ego

I have an ego that would kill a lesser man.

And whilst unchecked, it has most certainly caused me grief I also believe it's one of my biggest assets.

Ego has unfairly gained a bad reputation over the past two decades.

Never does this seem more prevalent than in 12 step meetings, where some junkie he's been clean for about 10 minutes starts pontificating about how they've moved from self to selfless and how their ego doesn't run them any more. Californians are the worst at this.

If your ego didn't run you, you wouldn't make it out the door.

Imagine a world where ego is eradicated, a world without the driving force behind our aspirations and achievements. It would be like a comedy club devoid of laughter—a dull and lifeless experience.

So here are some thoughts on the importance of a healthy ego in fostering good self-image and achieving high performance. 

Since Covid I've noticed a surge of virtue signalling clowns who proudly claim to have rid themselves of ego entirely.. They proclaim, "I have no ego," while unwittingly displaying a form of ego in their very statement.

Over to Carl Jung once wisely stated, "The most dangerous thing in the world is the sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." This hypocrisy is not only amusing but also reveals the ubiquity of ego.

I think that to appreciate the importance of ego, self-image, and self-confidence, we can draw from the wisdom of renowned psychologists and philosophers. Albert Bandura, a distinguished psychologist, emphasized the significance of self-efficacy, which is deeply rooted in a healthy ego. Self-efficacy allows us to develop a belief in our ability to overcome challenges and fearlessly pursue our goals.

And let's not forget that old lunatic Friedrich Nietzsche who brilliantly noted, "Without music, life would be a mistake." Similarly, without a healthy ego, life would lack joy and self-fulfillment. Nietzsche recognized that ego, when nurtured properly, enables us to embrace our individuality and create our unique symphony of accomplishments.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the comedic irony of those who vehemently deny the existence of their ego. Engaging in virtue signaling, they seek validation while pretending to be egoless. As Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, aptly put it, "Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways." Suppressed ego has a way of resurfacing, often in distorted and unproductive forms.

Working with A-listers and CEOs, I see that high agency individuals across various fields understand the symbiotic relationship between a healthy ego and exceptional achievement. Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, famously proclaimed, "I am the greatest!" His unapologetic self-confidence and unwavering ego fueled his remarkable success, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Let's go back to the eighties. Let's dispel the misconception that ego is an evil force to be eliminated. A healthy ego is the backbone of good self-image and high performance.

Those who claim egolessness unknowingly reveal their own ego through their virtue signaling. By embracing the wisdom of psychologists and philosophers, we can acknowledge the indispensability of ego in our journey towards self-fulfillment and success.

Life is a grand comedy. A well-nurtured ego adds the perfect punchline to our personal narratives.

Self esteem is the emotional immune system.

This weekend, let's celebrate the magnificence of ego, not as a villain but as an essential companion on the path to greatness.