As I approach the end of the year and look towards 2026, I find myself in a time of reflection. As the seasons change and transformation is afoot, there’s a beneficial turn inward we can choose at this time of year. I respect this feeling of naturally occurring transformation.
As an Enneagram 6, my attention can easily and automatically focus and refocus on the real-life struggles I have faced or the challenges I project into the future. Today, I am reflecting on the gifts of the good, good work I’m privileged to do with clients and friends. Of course, I realize how lucky I am to have a highly skilled business partner to be on this Transform, Inc., journey with. We do our best to live what we teach and, of course, we keep each other on our toes. There are so many, sometimes gut-wrenching, sometimes heartfelt lessons that keep coming my way, and these lessons are key to my personal development —why wouldn’t I be grateful? Sometimes annoyed, but ultimately grateful.
My friends and clients understand and respect the vital role the Enneagram plays in my consulting work and life. One belief I adopted so long ago is that we are all students and teachers in the Narrative Enneagram work. I love this concept. I recently attended an Enneagram 6 panel and walked away with a couple of significant/ new lessons. Almost every day, I see the real-world and work benefits of understanding ourselves and each other more deeply.
So many areas of my work bring me fulfillment. I’ve been lucky along the way, and I’ve worked hard to stay the course as well as I can. One specific area that fulfills me is coaching students as they complete their professional certification process through The Narrative Enneagram School. I’ve been coaching Enneagram students for this program for many years. Believe me when I say it’s not a walk in the park to certify in this particular school – it’s a rigorous training that I believe is, to date, the gold standard. These students consistently bring me growth and joy year after year. This year’s Class has recently completed the typing process portion of the certification. I have just finished sending the school feedback on my current folks. They are ready to take their first narrative exam and move to the next phase, facilitating panel work. I’m honored to play a part in their development. Each is unique and wonderful. They come from different parts of the world, and from all walks and stages of life. I have witnessed where they start in the program, how hard they work along the way, and how far they advance in their learning over time. Many students arrive with both wisdom and a solid understanding of the Enneagram as they begin their training, only to quickly discover how much they still must learn.
As I start working with them, I always say – if you are doing it right, there will be a slice of two humble pie along the way. You’ll begin thinking you know the types quite well, and you do, but you’ll quickly learn that you might not understand the whole story, or you misunderstand by seeing through your own type, etc. These slices of pie offer immense and transformational lessons. It’s exciting to watch and hear about how their study and self-discovery impact them as they move through the process. The Narrative approach isn’t just about textbook learning of facts – it is about gaining an understanding of ourselves and others, and how we experience life from the inside out. It’s about seeing each other in all our humanity.
Friends ask me why I’m committed to continuing in this form of mentorship, and here’s what I know: I meet the most interesting people whom I grow to care about; I sleep well knowing they will take the Enneagram into the world professionally, profoundly, with consideration for the depth of the work. It challenges me to keep up with the latest theories and continue to learn. It allows me to help weed out all the nonsense that people who don’t know better put into the universe about the Enneagram. I heard it said once that the Enneagram is holographic in nature – there’s always another way to look into the material. Mostly, I know it will change the world for the better.
I invite you to tap into the seasonal changes afoot, take some time to reflect on what in your work life is your good work. What aspects of work are both purposeful and productive? What are the areas where you know you are on your right path? Which areas add to your well-being and challenge you in just the right way?
As you set your intentions/goals for 2026, use this reflection to help inform you of your desired future. Give it a try and let us know how it goes or if you need our assistance.
Mary Anne Wampler
Principal
