Ditch your Ego pills.

When Is Ego Born? I was listening a podcast yesterday and the author mentioned "we are born without ego". That has sparked me my curiosity to think, if we don′t have it when we are born, where, when and how it starts?

The history of Ego

The concept of the ego has evolved significantly over time, beginning with ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who laid the groundwork by exploring the nature of the self and the soul.

During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, thinkers such as Descartes and Locke further developed the idea of the self as a thinking, continuous identity, emphasising introspection and personal experiences. This early exploration of the self set the stage for modern psychology's more detailed examination of the ego's role in human behaviour and personality.

In the 20th century, Sigmund Freud revolutionised the understanding of the ego by introducing it as a key component of the psyche, mediating between the id, superego, and reality.

Following Freud, psychologists like Carl Jung and Alfred Adler expanded on these ideas, integrating the ego into broader theories of consciousness and personal development.

Humanistic psychologists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow shifted the focus towards self-actualisation and the development of a healthy self-concept.

Today, contemporary psychology and neuroscience continue to explore the ego's complexities, examining its role in self-regulation, identity, and the neurological basis of self-awareness.

Life stages forming Ego

Purpose in our work lives is not a collection of achievements but a journey of self-discovery and fulfilment.

From the eager intern just stepping into the professional world to the seasoned C-level executive, the meaning and essence of purpose evolve significantly.

Yet, at every stage, true purpose transcends the accolades and the titles; it’s about finding what genuinely fulfils us and contributes to the greater good.

As we climb the career ladder, a subtle and often insidious transformation occurs.

We are born without ego, but as we progress in our careers, we begin to equate our achievements with our self-worth. These "ego pills" that we consume—promotions, awards, recognition—start to feed our soul, but often in a way that distorts our true self.

Over time, this can turn us into leaders that no one wants to follow: leaders who are driven by ego rather than empathy, by self-interest rather than service. Who wants to work with a leader like that?

From Interns to Early Career Professionals

For interns and early career professionals, purpose often starts with the simple desire to learn, grow, and make a mark. It's a time of exploration and discovery, where every task completed and every project finished contributes to a burgeoning sense of self-worth and capability.

This is a critical phase where the seeds of purpose are planted. The excitement of new opportunities and the thrill of contributing to something larger than oneself drive these young professionals.

However, it's also a phase where the first signs of ego can begin to appear, as achievements start to shape one’s identity. Specially on those young professionals achieving success very fast. It fuels Ego to the roof.

The Mid-Career Phase

As professionals move into mid-career, the purpose often becomes more defined but also more complex.

The focus shifts from merely gaining experience to excelling and standing out. Many mid-career professionals grew with the need to compete and rise up. They "stab" in the back their colleagues seeking promotion and recognition, put the Ego pills on steroids.

This is where the ego can start to take a stronger hold. Promotions, raises, and recognitions become more significant, and the desire to prove oneself can overshadow the initial sense of purpose.

It’s a pivotal moment where many start to lose sight of their true motivations, allowing the ego to take the driver's seat.

C-Level Leaders and Beyond

At the pinnacle of one's career, as a C-level executive or senior leader, the stakes are higher, and the ego can be more entrenched.

Achievements are no longer just milestones; they become a part of one's identity. The Ego identity.

The accolades and the power can create a false sense of fulfilment, masking the real purpose. This is where the danger lies—leaders who are driven by ego become disconnected from their teams, making decisions that serve themselves rather than the organization or its people.

They become isolated and suffer to get out of the weeds.

Ditch your ego pills

To ditch your ego pills, start by shifting your focus from external validation to internal fulfilment.

Reflect on what truly brings you joy and satisfaction beyond accolades and titles. Practice gratitude daily, appreciating your journey rather than just the milestones. Cultivate humility by acknowledging your team's contributions and recognizing that success is a collective effort.

Engage in continuous self-improvement, seeking feedback and learning from others without feeling threatened. Prioritize meaningful relationships and acts of service, helping others grow and succeed.

By aligning your actions with your core values and focusing on long-term happiness, you can break free from the cycle of seeking ego boosts and find deeper, more enduring fulfilment.

The Call to Action

Let this be a call to action for all C-level executives and leaders: leave your ego at the door.

Embrace a search for true happiness and fulfilment that comes from helping others rise. Leadership should be about lifting others, creating environments where everyone can thrive, and nurturing a culture of genuine purpose.

Reflect on your journey:

• When was your ego born?
• How has it influenced your decisions and interactions?

Challenge yourself to strip away the layers of ego and reconnect with the purpose that brought you here. Leadership is not about the power you hold but the impact you make on others' lives.

Together, we can start a movement to redefine success.

Comment below on how you intend to shift your focus from ego-driven achievements to a purpose-driven journey. Let's lead with purpose, for a more fulfilling life and a better world.

It all starts with you.

#PurposeDrivenLeadership #EgoFreeLeadership #LiftOthers #RedefineSuccess