Take ego out of the equation
If I have ever experienced a moment where my development has been hindered, or my openness to an experience shut from what it could be - it has been because of my ego.
The ego is not something you should attach your personality or self worth to - it kills humility and this simply limits learning. It is like a form of internal tally keeping that simply doesn’t exist - you are a human and ever changing. What once was is not what is or will be. This is EXACTLY the reason we shouldn’t judge others - people can learn, adapt and grow.
The ego is like a rock you have tied to yourself - something you can hide behind to defend yourself, but the very thing that will slow you down and, dependent on the situation, cause you to sink..
Take ego out of the equation and let yourself be exposed - be a beginner, be a learner, be a listener and be yourself. We are NEVER going to get toward our true goals or be the best version of ourselves if we don’t allow ourselves to get bruised and battered - the toughest warriors are the ones that have used their skin, bones and entire skill-set to fight, not the ones that cowered behind their shields and never experienced the battlefield for themselves.
As I type this, I remember the Greek legend of Milo of Croton, a famous wrestler. As the story goes, he was strong enough to lift a bull. Now, how would one achieve such a feat? He picked a calf up every day and, as it grew, it became heavier with each day that passed. He continued to lift it on his back day after day - all the way up until it became a bull. This is the original story of progressive overload. If he simply decided to jump in and lift a bull, he likely would have copped an injury rather than strengthened his limbs, ligaments and muscles over time.
Take your ego out of the equation one step at a time and sit in the feeling of being uncomfortable - laugh at yourself and remember that you are on your way to your goals one step at a time.
Where are you hiding behind your ego? Where may it be holding you back? Where should you take a step back and be honest with yourself and the world? It’s time to gain every ounce of growth that you can from the very few trips around the Sun that we have left.
