The INFJ 7w8 personality emerges as “The Assertive Idealist,” an uncommon yet fascinating blend of deep intuition and dynamic assertiveness. This personality type is a rare mix of the INFJ’s inherent idealism, empathy, and introspective nature, with the Enneagram 7w8’s zest for life, adaptability, and strong-willed determination.
INFJ 7w8s navigate the world with a unique vision, striving to make impactful changes, not just through contemplative insight but also through proactive and often bold actions. This combination creates individuals who are not only deeply connected to their inner values and the well-being of others but also unafraid to challenge the status quo and pursue their diverse passions with enthusiasm and resilience.
INFJ 7w8 Personality – What does it mean?
The “INFJ 7w8” personality is a blend of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Enneagram, two widely recognized frameworks in psychology used for understanding human personality.
MBTI Aspect: INFJ Key Characteristics
MBTI is best explained through MBTI Cognitive Functions derived from Carl Jung’s theory of Psychological Types. The INFJ Cognitive Functions Stack explains the MBTI aspect of INFJ personality as follows:
- Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni) – This function enables INFJs to see the big picture and understand patterns and future possibilities. People with dominant Ni are often visionary and insightful, capable of foreseeing long-term outcomes and grasping complex concepts. They possess a profound internal world and often rely on gut feelings or hunches. An INFJ, for instance, might have a particular ability for predicting trends or understanding where a particular decision might lead in the long run.
- Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe) – Extraverted Feeling focuses on creating harmony in relationships and understanding the needs and emotions of others. INFJs use Fe to empathize with people, maintain social harmony, and often prioritize others’ feelings and values over impersonal criteria. An example of this in action would be an INFJ’s attentiveness to how their actions affect others, always striving to maintain a peaceful and positive environment.
- Tertiary: Introverted Thinking (Ti) – This function involves internal logical reasoning. INFJs use Ti to analyze information, categorize and systematize their insights, and strive for internal consistency in their beliefs and ideas. When confronted with a problem, an INFJ might spend considerable time pondering it internally, trying to integrate the new information into their existing framework of understanding.
- Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se) – As the least developed and least conscious function for INFJs, Se focuses on perceiving the external world, enjoying sensory experiences, and being aware of the present moment. While it can be a source of enjoyment, it can also overwhelm INFJs if overstimulated. For instance, INFJs may relish artistic or sensory experiences like music, art, or nature, but they might find staying grounded in the present moment challenging, especially under stress.
Enneagram Aspect: Type 7w8
The Enneagram is a model of human psychology that describes nine fundamental personality types. A “7w8” refers to the primary Type 7, “The Enthusiast,” with a strong influence from its neighboring Type 8, “The Challenger.”
- Type 7: Enthusiastic, adventurous, and versatile. Sevens are pleasure-seeking and spontaneous, seeking to avoid pain and embrace joy and fulfillment. They are often high-spirited and busy, but can also scatter their energies.
- Type 8 Wing: Adds assertiveness, a desire for control, and a more confrontational and protective dimension. Eights are known for their confidence, strength, and assertive problem-solving.
INFJ 7w8 Personality: Combined Traits
An INFJ with a 7w8 Enneagram type is rare and complex. They would embody the depth and empathy of the INFJ with the enthusiasm and assertiveness of the 7w8. This might manifest as:
- Assertive Idealism: They might have a clear vision for the future and a plan to achieve it, combining their intuition and insights with a proactive approach.
- Complex Inner World: The typical introspection and sensitivity of an INFJ might be balanced with the 7’s desire for variety and experience, leading to rich inner thoughts and a somewhat restless nature.
- Social but Selective: While INFJs are introverted, the 7w8’s influence might make them more outgoing and bold in social situations, yet they would still likely be selective about deep relationships.
Examples of INFJ 7w8 Behaviour:
- Advocacy with a Twist: INFJ 7w8s might engage in social causes or community leadership, approaching these with a unique blend of vision (INFJ) and a dynamic, practical approach (7w8).
- Complex Emotionality: INFJ 7w8s may oscillate between deep reflection and a desire for excitement and new experiences, making them seem unpredictable at times.
- Creative Expression: INFJ 7w8s might channel their complex inner world into creative pursuits, perhaps leading innovative projects or starting unique ventures that reflect their blend of idealism and assertiveness.
