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Sunday, November 23, 2014

Why Ego Gets a Bad Rap



Why does ego get a bad rap? For the most part, people mistakenly denigrate the ego because it is linked in their minds to arrogance and self-glorification. They complain about those with "big egos." Yet, it is the unhealthy ego that puffs itself up with hot air of phony superiority. Inflated egos give ego a bad name. It’s not a big ego they display to the world, but a puffed-up impostor.

Those with a self-sufficient ego have no need to display superiority or put others down. They are too busy striving to achieve something in life. Those with healthy egos not only think highly of themselves but also of the world. They see the world as a place where happiness is desirable and possible. 

One of the central themes of this blog is the importance of your ego, minus the negative connotations that are so prevalent today. Strong, healthy egos are not a problem. They have no need to show off or put others down. 

But, what is ego? Ego is not an it! Ego is an I. Your ego is your self, that which has the knowledge and power to say “I see. I know. I will.” 

Your ego (your "I") is able to grasp reality and make choices. It engages with the world, regulates impulses, solves problems, maintains psychic balance, organizes and controls consciousness. It is your active mind and intellect. It is the essential heart and soul of your psyche.

Your ego is a precious possession. To value your ego is to value your true potential. If you have a healthy ego, you know your own value and accept it. If you fail in an endeavor, you don’t beat yourself up about it but learn from your mistakes. Then you try again or change course.  

If you have an undeveloped or weak ego (as I have had in the past) you have to work harder to achieve your potential, for you are always fighting to prove yourself to yourself and to others. 

If you have a healthy ego, you are fortunate enough to be able to pursue your dreams without the impediment of constantly having to justify yourself. Your ego is what drives your life on the road of your purpose across your lifespan.  It is real. It is you.

He is also the author of Capitalism WIIFM, Your Life Zones; Achieve Your Purpose; and Get What You Want. 

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