The Enneagram 8w7: Enthusiast Challenger Explained

The Enneagram 8w7, AKA "The Independent or Nonconformist," is a dominant personality type within the Enneagram system.

This personality type is a powerful combination of the assertive and protective qualities of Type 8 with the adventurous and enthusiastic traits of Type 7.

People with this personality type are self-confident, friendly, and practical, drawing from the strengths and weaknesses of both types.

They are motivated by challenge, independence, and decisive action and crave excitement, variety, and fun experiences.

To understand someone's relationships, career path, and personal development journey, one must know their core motivations and how they respond to stress or growth.

So, let's dig in!

Key Takeaways

• 8w7 Enneagram personality types are a dynamic blend of power and enthusiasm.

• This type's core desire revolves around maintaining independence and embracing new experiences.

• Focusing on growth, healthy habits, and balance is crucial in their life journey.

Table of Contents

Understanding Enneagram 8w7

Strengths and Weaknesses

Fear, Desire, Motivation, & Stress

Enneagram 8w7 in Relationships & Love

Enneagram 8w7 in Motherhood

Role in Work

Growth and Healthy Habits for Enneagram 8w7

Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Enneagram 8w7

This subtype combines the core traits of Enneagram type 8 (assertive, powerful, and decisive) and the more free spirit and adventurous qualities of the type 7 wing.

Bringing together these different characteristics creates a strong-willed and engaging personality.

Type 8 individuals are highly driven, valuing autonomy and maintaining control over their lives.

They can be bold and assertive and might sometimes have an aggressive nature.

However, when influenced by the type 7 wing, the Enneagram 8w7 becomes more pleasant and courteous.

Type 8 and type 7 personality traits blend together in a balanced and unique way, with the type 7 wing's influence adding a soothing effect.

The basic fear of an 8w7 personality is a loss of control or being vulnerable to manipulation by others.

They like to be in charge of their own lives and don't like being told what to do (I mean, who does?).

As a result, they work hard to be self-sufficient and gain control over their lives.

The basic desire for this type is to remain in control of their own lives and maintain freedom.

They seek to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who respect and value personal autonomy as much as they do.

Enneagram 8w7 personalities are passionate about freedom, which drives them to help and empower others.

They strongly advocate for the rights of those who can't stand up for themselves.

These individuals love a good challenge and are unafraid to make tough decisions.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

People with this personality are strong, powerful, independent, and unafraid of conflict.

They tend to be self-confident, ambitious, and assertive. They are natural leaders in various aspects of their lives.

They can be tough and stand up for themselves and others in the face of opposition. But they also have a kind and giving side, especially towards those they feel responsible for.

Enneagram 8w7 individuals are great at tackling challenges with their strong energy and drive, and they don't let obstacles get in the way of achieving their goals.

They are fearless and can handle challenging situations with ease. They are also very adaptable.

I'm a type 9 (peacemaker), and I constantly try to tap into my 8 wing because they are so strong and confident, and I admire that.

Weaknesses

However, they have some blind spots to work on.

Fun Fact: Just so you know, they probably don't see it as a weakness or blind spot.

Their aggressive and powerful personality can sometimes come across as insensitive, and they may unknowingly hurt others with their intense and oppressive nature.

Also, their impulsive tendencies can lead to poor decision-making or reckless behavior, which may amplify conflicts or create new challenges to overcome.

Fear, Desire, Motivation, and Stress

To combat their fear of losing control, they might display aggressive behavior to maintain power and avoid feeling weak.

On the other hand, their basic desire is to remain in control of their lives and to help others be free, often acting as advocates for those less able in different situations.

People with an 8w7 personality type's key motivation is to be independent and not restricted.

They don't follow rules and are brave when it comes to new situations and challenges.

They are driven to grow personally and professionally, and this quality also influences their leadership style.

Enneagram 8w7 personalities often struggle with stress by being impulsive and seeking quick solutions to assert control over their environment.

This can sometimes result in making hasty decisions or taking actions that are not well thought out.

Their assertive nature and desire for freedom could lead to conflicts with authority figures, family members, and others.

They handle stress by focusing on their strengths and engaging in challenging activities, like sports or taking on leadership roles that give them a sense of accomplishment and control.

It's all about the control for our type 8 friends.

Enneagram 8w7 in Relationships and Love

In a romantic relationship, the Enneagram 8w7 is known as a protective, inspiring, and decisive partner.

They value loyalty and commitment in their relationships and work hard to build strong connections with those they care about.

Regarding vulnerability in their personal life, Enneagram 8w7s may struggle.

They are used to being assertive and confident, so letting their guard down might feel unnatural.

However, when genuinely in love, they learn to embrace their emotions and be more open with their feelings, fostering more profound, meaningful relationships with their significant other.

Friendships are just as important to 8w7s, as they crave social interactions and thrive on building connections with others on a deep level.

8w7s are bold and loyal friends who stand up for their loved ones and face challenges head-on.

Yes, they are intense sometimes, but this trait makes them great at providing safety and assurance in all their relationships.

Enneagram 8w7 in Motherhood

Enneagram 8w7 moms are strong, assertive, and independent individuals who are not afraid to speak their minds and stand up for their beliefs.

