The ten axioms of choice theory help us understand how we make decisions. These axioms correspond to the Enneagram. Learn how these tools can help you make better choices.
The Enneagram Personality Profile has become a popular tool for exploring the psyche. It is a proven system for understanding behavior patterns, motivations, and coping mechanisms. Some refer to it by different names to brand it for their own use. It’s called the Personality Pathway or the Path of the Enneagram; it’s all the same thing.
Choice Theory is a therapeutic model developed by Dr. William Glasser. This system explains how humans make choices and how those decisions affect their lives.
The Enneagram and Choice theories complement each other. Together, these tools ensure our development plans are based on accurate data.
Choice Theory guides our decisions about the data we get from the Enneagram and its complementary tools. In this way, you don’t get sidetracked by chasing outliers in the data. Let’s dig deeper into the benefits.
Understanding the Ten Axioms of Choice
Axioms are basic rules or ideas that we accept as true without needing to prove them. They are the starting points we use to build other ideas, kind of like the rules of a game. In this case, these are axioms or rules for decision-making in all areas of our lives.
The ten axioms related to choice are simple, accepted truths that explain how we can make choices from groups of things. They help us understand how to select items from sets, even when there are many or even an endless number of choices. These tools help us make decisions.
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 Enneagram Personality Profile. 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. Understand Our Motivations
Both systems help uncover what drives us at a deep level. The Enneagram reveals our core emotional needs, fears, and desires. These elements often influence our behavior without our awareness. The Axioms of Choice examine how our perceived freedoms, needs, and patterns influence our ability to make choices.
When we look inward, we begin to see how various forms of programming influence our decisions. Our instincts, personality, upbringing, and cultural background all play a role in shaping who we are. With this awareness, we can make choices that reflect our authentic selves rather than what others expect of us.
2. Strengthen Our Moral Compass
Together, these systems shed light on how our beliefs and values shape our sense of right and wrong. The Enneagram reveals how each type filters morality and responsibility differently. The Axioms of Choice promote personal responsibility. They show how we make choices and own the results.
We become more mindful of the impact our decisions have on ourselves and others. A strong moral compass helps us act with greater integrity, compassion, and authenticity.
3. Revealing Our Purpose
These tools guide us to reflect on what truly matters most. What do we love? What gives our lives meaning? What needs must be met for us to thrive—autonomy, connection, growth, and fun?
The Enneagram reveals how different personality types prioritize needs. It gives us a profile of how we value things such as control, peace, approval, or competence. The Axioms of Choice help us make intentional decisions based on clearly defined values and inner priorities. Together, they can help us discover or refine our life purpose.
4. Sharpen our Decision-Making Process
When we know our authentic goals, we can make more intentional decisions. The Axioms remind us that every decision is an exercise of freedom and responsibility. The Enneagram helps us recognize when our choices are based on automatic patterns or unconscious fears.
Instead of reacting to life, we begin to choose our path with clarity and purpose. We shift from chasing approval or safety to acting from purpose and inner alignment. It enhances our decision-making process, making it more efficient and focused.
5. Identifies Unconscious Bias and Prejudice
Many of our choices are shaped by unexamined beliefs, assumptions, and habits that we have picked up from our family, religion, or society.
The Enneagram helps expose how we judge others—and ourselves—based on internalized shame, fear, or pride. These axioms prompt us to examine the origins of these patterns and their continued relevance.
6. Discovers the Connections Between Thought and Action
The Enneagram reveals how thoughts, emotions, and actions are linked in predictable patterns. The Axioms of Choice highlight how internal freedom and external action work together.
When we recognize that our thoughts affect our feelings, which in turn affect our behavior, we begin to see the whole picture. With this awareness, we can change our behavior by choosing new ways of thinking and responding.
7. Increase Emotional Awareness and Self-Regulation
Emotional equilibrium is often the missing link in the decision-making process. The Enneagram boosts our emotional intelligence. It helps us identify and understand our primary emotions, such as fear, anger, or shame. The axioms emphasize the importance of responding rather than reacting, especially under pressure.
Understanding the Ten Axioms of Choice Theory and the Enneagram
Using axioms helps us make better decisions because they are simple rules that remind us how choices work. They show us that we can only control ourselves, that our choices affect others, and that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. Axioms help us understand why we do what we do, enabling us to make smarter choices that align with our values and goals. They make it easier to think clearly, take responsibility, and choose what’s best for us and the people around us.
The Ten Axioms of Choice Theory
Choice theory explains how all people are driven by five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. These needs affect every decision we make. It also links to the personality and instinct types in the Enneagram system.
These ten axioms illustrate how we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. They help us take charge of our lives and make more intelligent choices.
1. We Can Only Control Ourselves
We often try to get others to change—especially when we feel upset, disappointed, or frustrated. However, the truth is that we can’t control what anyone else thinks, believes, or does. We are only responsible for ourselves. When we focus on our behavior, we reclaim our power and stop wasting energy trying to change others.
