Too often, we see ourselves as we think others see us. We can’t recognize our own value or potential. Choosing your own personal identifying archetype can send you in a powerful new direction.
Archetype as a model
This is not about the archetype’s as Jung described them, this is a about your personal model, the type of person you see yourself, the way you want to give to others. I call this your Deeper Song Model because encouraging it, developing it, being it, wail help you sing a deeper song – whatever that means to you. To find your Deeper Song Model you may need to look at it from two directions, what seems to have been there all along and what you would like to become.
What have you been all your life?
- Make a running list of all the ways you think you have been seen in your life. Prankster, studious, geek, kind, thoughtful, generous. Get more subtle even than those. My list included independent, different, on the edge of the group, creative, curious, un-observant, odd, smart, and opinionated
- Now add to the list those things you wish you were, or like to think your are. Those things you may not be certain your are expressing but would like to. That’s showing up for me as people give me feedback on what I am organically doing. I like some of what they say, I only hope it’s true.
- Look at your work. Add descriptive words from how you are perceived at work – by your co-workers, your clients, your bosses, your business associates. Write down the acknowledgements you receive. Ask a few friends to describe you.
- Look at your relationships. Add words to your list that describe how you interact with others old and young, male and female – all the people you encounter in your life. How you are seen will depend on what that person needs in their life at the moment. Consider that as you add those words to your list.
- Review your list and circle the words that resonate with you, either because you think they are true or you want them to be true.
- Copy those positive words to another list.
Look for your model, your archetype
We’re looking for clues and we’re making some choices. Look at the list. Circle the words that call to you. See if your Deeper Song Model begins to appear. Write down some of the descriptive words that come to you.
At one point, I was the vision Distiller because I realized one of my talents was helping recognize and organize the over-arching direction of my coaching clients. As I moved into Content Development Coaching, I became the Idea Optimizer. These were words that described how I saw myself in service. They were my archetypes, my model, my major definer of how I was in service.
When I moved into my Deeper Song work, I began using words like seeker explorer, guide, and spiritual philosopher to describe what I did and how I helped others. Any of those would make good Deeper Song Models for me. “Explorer” shouted out. That’s what I want to be. That’s how I see myself in my own quiet way. That’s how I want to FEEL! I am an explorer.
Define the qualities of your Deeper Song Model
What are the qualities of an explorer: curious, independent, brave, looks for connections, fits small discoveries into a bigger picture, sees the overview, leader, demanding, persistent, intrepid, seeker, guide, guardian of those who follow. Do you see how I now have a list of qualities to encourage and inspire me? That’s what a Deeper Song Model can do for you. I can express any of those qualities at any time. I can look at one of the qualities and decide I want to develop it more. I resonate to “guardian of those who follow.” When I choose that, look how that will impact the choices I make next. What does that look like? How can I express that? What does a guardian of those who follow do?
I can also look at some of the pitfalls being an explorer might have. Restless, superficial inquiry, discover and move on rather than settle, not fitting in, individualist, start up projects but not complete them. The Deeper Song Model is multifaceted. Allow it to contribute to your awareness,.
Begin to model your Deeper Song Archetype
Seeing myself as an explorer sends me off the beaten path. It suggests that I guide others who want to come in this same direction. It urges me to set up a base camp in which we are all safe. An explorer may choose a certain clientele. A wagon train master drew to him strong, stalwart, determined people. A scientific explorer worked with thoughtful, introspective people. Do you see how your choice of an archetype also leads you to other choices. I help people sing a deeper song. Not everyone is going to want to go in this direction. Be certain where you are leading with your Deeper Song Model. Make certain it honors what you want to learn next as well as the people you hope to help. .
Look at your personal model from both its strengths and weaknesses. Don’t start with Jung’s archetypes. Start with your understanding of you. What you feel. What you desire. What you want to experience. Find your personal Deeper Song Model from your natural voice. Then use it to guide your next steps.
To Sing a Deeper Song Consider:
04–How to Redefine Yourself and the 30 Year Plan (podcast, 20 minutes)
10– What Will Change Because Of What You Are About To Do? (podcast, 20 minutes)
12- How To Nurture Yourself if You are a Rock (podcast, 20 minutes)
How Are You Harvesting Your Crop?
Use Power Words To Change Your Life