They are confident, adventurous, and have a zest for life that is contagious.

As a mom, they bring that same energy and enthusiasm to their parenting style. They are protective, loyal, and fiercely love their children.

To be the best mom they can be, Enneagram 8w7 moms should focus on these few things:

1. balance their strong personality with empathy and understanding.

2. Listen to their children's needs and feelings and try to see things from their perspective.

3. Practice patience and not let their quick temper get the best of them.

4. Encourage their children from an early age to be strong, independent, compassionate, and kind to others.

5. Teach their children to stand up for their beliefs and be respectful and considerate of others' opinions.

Enneagram 8w7 moms can be the best possible role models and guides for their children by finding a balance between their own assertiveness and their children's needs.

Role in Work

Type Eights, known as Challengers, naturally gravitate towards leadership positions.

They feel comfortable taking charge and making decisions, ensuring challenges are faced head-on.

An 8w7 type can succeed as a:

1. small business owner

They're proactive, charismatic, and excellent at making decisions, all helpful in developing successful businesses.

They tackle problems head-on and are authoritative figures for their team members.

2. A politician

An 8w7 can use their charisma and confident demeanor to persuade constituents while fostering an environment of growth and well-being for their community.

3. Lawyers

With this personality type, they can effectively advocate for their clients, not shying away from complex cases and embracing their role as a champion of justice.

Fun Fact: It is important to note that Enneagram 8w7 individuals may need to address their risk of being seen as bossy in work environments.

Me bossy? Never! (said no type 8 ever!)

Balancing their strong leadership skills with humility and empathy can help promote a harmonious workplace for themselves and their colleagues.

Growth and Healthy Habits for Enneagram 8w7

Firstly, enneagram 8w7s should work on developing their caring and generous sides.

While they are naturally tough and resourceful, being more empathetic and compassionate towards others can help create stronger relationships and improve their social environment.

To achieve this, they can engage in activities that involve helping others, like volunteering in their communities, which allows them to understand their actions' impact on others better.

Enneagram 8w7 should set clear goals and work towards them with determination to maintain their independence.

By doing so, they ensure the freedom they crave and continue to feel in control of their lives.

Being realistic and idealistic can be beneficial, as it allows them to balance pursuing their dreams and staying grounded in reality.

Confidence is another essential trait for Enneagram 8w7 individuals, but they must keep this confidence in check.

Overconfidence can lead to arrogance and negatively affect their relationships.

Humility and self-awareness can help them recognize their strengths and weaknesses, leading to personal growth and better relationships.

Developing a support network is essential for Enneagram 8w7, as it offers guidance and encouragement throughout their journey.

This support system can consist of friends, family, or professionals, such as therapists or life coaches, to provide valuable insights and resources like self-development book recommendations.

Summary

The Enneagram 8w7 is a personality type that is dynamic and unique.

It combines Type 8 and Type 7 traits, creating an energetic and fearless individual who is confident and friendly.

They are natural leaders unafraid of taking risks and exploring new opportunities.

However, they can improve their patience and listening skills to enhance their relationships.

Overall, the Enneagram 8w7 is a resilient and adaptable personality type that brings passion and tenacity to all aspects of life, and they are AMAZING people to have in your corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common traits of an 8w7 in Enneagram?

People with the Enneagram 8w7 personality type are confident, outgoing, and practical. They are driven, independent, and like doing things their way. They have a strong desire to achieve their goals and are often strategic in their approach.

How does an 8w7 differ from an 8w9?

Enneagram Type 8 has two subtypes - 8w7 and 8w9. 8w7 is more impulsive, argumentative, and friendly than 8w9, who is reserved and peaceful. Also, 8w7 tends to be more fun-seeking, while 8w9 may appear more introspective.

Are there any famous 8w7 celebrities?

There are famous people who are Enneagram 8w7 types. This includes actors like Jack Nicholson and Sean Connery and athletes like Serena Williams and Michael Jordan. They are known for being dynamic, assertive, and driven.

How do 8w7s interact with different MBTI types?

People who identify as 8w7 Enneagram types often work well with MBTI types that share their core values. This includes traits like independence, ambition, and the pursuit of personal goals. Some compatible MBTI types for 8w7s are ENTJs and ESTPs. However, the dynamics and compatibility between 8w7 and MBTI types can vary based on individual communication styles, backgrounds, and shared experiences.

What is the prevalence of 8w7 type in the population?

Exact prevalence rates for Enneagram types are difficult to pinpoint due to variations in sampling and testing methods. However, it is generally believed that Type 8 is among the less common Enneagram types. The 8w7 subtype may make up a smaller percentage of the population than the larger pool of Type 8 individuals.

How do people often misunderstand 8w7 Enneagram types?

People often believe that type 8w7 is mean and aggressive. Yes, they can be blunt and in your face, but deep down inside, they care so much. They don't want to show their weakness, and they don't want to be vulnerable. But they will do anything to protect someone who needs their protection.

I hope you found this blog post helpful and valuable. Check out my free guide if you want to find your Enneagram number without a test.

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