There is a dark side to every personality, and it’s important to know what it is. The Shadow is that dark side, and it’s something that we all have. It’s the part of us that we try to keep hidden away, because we’re ashamed of it or because we don’t want others to see it. Every personality has a shadow that is unique to how they are and in this blog post, we will explore the Shadow of each persona from my Enmocean model and discuss why it’s important to know about it. We’ll also talk about how you can learn more about your own Shadow and use that knowledge to take action on becoming more well-rounded!

Using personality to become more self-aware

In my Enmocean model I have adapted the 16 personality types of the Myers-Briggs into 4 shining personas. It’s easier to remember and apply to your social life. The four personas are

Guiders – Intuitive Feeling [xNFx] types – INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP

Enforcers – Sensing Thinking [xSTx] types – ISTJ, ISTP, ESTJ, ESTP

Innovators – Intuitive Thinking [xNTx] types – INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP

Givers – Sensing Feeling [xSFx] types – ISFJ, ISFP, ESFJ, ESFP

Each of these personas have dominant mental habits or cognitive functions* (the term Jung used in his work Psychological Type) that they use effortlessly in making decisions and learning in their day to day life. There are also inferior mental habits that show up when you’re uncomfortable and not being yourself. The inferior habits are opposite of the dominant habits.

This is where the Shadow comes in.

What are the shadow personas?

Your Shadow looks a lot like the opposite of your personality. Some refer to the Shadow as your inner-opposite. The shadow personas are rooted in having underdeveloped characteristics that stem from social denial or a lack of exposure and experience.

Here are the shadow personas :

Procrastinators – This shadow is related to Guiders and Innovators due to a lack of development in being present in the moment with interest and energy

Cravers – This shadow is related to Guiders and Innovators due to a lack of development in being able to consistently delay gratification in their environment

Dictators – This shadow is related to Guiders and Givers due to a lack of development in being able to make decisions with their own interests in mind

Complainers – This shadow is related to Guiders and Givers due to a lack of development in being able to confidently provide feedback and navigate conflict

Stressors – This shadow is related to Givers and Enforcers due to a lack of development in being able to consistently assess positive possibilities

Worriers – This shadow is related to Givers and Enforcers due to a lack of development in being able confidently navigate uncertainty

Doubters – This shadow is related to Enforcers and Innovators due to a lack of development in being able to identify and process uncomfortable emotions

Reactors – This shadow is related to Enforcers and Innovators due to a lack of development in being able to effectively communicate emotions when uncomfortable

To know which is your main shadow – the one that is most in need of development and attention you can take this shadow quiz here to begin the process.

Why should I work on my Shadow?

The 8 shadow personas are derived from 8 mental habits. When it comes to the shadow personas these mental habits are underdeveloped so they are often expressed in an abnormal way. It’s important to understand that you can work on this side of yourself. In fact, the practice and harnessing of your emotional intelligence is key in becoming well-rounded. Within the EQ Crew I help members undergo shadow work through practicing emotional intelligence.

The term “Shadow work” is about taking on intentional development through activities that help you integrate those underdeveloped aspects of your personality. One activity EQ Crew members do is mapping their triggers. Triggers are often a signal of something from your past that continues to bother us in the present. By taking actions like this you can increase your self-awareness and social-awareness – two key pillars of emotional intelligence. The benefit of doing shadow work goes far as it can help you have healthier relationships. It also helps you let go of a lot of negative emotions which makes space for more positive emotions.