Confession time: I’ve often found myself in situations where my ego took the wheel. And trust me, it’s not always the best driver.

Realizing this is the first step. But then comes the question, “What next?” How do we put our ego back in the passenger seat where it belongs?

Well, I’ve got a few ideas. Nine to be exact.

These are changes anyone can make if they suspect their ego might be calling the shots a little too often. They’re simple but powerful adjustments that could help put you back in control.

So, buckle up. It’s time to take a look at these ego-checking changes.

1) Embrace humility

I’ve found that one of the biggest ego-checks is humility. It’s a virtue that’s often overlooked in our “go-getter” society.

But here’s the thing: Being humble doesn’t mean downplaying your achievements or denying your worth. No, it’s about acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers and that there’s always room to learn and grow.

Humility opens the door to learning from others, seeking advice, and accepting constructive criticism. It’s a powerful antidote to an ego-driven mindset.

Remember, acknowledging that you don’t know everything doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise. So, let humility take the wheel and watch as your perspective transforms.

Just don’t forget: practicing humility is a continuous journey, not a destination.

2) Practice active listening

This one hit me hard during a conversation with a friend. I found myself preparing my response while they were still talking. It struck me then – my ego was hijacking the conversation.

Active listening is about truly hearing what the other person is saying, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. It involves giving feedback, asking questions, and showing empathy.

It’s not easy, especially when your ego wants to jump in with its own opinions and solutions. But, practicing active listening has helped me build better relationships and understand others on a deeper level. It’s a powerful tool to keep your ego in check.

Remember, conversations are not competitions to be won. They’re opportunities to learn, understand, and connect. So let’s put our egos aside and truly listen.

3) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that helps us stay present in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It’s all about living in the here and now.

You might be surprised to know that research has shown practicing mindfulness can actually shrink the amygdala, the part of our brain that controls fear and aggression, while increasing the areas responsible for decision making and emotional regulation.

In essence, practicing mindfulness can help us respond to situations from a place of calm and rationality, rather than letting our egos react impulsively. So why not give it a shot? Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference.

4) Celebrate others

When’s the last time you genuinely celebrated someone else’s success? If it’s been a while, you might be letting your ego take over.

You see, our ego often makes us view others’ achievements as a threat to our own worth. But that’s far from the truth. In reality, there’s plenty of success to go around.

So, make it a habit to celebrate the wins of others. Congratulate them, praise them, and share in their happiness. Not only does this help keep your ego in check, it also fosters a positive and supportive environment.

Remember, another person’s success doesn’t diminish your own. It’s not a zero-sum game. So let’s cheer for each other and lift each other up.

5) Seek feedback

This one can be tough. Our egos often want to shield us from criticism, making us defensive or dismissive when feedback comes our way.

But here’s the deal: Feedback is a gift. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. And no matter how much we think we know, there’s always more to learn.

So, seek out feedback. Ask others for their perspectives and insights. Listen with an open mind and heart, even if it’s hard to hear.

Remember, it’s through understanding our shortcomings that we can better ourselves. Every piece of feedback is a stepping stone to becoming the best version of ourselves. So let’s embrace it.

6) Practice gratitude

Gratitude, my friends, is a game-changer. It’s a simple practice with profound effects.

When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, our perspective shifts. We begin to realize that our worth isn’t defined by our accomplishments, possessions or status. It’s much deeper than that.

Gratitude helps us appreciate the simple joys in life – a warm cup of coffee, a good book, the laughter of a loved one. It makes us realize that the best things in life aren’t things at all.

So, take a few moments each day to count your blessings. It’s a small act that can have a big impact on keeping your ego in check.

Remember, life’s greatest treasures often come in the simplest forms. Let’s not let our egos blind us to them.

7) Foster empathy

I remember a time when I found myself getting impatient with a colleague who was struggling to keep up with the workload. That’s when a friend reminded me of a powerful quote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in their shoes, even if just for a moment.

Practicing empathy has not only helped me become more patient and understanding, but it has also taught me to see beyond my own perspective. It’s a constant reminder that everyone’s journey is different.

So, next time you find your ego casting judgement, try to foster empathy instead. It might just change the way you see the world.

8) Set ego-check reminders

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy for our egos to quietly slip into the driver’s seat. That’s why setting ego-check reminders can be incredibly helpful.

These could be daily affirmations, sticky notes on your desk, or even alarms on your phone. The key is to have something that prompts you to pause and reflect on your thoughts and actions.

These reminders can help you stay aware of your ego and its influence on your behavior. They can help you make conscious efforts to keep it in check.

Remember, self-awareness is a powerful tool in managing our egos. And sometimes, all we need is a gentle reminder to stay on track.

9) Understand it’s a journey

Keeping your ego in check isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifelong journey. There will be days when you stumble, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep trying, keep learning, and keep growing.

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Every step you take towards managing your ego is a step towards becoming the best version of yourself. So, keep going. You’ve got this.

Final thought: It’s about balance

The human ego is a fascinating aspect of our psyche, playing a vital role in our identity and self-esteem. However, when it’s given too much control, it can lead us astray.

Keeping the ego in check isn’t about suppression or elimination. Instead, it’s about balance and mindfulness. It’s about recognizing when the ego is taking the wheel and gently nudging it back to the passenger seat.

Through humility, active listening, mindfulness, celebrating others, seeking feedback, gratitude, empathy, reminders, and understanding the journey, we can maintain a healthier balance.

As the ancient Greek adage inspires us – “Know thyself”. Understanding and managing our ego is a key part of that self-knowledge.

So as you navigate your own journey, remember that every step you take towards managing your ego is a step towards self-awareness and personal growth. And that’s a journey worth embarking on.