What is shadow work?

When people hear the term “shadow work”, it can sound a bit abstract or even a bit intense. In reality, though, it’s much more grounded than it first appears. Shadow work is simply the process of getting to know the parts of yourself that you tend to hide, repress, or deny. Not because there is anything wrong with them, but because at some point in your life, it didn’t feel safe, acceptable, or useful to express them.

Most people are doing this unconsciously every day without realising it.

The Origin of the “Shadow”

The concept of the “shadow” comes from psychology, most notably the work of Carl Jung. He described the shadow as the parts of ourselves that sit outside of our consciousness..

These are traits, emotions, and impulses that we don’t fully identify with, often because they were discouraged, rejected, or not welcomed as we were growing up. This can include things like anger, jealousy, insecurity, or fear. But it can also include more positive traits like ambition, confidence, or assertiveness if those were not safe or accepted in certain environments.

Over time, we all learn which parts of us are “acceptable” and which are not. The parts that don’t fit don’t disappear, they get pushed out of awareness.

How the Shadow Shows Up

Even though these parts are hidden, they still influence behaviour in very real ways.

You’ve probably experienced it without calling it “shadow work”:

• A reaction that feels stronger than the situation warrants
• Getting triggered by something small
• Judging someone else quite harshly
• Avoiding certain conversations or decisions

Often, these moments are not random. They point to something underneath, for example, a part of you that hasn’t been fully acknowledged or understood.

Many behaviours people struggle with, like procrastination, overthinking, or self-doubt, can often be traced back to these underlying patterns.

Why It Matters

When these aspects of life are not acknowledged, they tend to run in the background of your life.

They influence decisions, shape relationships, and affect how you show up in ways that are often invisible until you start paying attention.

In the work I do with founders and creatives, this is something that comes up repeatedly. On the surface, it might look like a strategy issue, lack of clarity, or inconsistency. But underneath, there is often something more inexplicable going on, fear of getting it wrong, discomfort with being seen, or a deeper belief of “not being enough”.

Until these layers are looked at, the same patterns tend to repeat.

How to Start Doing Shadow Work

This doesn’t need to be complicated or overly analytical. In fact, it often starts with something very simple: awareness.

A useful place to begin is by noticing moments where your reaction feels disproportionate to what is actually happening (This can also be known as a shadow strike). When this happens, instead of brushing it off, pause and get curious.

You might ask yourself:

• What exactly am I reacting to here?
• What does this remind me of?
• What part of me feels activated right now?

You don’t need immediate answers. The act of noticing is the beginning of the work.

Journaling can be helpful here, but so can slowing down in real time and reflecting honestly in the moment.

A Useful Reframe

A more realistic starting point is recognising that your “shadow” often behaves like a blind spot, not something you can easily see or reframe on your own. Like the area around your car you can’t view from the driver’s seat, these patterns stay hidden because they sit outside your awareness.

That’s why shadow work is rarely a solo exercise. It’s slippery by nature, and the very parts you’re trying to observe are the ones doing the hiding. Instead of trying to reinterpret these patterns by yourself, it’s often more effective to invite in people who are emotionally aware and willing to be honest with you. Trusted colleagues, friends, or allies can notice reactions, habits, or tensions that you can’t see from the inside.

By allowing others to help illuminate your blind spots, you gain access to what was previously hidden. From there, understanding can begin, and seeing clearly for the first time.

Final Thoughts

Shadow work is not about becoming a different person.

It is about seeing more clearly who you already are, and understanding the parts of you that have been pushed out of awareness.

And often, it’s this increased awareness — not force or discipline — that creates real change in how you think, behave, and move through life.