Strategy 5
Capable Expert
- Desire
- Understanding and the ability to handle the world
- Fear
- Helplessness, incompetence, and overwhelm
Why People Confuse Them
Both strategies feel they don't quite belong anywhere, need independence, and are willing to fight when someone threatens it. Both speak directly and hide their vulnerability. Eights sometimes take themselves for Fives because under stress they withdraw and think through their next steps in private.
What the Difference Is
An Eight acts. They tackle problems head-on and go after what they want, often before thinking it through. They have a lot of energy, live very much in their body, and enjoy food, movement, and physical closeness. They take control openly and loudly.
A Five thinks. Before starting anything, they weigh it for a long time, and sometimes never get around to acting at all. They limit their needs so they don't depend on anyone, and they conserve their energy. They keep control quietly, for instance by not saying what they think. They live more in their head and tend to struggle with their body and practical matters.
When they feel threatened, an Eight stands up and pushes back. A Five withdraws and shuts down.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- How do you react to a problem?
5More likely a Five if you first calmly think it through before doing anything.
8More likely an Eight if you jump straight into action and sort out the rest as you go.
- How do you relate to needs and pleasures?
5More likely a Five if you get by with little and don't want to depend on anything.
8More likely an Eight if you want to live life to the fullest and won't be denied anything.
- How do you show what you think?
5More likely a Five if you keep it to yourself, especially around people you don't know well.
8More likely an Eight if you say it straight out and everyone knows where they stand with you.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a Five →How to Spot an Eight →How They Work Together in a Relationship →