Demystifying the 7w8 Personality Type in MBTI
As an Enneagram enthusiast and MBTI practitioner, clients often ask me – what does it mean when someone is a 7w8? This article will provide an in-depth explainer on 7w8s – from their core motivations to strengths and weaknesses.
First, let‘s lay some foundation on the MBTI typology and Enneagram system.
A Primer on MBTI and the Enneagram
Chances are you‘ve heard of Myers-Briggs personality types – referred to as ENTJ, INFP, etc. Developed in the 1940s, the MBTI divides people into 16 types based on 4 dichotomies as outlined below:
| MBTI Dichotomy | Preference |
|---|---|
| Introversion (I) vs Extraversion (E) | Focus of attention (inner vs outer world) |
| Sensing (S) vs Intuition (N) | Information gathering (concrete vs abstract) |
| Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F) | Decision making (logical vs values-based) |
| Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P) | Lifestyle (planned vs spontaneous) |
Comparatively, the Enneagram describes 9 personality types that emerge from childhood to help us mentally and emotionally navigate the world:
| Enneagram Type | Core Motivation |
| 1 – The Reformer | Being perfect, morally right |
| 2 – The Helper | Being needed, loved |
| 3 – The Achiever | Being successful, admired |
| 4 – The Individualist | Being unique, creative |
| 5 – The Investigator | Being knowledgeable, capable |
| 6 – The Loyalist | Being secure, supported |
| 7 – The Enthusiast | Being happy, satisfied |
| 8 – The Challenger | Being strong, dominant |
| 9 – The Peacemaker | Creating harmony, avoiding conflict |
So while MBTI focuses on behavioral tendencies, the Enneagram looks at deeper motivations and fears that drive us.
Now let‘s get into "wings"…
The Role of Wings in the Enneagram
Each Enneagram type is flanked by two adjacent types that can influence it. For example, Type 7 is surrounded by Type 6 and Type 8.
The variant with 6 is referred to as 7w6, while the variant with 8 is 7w8. Think of it like the core type "borrowing" traits from its wing.
According to Enneagram theory, most people have a dominant wing that aligns more closely with their personality. Understanding your wing provides deeper insight into your motivations.
Key Statistics on Enneagram Type Distribution
Based on Enneagram research, below is the estimated distribution of the 9 main types and wing variants in the general population:
| Type | Percentage |
| Type 1 | 8.4% |
| Type 2 | 12.6% |
| Type 3 | 7.5% |
| Type 4 | 11.5% |
| Type 5 | 9.5% |
| Type 6 | 11.3% |
| Type 7 | 9.4% |
| Type 8 | 8.9% |
| Type 9 | 12.1% |
This data indicates Type 7 is one of the rarer Enneagram types, making up around 9% of people. Type 2 and Type 9 are the most commonly occurring types.
There can also be gender differences:
| Type | Percentage of Men | Percentage of Women |
| Type 7 | 8% | 9% |
So Type 7 appears slightly more often among women compared to men. But overall, it remains a fairly uncommon personality type.
Now let‘s get into the core focus – Type 7s with an 8 wing!
Type 7w8 "The Realist" – Core Traits and Motivations
Type 7 is known as "The Enthusiast" – their primary focus is seeking happiness and new experiences. The influence of the 8 wing grounds them in realism (hence the nickname "The Realist").
Some key traits of 7w8 personalities:
- Outgoing, ambitious and energetic
- Enjoy pushing limits and taking risks
- Confident, assertive and influential
- Use charm and positivity to rally people
- Can become impatient and domineering
Like all 7s, their core fear is of being deprived or missing out on experiences. To avoid this, 7w8s maintain a high-energy, busy lifestyle pursuing excitement.
They have a lust for life and aim to make the most of every moment. Routine and monotony is their enemy.
Unlike the conflict-avoidant 7w6, 7w8s run head first towards adventure. They possess the gusto and daring of Type 8s in chasing down thrills.
