Self-Preservation, Sexual, or Social: Which Instinct Drives You? Unlocking a Key Piece of the Personality Puzzle Through the Enneagram

Each of us is wired with a specific hierarchy of three core instinctual drives, shaping how we move through the world. The Instincts (sometimes referred to as Instinctual Variants) is part of the Enneagram framework and plays a powerful role in how our personalities form. One Instinct tends to dominate and demands most of our attention, a second supports it, while a third gets neglected and becomes a blind spot. In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Rasanath unpack the three Instincts—Sexual, Social, and Self-Preservation—and how they show up in our daily lives. They explore the energy behind each, how these Instincts function at their healthiest, and how they can create suffering. By understanding your “Instinctual Stack,” you can begin to shift from automatic patterns to conscious integration, creating space for real growth and movement toward the best version of yourself. Links Enneagram Certification Program (starts May 17th) Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnyc Facebook: Upbuild LinkedIn: Upbuild