Shadow Effect

When the sun beats down on the sand and we stand, facing the sun's light, we create a shadow behind us. There is a part of us that is not in the light.
In the previous post, I referred to a conversation between Brené Brown and Jim Collins in which they mention shadow values. The shadow value refers to the value that you live that may create problems for you, or work against you in some way. 

Brené Brown cites her own shadow value as the value to be in control. This value can make it difficult for her to accept the work of others, the support of others. 

What is your shadow value?

It can sometimes be difficult to see how we are getting in the way of our own success. Fortunately there are a few ways to get to the heart of the problem. Here are a few of ideas:

1. What difficult, painful life lessons do I keep experiencing? (credit Rod Stryker)
2. Suppose some researchers from another country watched you and your behaviours and choices, what would they say were your values? (credit Jim Collins)
3. Consider someone who knows you well - both in positive light and not so positive light. Through the voice of that person, write your eulogy as if you had died right now. Write the celebratory ideas and the not do flattering and more regretful times. ​The next part of this exercise is to read back through the eulogy and underline or circle the key words, phrases that resonate strongly or strike a nerve. You then use those words to determine what you want and what you do to get it.  (credit Rod Stryker)
4. If writing a eulogy is not your thing, you could simply remember a moment in your life when you felt that you were working against yourself. If you have had an experience like I have where you are confronted by people being unhappy with you. Once you fully remember that experience, write a poem about it. Similar to the eulogy exercise, read the poem and identify the key words. 

​One of these exercises should work to help you get to the thing you want, core of what it is that gets in the way of performing optimally. Once you get it, take time to reflect on how this has shown up in your life.
  --  Consider how it could show up in the pursuit of your current goal.
  --  Better yet, consider, what is the antidote?
  --  How will you be able to see it happening before it is too disruptive?
​  --  What strategy can you use to support you?