PCS Toolkit for an Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator

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 5, or the Investigator, you've been thinking deeply about this upcoming PCS. Your inquisitive and curious mind has been leading you to think about all aspects of this move and what needs to be done. You have a specific process you want to use to prepare, but your introverted personality might make it challenging to express this to others in your household. You are directing all your focus to your PCS and you've been withdrawn from anything else occurring around you. 

Your PCS fear: You fear you may become overwhelmed by your own needs and your family's needs during this PCS. To prevent this, you withdraw from those around you to focus on what needs to be done. 

Your core motivation: You are driven by your passion to be competent and understanding of your environment. This causes you to always be in a state of learning and growing. 

So, how can an Enneagram Type 5 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: Get out of your head. You may find it hard to find time to relax during this PCS, but it's important to enjoy the present moment. Try going for a run, doing some yoga, or listening to your favorite podcast to allow time for yourself.

Tip #2: Remember, it's okay to ask for help! You don't have to be completely self-sufficient, and you likely have eager family members who want to help you. Seek that support and get the extra help when you're feeling overwhelmed. 

Tip #3: Push to go outside of your comfort zone. It may be hard for you to think about meeting new people at your next duty station. Consider joining a spouse page or local group on Facebook to meet people prior to your move. 

Tip #4: Feel your emotions. Push yourself to sit with your emotions and truly feel them. Deep down it may actually hurt that you're PCSing from an area you've come to love, and it's okay to feel that way. Let yourself feel those emotions you've been repressing. 

Tip #5: Accept the feedback. It may be hard to open up to anyone about the struggles or concerns associated with a PCS move. Try not to close yourself off from your family, and instead, let them help decide what needs to be done and how it should be done. It may actually be helpful to see things from a different perspective! 

Your PCS toolkit consists of a self-care bingo challenge, a daily planner, a weekly planner, and a monthly planner. Using these planners will allow you to write out exactly what you're wanting to get done for your PCS and when you want it done by. This can help those around you be on the same page and see your game plan for the move. Be sure to take time for self care to avoid getting overwhelmed and shutting off from others. You can do this!