The Perfectionist: Growing as an Enneagram 1

60-Day Enneagram Devotional #1

by Elisabeth Bennett, Kara-Kae James (Foreword)

The Enneagram is an ancient personality typology using nine points within a circle to represent nine distinct personality types. This sixty-day devotional is for the Perfectionist, number 1 of the Enneagram personality types.
This book will help Perfectionists, and those who love them, better understand how God created them and how best to use their unique gifts to serve Him and love others. It features an explanation of what the Enneagram is and how it benefits people, followed by a full description of what it means to be a 1, including the Perfectionist's deadly sin and their greatest strength.
Some attributes of the The sixty days of this devotional are split into six 10-day topics that include uniqueness, weakness, strength, pain points, and how Perfectionists react in times of stress and growth.


 

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Christianity, Christian

192 pages, Hardcover

Published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my dear friends (a fellow personality geek), gave this to me for Christmas, and I found it a good way to start the year. For me, part of being an enneagram One is a profound need for affirmation, and this was so encouraging to me, especially in regard to my faith and how I stand before God in all my imperfection.

I appreciated the structure of the book (which I assume is similar across this series for all the types): it starts with the qualities of Ones that emulate Christ and bring us closer to Him; then moves to those which cause us separation from Him, but which He can redeem for our good and His glory; and then it explores the paths the One takes in stress (4) and growth (7). There were times when I felt like the reflection or the shift in focus was written for me specifically. I also appreciated that I felt both encouraged and convicted by the material.

A Caveat: Though overall I felt this was a really affirming devotional, I found Bennett’s reflections much more meaningful than those written by her guest writer, who is a One. I felt the approach and the experiences shared in those installments really reflected that writer’s youth. I would imagine younger adults might find these really relatable, but I found myself wishing that Bennett had selected a guest contributor with a lifetime of experience as a One walking in faith so the contributions would have felt more like mentorship to me (and other older readers).

[Carly Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with what to rate this book. On one hand, I’m a fan of the enneagram. Parts of this book definitely spoke to my personal strengths and weaknesses and applied the gospel to them. But other parts felt stretched, and not much sticks out to me 60 entries later.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently discovered the Enneagram as a way to understand my personality and the personalities of others. This book is a good introduction to the concept as well as an exploration of one of the nine personalities. I like how Bennett explains how we adopt a personality in childhood. We realize the world is a scary place and is unlikely to accept our true self. We take on a personality and wear it like a shield of protection. (157/2018)

Understanding our Enneagram personality helps us learn where God shines through and areas where we need to let God change us (the sin Ones tend toward). I appreciate the good teaching on areas of particular concern including anger, the inner critic, and stress.

Even if you are not a “One,” this is a good book to read to understand those who are. You'll find them to be motivated by being good or having integrity. They are rule followers.

I recommend this book for those who want to better understand themselves and others. You'll get a good introduction to the Enneagram concept and specific insight into Ones, perfectionists.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Fallon McCully · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book really spoke to me as an Enneagram 1. It brought to light the traits of myself in times of stress as well as times of growth. I liked how it tied God and His glory into many of the chapters - I just wish that it did this more! Each day is 2-3 short pages, but I felt like it could have gone into a bit more detail overall. It’s a great read if you want to know more about your type and tie it into your identity as a child of God.

[Kayleigh P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not particularly attached to an Enneagram number any more. I feel alternately like a 1, 3, 4, and 9. I really enjoyed the section about the "inner critic," although the author posits that other enneagram types do not experience this personally but I find that a rash generalization. I also really enjoyed the section about grace - accepting God's grace and giving it to others. Daily struggle for me. All of ther sections felt repetitious of basic enneagram knowledge.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super helpful 60 day devotional. 10 days on 6 different topics of being an enneagram 1 with Bible truths tied to them. Highly recommend.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been learning about the Enneagram over the past couple of years and classify myself as a type 2 with a very strong 1 wing. Since I read and loved and learned so much from Elisabeth Bennett’s Enneagram 2 devotional last year, I jumped at the opportunity to read this devotional for Enneagram 1s as well, figuring that I might learn a little bit more about myself and who God has made me to be and how I can serve Him best. I can definitely say that this devotional did not disappoint!

I love how this devotional both encourages and challenges readers at the same time, digging deep into the ways that Enneagram 1s uniquely reflect God’s goodness while also exploring how Enneagram 1s might be tempted to act out of anger or criticize and how to recognize and counteract that. The devotional also discusses how Enneagram 1s have the opportunity to lean into God’s grace for themselves and for other people, which is definitely a challenge for me. I especially loved how the author explains the differences between the Holy Spirit’s voice and the Enneagram 1’s inner critic’s voice. Lastly, the devotional has a section about how Enneagram 1s tend to act in stress and another section about how they tend to act in seasons of growth – and what God might want to teach them in those different seasons.