INFJ 7w8: Understanding the Strengths of the INFJ 7w8 Personality
The INFJ 7w8 personality possesses a unique set of strengths, shaped by the harmonious integration of the introspective depth of the INFJ with the energetic assertiveness of the 7w8 Enneagram type. Here are some of their key strengths:
- Visionary yet Practical: INFJ 7w8s combine the INFJ’s future-oriented vision with the practicality of a 7w8. They are not just dreamers; they are doers. For instance, in a professional setting, an INFJ 7w8 might be the one who not only ideates a visionary project but also takes actionable steps to implement it, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.
- Empathetic Leadership: INFJs are known for their empathy, and when combined with the 7w8’s assertiveness, it leads to a compassionate yet decisive leadership style. An INFJ 7w8 in a leadership role would excel in understanding their team’s needs and motivations while confidently guiding them towards goals, making them both respected and approachable leaders.
- Adaptive Resilience: The adventurous spirit of a 7w8, when merged with the adaptive nature of an INFJ, results in a remarkable resilience. This means they can navigate through life’s ups and downs with a positive attitude. For example, in times of crisis, an INFJ 7w8 might quickly adapt to new situations, finding innovative solutions to problems while maintaining an optimistic outlook.
- Creative Problem-Solving: INFJs are naturally creative, and the 7w8’s dynamic energy amplifies this trait. This combination fosters a unique approach to problem-solving where they can think outside the box and generate original ideas. In creative fields, an INFJ 7w8 might be the one who comes up with a groundbreaking concept that is both imaginative and feasible.
- Balanced Social Engagement: While INFJs are typically introverted, the influence of the 7w8 brings a more outgoing and engaging side to their personality. This balance allows them to form deep, meaningful relationships (a trait of INFJs) while also being able to connect with a broader range of people in various settings, from social gatherings to networking events.
- Passionate Advocacy: INFJ 7w8s often feel strongly about causes they believe in and are not afraid to advocate for them. Their blend of introspective passion and external assertiveness makes them powerful advocates for social, environmental, or humanitarian causes. They can effectively rally support and inspire others through their passionate and articulate communication.
The strengths of an INFJ 7w8 lie in their ability to harmonize depth with dynamism, empathy with assertiveness, and vision with practicality. This makes them versatile and impactful in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.
INFJ 7w8: Understanding the Weaknesses of the INFJ 7w8 Personality
While the INFJ 7w8 personality type has a unique set of strengths, they also face specific challenges and weaknesses, stemming from the complex interplay of their INFJ traits and the 7w8 Enneagram influences. Here are some of their potential weaknesses:
- Overcommitment: Due to their enthusiastic and ambitious nature, INFJ 7w8s may take on more than they can handle. They might become involved in numerous projects or social commitments, driven by their desire for varied experiences (7w8) and a deep-seated need to make a difference (INFJ). This can lead to burnout or a drop in the quality of their work.
- Conflict Between Idealism and Pragmatism: The idealistic nature of the INFJ can sometimes clash with the more pragmatic and assertive side of the 7w8. For example, they might struggle internally when their idealistic goals require more practical, hard-nosed approaches, leading to indecision or internal conflict.
- Impatience with Routine: The adventurous and spontaneous spirit of the 7w8 can make INFJ 7w8s restless and impatient with routine or mundane tasks. They might find it challenging to stick to routines or complete tasks that require prolonged focus on detail, preferring instead to move on to more exciting and varied activities.
- Emotional Intensity: While INFJs are deeply emotional, the assertiveness of the 7w8 can sometimes lead to intense emotional expressions, especially under stress. This intensity can be overwhelming for both the INFJ 7w8 and those around them, potentially leading to strained relationships or misunderstandings.
- Struggle with Negative Emotions: The 7w8’s tendency to seek positive experiences and avoid pain can conflict with the INFJ’s depth of feeling, leading to difficulty in processing negative emotions. An INFJ 7w8 might avoid confronting unpleasant feelings, which can result in unresolved issues or emotional suppression.
- Idealistic Disappointment: The combination of high ideals (INFJ) and a desire for immediate gratification (7w8) can lead to frustration and disappointment when reality doesn’t meet their expectations. For instance, in their quest to enact change, they may become disillusioned if results are not immediate or if they face significant obstacles.
These weaknesses highlight the complex nature of the INFJ 7w8 personality. Understanding and acknowledging these challenges is crucial for personal growth and development. By working on these areas, INFJ 7w8s can strive to find a more balanced approach to life, leveraging their strengths while managing their limitations.
