A gift and challenge of the Eight

Eights are dynamic forces in this world. They direct their energy into action and are straight talkers, telling things as they are and, importantly, they are unafraid of conflict. As such they can be great protectors as they are unfazed about going into battle, as it were, on their own behalf or on behalf of others, often helping those who are vulnerable or less fortunate than themselves. This is their great gift as the Eight is the only Type that really does not mind conflict so others are drawn to them as people who are strong, able to take up a challenge and not retreat from the fray. However, their force of character is also their challenge as Eights can get carried away with themselves and start throwing their weight around, imposing their ideas, dominating their environments and so becoming intimidating to others. Because they are not afraid of conflict they can get into conflicts easily, seeming to have no worry about the consequences and alienating those around them as a result. Eights have to learn to channel their energy in productive ways and, although it goes against the grain, to sometimes listen and allow others to have their space and their own way of doing things. They benefit from understanding that not everything in life needs to be treated as a challenge or an obstacle in their path to be mown down. Eights are at their best when they use their tremendous force and energy for the common good or on behalf of others whilst also understanding when to take a back seat and allow others to do things their own way, being able to appreciate that there is a gentler approach to life which is no less valid than their own and which may sometimes be more effective than their usual way of tackling things.