🌿 Type Seven vs Type Eight

TL;DR: What’s the Core Difference?
Type Seven is driven by a need to avoid discomfort and pain by staying upbeat, busy, and constantly stimulated.
Type Eight is driven by a need to stay in control and avoid vulnerability by asserting strength and independence.

✍️ In-Depth Comparison
At first glance, Sevens and Eights can both come across as bold, energetic, and go-getters. They’re often described as "big personalities" and are rarely accused of being passive. But don’t let the surface energy fool you—the motivations underneath are vastly different.

Type Sevens are freedom-seekers. They’re chasing new ideas, exciting experiences, and anything that helps them escape discomfort. Their aggression is about momentum—movement toward pleasure, away from pain. They're optimistic, quick-thinking, and always scanning for what’s next. Power isn’t their goal, but if it gets them what they want, they’ll take it.

Type Eights are control-seekers. They want to be independent, unbreakable, and never caught off guard. Their aggression is about protection—defending themselves and others from being controlled or harmed. They are grounded, instinctual, and confrontational when necessary. Power is the goal—it’s how they stay safe.

From your notes and both sources:

  • Sevens want freedom, fun, and stimulation.

  • Eights want control, autonomy, and intensity.

  • Sevens avoid discomfort by moving around it.

  • Eights confront discomfort head-on.

  • Sevens joke their way out of pain.

  • Eights power through it.

  • Sevens are idealists and mental types.

  • Eights are realists and instinctual types.

✅ Quick Spot-the-Difference Table

Question to Ask YourselfType SevenType EightWhat drives me?A need to stay free and avoid pain or boredomA need to stay in control and avoid being vulnerableHow do I handle adversity?I distract myself or reframe it optimisticallyI confront it head-on and push throughDo I chase excitement or intensity?Excitement—variety and fun fuel meIntensity—I want things to feel real and powerfulHow do I relate to power?I don’t really want it unless it helps me stay freeI need it to protect myself and those I care aboutWhat’s my emotional tone?Playful, scattered, light-heartedSerious, direct, intense

🌱 Reflect & Explore

  • When I feel threatened, do I shift my attention to something more pleasant (Seven), or do I double down and try to control the situation (Eight)?

  • Do I see myself as fun-loving and free-spirited (Seven), or strong and self-reliant (Eight)?

  • Do I try to outsmart vulnerability with reframing (Seven), or overpower it with strength (Eight)?

  • Am I more concerned with not being trapped (Seven) or not being weak (Eight)?

➕ Keep Digging

  • [Read the full Type Seven Deep Dive]

  • [Explore the Type Eight Deep Dive]

  • [Take the Enneagram Greenhouse Quiz]