INFJ 7w8: Personal Development & Growth
Personal growth for an INFJ 7w8 involves balancing their complex traits: the introspective depth of the INFJ with the energetic dynamism of the 7w8. Here are some strategies for personal development:
- Embrace and Manage Diversity of Interests: INFJ 7w8s should acknowledge their diverse interests but also learn to prioritize and manage them effectively to avoid overcommitment. For instance, they could use tools like time management apps or journals to keep track of their projects and ensure they’re dedicating sufficient attention to each without spreading themselves too thin.
- Develop Emotional Intelligence: Given their emotional depth and intensity, it’s important for INFJ 7w8s to develop strong emotional intelligence. This can involve practices like mindfulness or journaling, which can help them understand and regulate their emotions better, thereby improving their interactions and relationships.
- Cultivate Patience and Persistence: To counteract their impatience with routine and desire for immediate results, INFJ 7w8s can benefit from cultivating patience and persistence. Setting long-term goals and breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks can help them stay engaged and committed. For example, if they’re working on a large project, focusing on one aspect at a time can make it more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Process Negative Emotions Constructively: INFJ 7w8s often struggle with confronting negative emotions. Engaging in reflective practices like therapy, meditation, or expressive writing can help them process these emotions in a healthy way. For example, regular meditation can provide the space and tranquility they need to face and understand their deeper feelings.
- Seek Balanced Relationships: Given their tendency for deep but selective relationships, it’s beneficial for them to seek out and maintain balanced relationships. They should strive for connections that allow both deep, meaningful interactions and light-hearted, fun activities. Joining interest-based clubs or groups can provide opportunities for such balanced interactions.
- Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness: To prevent burnout, INFJ 7w8s should regularly engage in self-care activities that ground them and provide relaxation. This could be as simple as scheduling regular downtime, practicing yoga, or enjoying nature walks. Mindfulness can help them stay present and enjoy the moment, countering their tendency to always look to the future or seek new experiences.
- Work on Accepting Imperfection: Their blend of idealism and assertiveness can lead to frustration when reality falls short of their high expectations. Learning to accept imperfection and appreciate the journey, not just the destination, can be crucial. For instance, they could benefit from adopting a philosophy of ‘progress, not perfection’ in their endeavors.
- Develop Flexibility in Plans and Expectations: Since they often have a clear vision of what they want to achieve, being flexible when things don’t go as planned is essential. Engaging in activities that require adaptability, like improvisational theater or team sports, can help them become more comfortable with uncertainty and change.
By focusing on these areas, INFJ 7w8 personalities can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life, utilizing their unique strengths while addressing their challenges. Personal growth is a continuous journey, and for an INFJ 7w8, it involves embracing their complexity and using it to their advantage.
INFJ 7w8: Love & Relationships
In love and relationships, the INFJ 7w8 personality type brings a distinctive blend of depth, idealism, enthusiasm, and assertiveness. This unique combination of traits shapes their approach to romantic relationships in several ways:
Depth and Intensity
- Deep Emotional Connection: INFJs seek profound emotional connections in relationships. They desire partners who understand and appreciate their complex inner world. For example, an INFJ 7w8 might deeply value long, meaningful conversations where they can share their thoughts and feelings freely.
- Intensity: Their emotions can be intense, reflecting the passion of the 7w8. They might experience and express love very deeply, often seeking a partner who is equally expressive and passionate.
Enthusiasm and Spontaneity
- Adventurous and Fun-Loving: The 7w8 aspect brings a love for adventure and new experiences. In a relationship, an INFJ 7w8 might enjoy planning spontaneous trips or trying new activities with their partner, adding excitement and variety to the relationship.
- Avoidance of Boredom: They may struggle with routines and predictability, constantly seeking growth and change. This could manifest as a desire for constant evolution in the relationship, both emotionally and in shared activities.
Assertiveness and Independence
- Assertive Communication: Unlike typical INFJs, who might be more reserved, the 7w8 wing adds a layer of assertiveness. They are likely to be direct and open about their needs and expectations in a relationship.
- Valuing Independence: They appreciate a degree of independence and respect the same in their partner. For instance, they might encourage their partner to pursue personal hobbies or interests outside of the relationship.
