Is Your Brand Afraid of Its Own Shadow?

It’s an incredibly exciting day tomorrow.

In fact, the word ‘exciting’ barely begins to describe it. You’re excited too right? Probably won’t be able to sleep tonight in anticipation just like me eh?

What?! You don’t know what tomorrow is?

Oh Sweet Pea…it’s Ground Day! In my neck of the woods, Groundhog Day is kind of a BFD. Forget that second rate groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, Octorara Orphie is the true prognosticator that we all turn to in order to find out if spring is soon on its way.

OK, tongue-in-cheek moment over.

Actually, Groundhog Day is the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Folklore states that if the groundhog sees his shadow, he dives back into his hole and we are in for 6 more weeks of winter. No shadow means spring is on the way.

While the groundhog may be afraid of his shadow, there is no need for your Brand to fear your Archetypal Shadow.

While we typically think of our Shadow as something to be repressed, it can be a guiding force to what we are resisting and obstacles that we may be subconsciously putting in our path.

Let’s take a peek at the Angel Archetype.

Kind, generous, and forgiving, your deepest desire is to help and serve others. You would rather endure pain yourself than see someone else suffering. Self-sacrificing, you will go to great lengths to not appear selfish or ungrateful.

You, can, however take these wonderful traits to the extreme and this is where your Shadow lies. The Angel has a very difficult time establishing boundaries and saying no. This can have you take on a ‘martyr’ role and just doing everything for everyone because it seems easier (and you know best).

When the Angel Shadow takes over, you can become passive-aggressive and try to guilt others into doing what you want them to do. You can have a tendency to smother others with your love and caring and become an enabler.

So how is this a good thing?

When you are honest with yourself and recognize the tendencies of your Archetypal Shadow you are more equipped to deal with managing those aspects of your Archetype that can be getting in your way. For the Angel, creating boundaries is crucial for self-care and will allow you to bring your best to your business and clients.

Need some help with understanding your Shadow and how to play nicely together?

Schedule a 30 minute consult and let’s talk about your Leading Brand Identity.