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Writer's pictureMyrna Scales

A Guide for Enneagram 2w3s: Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

Updated: Oct 23, 2023


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Today, we're talking about the Enneagram 2w3, AKA "The Host." It's a pretty cool combo of the Type 2 Helper and Type 3 Achiever. If you're a 2w3, you love helping others and making personal connections. You're also pretty ambitious, sociable, and charming. These traits make you an excellent networker who can bring people together for a good cause.


If you have a 2w3 Enneagram personality, navigating through life might have its own set of challenges, but it can also be gratifying. Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and unique traits can help you make the most of your empathetic and ambitious nature and lead a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.


So, let's dive into the Enneagram 2w3!


Table of Content



Understanding Enneagram 2w3


A confident smiling young woman

It's understandable that fear can significantly impact the lives of individuals with a 2w3 personality type. The fear of loneliness can be overwhelming, and the desire to be valued and appreciated by others is completely natural. But sometimes, that fear can make you act out negatively to avoid feeling like you don't matter. Plus, since you're so in tune with your emotions and the emotions of others, it can be tough for you to figure out what's what.


Do you know what's really challenging for 2w3 types? You can't seem to chill out and take a break. You're constantly pushing yourself to get the recognition and admiration you crave from others. But sometimes, you end up feeling totally burnt out when nobody seems to notice all your hard work. You must learn when to step back and find a balance between caring for others and your very own needs and ambitions.


Remember to take care of yourself along the way and be aware of your emotional boundaries.


Key Traits of 2w3


A woman baking

  1. So, as a 2w3, you're all about making connections and making a positive impact on the world. You're the kind of person who really cares about others and wants to help them in any way you can. Your warm and empathetic personality makes people feel supported and loved, and you're great at building deep, meaningful relationships.

  2. You've got this natural charm that attracts people. And it's even better because you're always so cheerful and optimistic, which makes everyone around you feel good. Seriously, when you walk into a room, it's like the sun just came out - you bring all the good vibes!

  3. You're always super helpful to others, and you don't mind going out of your way to lend a hand, even if it means sacrificing your own time and energy. It's one of the things that makes you stand out as a 2w3 personality!

  4. You're fearless in going after what you want, thanks to your Type 3 wing. You're always aiming high and striving for success.

Tip: While your captivating energy can draw people in, make sure to use it respectfully and not manipulate others for personal gain or a constant need for validation.


Enneagram 2w3 Strengths and Weaknesses


A stressed woman

You know, each Enneagram type has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, but yours is especially unique. It's important to recognize and embrace those strengths while acknowledging the areas where you might need some work. By doing that, you can really grow both personally and professionally.


You know what's great about you? Your generous nature. You're an awesome friend and teammate because of that. And I love how you can understand where people are coming from - it helps you make some deep, personal connections with those around you.


You're also effective at achieving your goals. You have a healthy balance of competitiveness and drive, which keeps you on track and motivated. Plus, your natural talents help you adapt to all sorts of different situations well.


Now, let's talk about some of your weaknesses. At times, you may become overly competitive. It's totally cool to have some friendly competition, but it can become a problem if it starts messing with your relationships or personal growth. Just try to keep a level head when faced with challenges, and remember that winning isn't the only thing that matters.


Another weakness you struggle with is a tendency to be manipulative. It's understandable that you have a good understanding of other people's needs and emotions, but please be mindful that using that to get what you want can be hurtful and unfair to others. It's important to prioritize honesty and openness with others and to avoid causing unnecessary harm to anyone involved.


Basic Desires and Fears


A mom hugging her child

Your basic desire is to feel loved and accepted. You might even go out of your way to make others happy, putting their needs before your very own needs. It's just how you roll, right? But at the same time, you might struggle with dealing with your own negative emotions. Trust me, I get it. It's tough to put yourself first sometimes.


Pushing yourself too hard all the time can end up causing stress or even making you snap emotionally. Most of your actions are primarily aimed at boosting your self-esteem. While this isn't inherently bad, it's essential to recognize and address your own emotional needs instead of always putting others first.


At your core, your basic fears, motivations, and desires are interconnected. One thing that might really freak you out is the fear of being unloved or unwanted. That's why you work hard to be there for others and sometimes do too much. It's so important to find a balance, though, which means being aware of your values and setting up boundaries that work for you.


