Ego as a Catalyst
Proud. Arrogant. Pompous.
I used to cringe at the thought of being called egotistical.
Growing up, I was always told that having an ego was something to be ashamed of, something that made you pompous and unlikable. But as I started observing the world around me, I noticed a curious pattern: most successful people, whether they flaunt it or not, have a bit of an ego. And it got me thinking – is having an ego really that bad?
Understanding Ego
Let’s get personal for a moment. When I was younger, I was often told that having an ego was bad. It was something to be ashamed of, something to suppress. I spent a good amount of years trying to shrink my ego, only to discover that, without it, my drive and confidence went out the window too. So, is having an ego really that bad?
In psychological terms, ego is a part of our psyche that mediates between our conscious mind and the external world. It’s our sense of self-importance, the part of us that says, “Hey, I matter.”
A healthy ego provides you the necessary confidence and self-assurance to pursue goals and overcome challenges. To drive you to strive for success, recognition and achievement. This can be tricky though because unchecked ego is arrogance and self-centeredness.
So how can a healthy ego be harnessed to achieve greatness without tipping into destructive arrogance?
A Dose of Healthy Ego and Driven with Purpose
I recently came across an insightful article by Josh Ison in Today’s Woman Now, which compellingly compared being ego-driven to being purpose-driven. This comparison prompts to deeply reflect on whether our motivations are rooted in ego or driven by a meaningful purpose.
Josh highlighted that purpose-driven pursuits are anchored in a profound sense of meaning and fulfillment. They stem from a genuine desire to make a positive impact, align actions with values, and contribute to the greater good. Purpose-driven pursuits tap into innate talents and passions, leading to a path of authenticity and fulfillment.
And I agree with this notion. I believe that confidence and the belief that you can do anything (yep, ego) without a purpose is wasted potential that’ll leave you disconnected. When our actions are driven by purpose, we harness our full potential and direct it towards meaningful achievements.
Which leads us to the question we posed in this article, Can we build a foundation of success on ego?
On ego alone? Definitely not. Success, after all, is the result of numerous building blocks of dedication, hard work, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. Ego can only ignite the spark but purpose fuels the journey.
Ego as a Motivator
Deciding What Deserves Focus
In a world full of distractions and endless opportunities, deciding where to direct our energy can be challenging. Here, ego plays a pivotal role.
A well-directed ego helps in setting these priorities. By channeling our ego towards our goals, we can avoid the trap of self-destruction that comes from spreading ourselves too thin or getting distracted by less important pursuits. It’s about knowing what we want and using our ego to stay committed to that path.
Belief, Manifestations & Affirmations
Once you have a clear vision of your goal and what your priorities are, the next step is to believe in the possibility of achieving success. This belief is not just wishful thinking of course; it’s a deep-seated conviction that fuels actions and decisions.
Believing that you deserve to achieve your desires forms the foundation of success. This belief propels you forward, even when you face obstacles. Your ego tells you that you are capable and deserving of success, boosting your motivation and perseverance. That confidence drives you to take risks and pursue your goals.
Harness the power of belief and align it with a clear purpose to transform your ambitions into reality. As you continue your journey, remember that confidence and purpose are your greatest allies in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.
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