Challenges and Conflict
- Conflict Between Idealism and Realism: The idealistic nature of the INFJ might clash with the more pragmatic 7w8 side, especially when expectations in the relationship do not align with reality. This could lead to dissatisfaction or frustration if the partner does not meet their high standards or share their enthusiasm for change.
- Handling Negative Emotions: The 7w8’s tendency to avoid negative emotions can conflict with the INFJ’s deep feeling nature. They might struggle with addressing and processing conflicts or emotional issues directly, preferring to focus on positive aspects or distract themselves with new experiences.
Building and Maintaining Relationships
- Need for Growth and Development: INFJ 7w8s seek growth, both personally and in their relationships. They are likely to appreciate and foster relationships where both partners can learn and evolve together, perhaps through shared intellectual, creative, or spiritual pursuits.
- Passion for Shared Causes: They often bond over shared values or causes, like humanitarian or environmental issues. Working together on projects or causes they are passionate about can strengthen their relationship.
The INFJ 7w8 in love is passionate, deep, and eager for growth and new experiences, but they may also struggle with routine and managing expectations. They seek partners who can navigate both the depths of emotional intimacy and the heights of adventurous experiences, creating a dynamic and evolving relationship.
INFJ 7w8: Career’s suitable for the INFJ 7w8 personalities
The INFJ 7w8 personality type, with its unique blend of introspective depth, idealism, assertiveness, and enthusiasm, is well-suited for a variety of careers. They can particularly excel in roles that allow them to use their creativity, empathy, and dynamic energy. Here are some potential careers for INFJ 7w8s and how they can shine in these roles:
- Nonprofit Leadership: INFJ 7w8s are well-suited for leading and managing nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on causes they are passionate about. They can excel in this role by utilizing their vision and idealism to inspire and motivate others, while their assertiveness and energy can drive effective fundraising and advocacy campaigns. They might, for example, spearhead innovative social initiatives that capture public attention and support.
- Counseling or Psychology: Working as therapists, counselors, or psychologists allows INFJ 7w8s to help individuals with their emotional and mental well-being. Their empathetic nature and intuitive understanding of human emotions make them excellent at connecting with clients, and the 7w8’s dynamic approach can be beneficial in actively engaging clients and applying innovative therapeutic techniques.
- Creative Arts: INFJ 7w8s can thrive in artistic professions, such as writing, music, or design, where they can use their deep emotional reservoir and creativity to produce profound and impactful art. Their adventurous spirit can lead them to explore unconventional themes or mediums, making their work stand out.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting and running their own businesses, especially in areas aligned with their values and interests, is a fitting career path for INFJ 7w8s. Their ability to envision future trends and outcomes combined with the assertiveness and resilience to face entrepreneurial challenges can make them successful entrepreneurs. They might launch a startup focused on sustainable products or innovative social solutions.
- Environmental Advocacy: Working in environmental organizations or initiatives, advocating for sustainability and conservation, is another area where INFJ 7w8s can shine. They can passionately promote environmental causes, using their persuasive skills and their ability to connect with others on a deep, values-driven level. They might lead impactful environmental campaigns or community projects.
- Education and Training: Teaching or developing educational programs, possibly in innovative or alternative educational settings, allows INFJ 7w8s to use their love for learning and ability to inspire others. They can bring excitement and a fresh perspective to educational content, perhaps introducing new teaching methodologies.
- Public Relations or Communications: Managing public relations, corporate communications, or marketing roles suits INFJ 7w8s due to their intuitive understanding of people’s motivations and desires, combined with their energetic and persuasive communication style. They are adept at crafting compelling messages and campaigns.
- Human Resources: Working in HR, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, or organizational culture, allows INFJ 7w8s to use their empathy and understanding of individual needs along with their assertiveness in negotiating and advocating for employees to create a positive and productive workplace environment.
In each of these careers, INFJ 7w8s can leverage their unique combination of traits to make a significant impact. Their success often lies in their ability to balance their deep empathy and idealism with their assertiveness, enthusiasm, and adaptability, allowing them to connect with others meaningfully while driving forward their visions and goals.
MBTI is better understood through the lens of Cognitive Functions theory. To learn more about the MBTI Cognitive Functions do explore this Detailed Guide on MBTI Cognitive Functions.
For Personal Growth and Development, I have prepared a highly detailed INFJ Cognitive Functions guide. Do explore this detailed guide on INFJ Cognitive Functions.
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