What is The Success Shadow?
It’s the opposite of what you’ve been chasing. Instead of going into the light, we’re going to dive into the darkness from your past….and embrace it.
After working with thousands of people over the last six years I’ve heard all kinds of reasons why people feel they’re “stuck” in their business.
I don’t have the time or money. I’m just too comfortable where I am. I procrastinate. There is something wrong with me. It’s too much work.
On the surface I used to think, “just get over it! Change your story! Make a decision and your life will change!” But it’s not that simple….
Even though we know why we’re stuck, we remain bound to the same results. So we question our business, our skills, our leadership and maybe even if we’re cut out for success. Everything seems be to an uphill battle of stress and challenges.
So we become “light chasers” believing new opportunities will give us what we’ve been searching for. A feeling of emptiness that success is ever eluding our grasps. The shadow belief that success will ease the pain we’re running from. If only I could become more successful it will fix all the problems within my life, and of myself.
The Success Shadow is very simple. All of your true potential and power exists in your past shadows that you’ve avoid, suppressed or tried to hide from yourself or others. This could be actual event’s that you’ve tried to run away or hide from because you were ashamed or fearful others would judge you for. It could also be suppressed emotions from something as simple as your parents telling you, “don’t touch that! Don’t do that! What did you just do?!” Stepping out of your power and creating a Shadow belief that says, “I’m not worthy and I’m not good enough.”
Over the years I’ve learned (including myself!) most people have a Shadow belief that says “I’m not good enough” with an Ego that screams “I’m going to prove to the world I AM good enough.”
All of your gifts exist in your shadow. It’s your natural talents and ability to contribute to the world with why you’re here.
I encourage you to take the exercise below and begin to discover your shadows. The Universe is always showing us…US. So by understanding this process you can better begin to embrace aspects of your life that are stopping your right now from reaching your full potential within your life.
This exercise will take you through the wonderful gift of projection. The easiest way to help you shed some light on your shadow. Whatever we see in others, is in fact what we dislike, or like about ourselves.
It is my mission day after day to find new ways to inspire others to go on this lifelong journey to clean up their past, to forgive themselves for their flaws and shortcomings, to make peace with their humanity, to open up to their divinity and allow themselves to be guided by a power greater than themselves. – Debbie Ford
EXERCISE:
This week invest time into identifying your shadow. Before we can see what is holding you back in business, we have to bring light to your darkness.
1. For the next 7 days be aware of how you judge others. Any name calling, negative feelings or gossip towards others is always a projection of our internal selfs. Our words and thoughts are a mirror, giving us back the shadow beliefs what we think of ourselves.
On the flip side, think of the positive traits you notice about others. From courage to confidence whatever positive projections you see about others, are also a mirror of aspects within ourselves we admire (and may be buried deep within our shadows.)
2. What advice are you giving to others? Often the advice we’re telling our close friends, family and co-workers is a reminder for us to do the same. If you read others Facebook posts you’ll notice a common thread of indiviudals struggling with their businesses, yet offering advice to grow a successful business. In more cases then not, that person is projecting the advice to themselves unconsciously. I know I still have to catch myself to this day. Am I providing advice to people with my status or is it simply a message to myself of something I’m not doing?
In Gratitude,
Ryan
PS: I cannot wait to read your comments below, so be sure to post up your shadow beliefs!
Very interesting. I’ve contemplated this before ~ many times I believe I can be my own worst enemy…picking myself apart before anyone else can. It’s easier sometimes to just tell yourself that you can’t do it, or you don’t deserve success just so you don’t disappoint yourself. BUT as I’m learning (and growing), I’m realizing it hurts more to not attempt to do something (and possibly fail) then it is to not fulfill your desire in life.
Shelly you’re amazing! I totally agree. I think we develop masks or personas to hide who we really are. A persona that will fit nicely where people won’t judge us and will start to accept the person who we are becoming, instead of the person who we really are deep down inside. Crazy! Love you Shell!
Where can I find out more about this Shadow? I am thinking…WOW, you just summed it up. I wasn’t going to read all of it until I read the “I’m not worthy or good enough line”. Also the part about giving others advice and not seeing it as giving ME advice. I like the projection idea too.
What is the whole purpose of this and what are we looking for? I can sit here now and say, as I have many times, “I should listen to that” or “how can I give advice that makes sense to others and not listen to it myself.
I think I am really confused as to who or what I am or even made of. If that makes sense. There are so many great quotes and sayings out there……why can’t I anchor to those and reach the golden ring. What is it that holds me back? Etc.
I am a true believer that for every finger you point at someone, there is three going back. ALso, doing unto others as I would have done unto me.
I WANT success! I can almost taste it. I don’t know if I am afraid of it or my blue collar roots are standing in my way or what.
Anyways, what you said in your short story above has really struck a chord
Thanks Ryan
Awesome awesome awesome bro. Love hearing about this. I would watch these videos to start off. I’ve learned a ton from Debbie Ford. http://www.ryanyokome.com/what-is-shadow-work/
Especially in the home business world, I see it a lot. What is holding people back, isn’t actually the reason they think. Often it’s something from their past, and they’re trying to push it away with more and more personal growth. But if you can learn to embrace “the dark side’ of you, that’s where your power exists to crush it with anything you touch.