Taming the ego
SHAKING THE TREE #139
Taming the ego is an important part of growing as a creative and a valuable process of self-awareness and personal growth. Here are some strategies to help manage and control your ego:
Practice self-awareness: Recognize when your ego is influencing your thoughts and actions.
Pay attention to moments when you feel the need to be right, receive praise, or dominate a conversation.
Be humble: No matter how smart you think you are, you’re dumber than you think.
You DON’T have all the answers.
You DON’T know everything there is to know about anything, and there’s always going to be SOMETHING to learn.
This can help you stay grounded and open to learning.
Listen more than you talk: Focus on understanding others instead of trying to impress them. Listening actively can help you connect with people on a deeper level.
They’re probably right: Instead of becoming defensive when someone is being critical, learn to view criticism as an opportunity to improve.
Separate your self-worth from your performance or opinions.
Give thanks: a gratitude attitude can shift your focus from what you lack or want to what you already have, reducing ego-driven desires.
Reflect: meditation and self reflection can help quieten your mind and allow you to observe your thoughts without attachment.
This can diminish the ego’s hold on you.
Be kind: serving others can help reduce self-centeredness and increase empathy.
Being around people who are grounded can help you stay humble and check your ego when necessary.
Stop comparing yourself to others: comparing yourself to others can fuel the ego. Focus on your own path and growth, rather than measuring your success against others.
Be mindful: stay present in the moment, which can help you detach from ego-driven thoughts about the past or future.
Mindfulness encourages acceptance and reduces the need to control or manipulate situations.
Taming the ego is an ongoing process, but with consistent effort, it can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Why you need to rest and relax