Check your ego at the door
Hi!
Reaching your goals not only means doing the work, it also means getting past your own shortcomings: Fighting those internal battles to choose work over something easier. Ignoring that pesky voice that says what you’re doing is senseless or that you’re not good enough to pull it off.
But sometimes, there’s something else in the way: ego.
Our egos make sure we do things for short-term gain, because that gives us a good feeling about ourselves now. We’ll say or do things to have the sense we won’t somehow fall behind or fail to measure up.
But making choices that benefit you alone will limit your impact in the long run. You simply won’t get as far on your own. And always putting yourself first is a surefire way to end up all alone.
I believe we are collectively better off with smaller egos, and to be honest, this process is a daily struggle for me. Because of course I enjoy success and the esteem of others. And cracking a joke at someone else’s expense is all too easily done. So: a good topic for reflection, I thought. Today I’m sharing a few prompts that are relevant for me.
Are there any that make your ego quick to say, This point is totally irrelevant for me? Pay attention. That can be a good clue where to start.
Doing everything yourself because no one can do it better? → Try radical delegating. Trust those around you and let them make mistakes, even if that reflects on you.
Do you keep plugging away, so no one gets the idea that you don’t know everything? → Ask for help. Dare to be a beginner again, open to learning.
Intimidated and irritated by someone who forms a threat? → Dare to acknowledge your betters.
Find yourself taking every form of feedback personally, like it’s an attack? → See feedback as a chance to test your own assumptions and a way to grow.
Like telling your own story? → Start listening more than you talk. You already know what you already know, but there’s always something to learn from other people.
Getting riled up because your efforts aren’t named or noticed? → Find value in doing good work and find ways to give others the credit they deserve.
Blaming others for mistakes? → If something goes wrong on a project you’re involved in, be open to the idea that you could have done things differently.
Making negative comments about others (or nodding along) to feel better about yourself? → Speak well of people who aren’t present.
This week is a brand new chance to work on these points. I’m in.
Good luck and have a great week,
Rick
produced by the language girl