Everyone has that little voice inside that craves recognition, validation, and a sense of self-importance — an ego is part of being human.
However, sometimes, that voice can get a bit too loud, and it can start to cloud your judgement and impact your relationships. Here’s how to tell your ego is starting to get the better of you, and you need to rein it in a bit if you don’t want to cause further damage in your life.
1. You struggle to admit when you’re wrong.
Apologies can be tough, especially when your pride is on the line, but refusing to admit fault or acknowledge your mistakes can damage relationships and totally cut off your personal growth. A healthy ego allows for humility and the ability to learn from your missteps.
2. You constantly need to be right.
Do you find yourself arguing every point, even when it’s clear you’re in the wrong? Needing to be right all the time can be exhausting for both you and everyone around you. It can silence healthy debate and prevent you from considering alternative perspectives.
3. You take constructive criticism personally.
Feedback, even when well-intentioned, can trigger defensiveness if your ego is in overdrive. It’s important to distinguish between constructive criticism aimed at helping you grow and personal attacks. A balanced ego allows you to receive feedback gracefully and learn from it.
4. You feel threatened by other people’s success.
Instead of being genuinely pleased when good things happen to other people, do you find yourself feeling jealous or resentful? This could be a sign that your ego is comparing your worth to other people and feeling threatened by their accomplishments. A healthy ego allows you to appreciate people’s success without diminishing your own.
5. You can never seem to let bygones be bygones.
Holding onto the past is incredibly self-limiting. It can poison your present relationships and prevent you from moving forward. A balanced ego allows for forgiveness and the ability to release negativity, encouraging a sense of inner peace and healthier connections.
6. You desperately crave constant validation and approval.
While it’s natural to want to be appreciated, constantly seeking external validation can be a sign of an inflated ego. True self-worth comes from within, not from other people’s opinions. Learn to value your own accomplishments and find satisfaction in your own growth and development.
7. You interrupt or talk over people non-stop.
Do you find yourself dominating conversations, interrupting people, or finishing their sentences for them? This behaviour can signal a lack of respect for other people’s opinions and a need to assert your own dominance. Active listening and letting people express themselves fully are the true signs of a balanced ego.
8. You have a hard time accepting help or delegating tasks.
Do you feel like you need to do everything yourself, even when you’re overwhelmed or struggling? This could be a sign that your ego is preventing you from trusting people or acknowledging your own limitations. A healthy ego allows for collaboration and recognises the value of teamwork.
9. You feel entitled to special treatment or privileges.
Do you expect everyone to cater to your needs or make exceptions for you, even when it’s inconvenient or unfair to them? This sense of entitlement can strain relationships and create resentment. A balanced ego recognises that everyone deserves equal consideration and respect.
10. You’re quick to anger or defensiveness.
Do you find yourself easily triggered by criticism or perceived slights? A fragile ego can make you react defensively, lashing out or shutting down instead of engaging in constructive dialogue. A healthy ego allows you to handle criticism with grace and respond thoughtfully, even when it stings.
11. You blame everyone else for your own mistakes or flaws.
It’s easy to point fingers and shift blame when things go wrong, but taking responsibility for your own actions is a sign of maturity and self-awareness. A balanced ego allows you to own your mistakes, learn from them, and make amends when necessary.
12. Your apologies are never sincere.
Source: Unsplash When you do apologise, does it feel forced or insincere? A genuine apology requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge the impact of your actions on the people around you. A balanced ego allows you to apologise genuinely and take steps to repair any harm you’ve caused.
13. You’re overly focused on your image and reputation.
Source: Unsplash Do you spend excessive time and energy curating your online persona or worrying about what other people think of you? This preoccupation with image can be a sign of an inflated ego. A healthy ego allows you to focus on your own values and priorities, rather than seeking external validation.
