Why People Try to Be 100% Virtuous but Fail and How Shadow Work Can Help

It is common for people to strive to be virtuous and to behave in ways that are ethical and moral. However, it is not uncommon for people to fall short of this goal and to make mistakes or to behave in ways that are not virtuous. There are a number of factors that may contribute to this:

• Human nature: As human beings, we are fallible and prone to making mistakes. We are not perfect and it is natural for us to make errors in judgment or to behave in ways that are not virtuous.
• Complexity of ethical decision-making: Ethical decision-making can be complex and challenging, and it is not always easy to determine the right course of action. People may make mistakes or behave in ways that are not virtuous when faced with difficult ethical dilemmas.
• Personal biases and flaws: People's personal biases and flaws, such as selfishness, anger, or fear, can sometimes lead them to behave in ways that are not virtuous.
• Societal and cultural influences: The norms and values of a person's society and culture can sometimes conflict with their personal beliefs and values, which can make it challenging for them to behave in a virtuous manner.

It's important to recognize that striving to be virtuous is an ongoing process and that it is normal to make mistakes and to fall short of this goal at times. The key is to learn from these mistakes and to continue to strive for virtue in the face of challenges and obstacles.

Shadow work is a therapeutic and personal development practice that involves exploring and understanding the unconscious parts of the self, often referred to as the "shadow." This can include examining negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that a person may be unaware of or try to repress.

Shadow work can be a helpful tool for increasing acceptance and understanding of other people's failures. By exploring and understanding our own unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can gain insight into our own imperfections and vulnerabilities. This can help us to become more empathetic and understanding of others' struggles and mistakes.

Through shadow work, we can also learn to accept and integrate the parts of ourselves that we may view as negative or undesirable. This process can help us to become more accepting and nonjudgmental of others' flaws and imperfections.

By engaging in shadow work, we can learn to be more compassionate and understanding of ourselves and others, and to accept that failure is a natural part of the human experience. This can help us to build stronger, more accepting and supportive relationships with others.

Here are a few examples of historical figures and celebrities who have engaged in shadow work or who have been open about their struggles and failures:

• Carl Jung: Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, developed the concept of the shadow and the importance of exploring and integrating the unconscious parts of the self. Jung wrote extensively about the importance of shadow work and its role in personal growth and development.
• Brené Brown: Brené Brown is a researcher and author who has written extensively about vulnerability, shame, and authenticity. Through her work, she has encouraged people to embrace their imperfections and to be open about their struggles and failures.
• Oprah Winfrey: Oprah Winfrey has been open about her own struggles and failures, including her experiences with abuse, trauma, and addiction. She has used her platform to encourage others to embrace their imperfections and to seek help and support when needed.
• Elizabeth Gilbert: Elizabeth Gilbert is an author who has written about her own struggles with self-doubt, failure, and the importance of embracing imperfection. Through her work, she has encouraged others to be kind to themselves and to embrace their vulnerabilities.
• Breneé Moore: Breneé Moore is a writer and speaker who has written about her own experiences with mental illness, trauma, and addiction. She has been open about her struggles and has encouraged others to seek help and support when needed.

These are just a few examples of historical figures and celebrities who have engaged in shadow work or who have been open about their struggles and failures. There are many other examples of people who have used their experiences to encourage others to embrace their imperfections and to seek help and support when needed.

Here are a few books that are widely considered to be helpful resources for learning about shadow work:

• "Man and His Symbols" by Carl Jung: This book, written by the founder of analytical psychology, provides an in-depth exploration of the concept of the shadow and the importance of exploring and integrating the unconscious parts of the self.
• "The Dark Side of the Light Chasers" by Debbie Ford: This book is a practical guide to shadow work and how to explore and integrate the unconscious parts of the self. It includes exercises and techniques for identifying and working with the shadow.
• "Owning Your Own Shadow" by Robert A. Johnson: This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the concept of the shadow and how it relates to personal growth and development. It includes exercises and techniques for exploring and integrating the shadow.
• "The Integration of the Personality" by Jung: In this book, Jung explores the process of integrating the various parts of the self, including the shadow, in order to achieve psychological wholeness.
• "Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach: This book is a guide to mindfulness and acceptance, including the importance of accepting and embracing imperfection. It includes exercises and practices for cultivating self-compassion and understanding.

These are just a few examples of books that are widely considered to be helpful resources for learning about shadow work. There are many other books on the subject that may be worth exploring as well.

The concept of the shadow is a complex and nuanced one that can be explored in a variety of ways. That being said, here are a few films that explore themes related to shadow work:

• "The Matrix" (1999): This science fiction film explores the idea of the unconscious mind and the concept of waking up to a deeper reality.
• "Mulholland Drive" (2001): This psychological thriller film explores the concept of identity and the unconscious mind, and includes themes related to the shadow.
• "Fight Club" (1999): This film explores themes of identity, masculinity, and the unconscious mind, and includes elements related to the shadow.
• "Inception" (2010): This science fiction film explores the concept of the unconscious mind and the idea of entering someone's dream in order to influence their thoughts and actions.
• "The Prestige" (2006): This psychological thriller film explores themes of identity, secrecy, and the unconscious mind, and includes elements related to the shadow.

These are just a few examples of films that explore themes related to shadow work. There are many other films that may be worth exploring as well.

Here are a few ways that a coach can help you explore your shadow:

• Providing a safe and supportive space for exploration: A coach can create a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your shadow and to discuss difficult or vulnerable topics.
• Offering guidance and structure: A coach can provide guidance and structure for your shadow work process, including setting goals and creating a plan for exploration.
• Facilitating self-reflection: A coach can help you to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to gain insight into the unconscious parts of yourself.
• Providing feedback and support: A coach can offer feedback and support as you explore your shadow, helping you to identify patterns and to make positive changes.

Here are a few recent examples of celebrities who have worked with coaches to explore their shadow:

• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: In a recent interview, Johnson spoke about the importance of self-reflection and the role of his coach in helping him to explore his shadow and to make positive changes.
• Demi Lovato: Lovato has been open about her experiences with therapy and coaching, including the role that they have played in helping her to explore her shadow and to make positive changes in her life.
• Will Smith: In a recent interview, Smith spoke about the importance of self-reflection and the role of his coach in helping him to explore his shadow and to make positive changes.
• Oprah Winfrey: Oprah has been open about her experiences with therapy and coaching, including the role that they have played in helping her to explore her shadow and to make positive changes in her life.

These are just a few examples of celebrities who have worked with coaches to explore their shadow. There are many other celebrities who have also engaged in this type of personal development work.

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Through our program, you will learn to:

• Explore and understand the unconscious parts of yourself
• Identify patterns and behaviors that are holding you back
• Develop a plan for making positive changes
• Build self-awareness and self-acceptance

Our program is designed to help you make lasting changes and to live a more fulfilling and authentic life. Don't let your busy schedule hold you back from making positive changes – our transformational coaching program for shadow work is here to help. Contact us today to learn more and to get started on your journey.

Contact us here today and have a heart to heart conversation with Lira about your goals and motivations in work and in life.