Derailers (the things that can get us off track) can be some of the most challenging aspects of our personality patterns to confront.

It’s easy to admire the drive, efficiency, and results-oriented mindset of a Type 3. But growth for Threes often isn’t about achieving more — it’s about slowing down long enough to notice why they’re pushing so hard in the first place.

Real growth doesn’t always come from doing. Sometimes it comes from being honest about the patterns that are quietly running the show underneath our successes — the ones that can lead to burnout, disconnection, or chasing validation over authenticity.

These derailers represent common obstacles for Threes. While they may not apply to every individual Three or apply all the time, they reflect general tendencies that can surface when we’re out of alignment with our core values or worth.

If you're still figuring out your dominant Enneagram type, seeing a few of these patterns in yourself might help narrow things down.

If you already identify as a Type 3, is there anything you’d add to the “getting back on track” section? What helps you realign when you notice yourself slipping into image management, overworking, or tying your worth to achievement?

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