Is your ego your real problem?

Sometimes I feel really awkward about doing this newsletter.

I honestly don’t believe I’m that AWESOME at any of the things I do — writing, making videos, content creation.

And I put stuff out there sometimes that’s probably TMI, awkward, amateur, etc.
And when you’re just figuring out what you’re doing, the smallest criticisms can make you doubt yourself.
And sometimes you’ll think, “Maybe I’m not good enough, so what’s the point?”

But I realized something while walking, and had an “Aha!” moment — and it was the most motivating thought I’ve had in a long time.

Maybe it will help even one person reading this. Here it goes…

Who cares how I feel? This can’t be just about me.

Think about it…

When you fail at something, or someone talks down to you, your reaction is probably to feel some type of way.
Frustrated. Angry. Insecure. Small. Resentful.
That is all your ego.

It’s the small child in you saying, “Screw this! I don’t want to play anymore!”

And if you throw in the towel and allow that ego voice to win, you’re choosing your pride over your dream.

You’re saying that your frustrations are more important than you paying for your parents’ house.
This temporary feeling matters more than retiring your sisters.
Your grumpiness > being able to really impact other people with your wealth.

That is what drives me every single day. If I was only doing this for me, I would have given up by now.

It doesn’t matter if I feel awkward doing any of this.

I have to keep putting content out there that could help people, and ignore small things like criticism. What I’m working toward has to come first.

If I care more about my ego than all the people whose lives I could help transform — wouldn’t that be the most selfish thing I could do?

I hope this lights a spark in you the way it did me.

And for those of you that might be thinking, “That’s not me. I don’t have an ego problem,” I’d challenge you to do this exercise.

1. Reflect: Think about the last time criticism made you doubt yourself or feel defensive. What happened that triggered the negative emotion in you? Write down all the details of the situation and how you felt. Be honest with yourself — because you can rip up this paper afterwards.

2. Challenge: Look at what you’ve just written and ask yourself, “Are these thoughts based on reality, or are they influenced by my ego?” Challenge yourself to see that, sometimes, we choose to take things personally when we could just choose not to.

3. Dream on: Once you’ve figured out where your ego is sucking your energy, chuck it aside and focus on what your next step is. Remind yourself of your bigger purpose, and choose that instead.

If you’re committed to the journey of…
growing every day
to become your ideal self
and making this life an exciting adventure
through business, fitness, and relationships
join other inspired idiots like you!