I love that this isn't just a book about the characteristics of an Enneagram 1 (which would still be fascinating), but that it is a devotional with scriptures, prayers, and reflection questions woven throughout it to draw the Enneagram 1 into a better understanding of who God made them to be and how they can grow and serve Him in both their strengths and weaknesses.

I highly recommend this devotional – not just for Enneagram 1s, but also for Enneagram 2s and 9s who have 1 wings, or for anyone else who wants to learn more about and encourage someone close to them who is a type 1. Thank you for sharing this with us, Elisabeth Bennett!

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to the Enneagram a few years ago when our Church
Pastors and Staff started talking about it. Those who were studying
about it and finding out their Enneagram were very excited about
what they are finding out. I never quite grasped the concept and never
really looked further into it. I saw this come up for review and knowing
I am a Perfectionist, I was very intrigued to read and review this Devotional.

The Perfectionist: Growing as an Enneagram 1 by Elisabeth Bennett is a
60 Day Devotional that is divided into 6 sections and each section focuses
on 10 days of learning about that particular strength and weakness.
Each section also gives tips and help for the Perfectionist during
times of Stress. A Perfectionist is one who is Motivated but also has
fears. Elisabeth Bennett really outlines the information of the Enneagram
and how one can pinpoint which Enneagram fits them best.

I was totally LOST about the Enneagram Personality Type, even after
those around me talked about it continuously. Elisabeth Bennett really
helped me understand the Enneagram and I can without a doubt say
I am a 1, a Perfectionist. The Devotional is in an easy to ready format,
the explanations are easy to read and understand. The thing I really liked
was how it really shows the reader that God has designed us this way and
it our God-Given Personality. Elisabeth Bennett has other books in this series,
so if you are not a Perfectionist, she may have a book for you. I highly
recommend this book for anyone interested in the Enneagram and for those
seeking how to best use our Personality Type in the way God intended for
our Personality to come out. GREAT Devotional.

[Randi Sampson]

Do you know your Enneagram? For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Enneagram is an ancient personality typology that uses nine points within a circle to represent nine very distinct personality types- Type 1: The Perfectiomist, Type 2: The Helper, Type 3: The Achiever, Type 4: The Individualist, Type 5: The Thinker, Type 6: The Guardian, Type 7: The Enthusiast, Type 8: The Challenger and Type 9: The Peacemaker.

If you are a type 1: the perfectionist, this devotional is for you!

Before the devotions even get started, this book is packed full of information about Enneagram- both in general as to what it is and how we as Christians can use it, as well as information particular those Type 1 Perfectionists. If you have any interest at all in learning about the subject, this could certainly be a good resource to help you do so. The devotions themselves are broken into 6 groups of 10 days, each taking on a different subject. All subjects within these devotions are written with the perfectionist in mind making it a very unique devotional unlike any I've ever read. They are quick and easy to read with Biblical references and insights to help you learn to understand your personality type and understand how that applies to your faith as well.

If you are a Christian who is already interested in Enneagram (or who wants to learn more), this is certainly one worth checking out!

**Complimentary copy of book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know a ton about the enneagram but I do know some about the number I am. Enough to know it is super spot on to who I actually am and explains quite a bit about me! I’m a 5w6 so this book doesn’t really apply to me.

This is the second book in this series that I have had the pleasure to review. As I’ve been reading through this book it really has helped me to identify and learn more about some of my friends who are type 1s.

I also feel the need to state yet again that this author has the best name ever. Talk about a literary name. Isn’t it the best!?

If you’re not familiar with the enneagram or what type you might be there are lots of free tests out there that can help you decide which is you. And this series has been eye-opening to me on why and what makes the different types tick plus their greatest fears, etc. This is a 60 day devotional.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Deana Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find these type of books to be a bit overwhelming at times. There is a vast amount of information both scientific and layman’s terms scattered throughout. As I read the book I could see myself as a one and perhaps some of the others. No matter which one you are the book does have great insights into walking your life beside Jesus.

The book talks about the traits of a one and how we can use those to reflect Jesus with out actions and words. I think the book could be helpful for anyone by applying the principles of being Christ like. The book does give us points to think upon and I did like the scriptures. I’m not a big fan of these types of books, but I appreciate the hard work the author put into writing it.

