What is Shadow Work and why it matters

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Men’s mental health is in crisis. We are three times more likely to develop addictions and four times more likely to turn to suicide. And yet, 40% of men won’t seek help.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, we are diving into the "silent struggle" with Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks and author of Men’s Work. While we usually unpack business systems and profit margins, today we’re diving into the importance of men’s inner work.

After overcoming his own struggles with infidelity, drugs, and alcohol, Connor’s mission is to help men become better leaders, spouses, dads, and humans.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The Crisis: Why men are struggling today more than ever and why it’s so hard for us to get in touch with our inner selves.
• Shadow Work: How to identify and confront hidden parts of ourselves (what Connor calls Shadow Work) to stop self-sabotage.
• Leadership & Legacy: How doing your own inner work pays off for your team and family, and how to foster healthy masculinity and self-leadership on your job sites.

We love to unpack business systems, but if this type of episode is useful for you, let us know in the comments.

Check out ManTalks: https://www.youtube.com/@ManTalks

🔥 Watch These Related Episodes Next:

1. Business Therapist Destroys My Limiting Beliefs in Real Time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU7m0Bk0Z9s

2. How To Lead WITHOUT Ego (Keith Mercurio's Advice):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDRgYHKzow

3. How 8 Years in a Community Changed My Contracting Business:

https://youtu.be/dL0oLzZLrUQ

00:00-Intro

02:02-Connor Beaton's Origin Story and Early Life

05:07-The Impact of Fatherless Households on Young Men

10:18-Shame-Based Motivation and the Entrepreneurial Identity

15:40-Understanding Shadow Work and Confronting the Unconscious

24:32-Step 1: The Process of Confession and Radical Honesty

32:52-Step 2: Exploring the Origins of Dysfunctional Behavior

41:51-Step 3: Confronting and Replacing Unhealthy Patterns

57:17-Modeling Imperfection and the Importance of Presence as a Father