Systematic Self-Exploration

Shadow Games

Some people have asked me how I would apply a systems perspective to understand and improve myself.

It’s a reasonable question. Humans are complex adaptive systems — every principle of systems science that I use to study politics, economics, or blockchains can also be applied to people.

But the reality is that rigorous and systematic exploration of the self is hard. It's much easier to direct my attention towards external systems.

One useful tool that I’ve been using for many years is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is grounded in Carl Jung’s theory of personality, which he developed to help people gain deep understanding of their personal preferences and become more psychologically whole.

Jung’s cognitive functions, which are the basis for the 16 “personality types,” are a valuable framework for systematically exploring the shadow, the dark aspects of ourselves we don't want to face. In the Jungian tradition, integrating the shadow is an essential part of personal development.

Last week, my friends introduced me to a new tool for exploring the shadow called The Judgment Game.

As described on the website:

Consider this game an invitation to put some skin in the game (i.e., be willing to be vulnerable with yourself and fellow players) with the intention of: taking full ownership of your shadow;

• unearthing your subconscious and unleashing your creative potential;

• deepening your connection with others;

• honoring wholeness (reclaiming parts of yourself you have previously rejected);

• recognizing your worth beyond what others think of you; and

• approaching difficult things with levity.

During the game, which lasted for about three hours, I was judged for the following:

“Hiding your honesty to come across as nice & composing, but really it’s deceiving everyone through your self-centeredness.”

“Being so narcissistic you can’t even see it. You’d rather stay trapped in yourself than admit it.”

“The frequency with which you adopt a physical posture when you are thinking which reifies the limitations you end up believing you have.”

“Absentminded, nervous laughter that is attempting to avoid feeling awkwardness or insecurity.”

It was a gift to receive these direct judgments from trusted friends in a playful environment. It felt like the ultimate safe space — one where brutally compassionate honesty was valued over protection from potentially uncomfortable ideas.

While I still don’t have a master plan for systematic self-exploration, I have gained exposure to another useful tool along with an experience that has sparked my imagination.

“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The latter procedure, however, is disagreeable and therefore not popular.” — Carl Jung