I remember doing a similar study by another company when I worked. We all had to fill it out and then ask three people to evaluate us. It was interesting to see how others perceive you. This book does talk about how we can improve our attitude and think on things that help us in our spiritual walk.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the devotionals and the information shared in this book to be eye-opening, and some of the material helped me understand myself better. The scriptural connections and insights offer guidance of how to work with your personality type as a perfectionist, recognizing both your strengths and weaknesses. Each day contains pertinent Bible verses for the topic. The sixty days of entries are divided into six sections of ten devotions each by subject, such as Saying No to Criticism and Killing Anger. When I shared about this book, I learned from several others of the Enneagram’s origin from connection with the occult and demons. If I had known that I would not have read it to review because the Bible warns against any such activity. Check out this information yourself at https://thecultishshow.com/blog/decod.... I think the helpful material could be adapted to just personality tendencies without connecting them to this questionable teaching and practice. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfectionist is a useful devotional tool to help Ones grow closer to Christ when they see the strengths and weaknesses of their type. It is easy to see the weaknesses and forget about the strengths, but Bennett emphasizes how those are the moments we can rely on God. She focuses on how we are His image bearers.

The format for each day includes a verse and ways we can see it in the light of our personality. The book was well organized and thought out. The application points are given generously as encouragement rather than a list of to dos. I liked the prayers that would complete the day to help stay focused on the main truth of that day.

As an One, I felt like I learned valuable information in light of God with this devotional. I feel as other Ones would gain insight as well. Even if someone is not an One, the reader might learn ways to interact and understand Ones on a different level.

I would highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perfectionist: Growing as an Enneagram starts the 60-Day Enneagram Devotional series by Elisabeth Bennett. The devotional is broken down in six parts, using ten days to focus on each part. The parts include: Goodness, Killing Anger, Grace, Saying No to Criticism, Handling Despair, and Fun and Joy. Each day include scripture, lesson, reflections, prayer, and exercise. I found the days are quite short and can be easily added to busy lives.

The Perfectionist: Growing as an Enneagram will be getting three and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who interested in the Enneagram and for those who like to read devotionals. I am sure many will find some faith and inspiration within the pages. I am interested in reading the other books from the 60-Day Enneagram Devotional series.

I received The Perfectionist: Growing as an Enneagram from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfectionist By: Elisabeth Bennett is part of a devotional series. I have read one other one in the series. You can see my review for The Peacemaker: HERE. If you are not familiar with the Enneagram it is an ancient personality classification. There are nine points within a circle to represent nine very distinct personality types- 1: Perfectionist, 2: Helper, 3: Achiever, 4: Individualist, 5: Thinker, 6: Guardian, 7: Enthusiast, 8: Challenger and 9: Peacemaker.
In this book the Perfectionist - it is broken down into 6 parts. Each part will take you 10 days to go through. I am not sure what number that I am - but I do not think I am a 1. Even if you are like me, and not a 1 - there is still a wealth of information. The author has done incredible research and studies on the Enneagram. She knows her subject material, and I feel that her writing was God led.


I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program - all thoughts are my own.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfectionist by Elisabeth Bennett is a unique devotion focused on the Ones of the Enneagram. This is a heavily focused Christian book so, if you are not a Christian, you may want to find another study to work through.

Each section of the devotion focuses on a personality trait of the One, from what motivates us to how we express ourselves when our motivations are thwarted to how we express ourselves when we are "healthy." I'd say the most powerful of these, personally, is the section on Criticism. Let's just say I'm a work in progress and I really needed those ten days.

How does this compare to the other tomes written about the Enneagram? It's a solid supporting book that should be on any One's shelf. Self-reflection is hard (I'm a One, trust me on this) and this book can guide you into understanding why you do the things you do and change them for the better.

I definitely recommend this book if you are One or live/love someone who is a One.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Perfectionist: Growing as an Enneagram" by Elisabeth Bennet. is a 60-Day Enneagram Devotional
The devotional is broken down in six parts, using ten days to focus on each part. Each day include scripture, lesson, reflections, prayer, and exercise. I read the book straight through for this review so I am not sure what I really think of it. I read one other book in this series, the one about the Peacemaker, but still not sure I understand the content of the Enneagram, with it arrows and wings. I do know this book has lots of scriptures to study and that can't be a bad thing right?

I have heard a lot about Enneagrams being apart of the occult connections, maybe that is why I don't understand it, but if since it is part of this practice I don't want any part of it!

I was given a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this book addressed many different angles regarding the spiritual problems, strengths, and growth areas of a Type 1 Perfectionist. My main critique of the book is that this was not as inclusive/relevant to Type Ones who are more Reformers than Perfectionists. This book works better for the stereotypical Type 1 Perfectionist, so if you relate to that stereotype, you will probably enjoy this book. “Trigger” warning: there’s quite a few grammatical errors that I found very ironic in a book for Perfectionists who will surely be distracted and irritated by every single one. 😆 If you relate more as the Type One Reformer, you’ll still likely find helpful and relevant information, and benefit from the journey of self exploration, but just be warned that not all devotionals in this book will feel like they fit you.

[Matthew Woo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each day's devotional is short and sweet. It goes through 6 x 10 day themes meditating on how scripture applies specifically toward areas that Enneagram 1s resonate with. I found the beginning very interesting, talking about strengths, weaknesses, growing in grace, etc. but as we focused on the stress (4) and healthy (7) areas, I didn't connect as much with the devotionals. Perhaps I haven't explored enough how my stress and health look different from others, and how that looks like in the Enneagram framework.

