Supportive traits are like great personal assistants that help us navigate through life’s challenges more smoothly. From handling day-to-day responsibilities to tackling complex issues, we often and consciously rely on these trusted aides—our supportive traits—knowing that they are capable and reliable at what they do. Ultimately, living in the absence of our supportive traits is akin to losing both our arms; we would struggle tremendously to function without them.

Your habits shape your identity,
and your identity shapes your habits.

James Clear

As our supportive traits come naturally to us, we tend to employ them effortlessly, as if we are writing and drawing with our dominant hand. Therefore, we often take our supportive traits for granted, not realizing how valuable they are to someone of a different archetype. If left unchecked, we might even run the risk of overusing them, preventing other parts of ourselves from flourishing.

Like our dominant traits, our supportive traits are simply facets of our personalities. Whether they are strengths or weaknesses is entirely dependent on the way we utilize them. If we cultivate and develop our supportive traits well, they can become valuable additions to our toolbox of super strengths. However, if we use them in an unhealthy manner, the same traits will ultimately lead to our undoing.

For Artists, there are few things more important than living life authentically. They often pursue a life of adventure, chasing after experiences that would help shape their values. Although they may not know where life will take them, Artists remain certain that every experience will teach them valuable lessons. As Artists go through new situations, they would uncover their inner motivations, gaining a deeper understanding of who they are.

However, by focusing too much on themselves, an Artist’s quest for self-discovery could end in self-obsession. They may end up prioritising only how they feel; doing whatever they want, whenever they want it. This makes them selfish individuals, caring only about their own compulsions. The worst part is, they might not be aware of their self-centeredness. If they remain only in their heads, they will be a nuisance to the people around them.

There is a blurry line between passion and obsession. While passion build Artists up, obsession only breaks them down. Unfortunately, Artists may get overly absorbed in their interests, turning it into an addiction. When their obsessions take control, they may lose themselves, living life around compulsions instead. If they are not careful, this unhealthy addiction may cause them to indulge in harmful behaviors, leading them down a path of self-destruction.

In a world that tells us to conform, Artists courageously stay true to who they are. They would much rather follow their hearts than blindly follow the crowd. Because they are clear with what they stand for, Artists will often walk their own path, not worrying about what others think of them. At the end of the day, most Artists are unapologetically authentic, wholeheartedly embracing who they really are.

However, if Artists focus too much on their own individuality, they may come off as special snowflakes with an inflated sense of uniqueness and entitlement. Such Artists are the kind who would do things as they please, unconcerned about how it affects other people. In turn, others may grow extremely annoyed at their narcissistic behavior. Eventually, these self-centered Artists will push everyone away, ostracizing themselves from their community.

At their worst, Artists might go overboard with their individuality. Some may excuse their flaws as an uncontrollable part of who they are. Using authenticity to justify their negative behavior, they may bring trouble to others and make life unnecessarily difficult for the people around them. Yet, when they are confronted for their actions, they may blame it on their personality. Unfortunately, doing so will only stop their own growth, leaving Artists stuck in life.

Through various hands-on experiences, Artists develop their own taste and establish their unique style towards life. Their sharp senses and keen knowledge of themselves help them sift through different experiences, distinguising those that spark joy from those that don't. Picking up different cultures from all over, Artists end up with something completely new; something completely of their own.

As interactions are inevitable, having their own way of doing things may also mean expecting others to cater to their preferences. While they might be good at taking, many Artists tend to fall behind when it comes to giving. Some are not even aware of how inconsiderate they appear to be when they do things that are out of the norm. If they continue to neglect and dismiss the needs of those around them, Artists may one day outstay their welcome.

Furthermore, when Artists are too attached to their own ways, they become extremely sensitive to criticism. They might take huge offense at any opinion that challenges their preferences. Instead of being open to different perspectives like they usually do, Artists may refuse to be sensible, not budging even an inch as their emotions begin to cloud their judgment. Before long, Artists may find themselves entirely isolated, deprived of any constructive help.

Thus far, we have explored both the Artist's dominant and supportive traits. In our jargon, these traits are known as one's heroic traits. Think about it, don't we all look like heroes when we put these traits to use? Not just wannabe heroes, but real ones—those who are truly powerful yet unimpressed with their own abilities.

Superhuman strength and the ability to fly are awesome superpowers that we all wished we had. But Superman doesn't pride himself in any of those abilities. To him, using those powers to save the world is just another day on the job. Similarly, even though we are great at our dominant and supportive traits, we do not find them the least bit amazing. From our perspective, there is nothing special about these mundane things that we do every day.

That said, as heroic as our traits may seem, no hero in the world is perfect. Even the most powerful heroes, such as Naruto, Thor, or Wonder Woman, have their own flaws and weaknesses. However, that does not invalidate them as heroes; it only makes them all the more admirable. The same goes for our own heroic traits. They may not be perfect, but our strive to improve them is what sets us apart.

I am not a hero. I just did what any
decent person would have done.

Miep Gies

When our heroic traits bask in the light, they will inevitably cast shadows—traits that we tend to neglect. Our shadows are foreign to us, as they are the complete opposite of our natural traits. Because we fear what we don't understand, most of us will subconsciously push away or suppress these parts of ourselves. Unfortunately, if we allow the fear of failure to overpower our minds, these suppressed shadows will eventually swallow us whole.

Nevertheless, shadows are not our weaknesses. They are simply parts of ourselves that we are unfamiliar with, and therefore, would rather avoid. But if we harness our shadows, they will eventually become our hidden strengths. It may be daunting at first to explore these dark and unknown parts of ourselves. However, with a curious mind and a compassionate heart, there's nothing to be afraid of. With that said, let us venture deep into the shadows within us.

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Shadows Within [Artist]