In a move that blends self-help with a dash of celebrity confession, Gwyneth Paltrow has attributed a significant lifestyle change to her specific personality type. The 53-year-old actress and founder of the Goop wellness empire revealed she hasn't smoked a cigarette in seven years, and she credits her adherence to the Enneagram system for the willpower.
The 'Reformer' Personality That Changed a Habit
Paltrow identifies as an Enneagram Type 1, known as the 'Reformer' or 'Perfectionist'. She explained the direct link to her quitting during a recent discussion. "We were redoing our paperwork and I got life insurance," she shared, noting that the policy would be void if she smoked. "Because I'm such an Enneagram 1, which is like, 'integrity is everything', I never smoked again. I miss it, though."
This classic 'humble brag' highlights the core traits of a Type 1: they are principled, conscientious, and ethical, with a powerful internal drive to do what is right. According to the Enneagram Institute, Ones are characterised by a pursuit of perfection and a strong sense of integrity, which Paltrow says overrode her desire for a cigarette.
What Exactly Is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a model of human personality that consists of nine interconnected types. Unlike other popular tests like Myers-Briggs, it focuses more on internal motivations and core fears rather than external behaviours. Each type is rooted in a distinct worldview and set of traits.
The system was first popularised by Oscar Ichazo in the 1950s and Claudio Naranjo in the 1970s, though some proponents trace its origins to ancient Greek philosophy. Today, it's a popular tool in both corporate settings for team dynamics and in celebrity circles for self-discovery.
A Celebrity Favourite for Self-Discovery
Paltrow is far from alone in her enthusiasm for the Enneagram. The system has become a staple in Hollywood and beyond. Mike White, creator of The White Lotus, had his cast take the test and diagnosed each character accordingly. Comedian Tina Fey, who identifies as a Type 3 'Achiever', has said she finds it "more accurate than horoscopes."
The nine types are often grouped into three centres: the Head (Types 5, 6, 7), the Heart (Types 2, 3, 4), and the Body or Gut (Types 8, 9, 1—where Paltrow's Reformer sits). Each type also has numerous subtypes, allowing for a detailed and nuanced analysis.
Other famous examples across the types include Mother Teresa and King Charles (Type 1), Dolly Parton (Type 2 'Helper'), Taylor Swift (Type 3 'Achiever'), Johnny Depp (Type 4 'Individualist'), and Queen Elizabeth II (Type 9 'Peacemaker').
Understanding the Nine Enneagram Types
Here is a brief overview of the nine personality types within the Enneagram system:
Type 1: The Reformer – Principled, purposeful, and perfectionistic. They strive to improve the world and be consistent with their ideals.
Type 2: The Helper – Generous, demonstrative, and people-pleasing. They desire to be close to others and feel needed.
Type 3: The Achiever – Adaptable, excelling, and image-conscious. They are motivated by success and the desire to be admired.
Type 4: The Individualist – Sensitive, introspective, and expressive. They seek to find meaning and identity, often through creativity.
Type 5: The Investigator – Perceptive, innovative, and isolated. They crave mastery and understanding of their environment.
Type 6: The Loyalist – Engaging, responsible, and anxious. They value security and seek reassurance.
Type 7: The Enthusiast – Spontaneous, busy, and optimistic. They are motivated by a need for freedom and new experiences.
Type 8: The Challenger – Powerful, dominating, and self-confident. They seek control and to avoid vulnerability.
Type 9: The Peacemaker – Easygoing, agreeable, and receptive. They desire harmony and stability above all else.
For Gwyneth Paltrow, her identification as a Type 1 provided a framework powerful enough to change a long-term habit. It underscores the Enneagram's appeal: a map for understanding not just how we act, but the deeper why behind our choices, from the mundane to the life-altering.
