Life begins with a preconceived Mission and Plan, both unbeknown to us. That Mission is supported by the personality we were given, both internal and external, and an enneagram. Everyone emerges into life with one of the nine dominating enneagram personalities. This inborn orientation largely determines the way we learn to adapt to our childhood environment. As life progresses we change enneagrams eventually leading to an endpoint enneagram. These changes reflect the totality of all the factors (including genetics) that influence our journey through life.
I began life as the "Peacemaker' (#9) readily willing to bend to the desires of others, be they parents, family friends, teachers, etc. If my Mother wanted me to exhibit certain traits, I was it. If a teacher wanted a well mannered, studious pupil, I was the one. At this point, I was unassuming, open, accepting, fair, and nature-oriented.
Slowly I moved along the enneagram path to that of 'Achiever'/'Investigator' (#3-#5), the one who was detached, ingenious, innovative, knowledge-oriented and wanting mastery of knowing the Truth; I made a strong attempt to find and define Myself. It was here that I sought authenticity. I wandered from Advanced Mathematics/Chemistry/ Physics to Metaphysics, from Theology to Philosophy and Existentialism, and from Astronomy to Astrophysics. At the end of this journey, I obtained a degree in Architectural Design and Engineering with numerous Minors. I was a Military Officer, Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, an Engineering Manager within a major Oil & Gas Company, a Coordinator for a Hospital Design Firm, Director of Architecture for Higher Education, and a Senior Engineering Manager in Military Engineering & Construction.
The midlife crisis occurred when I traveled the enneagram path from 'Investigator' to 'Individualist' (#4). I bent to no one. I searched and found my inner-self and made the change to being Who I Really Am - the Authentic Self. I became enlightened and realized I was and have always been a spiritual being.