The Archetype Shift That Will Transform Your Life!
The Painful Journey of Letting Go and Growing in Your Personal and Professional Life
During our professional life, we go through various stages of growth and development, and in the process, we embody certain archetypes that define our actions and decisions. Archetypes are universal patterns of behavior and personality traits inherited in the human psyche. These archetypes are deeply embedded in our subconscious, representing different aspects of our personality and our way of interacting with the world.
As we journey through life, we experience a range of personal and professional transitions that can impact how we see ourselves and the world around us. One way to understand these transitions is through the lens of archetypes, universal behavior, and personality patterns in all humans.
While there is no set number of times that a person will change archetypes during their lifespan, some spiritual philosophies, such as Anthroposophy, suggest that individuals go through a series of seven-year cycles, each associated with a different archetype. However, this idea is not universally accepted by mainstream psychology or science.
Regardless of the specific number of transitions we go through, it is crucial to recognize that archetypes are not fixed. They can change and evolve over time as we grow and develop as individuals. As we experience new challenges and opportunities, we may embody different archetypes that reflect our changing priorities, values, and experiences.
Archetype transitions can be as unique as each individual, and the most common ones can vary based on a person's life experiences, cultural influences, and individual personality traits. However, some transitions are more commonly observed in personal and professional development. Here are a few examples:
The Innocent to the Explorer: Individuals move from childlike wonder and innocence to a more curious and adventurous mindset in this transition. They begin to question their surroundings and explore the world around them.
The Warrior to the Wiser: This transition involves moving from a determined and driven mindset to a more reflective and mature one. People may shift from focusing on achieving specific goals to valuing wisdom, growth, and learning.
The Caregiver to the Seeker: This transition involves moving from a nurturing and compassionate mindset to one focused on personal growth and discovery. People may shift from prioritizing the needs of others to prioritizing their own personal development.
The Rebel to the Sage: In this transition, individuals move from a rebellious and nonconformist mindset to one that values wisdom and insight. They may shift from skepticism and questioning authority to valuing knowledge and understanding.
The Magician to the Visionary: This transition involves moving from a creative and innovative mindset to one focused on creating a larger vision for the future. People may shift from being inspired by the magic of the world around them to creating a vision for what they want the world to become.
It's important to note that these transitions are not set in stone, and individuals may experience different changes or variations of these transitions throughout their lives.
This transition can be difficult and may require us to let go of old habits and ways of thinking. For some, this transition may be a slow and gradual process, while for others, it may happen more quickly. However, it is essential to recognize that this is not the last transition we will go through. As we continue to grow and evolve, we will embody different archetypes that reflect our changing priorities, values, and experiences.
Overall, the journey of personal and professional growth is lifelong, and it requires us to be open to change and willing to challenge ourselves. By embracing our changing archetypes and learning from the challenges and opportunities of each transition, we can become the best version of ourselves and positively impact the world.
Psychologists and philosophers have studied archetypes extensively over the years, with the most famous being Carl Jung, who developed the concept of archetypes in his analytical psychology theory. According to Jung, archetypes are inherited patterns of thought and behavior in all humans, regardless of their culture or background. These archetypes are influenced by our collective unconscious, a reservoir of knowledge and experience we all share as a species.
Archetypes are not just limited to our professional life; they also influence our personal life. For example, the mother archetype represents our personality's nurturing and caring aspect, while the hero archetype represents the courage and determination to overcome obstacles. These archetypes are not fixed and can change over time depending on our experiences and circumstances.
For many years of my professional life, I embodied the warrior archetype. As a young professional, I was ambitious and driven, and I saw the world as a battlefield where I had to fight every inch to achieve my goals. I worked long hours, took risks, and was fiercely competitive. I won more battles than I lost and learned valuable lessons from both. I am proud of my story as a warrior, and I felt that it defined who I was as a professional.
However, as I grew older and gained more experience, I realized that the warrior archetype was not enough. I had to learn to be more strategic, empathetic, and reflective. I had to become wiser. This transition is still happening, and it has not been easy for me, as the warrior is still present, and he did not want to give the wiser space. It is a painful process, both personally and professionally.Â
Sometimes, I do not recognize myself and feel lost and confused.
But, I have been learning to embrace my wiser self over time. I learned to listen, reflect on my actions, and be patient. I learned to see the world more holistically and understand that success is not just about winning battles but building relationships and positively impacting the world. The warrior is still present but no longer the dominant archetype. He has been tempered by the wisdom gained through experience.
Bottom line
Archetypes are universal patterns of behavior and personality that define who we are and how we interact with the world. They are not fixed and can change depending on our experiences and circumstances. As we go through different stages of our professional lives, we embody different archetypes, and we learn valuable lessons from each. The transition from warrior to wiser was a painful but necessary process that taught me the importance of reflection, empathy, and patience. It is a journey that continues to this day, and I am proud of the person I have become.