The ten axioms of choice theory give us a way to understand what influences our decisions.  You’ll be surprised to find how it relates to the Nine Personalities types of the Enneagram.  Find out how this theory will help in making better choices in life.

The Enneagram has become increasingly popular in recent years.  It is a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.  People use it to understand behavior patterns, motivations, and coping mechanisms.  It is referred to by many names.  Some call it the Personality Pathway or 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 impact their lives.  Although they appear to be two separate concepts, they are highly related.  We’ll give an overview of how these two systems help us to understand ourselves.

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.  They can help us take responsibility for our actions and the outcomes of our decisions.

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.  They can help us see our behaviors as purposeful and intentional rather than random or accidental.

5.  They can help us identify areas where we may be disrespectful to others or ourselves and work to improve these behaviors.

6.  They can help us see the connections between our thoughts, feelings, and actions and how they all contribute to our overall behavior.

The Ten Axioms of Choice and the Personality Path Enneagram are powerful tools for 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 needs relate to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the instinctual variants of the Personality Path Enneagram.  These elements are survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.  This theory has ten key axioms that underlie its approach to understanding human behavior.  Read along and explore each of these axioms contribute to a holistic understanding of human nature.

Axiom 1: The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.

This axiom is a simple yet powerful reminder that no matter how much we may want to change others, the only behavior we can truly influence is our own.  This axiom emphasizes taking responsibility for our actions instead of blaming others.

Axiom 2: All we can give to another person is information.

This axiom recognizes that 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 profound impact others have on our emotional and mental well-being.  It shows how our relationships with others and ourselves play a significant role in shaping our sense of self and our overall happiness.

Axiom 4: The problem relationship is always part of our present life.

This axiom highlights how our relationships, even those that may have roots in our past, significantly impact us today.  All relationships help shape our thinking and values.  It encourages us to focus on the here and now and to work towards 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 and plan to continue fulfilling them in the future.

This axiom 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 can only satisfy our needs by meeting the pictures in our Quality World.

This axiom recognizes that our definition of happiness is unique.  We are truly satisfied by fulfilling the pictures we have created in our Quality World (our mental representation of what we want in life).

Axiom 7: All we do is behave.

This axiom underscores the fact that everything we do, from our thoughts to our actions, our behaviors.  It highlights the importance of self-awareness in recognizing our behaviors.  Learning to monitor 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: acting, thinking, feeling, and physiology.  This aspect of the ten axioms of choice theory helps us understand the link between body, mind, and spirit.

This axiom shows us how our behavior is not just what we do but is the result also influenced by our thoughts, emotions, and physiological responses.  It emphasizes the importance of holistic thinking to grasp the complexity of what drives us.

Axiom 9: All Total Behavior is chosen.

This axiom highlights that while we may not always consciously choose our behavior, it is ultimately our decision.  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 axiom emphasizes the importance of language in understanding behavior and its impact on our lives.  It reminds us of the power of labeling.  It encourages us to choose our words carefully and to recognize their impact on our relationships and sense of self.

choice theory summary

The ten axioms of choice theory offer profound insights into human behavior and relationships.  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 the human experience 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

Enneagram type one individual are perfectionists who strive to do everything right.  They are organized and detail-oriented but can also be critical of themselves and others.  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 type two are known as helpers.  They often prioritize the needs of others above themselves.  Helpers are warm, friendly, and empathetic.  But they can also become resentful and manipulative if they feel 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

Enneagram type three individuals are achievers who 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.”  The Achiever must learn to recognize that a deeper purpose within themselves drives 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 also become self-absorbed and melancholic if they are not receiving enough attention.  The Choice Theory axiom that relates to this type is “There are only two things we can control: our actions and reactions.” They must learn to navigate their feelings without allowing them to control their behavior.

5.  Enneagram Type Five – The Investigator

Enneagram type five individuals are investigators who prioritize knowledge and understanding.  They are analytical, objective, and detached.  However, they can become 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 individuals are loyalists who prioritize security and safety.  They are responsible, dedicated, and anxious but can also become paranoid and skeptical if they feel they are not protected.  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 when their fear-based thoughts are leading 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 if they feel that 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 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 must learn to recognize that their need for control is rooted in their desire for happiness.

9.  Enneagram Type Nine – The Peacemaker

The personality path Enneagram type nine are peacemakers prioritizing harmony and consensus.  They are easy-going, supportive, and passive but can also become avoidant and complacent if they feel they are not valued.  The Choice Theory axiom related to this type is “We all have a quality world picture.” The Peacemaker must learn to identify their needs without compromising their desire for harmony.

In Conclusion

The Ten Axioms of Choice and the Personalty Path Enneagram can be powerful tools for making better choices in life.  By understanding our motivations and desires, we can change the trajectory of our thinking.  When we learn to take responsibility for our actions, we bolster our sense of self-worth.  These tools can support us whether we are making decisions about our careers, relationships, or 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