselves and work to improve these behaviors.
6. They can help us see the connections between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We learn how they all contribute to behavior.
The Ten Axioms of Choice and the Personality Path Enneagram are complementary tools. They help us in making better choices in life. We can better align our lives and meet our goals by understanding our motivations.
These tools help us make better decisions in all areas of life. From careers to relationships and daily routines, these tools support better decision-making. Better choices lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and success. Let’s see how to do this by looking at how each system works.
The Ten Axioms of Choice Theory
The ten axioms theory was developed by the psychiatrist William Glasser. It explains how our basic needs drive our decisions and our behavior. These basic drivers relate to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It also shows the relationship to instinctual variants of the Personality Path Enneagram. These drivers are survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.
Axiom 1: The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.
We may want to change others, but the only behavior we can change is our own. It emphasizes taking responsibility for our actions and not blaming others.
Axiom 2: All we can give to another person is information.
While we may offer advice or guidance, the ultimate decision rests with them. It highlights the importance of communication. Seek to understand before you respond.
Axiom 3: All long-lasting psychological problems are relationship problems.
This axiom speaks to the centrality of relationships in our lives. It helps us understand the impact others have on our emotional and mental well-being. It highlights how our relationships shape our sense of self and happiness.
Axiom 4: The problem relationship is always part of our present life.
This shows how our past relationships affect us today. All relationships help shape our thinking and values. It encourages us to focus on building healthier relationships in the present.
Axiom 5: What happened in the past has everything to do with what we are today. But we can only satisfy our basic needs right now. Then, we can plan to continue fulfilling them in the future.
This hypothesis acknowledges the importance of our past experiences. Our life experiences shape who we are today. It also emphasizes that we can change the trajectory of our lives. Our choices determine our happiness and satisfaction in life.
Axiom 6: We satisfy our needs by meeting the picture of our Quality World.
This point recognizes that our definition of happiness is unique. We find joy in fulfilling the image of our Quality World. This is our mental image of what we want in life.
Axiom 7: All we do is behave.
This hypothesis underscores the fact that our actions define us. Everything we do is a reflection of the health of our thoughts. It highlights the importance of self-awareness in recognizing our behaviors. Learning to check our self-talk makes us self-aware. In turn, it helps us make better decisions that impact our lives.
Axiom 8: All behavior is Total Behavior.
Total Behavior comprises four components. These elements are acting, thinking, feeling, and physiology. This aspect of the ten axioms of choice theory provides the link between body, mind, and spirit.
Axiom 9: All Total Behavior is chosen.
While we may not always be aware of it, our behavior is the result of our decisions. It encourages us to take ownership of our choices and recognize our power to shape our lives.
Axiom 10: All Total Behavior is designated by verbs and by what is the most recognizable.
This point emphasizes the importance of language. It reminds us of the power of labeling on our values. It encourages us to choose our words with care and to recognize their impact on others and sense of self.
Choice Theory Summary
The ten axioms of choice theory offer profound insights into our behaviors. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and holistic thinking. This helps us understand ourselves and those around us. We can unlock a deeper understanding of ourselves by embracing these axioms. With this perspective, we can build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
The Personality Path Enneagram & Ten Axioms
Most people are familiar with the nine personality types presented in the Enneagram. So, we will show how the ten axioms of choice theory relate to the nine aspects of personality.
1. Enneagram Type One – The Perfectionist
The Enneagram type one is the perfectionist who strives to do everything right. They are organized and detail-oriented but can also be overly critical. In Choice Theory, the axiom related to this type is “We can only control ourselves.” The “Perfectionist” must learn to accept that there will always be imperfections. The lesson is we cannot control everything around us.
2. Enneagram Type Two – The Helper
The personality path enneagram of the type two are the helpers. They often prioritize the needs of others above themselves. Helpers are warm, friendly, and empathetic. They can become resentful and manipulative if their efforts are not appreciated. The Choice Theory axiom related to this type is “all we can give to another person is information.” The Helper must learn to provide support without attaching strings to their actions.
3. Enneagram Type Three – The Achiever
The Enneagram type three is the achiever. They value success and performance above all else. They are ambitious, competitive, and hard-working. But they can also become arrogant and insecure if they feel they are not achieving enough. The Choice Theory axiom that relates to this type is “all behavior is purposeful.” This type must learn to recognize the motivations that drive their need for success.
4. Enneagram Type Four – The Individualist
Enneagram type four prioritizes a unique identity and emotions above all else. They are creative, sensitive, and introspective. At the same time, they can become self-absorbed and cynical. This is especially true if they do not receive enough attention. The Choice Theory axiom that relates to this type is about control. “There are only two things we can control: our actions and reactions.” They need to manage their emotions without letting them dictate their actions.
5. Enneagram Type Five – The Investigator
The Enneagram type five are known as the investigators. This type values knowledge and understanding as the greatest achievement. They are analytical, objective, and detached. Their focus can drive them to be isolated and aloof if they do not receive enough space or information. The Choice Theory axiom related to this type is “We can only control our thinking.” The Investigator must learn to differentiate between objective knowledge and subjective beliefs.
6. Enneagram Type Six – The Loyalist
Enneagram type six is the loyalists. They prioritize security and safety at the top of their values. They are responsible and dedicated. If they feel they are not protected, they can become anxious and even paranoid. The Choice Theory axiom that relates to this type is “Our brain is always trying to keep us alive.” The “Loyalist” must learn to recognize how their fear can lead them astray.
7. Enneagram Type Seven – The Enthusiast
Enneagram type seven individuals are enthusiasts who prioritize excitement and novelty. They are optimistic, adventurous, and scattered. But type sevens can also become scattered and impulsive. This happens if they are not experiencing enough pleasure. The Choice Theory axiom that relates to this type is “We are always making choices.” The Enthusiast must learn to identify the consequences of their actions. Hopefully, they do it before they act.
8. Enneagram Type Eight – The Challenger
Enneagram type eight individuals are challengers who prioritize power and control. They are assertive, confident, and protective. Yet they can also become aggressive and domineering if they are not respected. The Choice Theory axiom related to this type is “We are responsible for our happiness.” The Challenger needs to realize that their need for control comes from wanting to be happy.
9. Enneagram Type Nine – The Peacemaker
The personality path Enneagram for type nines is to prioritize harmony and consensus. They are usually calm and laid-back. But, they withdraw and become indifferent if they feel unappreciated. The Choice Theory axiom related to this type is “We all have a quality world picture.” The Peacemaker needs to identify their needs while still wanting harmony.
In Conclusion
The Ten Axioms of Choice and the Personalty Path Enneagram are powerful tools. They help us make better choices in life and understand our motivations and desires. If we understand our motivations, we can change the trajectory of our thinking.
When we learn to take responsibility for our actions, we bolster our sense of self-worth. We can use these tools when making decisions about everything in our daily routines. They help make choices that lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and success.
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References
(1) Dr. William Glasser, Wikipedia
(2) The Enneagram, Wikipedia