Episode #31: Real-life grace for the Enneagram One with Esther Littlefield

We’re launching a series of interviews with women of each Enneagram type. But you may be wondering, “What does the Enneagram have to do with grace?”

The Enneagram allows you to peel back all the behaviors, patterns, and coping mechanisms that conceal the real you. Knowing your Enneagram type allows you to recognize why you do what you do. Then you can exchange hurtful mindsets and behaviors for God-centered truth and courage. Change starts with knowledge, which invites you to bring your wounds, hurts, and fears to the feet of Christ and ask for His help.

You can only offer grace to what and who you know. So let’s know ourselves! To learn more about Enneagram Ones, go here.

You can also grab this free resource about what the Enneagram is, what it isn’t, and what you want to know about your personality type. Your Quick Start Guide to the Enneagram walks you through how to determine your type, what’s up with wings, and Enneagram resources you’ll want to check out.

In this interview, Esther and I break down:

What it’s like to be an Enneagram One
How to manage the tension between working with excellence and being obsessive-compulsive in the pursuit of perfection
What it’s like to lead as a One
The fallacy of being an “extra-special Christian”
Why having fun and doing nothing is actually a spiritual practice of grace
How to move away from legalism
And ways to extend grace to the Ones in your life.

Key Quotes

“There are times you just have to be done.” – Esther Littlefield
“I’ve tried to differentiate between the effort I’ve put in and separating that from the results that come after the effort.” – Esther Littlefield
“Give your effort to God and give God the results.” – Esther Littlefield
“What’s amazing about grace and the gospel is that there isn’t anything I have to do. And at the same time, it feels too good to be true.” – Esther Littlefield
“When you get to know God and get to know His Word, it’s easier to shift away from legalism.” – Esther Littlefield
“When you think about yourself, make sure you’re speaking truth, resting in the love God has for you.” – Esther Littlefield

About Esther Littlefield

Esther is a writer and host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast as well as the Christian Woman Business Podcast. She is passionate about helping women embrace their gifts and lead with confidence. She also loves helping Christian business owners shine online and amplify their message.

Esther is a pastor’s wife and mom of 1. She enjoys leading women’s Bible studies, missions trips, marriage retreats, and her business team.

Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ and their 2 cats and 2 leopard geckos. In her free time, you may find Esther enjoying a cup of coffee, exploring the great outdoors, or convincing her husband or a friend to take a road trip to see her favorite band, Switchfoot.