You've got this drive for success that's just incredible. Being a 2w3, you're really good at reading the vibes in a room and fitting in anywhere you go. It's like you have this natural charm that wins people over. But here's the thing: don't let that go to your head. You've gotta stay true to yourself and not get caught up in trying to impress others all the time.


Health and Stress Management


A woman doing yoga poses

When it comes to staying healthy and managing stress as an Enneagram 2w3, finding the right balance in your life is essential. Balance will help you avoid burnout and stay healthy.

Here are a few tips to help you maintain your well-being:

  • Know your limits: It's important to know your limits and not take on too much. Don't be afraid to say no, and set boundaries to avoid getting overwhelmed.

  • Channel your energy: You're an ambitious and driven person. Finding healthy ways to channel all that energy is important, like trying out a new hobby, joining a club, or volunteering. These things can help you stay balanced and focused on all the good stuff in life.

  • Practice self-care: Remember to show yourself the same love and care you give others. Make time for relaxation, exercise, and activities that bring you joy. Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.

  • Deal with stress proactively: It's always a good idea to watch for stress creeping up in your life. If you start feeling overwhelmed, try taking deep breaths, practicing mindfulness, or reaching out to someone you trust, like a friend or therapist. Catching stress early and finding ways to cope can help keep it from getting too intense.


The 2w3 in Relationships


A happy family sitting on a hammock

If you're a 2w3, you love helping others and being there for them. You're a great friend and always ready to listen and offer support. Whether it's your friends or your significant other, you really cherish your relationships and being part of a community. It's awesome to be able to connect with others on such a deep level.


When it comes to romantic relationships, you really crave love and affection. You're a super sweet partner who's always thinking about your significant other and what they need. You love spoiling them with attention and making them feel special. But remember that your own feelings and needs matter, too! Make sure to be upfront and communicate your feelings with your partner. It's important to keep the lines of communication open!


With friendships, you're all about building meaningful relationships that stand the test of time. You're the one who brings everyone together and can get everyone pumped up for a shared goal. But don't forget to take care of yourself, too – giving and taking equally is vital if you want your relationship and those friendships to last.


In motherhood, you are thoughtful and caring. With your type 2, you feel loved when your kids need you. You are there for them even if they don't ask. It can be tricky as your children get older and more independent. You can start to feel sad that you're not as needed anymore. With your wing 3, you are a go-getter mom who likes to get things done. You might find yourself wanting to start a new hobby and turn it into a business.


At the end of the day, a 2w3 mom is loving and is there for her kids no matter what. Keep up the excellent work, momma!




Type 2w3 in the Workplace


A confident woman speaking at a conference

With their natural ability to connect with others and a drive to make a difference, 2w3s usually end up in jobs where they interact with people, like motivational speakers or entertainers. They're great at making everyone feel comfortable and inspired.


You know those people at work who always seem like they're on a mission? That's what 2w3s are like. You're super driven and always going for the gold, but you're also good at tuning into other people's feelings and giving advice. That makes you an incredible teammate, especially when being successful and kind is key.


When it comes to the types of jobs that suit the 2w3 Enneagram personality, it's best to look for roles where you can be in a supportive position while also showcasing your ability to achieve results. Think about roles in management, counseling, or even non-profit organizations where you can contribute your skills to help others and achieve your goals.


Famous People with a 2w3 Personality Type


A closeup of a piano

Luciano Pavarotti: As one of the greatest opera singers of all time, Luciano Pavarotti truly embodied the 2w3 spirit in his career. He had a way of captivating audiences with his incredible voice and remarkable stage presence. Luciano was always so kind and generous to everyone he met. He cared about people and was always looking for ways to help. Plus, he did a lot of great work for humanitarian causes, which shows just how much he wanted to make a difference in the world.


Stevie Wonder: Another remarkable 2w3 is the legendary musician Stevie Wonder. Stevie's incredible talent and soulful music have brought joy to millions of fans over the years. Even though he's faced some tough stuff in his life, he's always been known for being a kind and positive person who cares about social justice. Plus, as a true 2w3, he's always using his fame to do good and spread love. It's so inspiring!


In addition to these iconic figures, there are numerous other celebrities with 2w3 personalities, including actors, musicians, and even scientists. They all share a common drive to connect with others and make a positive difference in the world.


