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Mindful Moment
Thoughtful wellbeing for real workplaces.
Mindful Moment
Letting Go of Ego
Ego doesn’t always look like thinking highly of ourselves.
Sometimes it’s much less pronounced.
Explaining ourselves when we don’t really need to.
Sharing what we know so others know we know it.
Turning someone else’s story into one of our own.
Feeling uncomfortable when we’re not recognised.
These are small, very human moments. And often, we don’t even notice them.
Today, pay attention to the moments when you feel the need to prove, explain, correct or be seen.
You don’t need to judge the impulse.
Just notice it.
And perhaps, every now and then, see what happens when you let it pass.
Beyond the Moment
When Ego Hides in Plain Sight
We tend to associate ego with arrogance, confidence or wanting to be the centre of attention.
But often, it’s far more subtle than that.
Ego can show up whenever we become particularly concerned with how we are being perceived.
This need isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Wanting to feel valued, understood and connected to the people around us is deeply human.
The interesting part is noticing when that desire begins influencing how we respond.
One place to practise is in conversation.
The next time someone tells you something, notice what happens while they’re speaking.
Are you listening to understand what they’re saying?
Or are you already preparing your response?
Do you need to share the similar experience you’ve had?
Do you need them to know that you already knew what they’re telling you?
Could you ask another question instead?
Letting go of ego doesn’t mean making yourself smaller or never sharing your perspective.
Sometimes it simply means recognising that you don’t need to establish who you are in every moment.
You can listen.
You can let someone else know something you already know.
You can allow a small misunderstanding to go unexplained.
You can give someone else the space to be interesting.
And perhaps discover that you don’t become any less significant when you do.