Enneagram Type 7 (The Enthusiast) and Step One:

For Enneagram Type 7, working Step One in Overeaters Anonymous means recognizing how their pursuit of pleasure, excitement, and variety has influenced their relationship with food. Type 7s may use food as a way to avoid discomfort or to indulge in endless possibilities.

1. Admit Powerlessness Over Using Food as a Source of Excitement:

Type 7s often use food as a way to seek pleasure, distract from discomfort, or fill a void of boredom. Admitting powerlessness means acknowledging that food cannot provide lasting joy or fulfillment.

• Reflection question: “How have I used food as a source of excitement or to distract from feelings of discomfort or boredom?”

2. Recognize the Unmanageability of Constant Escapism:

Type 7s are prone to avoiding pain or discomfort, and food can become part of this escapism. Step One requires them to recognize that constantly seeking pleasure through food has led to an unmanageable relationship with eating.

• Reflection question: “How has my tendency to avoid discomfort by seeking pleasure through food made my life unmanageable?”

3. Acknowledge the Need for Grounding and Stability:

Step One for Type 7s is about learning to stay present and grounded, even when life feels uncomfortable or boring. Admitting powerlessness over food means recognizing that they need stability and structure in their relationship with eating.

• Reflection question: “What would it feel like to seek stability and balance, rather than constant excitement, in my relationship with food?”

4. Surrender the Fear of Missing Out or Being Trapped:

Type 7s fear being limited or stuck in negative emotions, and food can become a way to avoid feeling trapped. Surrendering this fear is essential to recovery in OA.

• Reflection question: “How have I used food to avoid feelings of being trapped or missing out, and how can I begin to let go of that fear?”

5. Trust in the OA Process and the Value of Slowing Down:

For Type 7s, Step One involves trusting that slowing down and staying present with their emotions will lead to true joy and healing. The OA process helps them see that they don’t need to constantly chase pleasure or excitement through food.

• Reflection question: “How can I trust that by slowing down and staying present in the OA process, I will find lasting fulfillment without needing to escape through food?”

Summary: Type 7s work Step One by admitting powerlessness over their need for excitement and avoidance of discomfort through food. By trusting in the value of stability and presence, they can find balance and healing in OA.