No Ego, No Greatness

Often fame (especially viral fame) and wealth comes down to dumb luck and/or good connections. Not greatness. Greatness may be serendipitous, but it is always earned. And everyone that has achieved true greatness was able to harness their ego to get there. Sure, some achieve greatness and lose it because of their inability to control their ego. But that doesn’t mean the ego is the problem.

Those of us that pursue spiritual growth and consciousness will eventually encountered the notion of "killing the ego." This belief posits that the ego is the root of all negative traits and behaviors, is the enemy of inner peace, and thus, must be eradicated. However, this perspective is not only flawed but also counterproductive to achieving a balanced and fulfilling life - and for achieving meaningful greatness. The ego, when understood and managed correctly, is an essential component of our identity and functioning. Rather than eliminating the ego, the goal is to focus on cultivating a healthy relationship with it so that we can achieve the kind of greatness that costs neither our sanity nor our soul.

Lessons Learned

At this point in my journey, I no longer see my ego as the enemy. I embrace and understand that it is an essential part of who I am. And that it is essential for achieving the kind of greatness I want to achieve. Here are a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Balance is Key: It’s not about having no ego, but about having the right amount. Enough to drive us forward, but not so much that it blinds us to the needs of others.

2. Collaboration Over Domination: True power comes from working with others, not over them. "Power with" creates stronger, more resilient relationships.

3. Boundaries, Not Barriers: Protecting ourselves is important, but it should never turn into possessiveness. Healthy boundaries keep us safe and open to connection.

4. Purposeful Drive: Ambition is great, but it needs to be sustainable. Focus on the journey, not just the destination, to avoid burnout.

5. Confidence, Not Conceit: Be proud of your achievements, but stay humble. Recognize your worth without needing to put others down.