Great ambition is the passion of a great character. – Napoleon Bonaparte
Self-motivated and highly responsible, the Driven One is always looking for a better way, or a need that can be addressed. Their words and actions are effective and concise, and they’re often seen as being ‘no BS’, black and white types of people. They excel at getting to the heart of any situation and making things happen. Others seek them out when they need to get things done: they see the finish line, and they know how to get there. Nothing gets in their way.
Shadow Side
They can be driven to take on too much, including other people’s shortcomings. When they feel as if the weight of the world is on their shoulders, they frequently stumble and fall, sabotaging their own desires (this situation can reveal struggles in the 9,th by the way). They can be the very picture of someone who can’t get out of their own way.
The Driven One can also become judgmental and condescending, needing ego strokes to engage with others, or become unable to hear criticism. They may also be unable to voice their truth. When their boundaries become rigid, they are unable to stop and enjoy life, success, or relationships.
They can be susceptible to ‘energy vampires’ as they themselves generate so much power, and will often carry others’ loads. Charlatans often try to drain them for quick fixes to keep their own schemes going, with the Driven nature refusing to believe they can be misled.
Potential Challenge Chakras
The 7th or back side chakras may be closed, keeping them running from their truth or karmic heritage; while their physical, familial heritage may cause struggles in the 1st or 10th. The inability to speak one’s truth may reveal issues in the 5th; they may be challenged in the 6th chakra regarding identity or purpose (confusing “is” with “should”). Overall, this archetype can have very complex and dynamic challenge chakras.
Tips: When you master your mind so that ego isn’t running the show, ego learns true strength. It’s vital to understand this. Mindfulness techniques and meditation are helpful here, as well as cultivating other chakras to help maintain balance (if you love nature, get out more; if you love art, make more, etc; its crucial to balance the driven energy with equanimity and peace).
Self Care: Meditation; volunteer work. Cultivate the physical and spiritual, not just the mental. Also, get into your body more to help balance the mental energies… yoga, or soothing physical practices that are not aggressive in nature are helpful!
CORE Chakra: 3rd, Manhipura, Solar Plexus
Adjectives: Powerful, Capable, Direct, Ambitious, Focused vs. Controlling, Self-Denying, Demanding, Condescending
