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ENTJs always look so organized. They seem to know what they want and how to go for it. However, these descriptions usually apply to the healthy ENTJ. An unhealthy ENTJ is a completely different story.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the ENTJ dark side, its signs, and how to escape it.
What is the ENTJ’s Dark Side?
The dark side of the ENTJ is their unhealthy traits. The ENTJ dark side can happen for various reasons. Sometimes, it occurs when the ENTJ accesses their shadow functions.
Shadow functions come to the fore when they are stressed. Other significant events in their life can cause them to become unhealthy. This includes divorce, loss of their jobs, heartbreak, or the death of a loved one.
When the ENTJ is unhealthy, they act and behave differently. The traits of an unhealthy ENTJ are not just weaknesses. They are more extreme and can lead to a lot of problems.
Signs of an Unhealthy ENTJ
So, what does an unhealthy ENTJ look like?
1. The Te-Se Loop
This is the most common sign that something is amiss. Basically, the Te-Se loop is a situation where both cognitive functions run the show. Te is the dominant function while Se is their tertiary function.
In this loop, the ENTJ relies on both cognitive functions completely ignoring their Ni. When this happens, they become more reckless with their decisions. If they feel something is doable, they do it without minding the consequences.
Here, they almost become like a robot. Because their Ni is not working, they lose the needed perspectives to guide their decisions. An ENTJ experiencing the Te-Se loop can wreak havoc on everything they touch.
This is a clear indication that they are unhealthy.
2. Stepping Over their Moral Boundaries
While most ENTJs are go-getters and risk-takers, they usually have a moral line. This is true even if they are not religious.
A clear indication of a problem is a violation of their boundaries. When this happens, very few things can demand accountability from them.
They do what they want and when they want. This includes impulsive behavior, immoral acts, illegal activities, and so much more.
Things can get very bad.
3. Consistent Burnout
Most ENTJs are hard workers. However, there’s a difference between working hard and overworking. An unhealthy ENTJ will not know the difference.
They will consistently work until burnout. This takes a toll on their personal lives and even their jobs. An unhealthy ENTJ takes pride in burnout and sees it as a trophy.
4. Complete Lack of Emotions and Sensitivity
ENTJs are not the most emotional bunch. When they are unhealthy, this gets even worse. This might happen when there are in the Te-Se loop.
When this happens, they become ruthless and unyielding. They fail to consider how their actions affect others. This is made worse because they use Fi.
When Fi is placed in the hands of an unhealthy type, it makes them selfish and egocentric. It’s their way or the highway.
5. Consistently Angry
An unhealthy ENTJ is prone to anger. This is heightened if they are in the anger triad. ENTJs in the anger triad include the ENTJ 8w9, ENTJ 8w7, ENTJ 9w8, ENTJ 9w1, ENTJ 1w9, and the ENTJ 1w2.
There are three ways this can go. The unhealthy ENTJ might have repeated outbursts. They might build up burning resentment and seek revenge on a higher scale.
ENTJ 1w2 and ENTJ 1w9 might self-criticize themselves and believe they are never good enough.
This is a serious problem.
6. Overly Competitive
ENTJs usually want to win. When they are experiencing the dark side, this is more extreme. They’ll do “anything” to win.
An ENTJ who is overly competitive can be dangerous. They will harm others if necessary to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Unhealthy ENTJs are the most competitive type in the MBTI world.
7. Low Self-Confidence
ENTJs are usually bursting with charisma. They know their abilities and how efficient they can be. However, when they are unhealthy, they lose that confidence. They become unsure of themselves and insecure.
This can affect the quality of their work. When this happens, they’ll feel worse. It can quickly become a vicious cycle.
8. Condescending
Because the ENTJ has big goals and is efficient, they usually have an air of superiority. This is worse with an unhealthy ENTJ.
They will be condescending, arrogant, and unyielding. Their attitude can frustrate their friends and families. They will never accept any advice or guidance from others. Who are you to tell them what to do?
If it continues, the ENTJ can destroy the foundations they built up with their hands.
How to Become Healthy Again
Tired of the ENTJ dark side? Here are some tips that might help
1. Talk to Someone
The first thing you can do is to talk to someone. Ideally, it should be someone you can trust. It should also be someone you respect. This is important if they are to hold you accountable for your actions.
Tell them your problems. Even though they don’t have the right advice for you, talking about it can bring relief.
2. Identify Your Triggers
If you have been unhealthy before, you’ll know what triggers it. Once you can identify that, you just have to avoid those triggers.
Avoiding those triggers will reduce the chances of it happening again.
3. Read More About Your Personality Type
Another great way to avoid unhealthy traits is to learn more about yourself. There are a lot of resources on this website about ENTJs. That’s a great place to start.
Knowing more about yourself will make you conscious of your strengths and weaknesses.
4. See a Therapist
If you feel your case is more severe, then you should probably see a therapist. They are better equipped to deal with these issues.
Seeing a therapist will ensure faster recovery and a better understanding of yourself.
If you are currently unhealthy, don’t lose hope. You are so much more than your unhealthy traits. Take the right steps to become healthy again.
