PCS Toolkit for an Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever

• Join us as we start a 9 week series, providing each Enneagram type with specific tools to help tackle your PCS. After all, PCS season is here and we could all use some extra help prepping for a big move!

Keep an eye out for your PCS toolkit based on your Enneagram type:

March 2: Type 1, The Perfectionist

March 9: Type 2, The Giver

March 16: Type 3, The Achiever

March 23: Type 4, The Individualist

March 30: Type 5, The Investigator

April 6: Type 6, The Skeptic

April 13: Type 7, The Enthusiast

April 20: Type 8, The Challenger

April 27: Type 9, The Peacemaker

You may be wondering what an Enneagram is or what your Enneagram type is! An enneagram is a system that explains 9 types of personalities and the motivations, fears and dynamics of each. It is focused on understanding each other, focusing in on core emotions, motivations, and fears. All 9 types of personalities have their own driving force, and it's centered around an emotion. If you aren't sure what Enneagram type you are, you can find out here: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test

For an Enneagram Type 3, or an achiever, you probably feel really prepared for your upcoming PCS move. Because of your confidence in your achievements, you are ready to get the process started and make the move. You're probably thinking that if this move goes smoothly, you'll be on top of the world because it will give you the validation that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. 

Your PCS fear: Threes, or achievers, have a fear of being a failure, and if something goes wrong during your PCS, you will feel invaluable or insignificant. 

Your core motivation: You have a desire to feel needed and admired, and you get that feeling when you achieve success.

So, how can an Enneagram Type 3 tackle a PCS? By using these 5 tips and the tools attached to this blog, you're sure to have a successful move! 

Tip #1: Slow down and relax. Take a moment to soak in what is right in front of you. Enjoy the last bit of time you have left at your current duty station. Think of the wonderful memories you've had in your home. There will be time to pack and prepare, so slow down.

Tip #2: Practice actively listening to your spouse. PCSing is going to be stressful, no matter how hard you try to make it not be. If your spouse has a thought, idea or concern, practice truly listening and not speaking, so you can connect deeply with them. This may help to strengthen your bond during a busy time in your lives. 

Tip #3: It's okay to be vulnerable. Let your family see who you truly are; you don't have to constantly be perceived as successful, and that's okay! This will help you be your most authentic self during this transitional period. 

Tip #4: Feel your feelings, and let out your emotions. It's easy to get caught up in your achievements and image as a three, so try practicing be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to feel the feelings that you're having. You don't have to pretend that something isn't bothering you. If you're stressed, it's okay to admit that you may be overwhelmed and need a little help from a family member. 

Tip #5: Be mindful of how precious time is. You don't have to be on the go 24/7. There will be time to pack, time to purge, time to do all the PCS tasks you have to do; so, take a minute and do some yoga or take a family selfie in your home. Truly understanding that time is going to pass will make you more appreciative of what you have. There's no need to rush. 

Your PCS toolkit consists of a To Do Checklist, a To Get Checklist, room-specific purging checklists. These checklists will allow you to prepare for your PCS by showing exactly what you need to do, to get, and things you want to purge for your PCS. As you achieve things on your lists, you can mark them off and physically see that you are accomplishing things you wanted to do. Every small step is pushing you closer to the big accomplishment: a successful PCS move.