18/10/2025
A man, let’s call him David, gets irritated every time his coworker seems to take it easy — chatting at the coffee machine, leaving early, not stressing about deadlines. David prides himself on being disciplined and hard-working, so he can’t stand this behavior.
But if David applies Jung’s insight, he might ask:
“Why does this bother me so much?”
After reflecting, he realizes the irritation isn’t really about his coworker — it’s about his own disowned need for rest and balance. Deep down, David envies the freedom the other man allows himself. He’s been pushing himself so hard to prove his worth that he’s lost touch with the part of himself that wants to relax without guilt.
By noticing this, David learns something valuable:
His anger reveals a suppressed part of himself (the need for rest or play).
Instead of blaming others, he can use that irritation as a mirror for self-understanding.
The insight helps him make a change — taking breaks without shame and redefining what “productivity” means.
