Are you an INTJ who feels a strong desire to control your external environment? Do you fear being controlled by others and strive for autonomy and independence?
If so, you may be an Enneagram Type 8. This personality type is known for their intense drive, ambition, and fearlessness in the face of conflict.
In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of Enneagram Type 8 and how they relate to the INTJ personality type. We’ll also delve into the core desires and fears of Type 8s, and how they shape their behavior and relationships.
So, if you’re curious about whether or not you can be an INTJ and an Enneagram Type 8, read on!
Can INTJ Be Enneagram 8
The short answer is yes, an INTJ can be an Enneagram Type 8. In fact, the combination of these two personality types can create a powerful and driven individual who is not afraid to take charge and pursue their goals with determination.
As an INTJ, you are likely already familiar with your strong desire for control and independence. This desire is also a core characteristic of Enneagram Type 8s. They want to be in charge of their own lives and refuse to be controlled by others.
Type 8s are often described as “conquerors” because they seek to dominate their environment and stand above all others. They are unafraid of conflict and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. This can make them intimidating to others, but it also makes them highly effective leaders.
As an INTJ, you may find yourself drawn to leadership positions that allow you to take charge and implement your ideas. This is a natural fit for Enneagram Type 8s as well, who thrive in positions of power and influence.
However, it’s important to note that being an Enneagram Type 8 can also come with some challenges. The core fear of this type is being controlled by others, which can lead to a tendency to view everyone and everything external to them as an “enemy” or obstacle.
This can make it difficult for Type 8s to form deep, lasting relationships, as they may struggle with vulnerability and emotional intimacy. It’s important for INTJs who identify as Type 8s to be aware of these tendencies and work on developing healthy relationships with those around them.
Understanding Enneagram Type 8
Enneagram Type 8s are highly independent and determined individuals who fight to achieve autonomy, strength, and confidence. They bring enormous energy to whatever task they decide to do and follow through on their word while only embracing others who do the same. These types want to believe that they have complete control and power over their lives and that no one else will step in and disrupt their plans. They don’t want to feel emotionally vulnerable or in any way indebted to other people.
The only problem with this is that they may run so far from being vulnerable that they fail to form deep, lasting commitments. These types crave a sense of intensity in their lives – they are visionary, pragmatic, and extremely ambitious. In childhood, these types often felt pushed around or repressed. They felt that they had to be the responsible ones in the home and learned that they couldn’t count on anyone but themselves.
Enneagram Type 8s are in the Gut/Instinct triad of the enneagram. This means that they have underlying issues with anger. While some types distract themselves from their anger and pain, Eights embrace and express their anger. They are direct, bold, and have no fear of confrontation. When they’re threatened or micro-managed, they can become explosive and defiant.
It’s important to note that being an Enneagram Type 8 can also come with some challenges. The core fear of this type is being violated or controlled by others, which can lead to a tendency to view everyone and everything external to them as an “enemy” or obstacle. This can make it difficult for Type 8s to form deep, lasting relationships, as they may struggle with vulnerability and emotional intimacy.
As an INTJ who identifies as an Enneagram Type 8, it’s important to be aware of these tendencies and work on developing healthy relationships with those around you. Sharing the load and embracing vulnerability can help you create deeper and long-lasting bonds. It’s also important to understand when you are making decisions from a place of hurt or fear, so that you can process your emotions and make decisions from a place of clarity and strength.
Exploring The INTJ Personality Type
As an INTJ, you are a highly independent and determined individual who brings enormous energy to whatever task you decide to take on. You are visionary, pragmatic, and extremely ambitious, with a strong desire to achieve autonomy, strength, and confidence.
One of the core fears of the INTJ personality type is being violated or controlled by others. This fear is also a core characteristic of Enneagram Type 8s. Both INTJs and Type 8s crave control over their lives and refuse to be controlled by others.
In childhood, INTJs may have felt pushed around or repressed, which can lead to a desire for invulnerability and a sense of aggression towards the world. Similarly, Type 8s may have had parents that rewarded strength and aggression, leading to a built-up sense of aggression towards the world and a desire for invulnerability.
Both INTJs and Type 8s are in the Gut/Instinct triad of the enneagram, which means that they have underlying issues with anger. While INTJs may distract themselves from their anger and pain, Type 8s embrace and express their anger. They are direct, bold, and have no fear of confrontation.
As an INTJ-8, you may find yourself drawn to leadership positions that allow you to take charge and implement your goals. You are passionate, effective, and guided by perspective and a strong vision. However, it’s important to be aware of your tendencies towards aggression and confrontational behavior.
Core Desires And Fears Of Enneagram Type 8
Enneagram Type 8s have a strong desire for control and independence. They want to be in charge of their own lives and refuse to be controlled by others. They seek to defend themselves and others from injustice and advocate for the underdog. Type 8s have a basic fear of being controlled or hurt by others, which can lead to a tendency to view everyone and everything external to them as an “enemy” or obstacle.
Type 8s are confident, direct, and in control. They are the most comfortable with anger out of all the types. Driven by a fear of being controlled, being harmed, or seeing harm come to those they love, they fortify their defenses while taking charge of situations. Type 8s are sometimes referred to as the Challengers, and can often be found in positions of authority.
However, this desire for control can also manifest as a fear of vulnerability and emotional intimacy. Type 8s may struggle with forming deep, lasting relationships because they fear being controlled or hurt by others. It’s important for INTJs who identify as Type 8s to work on developing healthy relationships with those around them and learning to trust others.
How Enneagram Type 8 Shapes Behavior And Relationships
Enneagram Type 8 shapes behavior and relationships in several ways. As mentioned, Type 8s have a strong desire for control and independence, which can make them appear dominant and intimidating to others. They are also highly assertive and confident, which can make them effective leaders but may also come across as aggressive or confrontational.
Type 8s are motivated by self-efficacy and independence, which means they are often self-reliant and prefer to do things on their own. They may struggle with asking for help or accepting assistance from others, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
In relationships, Type 8s may struggle with vulnerability and emotional intimacy. Their fear of being controlled by others can make it difficult for them to open up and trust others. However, when they do form deep connections with others, they are fiercely loyal and protective.
It’s important for INTJs who identify as Type 8s to be aware of these tendencies and work on developing healthy relationships with those around them. This may involve practicing vulnerability and emotional openness, as well as learning to trust others and accept help when needed.
Tips For INTJ Type 8s To Thrive And Grow
If you are an INTJ who identifies as an Enneagram Type 8, here are some tips to help you thrive and grow:
1. Embrace your strengths: As an INTJ-8, you likely have a strong desire for control and independence, which can be a valuable asset in many situations. Embrace this strength and use it to your advantage in your personal and professional life.
2. Recognize your weaknesses: While your desire for control can be a strength, it can also lead to a tendency to view others as obstacles or enemies. Be aware of this tendency and work on developing healthy relationships with those around you.
3. Practice vulnerability: As an Enneagram Type 8, vulnerability may not come naturally to you. However, it’s important to recognize that vulnerability is essential for building deep, meaningful relationships. Practice opening up to others and sharing your thoughts and feelings.
4. Learn to delegate: While you may have a strong desire to be in control, it’s important to recognize that you can’t do everything on your own. Learn to delegate tasks to others and trust them to get the job done.
5. Take time for self-care: As an INTJ-8, you may be prone to pushing yourself too hard and neglecting self-care. Make sure to take time for yourself and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.
By embracing your strengths, recognizing your weaknesses, practicing vulnerability, learning to delegate, and taking time for self-care, you can thrive as an INTJ-8 and achieve your goals with confidence and determination.
