Ego talking

When you observe yourself choosing your words and arranging your actions so as to impress someone, that’s ego talking. And ego is not always your best advisor.

When you are obsessed with the thought you’re being misunderstood or misrepresented, that’s ego talking. Perhaps what you notice is true, still ego is right there, in position to drive your response.

Ego has its place. Yet all too often it jumps far out of that place, and can come to dominate the situation.

Ego distorts your view, telling you you’re too good to have to do all the menial, inconvenient things that must be done. Ego blames your troubles on everyone else, and thus prevents you from addressing them.

Imagine the power of simply telling yourself, whenever you notice it, that ego is what’s motivating you. Imagine putting yourself in position to choose whether or not you continue to let ego be in control.

For much of what you do and say and think and feel, that’s ego talking. Take note, and make sure it’s not the only thing you listen to.

— Ralph Marston