In today’s blog post, you’ll find four ways the ego can block us from pursuing what we want in life and provide thoughts on how to get past them.
This topic holds near and dear to my heart because I still face each of these every single day.
BUT, awareness of the ego is the first step to overcoming it, so let’s get into it!
Related post: 5 Simple Ways to Live More Intentionally
Disclosure: Lifestyle by Remi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please read the full disclosure here.
What is ego?
I first learned about the ego when I heard Eckhart Tolle’s interview on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday podcast.
Eckhart defines the ego as “the identification with form or your thoughts of form.”
In other words, it’s when we identify with our thoughts (or our made-up beliefs) about ourselves, objects, etc., and identify with them.
We believe and identify with our thoughts so much that we get upset when people disagree or don’t like them – it feels like they’re taking away our identity!
I highly recommend Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth for anyone interested in doing a deeper dive into the ego. He talks about how to disassociate with your mind (or thoughts) and be more present in your life.
Four Ways the Ego Blocks Us
Fear of judgment.
What is it?
Many of us are scared to go after new opportunities because we’re scared of what others may think of us.
We’re scared of the potential negative feedback that may come and put a damper on our dreams.
How do you overcome this?
First, people don’t care as much as you think they do. They care more about themselves than you, so just do it!
And if they do judge you or say negative things, forgive them and stop telling them about your dreams.
Their negativity is a projection of their own fears and limitations.
You need to do what’s best for you because they aren’t the ones that will live with the consequences of not pursuing it.
Comparison to others.
What is this?
The highlight reels of social media make it so easy to compare our lives to others.
It’s so easy to scroll through, see how well others are doing, and then compare it to our lives.
Comparison can hold you in place or conform your path and shrink your dreams if you’re not careful.
How do you overcome this?
Just be. Don’t worry about what other people are doing because you have your own role and purpose.
Everyone’s path will be a little different depending on where they are in life.
Try to focus on what feels right to you but don’t associate your identity to it or label it.
We are so much larger than the labels others have defined.
Expectations.
What is it?
You feel pressure to be a particular person for others.
These are expectations you feel like you need to live up to from yourself or others.
There’s a label and an identity you associate with, and veering from this identity can make you feel guilty.
How do you overcome this?
Give up defining yourself – to yourself and others. Just be.
Show up and do what you need to do but don’t associate an identity to it.
You are allowed to evolve and grow constantly.
Don’t let a label limit your potential.
Perfectionism.
What is it?
Perfectionism holds us back from putting ourselves out there.
It’s that constant voice in our heads telling us that we (or our work) are not good enough.
We’re afraid to try in case we fail.
How do you overcome it?
Take action and be okay with uncertainty, doubt, and fear.
Those feelings of doubt will come, but they don’t need to hold you back.
Recognize and feel them. Then let the feelings pass.
Focus on the present and what you can control now.
The rest you’ll work through and overcome if and when it happens.
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Disclosure: Lifestyle by Remi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please read the full disclosure here.
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