My Ego helped me become a Special Ops officer. But it sure bothered me a lot when
I published my first Linkedin posts, 10 months ago.
Here´s why:
Your ego has one job: Keep you alive.
That’s it. Nothing more. Nothing less.
And it’s excellent at it.
Because here you are. Reading this. Alive. 😃
Your ego’s perfect formula: “Whatever you’re doing now = survival”
It doesn’t care about:
• Your dreams
• Your happiness
• Your growth
It cares about:
• Not dying
• Not being rejected
• Not being cast out
Your ego is like an overprotective parent:
• “Don’t try that”
• “That’s too risky”
• “What will people think?”
The ego’s logic is simple:
• Current situation = Survival confirmed
• Change = Potential death
• Growth = Unnecessary risk
• New experiences = Danger
This made perfect sense when, tigers roamed outside our caves, being cast out meant death and the tribe was our only safety net.
But now? It’s holding you back.
Because thriving requires:
• Change
• Growth
• Risk
Everything your ego fights against.
Sorry, the Ego will beat you 9 out of 10 times, but…..
Here’s how to outsmart it: (3 ways to trick your ego while still growing)
The Small Steps Strategy
Your ego hates big changes, but barely notices tiny ones.
The ego doesn’t sound the alarm when the change feels insignificant.
The Identity Bridge
Your ego protects your current identity.
So build a bridge to your new one.
The ego relaxes when change feels like enhancement, not replacement.
The Social Safety Net
Your ego fears tribal rejection.
So create your new tribe first.
Instead of: Jumping alone, try finding others on the same path (or a coach).
The ego calms down when it sees you’re not risking social death.
Remember: Your ego isn’t wrong. It’s just outdated.
Like running antivirus software from 1985 on a 2025 computer.
It’s not trying to hurt you.
It’s trying to protect you.
From dangers that no longer exist.
So don’t fight it, ignore it or even try to silence it.
Instead:
• Acknowledge its concern
• Appreciate its intention
• Then gently work around it 😉
Because the goal isn’t to kill the ego.
It’s to evolve beyond its limitations.
While keeping it happy enough to let you grow.
What’s your ego protecting you from right now?
And is that protection still serving you?
PS: Enjoy this? Follow Robin Coenen for more.
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