HOW TO TRIM YOUR EGO
When we think of someone with an ego, it’s easy to conjure up the image of someone who is overconfident, braggadocious, and cocky.
But egos aren’t just for the successful, rich, über-talented walking amongst us—we all have an ego inside us.
Our ego tells us the stories that dominate our waking thoughts. It tells us that we’re already smarter than most. Or, conversely, it tells us that we aren’t smart enough. Our ego is a perfectionist that hyper-criticizes our creative work and keeps us from sharing it or feeling proud of it. Our ego is obsessed with external validation, awards, accolades, and what our peers are doing. Our ego teaches us to feel like a victim when things don’t go our way—so instead of focusing on what we can control, we focus on how unfair things are.
The ego manifests itself in many ways, and it looks different in every person. But one thing is constant for all of us — when not kept in check, our ego keeps us from growing.
Suffice to say, your ego is like your beard — it needs regular maintenance.
TIPS TO TRIM YOUR EGO
1. Adopt a learner’s mindset. The more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know. That helps you stay humble and hungry.
2. Stories are just stories. We all have a narrative tape that runs on a loop in our heads. It’s the story we tell ourselves, and it can dictate our lives. Instead, focus on the moment and remember that stories are just stories.
3. Compare the right way. Comparing yourself to those who are more successful is a recipe for disaster. Instead, compare your process to the processes of your heroes. What habits and routines do they have that you can implement? That’s how to compare the right way.
4. Do the work. The ego loves to talk a big game but doesn’t get much done. Show up daily and focus on doing the little things that help you get 1% better.