Transcending Ego and Connection with Self

In a world full of constant stimuli, high expectations and impetuous change, it is easy to lose our own identity and become entangled in the web of our ego. However, the path to a fulfilled and authentic life begins with developing personal leadership. In this short article, we talk about the importance of personal leadership, the role of the Ego and how to get closer to Self.

What is personal leadership?

Personal leadership is the ability to consciously shape your own life regardless of external circumstances. You have the attitude that you are responsible for the choices you make, the actions you take and your growth as a human being in all facets. Our definition of responsibility is that you have the attitude in any situation that you as an individual can always do something within that situation. Personal leadership enables individuals to define their own values and standards, live by them and inspire others.

The ego, friend or foe?

The Ego is often seen as an obstacle on the road to personal leadership. The Ego represents the need for recognition, power and control. The Ego can make us attached to material things, promote comparisons with others and distract us from our true essence, our Self. Although the Ego plays an important role in our daily lives, it can be a source of suffering, limitations and victimization. Victimhood we see as an attitude in which we think we are powerless and cannot influence our situations; “I can’t do anything about it.”

Self-Discovery and Self-Awareness for Personal Leadership

Self-discovery is the key to personal leadership. It begins with self-awareness: the ability to observe our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and behaviors, without letting judgment guide us. By being aware of our inner world – including our saboteur – we are able to recognize and change (transform) the unconscious patterns and conditioning that hinder us.

2 important steps in overcoming the Ego

Transcending the Ego is not an easy task and it is possible through conscious effort and self-reflection. Here are some steps that can help.

• “I experience what I experience.”

To be self-aware and demonstrate personal leadership, it is important to be aware that we are experiencing what we are experiencing. Being in the NOW as German Philosopher Eckart Tolle writes.

We can have three types of experiences:

• We can experience a thought
• We can experience an emotion
• We can have a physical experience.

Our thoughts, emotions and body give us information; signals about how we interpret a situation and can choose how to act.

• “It is what it is.”

The idea that all situations are neutral implies that there are no value judgments associated with the situation itself. In other words, situations are objective and without inherent positive or negative attributes. It is people’s interpretations, perceptions and reactions that determine how they perceive a situation.

This perspective comes from movements such as Stoicism, which emphasizes that it is not the situations that affect us, but our thoughts and reactions to them. According to this premise, we can change our interpretations and choose our reactions, allowing us to adopt a more neutral or unbiased attitude toward situations. Thus, as human beings we are able to adjust our judgment (“book” add, change in frame of reference) and thereby choose different behavior and do something different (be responsible).

What else can you do?

1. Acknowledge the Ego: Become aware of the Ego and all that your saboteur is saying. Become aware of the ways in which your Ego influences your life. Notice the moments when you compare yourself to others, judge and want to prove yourself.
   
2. Self-compassion: Instead of acting on your judgment for ego-driven behavior, it is important to develop self-compassion and act accordingly. Be loving and kind to Self and embrace that it is a human tendency to be driven by Ego. This opens the door to growth and change, bringing you closer to Self.
3. Shift your focus to the bigger picture: The Ego is often focused on fulfilling individual desires. By focusing your attention on serving a greater good (the collective) and creating value for others, it is possible to transcend your Ego and experience deeper meaning and therefore be in connection with your heart. Leadership from the Heart.
4. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being consciously present in the present moment and not holding and/or acting on the judgment that passes in your mind. There is a diversity of mindfulness exercises available on the Internet, for example. Go explore this and practice some variations. This way you will experience what kind of mindfulness exercises suit you and work for you. Meditation, for example, is a mindfulness exercise.

In conclusion

Leaders from the Heart are not only effective, relying on their intellect and skills. They are also capable and fulfill their lives with emotional intelligence and connect with others on a deep level. Leaders from the Heart show their vulnerability, show empathy, compassion and take good care of themselves and others. Love and compassion is a core value that drives them. Leaders from the Heart intend to make the world a little more beautiful. You are one of them! Welcome to the community of spiritual warriors.