Lessons from “Ego is the Enemy”

Have you ever read a self-help book that left you feeling worse than before you read it? That was my experience with self-help books until my sister recommended “Ego is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday. At first, I was hesitant to read it because I felt like I was being targeted and didn’t think I had an ego problem. But after reading it, I realized that ego is not just about being arrogant or narcissistic. It can also manifest in subtle ways that we may not even realize.

The Danger of Ego

Ego can be both a blessing and a curse. It can give us the confidence and drive to pursue our goals, but it can also blind us to our weaknesses and lead us down a path of self-destruction. Ryan Holiday argues that the greatest leaders and achievers in history were able to overcome their egos and focus on their work, rather than their own personal glory.

For example, he tells the story of Robert Greene, author of “The 48 Laws of Power.” Despite the book’s success, Greene remained humble and focused on his craft, never letting his ego get in the way of his writing. In contrast, he notes that many other authors have let their egos take over, leading to a decline in the quality of their work.

Embracing Humility

To overcome ego, we must embrace humility. This means recognizing our weaknesses and being open to feedback and criticism. It also means focusing on the task at hand, rather than our own personal glory.

I recall a personal experience where a friend, whom I had only known for a short while, told me that I didn’t seem like the kind of person who would accept criticism. While I initially felt defensive and hurt by their comment, I later realized that it was a reflection of my own ego and resistance to feedback. In retrospect, I could see how my behavior might have conveyed a lack of openness to other perspectives.

Learning from Failure

Another way to overcome ego is to learn from failure. Failure can be a humbling experience, but it can also be a valuable learning opportunity. By embracing failure and using it as a chance to grow and improve, we can overcome our egos and become more resilient. Holiday didn’t go far, he cites Thomas Edison, who famously failed over a thousand times before finally inventing the light bulb.

Ego is a powerful force that can hinder our personal and professional growth. To overcome ego, we must embrace humility, learn from failure, and focus on the task at hand. By doing so, we can achieve lasting success and fulfillment. As Ryan Holiday writes, “ego is the enemy of what you want and of what you have: Of mastering a craft. Of real creative insight. Of working well with others. Of building loyalty and support. Of longevity.”