Not every day was applicable to me either, but that's bound to happen with any broad personality categorization. Most of the time there wasn't much scripture exposition, even when there was always a verse quoted, so that's unfortunate. But there were only a few days where I didn't quite agree with the biblical foundation.

Overall, worth checking out

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My cousin introduced me to the Enneagram personality test a while back and I found it very interesting and enlightening. This book described it in better detail and gave more insights into all of it, but especially being a 1.

This is something I think all could benefit from and especially those who are a 1. It shows strengths and weaknesses...where God can really 'shine' in your life if you accept and allow it. It was really enlightening and made me more curious about what exactly I truly am on this Enneagram circle.

It was a 4/5.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, I discovered the Enneagram to identify one's personality type. So when this devotional appeared for review, I knew I wanted to take part. This devotional includes background on the Enneagram and information about wings - those numbers on either side of a number. I found this part of the book to be both informative and interesting.

Each daily devotional includes a passage of Scripture, commentary, a prayer, along with exercises to complete. Elisabeth Bennett along with other Ones on the Enneagram scale create an insightful devotional that speaks to one's heart and soul. So check out this devotional for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Caitlin Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many fantastic books that teach about the Enneagram. However they are only as helpful as the way you apply that knowledge. Elisabeth has created a series to help each number on the Enneagram buckle down to the work of applying that knowledge.
In this devotional she calls on the help of an Enneagram one to do the deep work of embracing the way God made you and loves you. This is the key to breaking through the stereotypes and struggles of your Enneagram. By shifting focus from just learning about the Enneagram to using the Enneagram as way to deepen your relationship with God and others, Elisabeth is breaking ground on a better foundation. The Enneagram can be an amazing tool in your spiritual life and this series can be your handbook to using that tool well.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have recently delved into more of this Enneagram personality stuff. I am definitely not a Enneagram 1 but thought this devotional book was well written and I am sure it would be good to understand that personality trait better. Each day contains Scripture, lesson reflections, prayer and an exercise. I must admit that I am not a huge devotional person but I can see where this would be helpful to those who need something more concrete to do and acquire some sense of what their personality trait is all about within our faith in Christ.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well organized, compassionately and professionally written; an excellent deep dive into the personality of an Enneagram One. Each of the sixty days of devotions is written with care to guide the reader into a deeper understanding of the whys of their “one-ness” from a Christian viewpoint. Bennett’s books are an excellent resource for personal growth as well as helping others understand the uniqueness of each Enneagram type. As a Christian Enneagram coach myself, I truly appreciate these resources and highly recommend them!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Katherine Nadene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say wow? There were many things that jumped out at me from this book and I am not even an enneagram 1. I am a 9w1 and I found myself taking notes and learning that something does not have to be perfect to be good. It's a freeing thing to learn, especially for one who always thought that it was a sin to not do things exactly the right way. There is so much grace in this devotional and it's not just for people who are decidedly an enneagram 1, but for everyone who needs a reminder to have grace on themselves and others!

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I am not a Perfectionist, I am married to a man who can relate a lot to this devotional! I feel like having read up on the Enneagram and the way the different personalities interact has given me insight into how my husband's brain works. This devotional is a unique one, tailored to the personality of an Enneagram 1. I've enjoyed the devotionals I have done in this series and look forward to doing the one that I relate the most to.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

[Reagan Styrt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a gift and thought it might be interesting to go through. Turns out, I don't really like the mixing of enneagram with religion. I felt like this devotional was more about self-discovery than it was about God, which was kind of unsettling. In terms of an enneagram book, it was interesting and I learned a lot about the anger-nature of Ones, however I'm not sure the book deepened my faith at all. I would have liked this book more if they had included more than one Bible verse per day.

[Braxton Schieler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the devotionals in this book were very helpful to me, but in general they didn't provide a lot of opportunity for depth of study, especially within the Bible. They were sort of "here's a verse," now let's talk about something tangentially related for a minute, that's all. It'd be hard to do anything different with the enneagram as a topic, though, and I do appreciate Bennett's attempt.

[Guenevere · Rating 4 out of 5]

i bought this in college and i foinally got around to reading it LOL

i was lowkey skeptical when i started reading it but towards the end, i was like ommo wait i feel so understood in how i think and how i act and it's (hopefully) helping me have more self awareness on my good and bad tendencies as a 1

just anotha reason why enneagram / personality tests r the best heheh ;)

[Ellen Wildman So · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate how personal this was- a lot of the devotions felt very applicable to me as an enneagram 1 ☺️ I was longing for more depth though- I felt like a lot of the content was pretty surface level. That being said, it’s an easy daily devotional read!