This article will explain how a self preservation 7w8 behaves and also introduce this enneagram along with its fears and desires so the readers have a complete understanding of the topic with enough background context.
Self Preservation 7w8s – What Are They Like?
The self preservation 7w8 has the following habits or traits:
- Keep Strong Networks
- Emphasize Planning
- Take Calculated Risks
- Not As Brave As They look
- Thrifty
Before we look at these traits in detail, let us explore the 7w8 enneagram and its fears and desires.
The 7w8 Enneagram: The Opportunist
The 7w8 enneagram that is also known as the ‘Opportunist’ is one that is mostly made up of traits from the type 7 enneagram but shares some traits with the type 8 enneagram too. Compared to most type 7 enneagrams, these individuals are more committed and hard working in their work going the extra mile. They like to put work first and ensure they have completed their tasks or assignments. This is powered by the innate determination they have to get done with whatever they have promised to get done. The 7w8 enneagram is also more tough in their behavior and a bit protective – they like to remain composed.
At the same time they are very enthusiastic individuals. They like to be energetic in whatever they do rather than take a sluggish or half hearted approach in what they do. They are keen to get things done and take an interest in whatever is on their schedule that needs attention.
Like other enneagrams, these ones also like to seek new opportunities and make the best out of them. They are gratification seekers and don’t want to miss out any experiences that they come across. At the same time, they have a very optimistic attitude about life and like to be happy!
They have an extroverted trait to them as well. The type 7w8 enneagram is fond of being around other people and loves to interact, socialize and have fun. They like to attend public events or gatherings where they can meet new people, relax and just enjoy the moment and live in it. Hence, these people are great to call to parties or gatherings because they keep things alive and going and don’t let anyone feel left out or bored – they are the life of the party!
It is obvious that one fear these enneagrams have is missing out on the fun going around them. Hence they may fall into a dilemma when it comes to commitments or letting go and just having fun. However, their personality tends to pull them more towards their commitments and hence they are able to pull through and show how reliable they are – making the right choices at the right time matters.
Fears & Desires – 7w8s
Although they want to be committed and come out as reliable people others can depend on because they ensure they meet tasks, the 7w8 enneagram is scared of missing out on new experiences. They do not want to be deprived of what life has to offer them and this puts them in a difficult spot. Why? They have a number of commitments and work tasks to meet so it is not always possible to let go of things and do what they want when they want to.
These guys just want to be happy and content. They want to be assured that they have not missed out on anything that they wanted to try. Being happy is an integral part of their peace and they do usually attain this by surrounding themselves with people that they get along with, like or are new and can thus get to learn more about them. They like to travel around the world and be part of new cultural or social experiences and see how things are different in other parts of the world.
The type 7w8 enneagram also likes to attend parties. It gives them a chance to relax and meet new people and just socialize and hence get lost in the moment.
Self Preservation 7w8s – What Are They Like?
The self preservation 7w8 has the following habits or traits:
- Keep Strong Networks
- Emphasize Planning
- Take Calculated Risks
- Not As Brave As They look
- Thrifty
We will look at these in detail below now!
Keep Strong Networks
By strong networks, we mean people who share the interest, values and beliefs of the 7w8 enneagram as well as those people who have access to resources such as specific types of people, money, experiences and opportunities. There are a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, the 7w8 enneagram likes to try out new things and does not want to miss out on any opportunities. They want to enjoy life and what it has to offer hence they will ensure they have access to these experiences in one way or the other. One of those ways is to have those types of people around them who share the same desires and will let them join in!
Also, this enneagram type does not want to miss out on life because of other people constantly judging them. They want to be around people who understand their desires and interests and encourage them instead of eyeing what they are doing and raise questions about their behavior.
Hence, the self preservation 7w8 will keep backup in the form of strong networks so they can ensure they will be able to have fun when they want to and not miss out on anything. This helps them reduce any risks associated with missing opportunities.
Emphasize Planning
This form of the 7w8 enneagram emphasizes planning not because they are the typical perfectionist who wants everything to be organized but because they want to ensure they have everything done before time or on time so in case an opportunity shows up that they want to avail. Having everything planned makes it easier for them to ensure they can shift things here or there seeing empty slots in their schedule!
By having an emphasis on planning, they seem to be quite organized and aware of their work. They thus feel in more control of their routines and sense that they have the capacity to inculcate more activities into their routine.
Take Calculated Risks
Yes, this form of the 7w8 enneagram is all okay with taking risks but these risks are always calculated. Imagine a person going skydiving but has a net at the bottom of the drop – crazy but that is how this is for the 7w8 enneagram!
They will want to try out new things but ensure they have a way of saving themself at the end in case something goes wrong or not according to their well crafted plan!
This is because they are in self preservation mode and even though they still feel like taking the risks and trying out new things, their main priority is to keep themself safe no matter what and try everything to minimize the risks.
Not As Brave As They Look
Despite all the risks they take and the planning they do that is enthralled with their confidence, the 7w8 enneagram is not as brave as they seem. They act all tough and sure of what they are going to do but deep inside they can feel their heart being tugged at constantly because they are scared. Also, deep down, they are aware of the fact that they will never go as far as truly putting themself to the test – they will forever stay in the safe zone!
Thrifty
Another interesting trait that this enneagram has in self preservation mode is that they are thrifty – they spend very carefully to the extent that they may actually appear stingy!
As a result of being in the ‘safe mode’, they want to be careful with their money too because with money there are opportunities and of course without it there aren’t as many! Hence, they will spend less and try to save as much as they can. It is just a reaction to their risk averse behaviour they have adopted!
Conclusion
This article took a look at how the 7w8 enneagram behaves when they are in self preservation mode and what traits they exhibit. This article also highlighted the basic fears and desires of the 7w8 enneagram and introduced it in detail to the readers to help develop a complete understanding of the topic.
References
https://www.enneagramcentral.com/Enneagram/Subtypes/Subtype%20Seven%20Self%20Preservation.htm
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-7/wing-8