ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOUR EGO OR YOUR TRUE SELF?

Do you know the difference between your ego and your true self? Do you know who to listen to? Most of the time, your ego is that voice that is always criticising you for wanting to change something about your life. Your ego will resist any change because it wants you to stay in your comfort zone and in order to keep you where you are, it will scare you by making all kind of suggestions on failures. It will do anything to keep the status quo and, stop you from venturing into the unknown.

Few years ago, my friend who has been working for several years in a field he was not passionate about but was still efficient had an opportunity to take the type of job he only dreamt about. The condition to get the offer was for him to move to a new town, far from his family and friends. He was faced with a difficult decision to make, if he wanted to follow his passion and take the job, he had to sacrifice his friends and family. He came to me for advice, I knew that he wanted the job but was still reluctant to take up the position due to the fact he was going to move to a new town. As soon as he stopped talking, I asked him what he would like to do if could make a choice without any consequences.

He explained to me that he asked the company for a week to make up his mind and his request was granted. I asked him again what would be the biggest regret of his life: passing up a lifetime opportunity taking his dream job or move away from the friends he will still see whenever possible. After few minutes of silence, he slowly told me that opportunity was too good to miss and, if his family and friends really love him, they will understand and accept his choice even if they will be sad to see him move away from them.

The ego of my friend kept telling how he will miss his friends and will be lonely in a strange new town but, conveniently forgot say that this will be compensated by the fact that he will be working at his dream job doing what he always wanted to do. Fortunately for my friend, he chose to listen to his true self and ignore his inner critic that is his ego. You need to learn how to listen to your true self who tells you what is best for you and, ignore the ego which is constantly trying to keep you in your comfort zone and stop you from moving forward with your life.

In order to achieve its goal, the ego will use reality to blind you and, only direct you mind on the negatives of you forthcoming decision. It will magnify the risks attached to your choice while minimising the benefits to scare you into staying where you are. The best way to find what you really want is to follow your heart, always ask yourself if the choice you are going to make will make you happy. Follow your passion; listen to your heart to find your true self. 

CHRISTIAN