Example: You may feel frustrated when a family member supports a political candidate you don’t like. You can’t change their vote, but you can control your response. Stay respectful and calmly explain your view; if not, simply walk away from the argument.
2. We Only Give Information
We can offer facts, advice, or opinions—but we can’t force someone to accept them. This axiom reminds us that once we’ve shared information, the choice is theirs. We don’t control what others believe; we only control how we speak and listen.
Example: You discuss your doubts about organized religion with your partner. You explain your reasons clearly, but they still want to attend church every week. You realize your job isn’t to change them—just to share your truth with love and honesty.
3. Most Problems Are Relationship Problems
Many of our personal struggles are really caused by conflict or disconnection in relationships. They cause stress, anxiety, or anger, making it challenging to communicate. When our relationships suffer, our mental health often does too. Fixing the relationship often improves the problem.
Example: You’re feeling stressed and disconnected. You think it’s your job—but then you realize you’ve been fighting with your spouse about raising your kids with or without religion. The emotional strain is coming more from that conflict than from work.
4. Relationship Problems Are in the Present
It’s easy to blame old memories or past wounds, but most relationship problems are happening right now. Even if someone hurt us years ago, what matters is how we’re dealing with it today. This axiom encourages us to take action in the present rather than dwell on the past.
Example: You had a falling-out with a friend over a political disagreement two years ago. You keep replaying it in your head, but you haven’t actually spoken to them since. The problem isn’t in the past—it’s that the relationship is still broken today and hasn’t been repaired.
5. The Past Shapes Us But Doesn’t Control Us
Our experiences—especially those from childhood—shape our perception of the world. But they don’t have to control our choices forever. We can learn from the past and still create something new. This is a decisive step toward freedom.
Example: You grew up in a strict religious home where questioning the faith was discouraged. As an adult, you began exploring other spiritual ideas. You realize that your past has helped shape you, but you’re now choosing your path based on what feels true for you today.
6. We Choose What Matches Our “Quality World”
We all carry a personal vision of what we want in life. This “Quality World” includes the people, beliefs, experiences, and values that matter most to us. We make choices based on this vision—whether we realize it or not.
Example: You support environmental policies not just because they’re trendy. You vote for them because your ideal world includes nature, health, and responsibility. It also explains why you feel uncomfortable in a workplace that doesn’t share those values.
7. Everything We Do Is Behavior
Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all part of our behavior. We may not always see our behavior clearly, but it’s always happening. Recognizing this helps us take ownership of our actions, thoughts, and responses to life.
Example: You feel angry during a church service when the speaker says something that goes against your beliefs. Instead of storming out, you recognize your anger, breathe, and reflect on why you’re triggered. That’s behavior awareness in action.
8. Behavior Has Four Parts
All behavior is composed of four elements working together. These elements are:
1. Actions (what you do).
2. Thoughts (what you think).
3. Feelings (how you feel).
4. Bodily reactions (such as tension, sweating, or fatigue).
You can’t always control the emotional or physical aspects, but you can guide your actions and thoughts, which helps the rest improve.
Example: You’re watching the news and feel overwhelmed (emotion), tense in your body, and stuck in negative thinking. You decide to turn off the TV (action) and go for a walk (new thought: “I need space”). Your mood starts to shift, even though nothing outside has changed.
9. We Choose All Our Behavior
Even if we don’t always notice it, we are choosing how we act and what we focus on. We may not be able to choose every feeling, but we do have a choice in how we respond to those feelings. Once we see that, we gain more freedom to change.
Example: You feel judged by your religious community for being different. Instead of staying quiet and angry, you choose to speak up calmly about your beliefs. That’s a powerful, chosen behavior—even if it’s uncomfortable.
10. Behavior Is Named by What We Notice
We usually label people based on what we see—like “angry,” “lazy,” or “kind.” But that’s just the outside. Real behavior encompasses what people are thinking and feeling beneath the surface. This axiom reminds us to look deeper, not just to label others based on a single action.
Example: You think your neighbor is “rude” because they avoid political talk at social events. Later, you learn they’re recovering from burnout and avoiding conflict. Their behavior made sense—you just didn’t see the whole picture at first.
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 Enneagram Personality Profile and Choice Theory
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 that we cannot control everything around us.
2. Enneagram Type Two – The Helper
The personality of type two is the helper. They often prioritize the needs of others over their own. 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 known as 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 centered on the concept of 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 is known as the investigator. 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 loyalist. 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 so 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 stems from a desire to be happy.
9. Enneagram Type Nine – The Peacemaker
Personality type nine seeks to prioritize order, 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
Understanding the Ten Axioms of Choice and the Enneagram Personality Profile provides us with tools to reshape our psyche. They are powerful tools for self-discovery. 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.
References
- Dr. William Glasser, Wikipedia.
- The Enneagram, Wikipedia.
- Choice Theory: An Introduction. Academia.edu.
- TOWARD THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF THE ENNEAGRAM. IEA Nine Points.
- CHOICE THEORY – Asutosh College. Asutosh College.