Enneagram Type 1 (The Reformer) and Step Two:

For Enneagram Type 1, working Step Two in Overeaters Anonymous means confronting the belief that everything depends on their own self-discipline and moral effort. Type 1s often struggle to let go of control and trust that a Higher Power can guide them toward sanity and balance, especially when it comes to their relationship with food.

1. Admit That You Can’t Achieve Perfection Alone:

Type 1s often believe that through enough discipline and effort, they can “perfect” their relationship with food. Step Two asks them to let go of this idea and trust that a Higher Power can restore the balance they’re seeking.

• Reflection question: “How have I been trying to achieve perfection on my own, and how has this been keeping me stuck in unmanageable patterns around food?”

2. Recognize the Unmanageability of Perfectionism:

For Type 1s, believing that they must control every aspect of their eating or body image can lead to obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Step Two helps them recognize that a Power greater than themselves can restore them to sanity by alleviating this need for perfection.

• Reflection question: “How has my need for control or perfection around food become unmanageable, and how might letting go of this lead to greater peace?”

3. Acknowledge the Role of Grace:

Step Two for Type 1s is about accepting that healing doesn’t come solely through self-effort. Grace—allowing a Higher Power to restore them—is essential to finding sanity in their relationship with food.

• Reflection question: “What would it feel like to receive grace from a Higher Power instead of relying solely on my own discipline to restore sanity in my life?”

4. Surrender the Fear of Being Wrong or Defective:

Type 1s often fear that if they aren’t perfect, they’re somehow defective or wrong. Step Two encourages them to surrender this fear and trust that a Higher Power can help them achieve the balance they desire without the constant pressure of perfection.

• Reflection question: “How have my fears of being wrong or imperfect contributed to my relationship with food, and how can I begin to surrender those fears?”

5. Trust in the OA Process and the Power of Surrender:

For Type 1s, Step Two is about trusting the OA process and surrendering the belief that they have to do everything alone. By believing in a Power greater than themselves, they can begin to find peace and balance in their recovery.

• Reflection question: “How can I trust that by surrendering control over my eating to a Higher Power, I will find more peace and sanity in my life?”

Summary: Type 1s work Step Two by admitting that their desire for perfection is keeping them stuck, and that they cannot restore balance to their life on their own. By allowing a Higher Power to restore them to sanity, they can begin to release their fear of being wrong or defective and find peace.