Contrasting 7w6 and 7w8
To better understand the 7w8, it‘s useful to contrast them with 7w6 – the two wing variants of Type 7:
| Trait | 7w6 | 7w8 |
| Energy | Social butterfly | Driven go-getter |
| Focus | Keeping options open | Pursuing goals |
| Outlook | Positive but anxious | Upbeat and bold |
| Risk profile | Playful but cautious | Daring risk-taker |
| Interpersonal style | Charming and engaging | Outspoken and influential |
7w8 have a stronger results-focus and greater appetite for risk compared to the cautious 7w6. They take life by the horns!
Unhealthy Traits of 7w8
When under stress, 7w8s can become:
- Overbearing, domineering and controlling
- Impatient, restless and unfocused
- Reckless, irresponsible and addictive
- Self-centered and narcissistic
- Aggressive and confrontational
Their exuberance can morph into volatility. Like all Enneagram types, it‘s important for 7w8s to be aware of their unhealthy tendencies under pressure.
Strengths and Weaknesses of 7w8
Strengths
- Energetic, bold and influential
- Ambitious go-getters
- Skilled at rallying people
- Adventurous and fun-loving
- Dynamic, attention-grabbing style
Weaknesses
- Impatient and easily distracted
- Overcommitting and overspending
- Dominate conversations
- Disregard rules and obligations
- Struggle with routine
While 7w8s are vibrant personalities who make an impact, they also need to manage their downsides through awareness and growth.
Advice for 7w8 Growth and Development
For 7w8s to actualize their potential, I would offer some suggestions:
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Focus your drive – take on bigger, meaningful projects and see them through. Don‘t flutter between shiny things.
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Develop grit – stick with tasks even when the initial excitement wears off. Don‘t swap commitments on a whim.
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Listen more – let others share ideas and influence plans. Collaboration leads to the best outcome.
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Manage money – curb impulsive spending by creating a budget. Invest wisely in your future.
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Find outlets for aggression – high-intensity exercise like martial arts can provide a healthy channel.
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Take time for reflection – even 15 minutes of meditation can help tame your inner turmoil.
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Connect with a community – having a sense of meaning and belonging reduces restlessness.
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Communicate feelings – open up about your doubts and fears instead of just projecting confidence.
Well-Known 7w8s
Based on their biographies, below are some famous 7w8 personalities:
Winston Churchill – The famed prime minister was known for his boldness, visionary leadership and rapier wit. But he also dealt with feelings of depression and restlessness.
Theodore Roosevelt – The bustling 26th president relished adventure and spearheaded dynamic reforms like dismantling corporate monopolies. His vivacious spirit made him the cowboy of American politics.
Richard Branson – This business magnate describes himself as a kid who never grew up. The Virgin Group founder exemplifies 7w8s – taking risks, loving the spotlight and constantly chasing new projects.
Catherine the Great – The driven empress rapidly expanded the Russian empire through her tenacity. She modernized Russia but also flouted rules with her string of lovers.
Larry Ellison – The billionaire Oracle founder is known for his lavish lifestyle and audacious personality. He has sailed in America‘s Cup races and bought entire islands.
Elon Musk – The SpaceX CEO bounces between ambitious moonshot projects. He‘s both loved and feared for his visionary but unpredictable nature.
Bill Clinton – The charismatic president had a talent for connecting with people. But his impulsiveness also led him into the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
Clearly 7w8s are movers and shakers – when focused, their vibrance and influence inspires others towards shared dreams. But they also need self-awareness to avoid derailment.
In Conclusion
7w8 is an Enneagram type that blends the unbridled enthusiasm of Type 7 with the assertive directness of Type 8. While rare, they are dynamic individuals who crave adventure and get things done through their confidence, charm and knack for rallying people.
However, their high-speed pace and desire for stimulation can also lead them off-track. With mindfulness and discipline, 7w8s can achieve greatness in any arena they pour their energies into.
So in summary, the 7w8 is an enigmatic personality that combines playfulness and power into one intriguing package!
I hope this piece has provided illuminating insights into what makes 7w8s tick. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!