Enneagram Series: Type Eight

The enneagram is a system that shows us the nine ways that the people in the world default to in life. It explains the “why” of all that we do, think, and feel. There are nine types based on our core motivations and fear so that we can grow as an individual in order to thrive in our life.The enneagram answers the questions:  WHO are you? WHY are you? and HOW and WHAT do you want to change?  Each week we will examine one of the types so if you missed any of the weeks, you can get caught up by clicking the link in my bio to read the whole blog series.

The Pros and Cons of Being Enneagram Type Eight

Type eight personalities are known for being the challengers of the enneagrams. They are powerful, confident, and confrontational. Eights will dominate the conversations they are a part of and do not tend to step down from a debate. Eights are decisive and assertive.They fear being controlled by other people, causing them to seek control in every aspect of their life. Eights do not like feeling as though their safety or wellbeing is in the hands of others, so they do what they can to ensure that they maintain as much control as possible. 

The Pros

Bold & Assertive

Eights know what they want and will pursue it without hesitation. They tend to pursue their dreams and desires with confidence. While many people struggle to ask for what they want, eights will pursue what they want with fervor.

Charismatic

Eights have a way of using their knowledge and power of persuasion to convince others to believe in what the eight wishes them to. Whether it be the eight’s moral stances, the pursuit of their dreams, or political stances- an eight has a true talent for getting others to believe in and support them.

Action-Oriented

Eights have no problem pursuing the things they desire. If an eight wants something, they are not likely to sit around wishing for it. Rather, an eight would be more likely to pursue their dreams and desires whole-heartedly.

Strong-Willed

Eights are decisive and steadfast in their beliefs. Their strong wills and steadfast beliefs give them the power to change the world. The eight’s strong will allows them to pursue what they believe to be right with unwavering confidence, feeling driven to chase their dreams with all of their might.

Confident

Eights have true confidence in themselves. They know what they stand for, who they are, and what they believe in. This confidence allows them to live boldly and bravely.

Independent

Eights work to ensure that they are not indebted to others as it helps them maintain control. Because of this, eights learn independence from an early age. They do not tend to rely on others' thoughts, ideas, or opinions. Eights do not fight to fit in with the crowd. 

The Cons

Domineering

While the eight’s willpower, confidence, and assertiveness are certainly admirable traits, they can add up to become domineering. Eights can have a tendency to take over conversations and not give others a chance to present their point of view.

Excessive Controlling

The eight’s fear of being controlled by others can cause them to become controlling themselves. Their need to be in charge of every aspect of their own life can cause them to forget to consider the wants and needs of others. While the eight believes that maintaining control is the best way to protect themselves, it can begin to cause turmoil in their relationships. As an eight does what they can to ensure nobody can gain any type of control over them- whether that be emotional, physical, financial, or something else- they may be pushing others away.

Forget to Pause

Eights tend to pride themselves on being hard-working, tough, and unbreakable. Because of this, they can forget to give themselves a break, forgetting that they are only human. This can begin to cause the eight physical, mental, and emotional problems in the long run.  

Tips for Growth as a Type Eight

At their worse, eights can become controlling, immoral, and delusional about their strength. However, at their healthiest, eights can make amazing leaders who are strong in their beliefs but know when to practice restraint. The things that a healthy eight can achieve are seemingly infinite as their courage and self-confidence allows them to pursue their dreams without hesitation

Learn to Let Go of Control

Your need for control can begin to take a toll on your overall well-being. It can cause added stress and strain on your relationships. Every once in a while, allow somebody else to take the wheel. They will feel happy and loved while you may be able to find something new to love.

Take Some Time to Listen

While your steadfast beliefs are truly admirable, listening to other people’s perspectives and ideas can grant you valuable insight that can help you grow as a person. We all have things we can learn from somebody else. When you are talking to somebody, listen to what they are saying without trying to think of something to say back. You may be amazed at what you can learn from them.

Give Yourself a Break

Your need to appear tough and unbreakable can quickly lead to burnout. Everybody needs a break to ensure that they are at their strongest and happiest. Take some time every day to fill your cup. You will then be able to see your true power.

Allow Yourself to Experience Your Emotions

Your fear of losing control can cause you to push your emotions away so you don’t have to deal with them. This will only hurt you, though. Allow yourself to experience your emotions fully. Stop pushing them away.

Remember That Power isn’t Everything

As an eight, the more power you have, the more in control you may feel. You may desire the lack of rules or dependency that comes with having less power. However, focusing too heavily on power can negatively impact your relationships and leave you feeling empty.  

Grow Your Relationships

As an eight, it can be easy to allow your fear of being controlled prevent you from building healthy, close relationships. Humans are a social species, though. As much as one may not wish to admit it, we all crave social connection. It helps us feel loved, important, happy, and content. You don’t have to build a relationship with every person on the street. Simply choose a few people that you trust and spend some quality time getting to know them and allowing them to truly know you.Mindfulness and self-care are crucial for ensuring that you are at your best as a type eight. With your confidence, determination, and courage, you can change the world. Allow yourself to truly grow into the person you were meant to be by taking the steps necessary to keep you happy and healthy. Want to learn more?  Working with me as a coach or as a therapist starts with finding out your Enneagram type and more information than you could ever want!   You can learn more about coaching services on my sister site: Strange name?  Yep.   Since I love all things Fiji, Tabu Soro means Never Give Up in Fijian.  Perfect name for those I partner with in coaching services!  Check it out…  

Whether as a coach, or a therapist, my goal is to partner with you to determine the best version of you.  Schedule a Complimentary Consultation Call today – on either site – we can figure out your journey path to get to where you want to be.    

I provide online therapy in Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania.  In addition, I am able to offer coaching services in all states, as well as internationally. I specialize in treating imposter syndrome, burnout, and anxiety using The Daring Way™ and offer online workshops to clients who want to overcome shame. Contact me today – for either avenue (virtual coaching or online therapy) and let’s be rockstars together!If you want to know more about me you can read about me as a therapist. Or, if you’re curious about my therapy practice then check out my FAQs, or read my mental health blog.   To learn more about coaching services check out more info at TABU SORO Coaching.Until then, take care of you and know that we are in this together –