89. Separating Achievement from Worth as an Enneagram Type 3
Thu Jan 29 2026
What happens when your sense of worth has always been tied to achievement—and you start to question whether that definition still fits?
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Arden Evenson, for a nuanced conversation about Enneagram Type 3 and the evolution of ambition, success, and self-worth. Arden reflects on how external validation, practicality, and being “the reliable one” shaped her early career and relationships, and why she’s been intentionally reexamining those patterns as her life and priorities have shifted.
We move beyond the stereotypical Type 3 narrative to explore achievement through caretaking, adaptability, and being easy to be with. I also share my own experience as a Type 3, including the tension between productivity and presence, the discomfort with stillness, and the fear that if we stop doing, we might stop belonging.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to earn your place, struggled to redefine ambition, or wondered who you are without your accomplishments, this episode offers new language and permission to practice compassion, embracing a softer way forward.
Want to explore this tool for yourself? Here’s my Enneagram Typing Self-Reflection Guide:
I just want to download the docI want emails to guide me through the process
Want to connect with Sandhya for yourself or your team? Here’s how:
Set up a call with Sandhya
Resources:
Connect with Arden on LinkedInEpisode 83. The Ambitious Person’s Guide to Working Less
Connect with me:
InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com
Produced by NOVA
More
What happens when your sense of worth has always been tied to achievement—and you start to question whether that definition still fits? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Arden Evenson, for a nuanced conversation about Enneagram Type 3 and the evolution of ambition, success, and self-worth. Arden reflects on how external validation, practicality, and being “the reliable one” shaped her early career and relationships, and why she’s been intentionally reexamining those patterns as her life and priorities have shifted. We move beyond the stereotypical Type 3 narrative to explore achievement through caretaking, adaptability, and being easy to be with. I also share my own experience as a Type 3, including the tension between productivity and presence, the discomfort with stillness, and the fear that if we stop doing, we might stop belonging. If you’ve ever felt pressure to earn your place, struggled to redefine ambition, or wondered who you are without your accomplishments, this episode offers new language and permission to practice compassion, embracing a softer way forward. Want to explore this tool for yourself? Here’s my Enneagram Typing Self-Reflection Guide: I just want to download the docI want emails to guide me through the process Want to connect with Sandhya for yourself or your team? Here’s how: Set up a call with Sandhya Resources: Connect with Arden on LinkedInEpisode 83. The Ambitious Person’s Guide to Working Less Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA