Carl Jung’s 7 Keys to a Successful Life

#1 Your shadow holds the key to your growth.

Identify traits you dislike in others. What can these negative aspects teach you about yourself?

#2 Follow your bliss.

Jung said that the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.

Notice when you lose track of time and what topics excite you. Pursue those interests, even if they are impractical. Your purpose often lies where your passions meet the world’s needs.

It’s worth adding the Japanese concept of Ikigai.

#3 Integrate your Persona and your Soul.

Jung believed that we all wear a persona -our public face. But true fulfillment comes from integrating this with our inner self - our soul. List traits of your public vs private self. Gradually bring more of yourself into daily life.

#4 For Jung, dreams are messages from our unconscious, guiding us towards wholeness.

He said that dreams are little hidden inner doors in the innermost and most secret recesses of the soul.

Keep a dream journal by your bed. Look for recurring themes or symbols. don’t interpret literally - focus on emotions and intuitions. Your dreams might be showing you aspects of yourself that you’ve neglected.

#5 Embrace the journey of individuation.

View setbacks as opportunities for growth. This aligns with my own personal belief that there is no such thing as failure, there is only feedback.

Regularly reflect on how you’ve changed and remember, your purpose evolves as you do. Life is a journey towards individuation - becoming your true, whole self.

#6 Explore your archetypes.

Jung identified universal patterns in the human psyche, he called archetypes. Review your dominant archetypes and reveal your innate strengths and purpose. Read about the common archetypes and identify which resonate with you most. Lean into these positive aspects in your life. There are various free tests on the internet to help you identify your archetypes.

I would also suggest that as part of this journey into your ‘self’ you have a look at the 16 Personalities Test. It’s free to take, just click the button below.

I have taken the test myself so I thought I’d share my results with you.

#7 Listen to your Synchronicities.

Notice meaningful ‘coincidences’ in your life. Jung believed, as I do, that these are signs from the Universe. Pay attention to recurring themes or coincidences in your life. Don’t force meaning but stay open to possibilities. Act on intuitions that arise from these experiences. Sometimes your purpose reveals itself through these subtle nudges from the Universe.

Conclusion

Implementing these principles isn’t easy. It requires courage to face your shadow, to follow your authentic path and trust the process. But the reward?

A life of meaning, purpose and true self-realization.