Humility vs Ego

I remember when I was a teenager being asked “what is humility vs ego” as a part of the theory needed to advance in rank. To be honest, I could give a definition of each but I did not understand the question.

We talk a lot about recognizing when we are acting on our ego. We all acknowledge that we all have one, and so the goal is to recognize it, to be in control of it and to not let it define our actions or thoughts.

What is the difference? Humility is honest. It allows you to see the good and bad, your strengths and weaknesses. It does not judge and it does not elicit pride or shame. It just defines what is. With that knowledge you can then redefine and change your reality as you see fit.

Ego, on the other hand, lies. Not that you yourself lie, but ego is that little flurry of thought that alters what you do and what you say in an effort to control what is instead of embrace it. It is a way to try to manage what others believe about you. Ego is dishonest, and as such it holds you prisoner inside your current situation and removes your ability to affect your reality, to change your situation, to better yourself instead of just the perception of you.

Are you trying to sell yourself instead of build yourself? Do you feel like you have something you need to prove? To convince others of? If you ask a question, does the answer generate more questions or just more comments, justifications?

To excel at anything, you need to understand what you know and what you still need to discover. You need to open your heart to the idea that you have more to learn. And be excited about it, not ashamed of it. Seek out those that can help you, open yourself to their knowledge and experience. Do not be frustrated that you have holes in your abilities or understanding. Seek to fill them, not hide them.

Pursue betterment for the sake of becoming a better you. You have nothing to prove, only something to gain. Accept yourself as you are, all of what you are. There is nothing wrong with you. Choose to create change in yourself and your situation. Or not. Just don’t spend your time and energy on creating an image that is false. The energy needed to maintain it is so much more than the energy needed to elicit honest progress.