The type eight is called The Challenger. You have a wing 7 or a wing 9. In this blog, we are comparing the Enneagram type 8w7 with the 8w9. Because whether you’re a wing seven or a wing eight is going to extremely affect how you move through your day.
Hello friends! We are continuing our enneagram wing comparison series and we are on the Enneagram Type 8, a.k.a The Challenger.
Not sure what your Enneagram type is? Try our free test👇
We are comparing the Enneagram 8w7 with the 8w9 so you can find out which one you truly are. Because knowing your wing is the secret to fulfilling your core desire. Let’s dive in.
Why Does My Wing Matter?
Before we continue, remember that your enneagram wing does not change your core desires. Your enneagram type determines your core desires and core fears. Your enneagram wing determines your behaviors. See the difference? Recognizing your wing can also help you avoid mistyping! If neither of the wings seems to resonate with you, then you might have mistyped.
We are comparing the 8w7, known as “The Maverick,” versus the 8w9, known as “The Bear.” By knowing your wing, you can live in better alignment and fulfill your core desire with ease.
Enneagram Type 8 Overview
The enneagram type eight is called The Challenger. Your core desire is to have intensity and challenge. As a 8, you are bold, aggressive, honest, and capable. Your core desire comes from the fear that you will be harmed if you show weakness, emotions, or anything other than strength and leadership. Releasing control and expressing your vulnerable side doesn’t come naturally to you.
But depending on your wing, how you go about fulfilling this core desire of challenge and intensity will be different. If you are an 8w7, you’re looking to find intensity via fun and adventure whereas, if you are an 8w9, you care less about intensity and want to protect and lead those you love (hence the name, the bear).
Enneagram 8w7 vs 8w9 Comparison
In the enneagram, one wing is considered more “extraverted” and the other more “introverted” this doesn’t mean you have to be an introvert or extravert to be a certain wing, it just means you are going to have louder or quieter tendencies depending on which wing is dominant. The 8w7 is the extraverted wing and is more social than the 8w9 counterpart.
People in the enneagram community say that the goal is to have balance in your wings but we disagree (to some extent). You should have space in your life where you embrace each of your wings but it doesn’t matter if they are balanced. We believe that it’s extremely important that we know our dominant wing.
The reason for this is that your wing plays a big role in lifestyle and habits. By knowing your wing, you can know what kind of habits and what way of life will bring you peak happiness.
Especially for you, wonderful type 8! You know that your core desire is to lead, take on challenges, and feel the intensity and that your growth is to step into the compassionate and loving nature of a 2, but do you know where in your life you want to achieve that core desire?
Read below and compare whether you think you are an enneagram 8w7 or 8w9…
Watch our enneagram 8w7 vs 8w9 comparison video on our youtube channel!
Enneagram 8w7
The biggest difference between the 8w7 vs 8w9 is the 8w7’s core desire is to find intensity via fun and adventure whereas, if you’re a 8w9, you care more about using your strength and boldness to protect those you love and those who can’t protect themselves.
The 8w7 is called “the maverick.” This is going to be the more extroverted wing and they take on the appearance of the enthusiast in some aspects, meaning that they seem intense, social, expressive, spontaneous, and fun-loving.
8w7s are extremely social and they love to debate with anyone they meet, this can make them seem like they are trying to start a fight but they truly don’t see the harm in the argument.
As a 8w7, you have trouble sitting still. You are always searching for the next new thing whether that is surfing, rock climbing, sky diving, or a new business venture. You also have a strong desire to have fun and challenge.
8w7s love to be social. If you are a 8w7, it is vital that you are making time to be with people who allow you to put down your shield and be vulnerable. Be with people who make you feel relaxed and authentic.
Enneagram 8w9
Like I said earlier, the 8w9 core desire to use their strength and boldness to protect those they love and those who can’t protect themselves. It is extremely important to the 8w9 that they have things under control and can take care of everyone.
The 8w9 is called “the bear.” This is going to be the more introverted wing and they take on the appearance of the peacemaker in some aspects, meaning that they seem levelheaded, calm, protective, stable, and orderly.
As a 8 wing 9, you care more about spending time leading and using their bold nature to defend “the little guys.” You love to protest, stand up against authority, rally people together, etc.
Type 8w9s prefer to have fewer but deeper friendships than big social groups so it is vital that you are finding those people who you, again, feel relaxed, welcome, and authentic around.
Noticing Your Wing Throughout Your Day
Throughout your day, practice noticing when you’re embracing your 7 wing and when you’re embracing your 9 wing.
Do you feel happier when you are chasing adrenaline, adventure and living spontaneously? Or do you feel better when you are protecting others and leading the way?
Do you have a better idea of what your wing is? Hopefully, you do! Thanks for reading.
Not sure if you tested right? Take our free enneagram test to compare 👇
Still don’t know if you’re an 8w7 or 8w9? The Enneagram Cheatsheets are FREE and will walk you through the whole process of typing for your Enneagram and MBTI!
Related Blogs:
- Enneagram 7w8 VS 8w7: Which Are You?
- Enneagram 8w9 VS 9w8: Which Are You?
- Enneagram 8 In Stress & Growth
- 11 Gift Ideas For The Enneagram 8
Read The Rest Of This Wing Series
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