2w3 personality type can really make something of themselves. But it's not just about getting rich and famous. It's also about using your talents to help others and find happiness in what you do.


Resources for Self-Discovery and Growth


A woman looking at a book from a bookstore

So, if you're looking into the Enneagram 2w3 personality type and seeking resources to help you on your journey of self-discovery and growth. Good news – plenty of tools and advice are out there to support your quest for personal improvement!


Taking an Enneagram test is a great way to determine and identify your core desires, strengths, and weaknesses.


Another aspect of self-discovery involves understanding your core desire as a 2w3. With your three wing adding extra characteristics to your Type Two personality, you might find yourself looking for appreciation, attention, acceptance, and admiration from those around you. It's good to be aware of this so you can think about how it might affect your relationships, how you communicate, and your choices.


In terms of growth, building up your resilience to criticism is important. As someone with an Enneagram 2w3 personality, you might sometimes struggle with self-doubt or fear of failure. But don't worry. Constructive feedback can help you grow and handle these situations better in the long run. So embrace the feedback and keep on growing stronger!


Alright, let's dive into some helpful tools you can use to figure out more about yourself!

  1. To begin, Tim Branch offers a free Enneagram Growth Guide, which can provide further insights for each personality type, including yours.

  2. Another great source is the Personality Path website, which covers the differences between the 2w1 and 2w3 subtypes.

Embrace this journey and enjoy the exciting process of self-discovery and growth!


Frequently Asked Questions


What are common traits of Enneagram 2w3 type?

Enneagram 2w3, also known as The Host, is a subtype that combines the empathetic and caring personality of Type 2 with the ambitious and friendly nature of Type 3. As an enneagram 2w3 is, you're super affectionate and compassionate but also driven and sociable. People probably love being around you because you're really good at making connections and being charming. It's a great combo!


How can a 2w3 achieve personal growth?

So, if you want to grow, it's essential to balance your emotions and goals. That means you must be aware of how you're feeling and give yourself credit for your achievements without relying on others to validate you. Remember to take care of yourself, too! Set some boundaries, and don't forget to ask for help when you need it. It's totally cool to delegate tasks when you've got too much on your plate.


Are there any famous 2w3 individuals?

Yes, several famous individuals are believed to be 2w3 types. These include Barbara Bush, Barry Manilow, Richard Simmons, Lillian Carter, Sammy Davis Jr., Leo Buscaglia, Doug Henning, Tommy Tune, John, Jessica Alba, Dolly Parton, Elle Fanning, and Debbie Reynolds. (Psychology Junkie)


Their caring nature, combined with a strong sense of desire for achievement, makes them well-known public figures who have significantly impacted society.


What is the Myers-Briggs equivalent for 2w3?

While the full Enneagram test and Myers-Briggs systems are different, some correlations exist. For example, the ENFJ (Extraverted Intuitive Feeling Judging) personality type is believed to be similar to the Enneagram type 2w3, as both personality types are characterized by empathy, social skills, and a drive to help others.


How can 2w3s improve relationships?

If you want to strengthen your relationships, you must work on your communication. This means listening actively to your loved ones and expressing your feelings honestly. (Like I've said over and over in this post) Setting some healthy boundaries is also crucial so you don't get overwhelmed. Oh, and remember to find a balance between caring for others' feelings and yourself. It's not all about chasing success - nurturing your relationships can be just as important. Trust me, it'll make your connections more fulfilling and last longer.


What are some differences between 2w3 and 4w3 types?

So, two types have 3 as a wing on the Enneagram: the 2w3 and the 4w3. Even though they both have the ambitious wing, they're actually pretty different. The 2w3 is all about helping and being kind to others, while the 4w3 focuses on being true to themselves and standing out from the crowd. The 2w3 is really good at understanding others and being empathetic, while the 4w3 is more of an introspective type who likes to express their creativity.


What are the differences between 2w3 and 2w1 types?

So, if you're a 2w1, you're all about helping others and being supportive. But you do it in a reserved and principled way since you're influenced by that 1 wing. On the other hand, The 2w3 wing, however, is more outgoing and success-oriented. 2w3s want recognition for what they do and care a lot about their image.


Find Your Enneagram Number Ebook Sheets


I hope this post was insightful, especially if you are a 2w3. If you have questions about the Enneagram, I would love to talk with you. Click on the "Free Consultation" Button below to schedule a time to chat.





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