#TheEgoLife

Hello My Fellow Authentic Lifers...

Having a little EGO has never hurt anyone right. It is an opportunity to celebrate your confidence, pride, and the power of self-assuredness. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Is my ego leading me, or am I leading my ego?”

This has been something I’ve actually been talking to my counselor about. [Side note: taking care of my mental health is extremely important to me at this stage in my life. I see a counselor monthly, just to stay grounded and self-aware. It’s a space for me to vent about everything, but more than that, I use her as my gauge on how I’ve been responding to and dealing with things since our last session.]

Recently, we discussed how my ego has played a role in some of my personal conflicts. I realized that, in certain disagreements, I was letting my ego lead me into those conversations with a mindset of defensiveness. That reflection made me take a step back to assess my interactions and become more self-aware.

A strong sense of self-confidence is necessary and empowering, it’s what helps us make decisions with certainty, walk into rooms with our heads held high, and claim space where we might otherwise feel small. But I’ve also learned that unchecked, the same ego that empowers us can blind us to our own growth. It can prevent us from being humble or self-reflective. This has been a significant focus in my personal journey, both in my relationships and in my professional life.

A practical example of how I manage my ego is when I feel particularly strong about something. I stop and ask myself: What is this really about? Why is my stance so solid on this issue? Am I standing firm because it’s the right thing to do, or because I don’t like how it made me feel? This process of self-check helps me approach situations with clarity, allowing me to make decisions that align with my values rather than just feeding my ego.

What’s Driving You?

I often ask myself, “Is this decision coming from a place of confidence or ego?” Sometimes it’s hard to tell. Our egos are masters at disguising themselves as ambition or pride. But when we begin to feel defensive, when feedback stings a little too much, or when we start justifying decisions that don’t align with our values, it’s often a sign that the ego has taken the wheel.

Let me be clear: having an ego is not inherently bad. In fact, a healthy ego can be a driving force in our personal and professional lives. It’s what allows us to stand firm in who we are and what we deserve. But like anything else, balance is key.

Self-Reflection

Here are a few ways I practice checking in with my ego:

• Pause Before Reacting: When I feel triggered or defensive, I pause and ask myself, “Why am I reacting this way? Is it my ego speaking, or is this a moment for growth?”
• Seek Feedback: I invite others into my self-reflection process. Allowing trusted friends or colleagues to give you feedback helps you see blind spots you might not have noticed.
• Celebrate Others: One sure way to keep your ego in check is to genuinely celebrate the successes of others. This reminds us that there’s enough space for all of us to thrive without feeling threatened.

Managing Ego in Relationships

Ego isn’t just something we wrestle with internally, it shows up in our relationships too. Maybe it’s the need to be right in a disagreement or the urge to dominate a conversation. When our ego is unchecked, it can create distance between us and those we care about. In these moments, I try to remember that connection and understanding are more important than being right. Check out this video blurb where Lauren London discusses her take on ego in relationships.

Managing Ego in the Workplace

Ego in the workplace can often be a silent disruptor. It can show up as the need to always be right, dominate meetings, or resist collaboration. In a team setting, unchecked ego can stifle innovation and create tension. To manage ego at work, it’s important to practice humility and active listening. I remind myself that no matter how experienced or skilled I am, there’s always something to learn from others. Collaboration thrives when we create space for diverse perspectives, and that often requires setting our egos aside to make room for true teamwork.

Closing Thoughts

Confidence is beautiful, but overconfidence, driven by an unchecked ego, can be isolating. By learning to recognize when our ego is speaking, we gain the freedom to step out of its shadow and into a space where our confidence uplifts us and those around us.

In embracing #TheEgoLife, we align with #TheAuthenticLife by fostering the self-awareness needed to balance confidence with humility, ensuring that our actions reflect our true values rather than being driven solely by ego.

How will you check in with your ego this week? Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself: Is it my ego, or is it me?

Peace & Blessings

KJ #TheAuthenticLife