We are all familiar with the havoc negative ego wreaks on our lives. It harms our relationships, causes us to make impulsive decisions, increases anxiety, limits our potential and takes us farther away from our authentic self.
Ego is a false entity, an illusion. Once you watch it, become mindful of it, it ceases to exist.
It’s difficult to watch the ego, but not impossible. So:
Challenge yourself with the following “How to” exercises
1) BE aware that you have an ego, even if you don’t think you do – the humblest of people have ego, not only those who are arrogant. Awareness is the starting point of transformation. The acid test is to ask yourself: Am I happy and at peace?
If the answer is yes, you have transformed ego. If the answer is a mixed bag of yes and no, then there is work to be done.
2) ASK people close to you what they think about your behavior, actions, etc. Do they see a subtle ego in you? Be objective about what other people think about your behavior and how it affects them.
3) EGO takes you away from the present moment because while you’re doing a task your ego will say things like: “I’m not making enough money, I’m not getting the recognition I deserve, I need to pay my bills, I’m not happy, I don’t have enough.” Be aware of this and try to refocus on the task at hand.
4) EVALUATE how many of your thoughts are ego-driven and how many are driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Replace ego-driven thoughts with actions that make a difference to one and all.
5) CATCH yourself when you get frustrated, because your ego is putting the focus on you and wanting everyone else to comply.
6) REMEMBER that no one achieves greatness alone. Everything you achieve is connected in some way with help and support from others – be it your team, family, friends, supporters or customers.
7) VALUE diversity: value the difference in others and see their strengths. Your openness to look at and appreciate the strengths of others, rather than being too self-centered, reflects positive pride. It helps remind you that someone else’s strength does not diminish your own strength.
8) EXPRESS gratitude for the many things you have – your five senses, your intelligence, health, family, friends, even life itself.