Enneagram Type 3

Fixation: Vanity

Strives for degrees, positions of importance, power over others.

Trap: Efficiency

He has little patience with inefficiency in others, and is looking for more effective and quicker methods of achieving his goals. Thus he may be rather inefficient himself.

Holy Idea: Divine Harmony

The seeker for efficiency, resting in his essence, finds that all things are functioning and will continue to function most efficiently according to the cosmic laws. The continual functioning of the cosmos doesn’t depend solely upon his efforts; there is hope for the future, whatever he does or doesn’t do.

Passion: Deceit

One wants to be known for his accomplishments, positions of influence, and efficiency finds it difficult to admit anything that might mar his public image, so he often is forced into deceit to protect his ego.

Virtue: Truthfulness

Truthfulness will help him realize that he is who he is. He does not have to use deceit to maintain an outward image of importance

Theory

Although Ichazo had originally designated "Deceit" as the passion of the E3, Naranjo revised it and replaced it with "Vanity'' because he felt it was most appropriate in conveying what Ichazo was trying to get across. He subsequently also envisioned that "Deceit" would better serve as the titular word for their fixation, considering that the fixation of the E3 reinforces the active division between the "true" self and the propagated self-image, which in turn leads to deluding both the self and others. He didn't, however, interfere with any of the fundamental definitions Ichazo provided.

Given that it has been recorded that Ichazo ascribes the fixation of the E3 as "Ego-Go. Vanity: Strives for degrees, positions of importance, power over others," and their trap as "Ego-Go Efficiency: He has little patience with inefficiency in others, is looking  for more effective and quicker methods of achieving his goals. Thus he may be rather inefficient himself," it becomes noticeable that this is an ego-structure built around a need to be (and to be recognized as) the best at whatever it is they choose at all costs.

Vanity, in regard to the E3s, has often been miscomprehended as a conscious and petty feeling of inflated pride in oneself and one's physical appearance. As their ruling passion, however, it goes deeper than that. It represents an unconscious self-abandonment, in a misguided attempt by the ego to achieve value and worth.