"The shadow is part of the personality and wants to live with us."

Carl Jung

Psychologist

Date: March 20, 2025

Shadow Work and Values-Driven Achievement

Adam Kreek

Carl Jung once said, “We deem those happy who, from the experience of life, have learned to bear its ills without being overcome by them.” This quote encapsulates the essence of shadow work—the process of uncovering the hidden parts of ourselves that influence our behaviours, values, and decisions. Shadow work is not about eliminating these aspects but integrating them into a conscious, values-driven life.

In the journey of Values-Driven Achievement, we must recognize that not all values serve us equally. Some values uplift and connect us to our best selves, while shadow values—driven by fear, shame, or guilt—can disconnect us from others, from truth, and from our purpose.

This blog explores shadow work as a critical practice in aligning our values, unlocking self-awareness, and leading with integrity.

What is the Shadow?

The shadow consists of the parts of ourselves we disown, dislike, or forget. It is not inherently evil but remains hidden due to blame, shame, and guilt. Our shadow influences our actions, sometimes without us realizing it.

Bringing awareness to the shadow allows us to reclaim power over our choices and behaviours.

The Shadow in Mind, Body, and Spirit

The shadow operates in three domains:

Mind – Beliefs and conditioned thought patterns.
Body – Emotional and physiological responses.
Spirit – Disconnection from deeper purpose and higher self.

To bring light to the shadow, we must integrate all three.

Shadow Work: A Five-Step Process

Identify Your Shadow – Recognize and name the hidden parts of yourself.
Self-Reflection – Ask yourself:
- What parts of myself do I dislike?
- What parts of myself do I judge?
- What parts of myself do I fear?
Childhood Review – Explore past experiences:
- Was I fully accepted as a child?
- What was expected of me by authority figures?
- What emotions or behaviors were judged?
Acknowledge Your Shadow – Instead of resisting it, thank it for trying to protect you. Identify the talents and strengths it brings.
Integrate the Shadow – Imagine yourself returning to the moment your shadow was created and responding with wisdom and maturity.

The Role of Shadow Values

Our values shape our actions, but not all values are conscious or constructive. Shadow values are hidden motivators that can create imbalance if left unchecked.

Types of Values: Light vs. Shadow

Constructive Values – Connect us to purpose, truth, and fulfillment.
Shadow Values – Arise from fear, control, or unmet needs.

For example:

Achievement can be a noble value, but in its shadow form, it can lead to narcissism and burnout.
Security is important, but its shadow expression can create rigid control and fear-based decision-making.
Social justice is meaningful, but when driven by shadow values, it can manifest as dogmatism or aggressive righteousness.

Recognizing when a value serves our growth versus when it controls us is key to values-driven achievement.

The Chakra System and the Shadow

Our shadow can also manifest through blocked energy centers in the body, known as chakras:

Root Chakra (Safety & Security) – Blocked: Fear, anxiety. Overactive: Greed, materialism.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Personal Power) – Blocked: Low self-esteem. Overactive: Power-hungry, domineering.
Heart Chakra (Connection & Love) – Blocked: Lack of empathy. Overactive: Codependency.
Throat Chakra (Expression & Truth) – Blocked: Suppressed voice. Overactive: Harsh, critical speech.
Third Eye Chakra (Vision & Wisdom) – Blocked: Lack of imagination. Overactive: Delusions, paranoia.
Crown Chakra (Spiritual Connection) – Blocked: Loss of faith. Overactive: Dogmatic, judgmental thinking.

Balancing these energy centers can help integrate the shadow and restore alignment.

Leadership and Shadow Work

Our shadow does not disappear in leadership—it amplifies. Leaders who do not address their shadow often act from self-preservation rather than contribution.

Shadow Archetypes in Leadership

The Narcissistic Achiever – Obsessed with success, validation, and personal image at the cost of integrity.
The Controlling Millionaire – Seeks control over every aspect of work and life due to deep-seated fear of uncertainty.
The Power-Hungry Dictator – Rules through domination, unable to share power.
The Fear-Driven Protector – Overly cautious and skeptical, preventing innovation.
The Toxic Social Justice Warrior – Uses moral superiority as a weapon, rather than a tool for change.

Each of these leadership styles stems from shadow values that have not been confronted.

Practical Exercise: Meeting Your Shadow

To engage with your shadow, personify it:

Imagine it as an object, animal, or figure.
Invite it to have a conversation.
Ask:
- Where did you come from?
- How are you trying to help me?
- Why are you still hiding?
- What do you need from me?

Key Takeaways

Your shadow is not the enemy.
It cannot be rationalized away—it must be integrated.
Leadership demands self-awareness—what remains unconscious controls you.

Final Thought: Contribution or Self-Preservation?

Where are your shadows hiding?
Are you operating from fear and control, or from growth and contribution?

Shadow work is not just about self-awareness—it is about choosing to lead from your highest self rather than your deepest fears.

As Carl Jung said, “The shadow is part of the personality and wants to live with us in some form. It cannot be argued out of existence, nor rationalized into harmlessness.”

The only way forward is through integration.

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Adam Kreek is on a mission to positively impact organizational cultures and leaders who make things happen.

Kreek is an Executive Business Coach who lives in Victoria, BC, near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Seattle, Washington, USA, in the Pacific Northwest. He works with clients globally, often travelling to California in the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta, Georgia, Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec. He is an Olympic Gold Medalist, a storied adventurer and a father.

He authored the bestselling business book, The Responsibility Ethic: 12 Strategies Exceptional People Use to Do the Work and Make Success Happen.

Discover our thoughts on Values here.

Want to increase your leadership achievement? Learn more about Kreek’s coaching here.

Want to book a keynote that leaves a lasting impact? Learn more about Kreek’s live event service here.

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